Slough to Sea Trail South Trail Stats Trail: Slough to Sea Trail South Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 2.3 miles (AllTrails.com) / 3.8 miles (I added some distance by starting at the Visitor’s Center) Difficulty: Moderate (Ups and down might be a bit much for creaky knees) ADA Accessible: Maybe. The trail looks like it might be designed for all mobilities, but the ups and downs are steep and at places kind of narrow. There was also a downed tree in the path when I went. Also, one of the bridges was under construction and I didn’t see any signage until I was at the bridge. Grade Padme’s Paws: 3 (out of 4) My rating: B+ (A to F) Summary The Slough to Sea trail offers a scenic and diverse hiking experience for dog owners, with beautiful wooded areas, bogs, and meadows to explore. While the trail provides plenty of natural obstacles and sensory stimulation for dogs, it also has some challenges, including a road crossing, boggy terrain, and steep hills. In this post, I share insights from hiking the trail with my dog, Padme, offering tips on water safety, trail conditions, and off-leash considerations to help you decide if this hike is right for your pup. Why It’s Good for Padme I gave this trail 3 out of 4 Padme Paws, even though it’s a pretty, wooded trail—which usually guarantees a 4-paw rating from us. The biggest drawback is that the trail “starts” at a spot where you have to cross a road to reach it. I’m not a fan of that. There are alternative routes from the visitor center, like the Kwis Kwis trail, that connect to this one—but technically, it begins right next to a road. Another issue is the boggy terrain—at least in early May. Padme loves getting into little cricks to play and drink water, but the first one she jumped into from the boardwalk had her sinking almost to her elbows. I don’t love the idea of a bog swallowing my dog for lunch. This part of the trail made me think small dogs might need to be kept on trail at all times around the bog area. I’ve had smaller dogs before and they have a lot of energy. There was nothing about the terrain of this hike that would make me warn against bringing a small dog along, except for the bog. I will say, though, that the hills tired Padme out. I didn’t think so at the time, but she slept a lot that night and was even tired the next day. Just keep that in mind if you’re deciding whether to try this hike out. Speaking of water, as you can read in Tips and Resources, always bring enough water for you and your dog. I always bring too much, and if there’s a decision to be made about who gets more water, it’s going to be Padme. She likes to jump in creeks to play and to drink. PLEASE, when you’re hiking with your dog, pay attention to the water. If it’s running, it can still be bad—you don’t know what’s upstream. I’ve always risked it, to be honest, because in my head, running water means safer. If the water is still, like in a pond, make sure it’s clear and that there are no signs posted about things like algae blooms. Maybe even call ahead to local emergency vet offices to see if any issues have been reported. Obviously, if the water is murky or green, don’t let your dog drink it or play in it. There are a couple of quick-running cricks along the trail, and there is a water station at the visitor center, so you’ll still need to bring water for your dog. Lastly, I didn’t feel entirely comfortable letting her off-leash. I did it a couple of times—we never encountered other people or dogs—but there were spots with steep ledges or thick bogs where I didn’t want her running amok (literally). On the plus side, the trail had tons of interesting smells and natural “obstacles” that Padme loved. The hills were steep, which for some reason she enjoys—even if it means dragging me behind her. Trail Notes for Dog Owners Footing: Mostly dirt and boardwalk; one downed tree required a short scramble, but the trail is otherwise clear. Terrain: Steep in places; not technical, but may tire dogs out. Water: Cricks along the trail and a water station at the visitor center; always bring extra for your dog. Off-leash: Not ideal; some steep edges and boggy areas make recall important. Best for: Energetic dogs who enjoy hills and exploring natural features. Small dogs may need supervision near bogs Why It’s Good for Me After talking about hill training last week, I wanted to challenge myself a bit. While this trail isn’t very long, the elevation profile gave me pause. Once I crossed the road to reach the main trail, the first sign I saw read “Steep Hill.” They weren’t kidding. I’m proud of myself for doing it. It was tough—I was taxed and tired. As soon as I got back in the car, my back seized up and my sciatic nerve started screaming. I gritted my teeth all the way to the local grocery store and grabbed some IcyHot. About 30 minutes later, it eased up enough for the drive to be tolerable. The variety of landscapes makes this hike worth it. You’ll pass through sparse mountain woods, lush bogs full of giant waxy plants (which surely conceal forest death monsters), and unexpectedly beautiful meadows with tall grasses and sweeping views of the slough. Also, even though the hike is associated with Fort Clatsop, it is still very much in a forest. Be mindful of big cats and bears. Rangers say these animals generally aren’t aggressive toward humans, but you should still be cautious. And especially if you have small dogs, be aware that there are big raptors (like eagles) in the
Gnat Creek Trail
Gnat Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Gnat Creek Trail Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 7.2 miles out and back / I did 3 Difficulty: Moderate (Length, some ups and downs for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Absolutely not (roots, uneven terrain) Grade Padme’s Paws: 4 (out of 4) My rating: B+ (A to F) Summary Gnat Creek Trail offers a lush, peaceful hike filled with mossy forests, creekside paths, and just enough elevation changes to feel rewarding. Padme, my trail-loving companion, had a blast exploring the smells, water, and natural obstacles. I appreciated the quiet, the beauty, and the mental clarity the trail brought—despite a brief road crossing and a few signs of human carelessness. This hike reminded me how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally, especially in how I face challenges like challenging terrain. Why It’s Good for Padme Anywhere with smells and water is heaven for Padme. She really loves the freedom of our hikes—shoving her head into bushes, looking over outcroppings, and overseeing the goings-on of whatever her nose is telling her. On this trail, she had plenty of obstacles to climb over and duck under. She loves splashing around in the water and running ahead on the trail just to loop back and check that I’m still coming along at my slow human pace. There were a few spots with easy water access, where she and I stepped off the trail so she could frolic in the shallows. The current was strong in some places that day, but there were calm, shallow pools too. At one point, she tried to scramble down a short, steep slope and quickly realized it wasn’t as easy as it looked. She hesitated, then wiggled her way back up toward me—something I’ve never seen her do before. She eventually pivoted and leapt up the incline. As always, I was ready to help if she needed me. Trail Notes for Dog Owners Gnat Creek Trail is dog-friendly, with signs indicating that dogs should be on leash. I’ve written before about how I decide when to let Padme off leash—whether there are people around, how good her recall is in the moment, and the general environment. On this trail, I felt comfortable letting her off leash most of the time, except in the parking lot or when we passed another hiker (which only happened once). A few things to consider if you’re hiking with your dog: The trail has some ups and downs in elevation, including areas with steep drop-offs near the water. There are access points to the creek, but not all are easy to climb down or back up—watch your dog closely. Padme listens to “be careful,” which has kept us out of trouble so far, but I never take her responsiveness for granted. Bring water and waste bags—there are no facilities for either on the trail. https://hikingwpadme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5687.mp4 Why It’s Good for Me Gnat Creek Trail is beautiful. Yes, lots of trails are beautiful, and maybe it doesn’t take much to impress me out in the woods—but I’m okay with that. The trailhead is well-marked and begins with an incline. Be not afraid, all ye who enter here—it levels off into what feels like the frolicking grounds of elven queens. The trail winds through trees in ways that feel magical—like walking into a cave or tunnel. For the first mile, you’re right beside Gnat Creek, with moss-covered trees, filtered sunlight, and a vibrant, quiet greenness that made me feel like I was in a storybook. Whoever cut this trail clearly understood how people want to feel while hiking: like they’re on an adventure… in the great American novel… or in Andor. I don’t hike just for the exercise (though I like that part). I hike for the quiet, for the sound of birds, the sight of prey trails, the rushing water. Being out here helps me stop thinking the way I usually do. It lets me be present. https://hikingwpadme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5684.mp4 What to Know Before You Go At around 1.5 miles, the trail crosses a road—that’s where Padme and I turned around. The crossing is part of why this trail doesn’t get an “A” from me. The road isn’t inside a park, and it felt wide and a bit too busy for my comfort, especially with a dog. To be clear, I didn’t turn back because of the road. I turned back because I’ve been nursing an ankle, and the gentle elevation changes had started to aggravate it. On the day I picked this trail, I’d wanted a longer one—something over four miles. My longest hike so far is eight miles, and that had real elevation challenges. I’ve done plenty of six- and seven-mile hikes, but those have mostly been flat. And while flat can be fun, there’s something about the ups and downs—even minor ones—that make me feel stronger at the end. A Bit of Personal History I used to hate hills. I’d see one and just say no. Hills meant breathing hard, which meant feeling embarrassed. I thought I’d be the only one struggling, or that I wouldn’t be able to talk normally, which also felt shameful. I didn’t want people to see how unfit I felt, and that kept me from getting any fitter. I couldn’t imagine that others were breathing hard too. Even alone, I’d think those same thoughts. But then I started taking testosterone. I have no hard data to prove a connection, just what I experienced—but around the time I started that hormone, something shifted. Suddenly, I wasn’t hearing those same critical thoughts. Or I heard them but didn’t care as much. I remember thinking “fuck it” a few times and just charging up hills without overthinking. When I noticed that change, I felt liberated. I even wondered: Is this what guys feel like? Do they not frame physical effort as embarrassment? Do they just meet challenges and move through them? I know that can’t be true for every guy, but
Kilchis Point Trail: Hiking to the Bay at Tillamook
Summary: This trail is perfect for both dogs and humans alike, offering a scenic, accessible route through diverse landscapes with minimal mud. Padme, who loves new places to explore, enjoyed being off leash, splashing in the creeks, and running wild along the bay. For me, the educational signs and the unexpected beauty of the bay at the turnaround point made the hike a delightful and refreshing escape from the usual routine. Grade: Trail Stats Parking – Easy with a side of Potholes Parking at this hike is incredibly easy. The navigation took me straight to the parking lot, which is split into two sections. The first section has a park host and restrooms, while the second section has the trailhead. In between the sections are a few backyard-pond-sized potholes that are easy enough to drive through if you take it slow. I didn’t see a way around them, so I just tried to get as much to the side as possible. I worried that my small car with average clearance might not have made it through the middle of the potholes without getting stuck. However, I made it through just fine, and if you’re concerned, you can always park in the first section of the lot to avoid them altogether. Great news: parking is free! Why It’s Good for Padme Padme loved this trail. She enjoys exploring new trails because there are always new things to sniff, and on this one, she got to be off-leash. There are signs saying something like “let your dogs run and play,” but no signs that I saw indicating that dogs must be on a leash. So, she was off-leash and had a blast running around. The trail itself is meant to be ADA-compliant, though the reserve can be thick with vegetation or sparsely dotted with trees. There were plenty of logs to jump over, and one side of the trail was always fairly close to a creek feeding into Tillamook Bay. The water in the creeks was high, and Padme decided to take a dip. She misjudged the drop and ended up swimming more than she expected, but she’s a good swimmer, and I was right there if she needed help. She even climbed up onto the bridge over the creek and looked like she was about to jump in the same deep area, but I gave her a firm “leave it.” She’s got a sense of humor and an adventurous spirit, but I’d rather not have to go in after her! Once we reached the bay, she was in the water in a flash. She likes to bite at the water to drink while looking for sticks, and of course, she got the zoomies on the beach. Her zooms were epic that day, and I was just happy to see her so thrilled. Why It’s Good for Me It takes a lot for me to get up and get moving some mornings. I sometimes just want to stay in bed and be luxuriously lazy, but I know if I do, I won’t feel as good during the week—and neither will Padme. She gets so much out of these hikes, and we have so much fun together. So, I pushed myself to find a trail! My main priority for the day was as little mud as possible. In January in Oregon… that’s asking for a lot. But this trail was perfect—there was standing water, but no real mud. I’m also used to driving for hikes with Padme. A friend of mine often suggests in-town trails, but I just don’t want to risk running into too many other dogs and stressing Padme (or myself) out. Tillamook is a great place to visit, though! There’s plenty to do if you like to shop or eat, and the people are amazing. What I didn’t expect was how many educational opportunities the trail offered. There were cute signs about the local flora and the types of birds to watch for. This trail is great for families, people with ability issues, or nerds like me. What I think I loved the most about this trail was the turnaround point—the bay. I travel to Tillamook frequently for work, and one of my colleagues always jokes that it’s a coastal town with no coast. When he asks if I went to the beach in Tillamook, I’ve never really looked for it. I knew where the trail was and that it was probably mud-free, but I didn’t check the map much beyond that. When I got to the turnaround point and saw the water, I laughed out loud. There it was—the water! It might not have been a typical beach, but who cares? The bay was beautiful, and I wasn’t expecting such a lovely surprise. Wrap Up: Overall, this trail offers a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and accessibility, making it a fantastic choice for both pups and their owners. Whether you’re looking to explore new terrain, enjoy some quiet time by the water, or just let your dog run free, this hike delivers. It’s a perfect getaway for a refreshing outdoor experience with a little surprise at the end—Tillamook Bay. Get out there and take your dog on a hike!
Navigating the Kwis Kwis to Fort-To-See Trail: A Solo Hiker’s Perspective
Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A- Hiking the Kwis Kwis to Fort to Sea Trail was a rewarding adventure for both Padme and me. Located near the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center, the trail provides not only scenic views but also a rich, immersive experience. As we walked, Padme delighted in the unique smells of the coastal landscape, making it a perfect spot for her to explore and play. With diverse flora and lush greenery surrounding the trail, the environment is as soothing as it is captivating, even for someone like me who enjoys the solitude of the outdoors. The trail offers a refreshing mix of forested sections and open areas, perfect for both dogs and humans alike. While I took my time to enjoy the sights and sounds, Padme was busy sniffing her way through the terrain, making our hike more about the journey than the destination. Whether you’re in search of tranquility, a good workout, or a pet-friendly adventure, this trail is a must-visit. Trail Stats Parking and Facilities The directions to the trailhead of this hike will take you to the visitor center for Fort Clatsop, which is a National Historic Park. There is plenty of parking and an incredible visitor’s center with educational videos, a gift/book shop and really friendly rangers. The two rangers that were there the day I did this hike even helped me figure out a weird noise I heard, which of course was hilarious as all three of us ended up making weird noises to try to approximate what I heard. They were great sports about it and why I think everyone should visit their state and national parks! To park here is $10 / day or you can buy a national parks’ pass (“America the Beautiful”), which I would absolutely recommend. The day pass is good for 7 days, however. For more information about this pass and several others, look at the section under Resources for parking information. The visitor’s center has restrooms inside, but that’s only helpful if it is open. Why It’s a Great Hike for Dogs—Or Not First, this hike is reasonably close to the ocean, so there are different smells than Padme is used to for the most part. She had a great time sniffing everything. The landscape wasn’t densely forested or littered with boulders of various sizes for Padme to play on, but she was plenty stimulated by what was there. I will say that I’m always glad that I don’t hike for time, because Padme would ruin it. My hikes are for me, but they are a little bit more for Padme so she can sniff the same spot for hours if she wants. There were a few places with elevation changes where she enjoyed pulling me and there were several sticks that she found with which to play a game of tug with me. At one point, she found a thin branch that was wider than the trail to drag around. She was so happy! I was torn because I don’t like moving things from where I find them in parks, but by the time she breaks them up into little pieces, we haven’t moved things miles, just tens of feet so I just cross my fingers about how much it disturbs the ecosystem. Why It’s a Great Hike for People This hike was gorgeous. The amount of green everywhere was soothing, but even the rot and decay felt like it only added to the beauty of the landscape. One of the trees I passed looked a bit like a body with exposed guts, which is not fun on a person, but pretty cool on a tree. Signs were also posted asking hikers not to pick mushrooms within a certain boundary, and I am thankful for it because there were so many and they were so different and so pretty. I have a friend who knows a lot about mushrooms and I wished that we were doing the hike together so she could tell me what they were called. This hike is constructed like a figure-8, having an upper and a lower loop, with a stem that goes from the loop to the visitor’s center. The whole hike is supposed to be 6.8 miles. According to the maps at the trails, too, the distances are listed as around 6.8 miles. However, by the time I reached the junction for the upper and lower loops, I realized that I already had around 4 miles. I wasn’t sure how the upper loop, which looked as big if not bigger than the lower loop, was going to only add a mile and a half to the overall hike. I decided to do only the lower loop and by the time I got to my car, I had trekked 5.23 miles. Luckily, those were fast miles because it was just so fun, but I’m still not sure of the math of the postings about the trail. Also, there were parts of this hike that were steep enough to make me need to stop to catch my breath. Well, one part. Be aware and take it slow if you are working on your fitness. Tips for Hiking Fort Cascade Trail with Your Dog Kwis Kwis to Fort to Sea Trail is a gorgeous hike that might make you breathe hard, depending on your cardiovascular fitness, but there are a couple of things to remember. Highlights and Memorable Moments One of the most memorable moments on the Kwis Kwis to Fort to Sea Trail was Padme’s pure joy as she explored the coastal smells and played with sticks along the way. Watching her drag a branch wider than the trail brought laughter and a sense of connection with nature. The trail itself was a visual treat, with vibrant green surroundings and a soothing atmosphere. There were unexpected sights, too, like a tree that looked strangely like a body with exposed guts, which added a
But the Wildwood Nature Loop is Old
Summary: Spending time outdoors is enriching for both Padme and me, offering her new scents and sights while providing me with peaceful escapes. On the Wildwood Nature Loop, a flat and scenic trail, Padme enjoyed exploring safely on-leash, though I wish she could run freely. While an unsettling encounter at the end of the hike shook my sense of security, I still found the trail beautiful and enjoyable overall. Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) B Trail Stats Parking – Easy Peasy: Parking is not a problem at all. There are a few of parking lots. You will need a pass: Why It’s Good for Padme Just being outside is good for Padme. The more smells and landscapes I can introduce her to in the PNW, the better. One of the things I always consider when hiking with Padme is whether it’s safe to let her be off-leash. To be clear, 99% of the places I visit require dogs to be on a leash, usually 6 feet or shorter. To stay safe in the woods, keeping dogs on a leash is often the best choice. With bears and big cats around, a running dog can trigger a predator’s prey instinct. Without realizing it, your dog could lead a dangerous animal straight back to you. This is an important factor to keep in mind. Another consideration is whether other people are on the trail. Some people have biases against big dogs, especially those that resemble Rottweilers. I want Padme to be safe—not just from wild animals but from “wild” people as well. The Wildwood Nature Loop is a fun trail, but it’s incredibly popular, so Padme has to stay on-leash. While she misses out on running, she still gets plenty of sniffs—other dogs, and even other animals. This trail is flat and easy to navigate, with few boulders or downed trees for her to use as an obstacle course. That isn’t as fun for her. On the upside, it also offers access to streams, creeks, and the river. Padme had a great time, but I want even more freedom, fun, and challenge for her. Why It’s Good for Me I chose to do this trail this weekend because I had done it earlier this year and knew it was gorgeous. After my run-in with the guy with the gun the week before, I decided to do a well-populated, less remote trail. A friend had told my partner and me about this trail a couple of years ago, but only about a portion of it. It has a sunken observation window for the stream where people can watch salmon spawning. I didn’t see salmon there, but I did see them in a small creek early on in the hike. I was really surprised—they were in water that didn’t even fully cover them, flipping around as they headed upstream. I’d never seen that in real life, and it was incredibly cool. The trail was flat for the most part, but I appreciated that a few sections were paved so people with mobility issues could enjoy them. There are also several plumbed bathrooms, though some were closed for the season. Pleasant surprise? The bathrooms have heating! One section I particularly enjoyed was called “The Wetlands Loop.” It features a nice arched bridge and several boardwalks that angle off the main trail, leading to specific points of interest. It was an easy, fun, and beautiful hike. One of the most satisfying things about this hike for me was seeing my progress. The trail is over four miles long, and the first time I did it, I was so tired, and my feet and knees were so sore (because I was out of shape) that I couldn’t do much of anything for the rest of the day. This time, it wasn’t a problem. Four miles is an easy hike for us now, and that makes me so happy and proud of myself. Warning: Discussion of Potential Violence For the last year, I’ve hiked with Padme almost every weekend. During all that time, nothing worse than painful blisters had happened to me—until recently. Last weekend, and again on this hike, I encountered the potential for violence. Last weekend, a man on the trail took my announcement that my dog was reactive as a challenge. He got into my space until Padme stopped him. When I asked him if he was trying to be an asshole, he started grunting at me and cussing me out. At one point, he threatened me, saying, “I’ll take you and your dog on.” I stayed as calm as possible, acting as if he was annoying and beneath me as I walked away, but it scared me. I’ve never been threatened on a trail with physical violence before. Two scary weekends in a row have taken it out of me. I’m so grateful to have friends who let me call them crying and help me untangle the mess of emotions I was feeling. It was a weird mix of fear, anger, and some leftover childhood trauma, I think. Part of me felt like I should’ve done something more—said something different, pepper-sprayed him, or even punched him. But I’m too old, smart, and sane for that kind of nonsense—or at least I tell myself that. I’m fine. Nothing happened other than an old man yelling mean things at me. But it reminded me of how vulnerable people can be, and how easy it is for some entitled individuals to try and steal someone else’s joy. Wrap Up: Hiking with Padme is one of my greatest joys, even when challenges arise. Despite an unsettling moment at the end of the hike, the Wildwood Nature Loop reminded me why I love exploring the outdoors—beautiful trails, new discoveries, and meaningful time with my dog. Get out there and take your dog on a hike!
You Old Goat (Marsh)!
Summary: Goat Marsh Trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a scenic, easy hike with a mix of forest paths, golden marsh views, and a rewarding lakeside view of Mount St. Helens. The drive to the trailhead can be rough for low-clearance cars, so be prepared. Padme enjoyed exploring downed trees and open spaces, while I appreciated the magical landscape that felt like stepping into a storybook. Hikers should be mindful of some knee-challenging spots and stay alert, as I encountered an armed hiker on the trail, which was a surprising reminder of the need for caution. Grade: Trail Stats Parking – Confusing Parking at or near the trailhead for this hike was very easy for me. I let AllTrails.com give me directions, and it took me right there. It was extremely easy to find a place to pull off the small road. As far as I could tell, and according to the Washington Trails Association website, there is no cost to park. From where I live in Portland, AllTrails took me through a very scenic route that I really enjoyed, out through Battleground and Amboy, Saddle Dam Park, and Yale. It was an incredibly twisty and gorgeous drive. I’m not sure why it took me this way instead of up I-5 and east on 503, but I’ll take it for the scenery. I’d have never seen that area if I hadn’t. If you’re ever out that way, give it a drive! I’ve not written about this before, but I feel the need to now. I own a small car—a tiny car. I drive a lot for work and need the gas mileage advantages. With a small car comes very little ground clearance, however. This was not good for this drive. At some point on this drive, a sign on the forest road advised that the road was bad, and boy-howdy, they were not kidding. A couple of times, I wondered if I was having a stress dream. I’m not blaming anyone except myself here. I’m someone who has a lifted-truck delusion with a mini-car reality. Just be aware! Please, please, please: do as I say and not (unfortunately for me) as I do—print out the directions back before you leave for the trip. I usually remember how to get back to the main roads, but I took a wrong turn this time and ended up going further up the mountain on a very sketchy road Why It’s Good for Padme I like giving Padme new experiences. I’ve never done a hike that is associated with an actual “marsh” before and had assumed it was a muddy, gloopy mess. This was not that. I mean, it might have become that further out, but it looked like a golden wheat field, and from the places that Padme frolicked, it didn’t look that muddy or gloopy. Every hike is good for Padme—she gets to run, play, and frolic. There were lots of downed trees that were long enough for her to run the length of them here, which is fun for her. This trail even has a spot where the trail goes under a downed tree. It would be easy enough to go off trail and find a spot to go around or over it to get to the trail on the other side, but the actual trail requires a hiker to scurry under the tree. I ended up doing it a couple of times because Padme and I could do it together. I’m pretty sure she thought I was a little silly for doing it, but she’s usually down for me being silly with her. Why It’s Good for Me I have probably said this before, but I will probably always be tougher on a trail in regards to Padme than myself. I enjoy being outside, but I need things to be fun and stimulating for Padme. Ok, I might be a little bit neurotic about my baby, but I don’t care. I want her to be happy. But this place, this trail, just seemed magical from start to finish. I studied medieval literature in college, and everywhere I looked, I expected some sort of fairy king to appear to “invite” me into his realm. It was an easy hike overall, but there were two things that I feel the need to point out. According to the GPS, the trail went straight through this little weird ditch that wasn’t so easy on my knees and was confusing about whether or not I was actually on a trail. When I got to the other side, it was fine. The trail was right where it was supposed to be, but it was confusing. On the way back, I realized there was an addition to the path that was a little easier on my knees. It still went through a ditch, but it wasn’t as confusing. The second thing I want to mention is that very close to the end of the trail, as you skate along the edge of the lake, there’s a stretch of about 100 feet or so where the trail has some bumps of 1½–2½ feet to get down and up. If I were younger, I would have just taken the short jump down. But I’m older and my knees are crap, and even that short of a distance makes me think of braces and hospitals. Lol. Just be aware, creaky-knee brigade. The lake was beautiful. Several trees were down in the water on the edge closest to the trail. The reflections off the surface of the water were amazing. The trees on the slope on the other side. One of the best things about this hike was the views of Mt. Saint Helens. All around the marsh and lake, I saw some great views of the mountain, but the best view in my opinion was the view at the top of the lake. Warning: Discussion of Firearms I loved being
As I Went Down to the River to Play
Summary: Riverside Trail #723 offered Padme and me an unforgettable adventure through the stunning Clackamas Wilderness. With autumn colors, serene river views, and thrilling wildlife sightings—including an unexpected encounter with a bald eagle—this moderate hike pushed me physically and left me in awe. Navigating tricky parking, exploring switchbacks, and discovering secluded beaches made it an ideal hike for us both. Solo hiking as a trans-masc hiker in remote areas comes with its unique reflections and preparations, but Riverside Trail #723 felt both challenging and empowering. This may just be my new favorite trail. Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A+ Trail Stats Parking – Confusing Parking for this trail was a little confusing. AllTrails.com said that the campground close to the trail head wasn’t an inviting place for parking unless you were camping, but that if you drove a little further there were places to park. I was I drove through the campground wondering if a road went through and past, but I didn’t see that. I pulled back on the road and immediately saw a car parked on a pull-off. But there wasn’t very much space so I didn’t try to park in that same area. I looked at the map to see if I could find a place where the trail came anywhere close to the road. It did! I drove to the end of the hike, which was not the end of the trail, and then kept going until I could find a bit of a pull off. I ended up finding a place to park where the trail was right at the road, which was really lucky. It added about 3 miles to the overall hike, but it was gorgeous and so worth it. When I reached the camp that was the turn-around point, I realized that there was a parking area that could accommodate 3 or 4 cars situated right in front of the trail head and next to the bathrooms. I think that parking area might be for the hike, but I’m not sure. I had such a good time on the extra mileage that I’ll probably just keep parking up exactly where I did. Why It’s Good for Padme This hike was so beautiful, full of switchbacks, downed trees to climb and jump, rocks to scramble up and over. Padme chased birds and chipmunks and barked at something I couldn’t see that was down a cliff below us. She had a great time! Padme and I also got to play together on a little beach while she dashed in and out of the water. She’s always been a water dog, so whenever I can get her in some, I’m going to do it. If there was one negative of this hike, it would be that even though the trail is pretty close to the river quite often, there is really only a couple of places where it was easy to access the water. Throughout her hijinks throughout the hike, she exhausted herself so much that she was tired for a whole week. To me, that’s a great hike for her. Why It’s Good for Me This trail was so much fun for me. The evidence of the fire from a couple of years ago is everywhere, but it holds its own kind of beauty, especially in contrast to the colors of the leaves changing. I saw 4 different little brown salamanders crawling across the trail, and the hike challenged me physically in a way that I hadn’t been in a while. This was my longest hike at 8 miles. I stopped so many times to take a picture or to just be in awe of how beautiful it was that it took me 3 hours to get to the halfway point. One of the most amazing moments of this hike was being surprised by an adolescent bald eagle take flight from about 20 feet away from me and just kind of soar over the river. To be honest, another just-as-amazing event was spotting the first salamander that I saw. When I got my phone out to film the little guy, he immediately started to storm toward my shoe obviously to give me a good telling off! He was very cute. A great surprise were the 3 or 4 gorgeous rough-hewn log bridges that had been built on sight. The first one I saw was almost hidden by the gorgeous trees and bushes with red and yellow leaves. Who just stumbles upon a scene like that? I do! You will too if you do the hike. The bridges were just so surprising and delightful. Closer to the area that allowed Padme and I to play on the beach, the landscape of the hike changed drastically from trees to boulders on either side of the trail. It reminded me of an area in New Jersey that I visited once. I saw a downed tree and part of the trunk had stripped itself away. The texture of the tree looked like sable. I had never seen that before and, of course, was unable to capture it in a photo. So many things on this hike just felt magical. Something that I’ve been thinking about since the last review I wrote is how these hikes might feel as a queer person or as a solo female hiker. If you’ve read my “About Us” you know that I solo hike and that I am trans masc. I am AFAB so even though I can sometimes pass, I don’t always. Thinking about the logistics of being alone in the woods never leaves my mind. I have never been on a trail where I felt uncomfortable as a queer person. I have been on a trail where people perceiving me as a female made me nervous. So that will be a topic that I bring up on these reviews from now on. The hikes I generally go to are out in very rural areas,