Upper Big Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Upper Big Creek Trail Location: Olympic National Forest Distance: 4.7 miles (AllTrails.com) / 6.33 miles (we did some back tracking and down to the confluence viewpoint) Difficulty: Hard (Elevation change for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Maybe!! The trails are well manicured. Grade Padme’s Paws: 1 (out of 4) My rating: C- (A to F) Summary Big Creek Trail in Olympic National Forest is a beautiful, well-maintained hike with creeks, forest views, and a rewarding lookout at the top. While the scenery is worth the effort, dog owners—especially those with leash-reactive pups—should be prepared for a narrow, busy trail with limited pull-off space and some sun exposure. Parking Parking for this trail is easy, but a little confusing—or at least it was for me. There’s a small lot right at the turn-off to the campground, and that’s where AllTrails marks the start of the hike. But that’s not actually the trailhead. I’d read some reviews on AllTrails that made it sound like there was a “lot” at the far end of the campground that would make hopping on the trail simple. I don’t love walking through campgrounds with Padme, since other dogs might be off-leash, so I was hoping to avoid that. I drove through the entire campground and eventually found an area with a sign that said “Trail Loop.” But that’s just a loop around the campground—not the actual trail. Instead, once you’re in the campground and you see the host site, look just slightly up the road to your left. There’s a parking area with a payment kiosk and a set of toilets—that’s the spot you want. There’s also a sign for the Big Creek Trail there. Why It’s Good for Padme This trail is gorgeous and well-maintained, but I have to give it a lower score when it comes to Padme’s experience. It was busy enough that I couldn’t let her off-leash much at all. I let her splash in some water a couple of times, but the rest of the time she was on leash. There were still plenty of new smells, little creeks, and we were together—she even spotted a deer really close to us! On paper, all of that should make this a solid 4-Paw trail. But since she didn’t get to fully run and play like I’d hoped, it didn’t quite earn that rating for her. There were also a lot of other dogs on the trail. Because Padme has some leash reactivity, I try to stick to quieter hikes. Sometimes trails have what I call “pull-off” spots where I can step aside with her so another dog can pass and I can use that time to reinforce calm behavior or just distract her. This trail didn’t really offer that. Yes, there were a few pull-offs, but not consistently—and in some spots, the trail edges dropped off pretty steeply. Trail Notes for Dog Owners Here are a few things worth knowing if you’re thinking of bringing your dog: This trail is stunning. On the day I went, it was warm, and while some stretches were shady, there were long sections in direct sun—which can get hot fast on Padme’s black fur. The trail is well maintained, but it often hugs hillsides, with a slope on one side and a steep drop-off on the other. There are a number of bridges, and some only have railings on one side. Padme tends to consider jumping into the water from bridges, so I kept a close eye on her at those spots. The elevation gain is over 1,000 feet—roughly the height of a 100-story building. AllTrails says the hike is about 4 miles, but I logged more than 6 by the time we finished. I ended up backtracking a few times to find safer spots for Padme, which added distance. I’d plan for at least 5 miles total. Dog size shouldn’t be an issue here, as long as your pup can handle the elevation and the distance. https://hikingwpadme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_5788.mp4 Why It’s Good for Me I was glad to finally check off a hike in Olympic National Forest from my bucket list. And like I’ve said, it really is beautiful. There’s a viewpoint at the top of the loop where two creeks meet. That spot alone made the hike worthwhile. Padme and I took some time there and hiked down a bit past the second creek so we could relax for a while. I gave this trail a C+—not just because it wasn’t ideal for Padme, but also because of my creaky knees. I know that’s not the trail’s fault, but it did affect how much I enjoyed it. That’s part of what trail reviews are for, right? AllTrails mentioned that going counterclockwise gives you a gentler climb and a steeper descent. I decided to go clockwise because downhill is harder on my knees, and I figured I’d rather do the harder part first and then coast down. In hindsight, the “gentle” slope was oversold. I’ve never wished I had hiking poles more. It wasn’t slick or muddy, just tough on the knees and feet. Poles would’ve helped with that. On the plus side, whoever designed this trail really wants you to take your time and enjoy it. There are benches everywhere. Some are new, some are basic, but they’re all perfect for sitting, giving your dog some water, taking a sip yourself—and maybe even sharing an apple with your best friend. One Last Thing This trail might not be a perfect fit for every dog, but with planning and patience, it can still be a memorable adventure. For me and Padme, it was a good reminder that a trail doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Get out there and take your dog on a hike!
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
Latourell Falls Loop – A Pretty Hike, But Not Great for My Knees
Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Hiking the Latourell Falls Loop in Guy W. Talbot State Park is an experience full of stunning sights, physical challenges, and a few unexpected surprises. This 2.85-mile trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge, but it’s not without its hurdles. Whether you’re bringing your furry hiking buddy or exploring solo, this trail has something to offer—but you’ll want to prepare for its quirks. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience hiking this trail with my dog, Padme, a 90-pound Rottweiler/Husky mix, including why it earned a “C-” grade and only 2 out of 4 paws on my dog-friendliness scale. From parking and accessibility to trail highlights and challenges, here’s everything you need to know before lacing up your boots. Trail Stats Parking and Facilities The parking situation is relatively easy, with a small main lot and a smaller overflow area nearby. The good news? There’s no parking fee. The bad news? The lots fill up fast, so arrive early, especially on weekends. The facilities here include pit toilets, but don’t expect luxury. The one I used was less than ideal—let’s just say my Shewee came in handy. While it wasn’t as bad as a poorly maintained port-a-potty, it wasn’t far off. If you’re picky about bathrooms, consider stopping elsewhere before arriving. Why It’s a Great Hike for Dogs—Or Not Let’s talk about Padme’s experience. Unfortunately, this trail didn’t quite hit the mark for her, earning only 2 out of 4 paws. Here’s why: For younger or smaller dogs, this trail might be too strenuous. If you’re bringing a pup, be prepared to carry them on the steeper sections. Why It’s a Great Hike for People: Breathing Hard and Living through the Ups and Downs Despite the challenges for Padme, I found some aspects of this hike personally rewarding. The elevation changes were a satisfying challenge, and the views made the effort worthwhile. The trail starts with a descent to the base of the larger falls, offering a dramatic and up-close view. From there, switchbacks lead up the hill. The evidence of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) adds a historical touch, making the hike feel like a journey through time as well as nature. My favorite part of the hike was a small resting spot where the trail levels out. There’s a bench near a tree with a gorgeous overlook of the valley—a perfect place to catch your breath and take in the scenery. Trail Challenges: What to Watch Out For While the views and historical charm are undeniable, the trail comes with its share of difficulties: Tips for Hiking Latourell Falls with Your Dog If you’re planning to tackle this trail with a four-legged companion, here are some tips to make the experience smoother: Highlights and Memorable Moments One of the standout moments of this hike was seeing a young man dressed as a Viking, complete with a sword, posing at the base of the falls. The misty weather and dramatic backdrop made the scene look like something out of a fantasy novel. Standing at the bottom of the falls, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer power and beauty of nature. It’s moments like these that make hiking such a rewarding experience, even when the trail isn’t perfect.
Hiking Fort Cascades Loop: Scenic Views, History, and How to Stay Safe from Poison Oak
Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Exploring the Fort Cascades Loop Trail with Padme turned out to be an easy and scenic adventure, but not without a few challenges. The hike is perfect for those seeking a short, low-elevation walk, but the presence of Poison Oak made it a bit more stressful than expected. Despite this, the beautiful views of the Bonneville Dam and the fascinating petroglyphs kept the experience memorable. It also provided some valuable moments for leash training and reinforcing our bond. Padme had a great time exploring the trail, and it reminded me of how important it is to be prepared when hiking with a dog. Though the trail is manageable for most, it’s essential to be cautious of hidden hazards like Poison Oak and to practice good leash etiquette. In this post, I’ll share how the hike went for Padme and me, along with tips for making your own hike safer and more enjoyable with your furry companion. This trail is a great option for those who enjoy history, nature, and a peaceful outdoor experience with their pets. However, be prepared for the occasional unexpected challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the trail’s potential hazards. Trail Stats Parking and Facilities Parking at the Fort Cascades Trailhead is a breeze. The small parking lot rarely fills up, and there are restroom facilities available making it a convenient starting point for your hike. Best of all? There are no parking fees! Whether you’re planning a short walk or a more extended visit, the hassle-free parking is a welcome bonus. Why It’s a Great Hike for Dogs—Or Not The Fort Cascades Loop Trail is a short, low-elevation hike perfect for an easy day out with your dog, like Padme. While there are rocks to climb and grassy spots for your pup to explore, one big challenge is the presence of Poison Oak. With clear signage about the plant, you’ll need to be extra vigilant and keep your dog on a leash at all times. While the trail is beautiful, I found myself focusing more on keeping Padme away from Poison Oak than enjoying the hike itself. If your dog has good recall skills, it’s still a fun experience, but if not, keep them leashed for safety. One thing to note: I encountered a dog off-leash during my visit, and though Padme stayed calm, the other dog’s owner seemed frustrated by her pet’s lack of recall. If your dog isn’t reliably obedient, it’s best to keep them leashed. Why It’s a Great Hike for People The Fort Cascades Loop Trail offers scenic views of the Bonneville Dam and features historical markers with the option to call a ranger for more information. You’ll even discover ancient petroglyphs along the way! However, while this hike is described as “family-friendly,” it may not be stroller or wagon accessible due to uneven surfaces. The trail is easy, but there are enough roots and rocks to make it a bit challenging for families with young children in strollers. Despite these minor drawbacks, it’s a lovely trail for tourists and history buffs. Just be mindful of Poison Oak—it’s prevalent in this area, and I had a close encounter when I stumbled into some tall grass. Trust me, that itchy feeling stays with you! Tips for Hiking Fort Cascade Trail with Your Dog While the Fort Cascades Loop Trail is a manageable and scenic hike, here are a few tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience: Highlights and Memorable Moments Despite a few challenges, the Fort Cascades Loop Trail delivered unforgettable moments. We were treated to stunning views of the Bonneville Dam and came across ancient petroglyphs—an unexpected delight! The hike also provided valuable lessons in leash training and reinforced the importance of keeping Padme safe in nature. While I had a close call with Poison Oak, the experience allowed me to bond with Padme, practice good trail habits, and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. This is a trail worth checking out but be prepared for a few obstacles along the way!
Dog-Friendly Hike at Eagle Fern County Park Loop Trail – Conquering the Upper Loop with Padme
Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A Trail Stats Parking – Easy Eagle Fern County Park offers a spacious parking lot with a convenient kiosk to pay the $8 fee. If you prefer, you can use one of the following passes: There’s also a nice bathroom building with flushing toilets and heat, which can be very useful on colder days. Why It’s a Great Hike for Dogs: Exploring Padme’s Favorite Spots This trail is special to me and Padme. It’s where we first began hiking together, and it’s one of the best dog-friendly hikes in Oregon. When we first started coming here, there were several downed trees that you had to get around or over, so she learned how to jump and balance. Also, the first portion of this trail runs parallel to the river, with several places to get down to the water. That’s where I learned that she’s a water dog. The backside of the loop butts up against the hillside, with boulders and thicker vegetation that Padme loves. She learned to climb rocks here and knows exactly where she gets the most snacks for being cute. This trail has two loops—a flat half mile and a second, longer loop that goes up and then back down. When Padme was younger, and even now, we usually stay on the flat loop. This time, we did the longer loop. The elevation changes and the switchbacks were fun for her. She got to do some jumping and climbing, as well as sniff around more. I was excited to give her a new experience in a place she knows so well. Why It’s a Great Hike for People: Exploring Limits and Finding Quiet In the section about stats, I mentioned that I’d explain the difficulty level of this trail. There are two loops that make up this trail. The bottom loop is flat and about a half mile long. It is incredibly easy and beautiful. It is reasonably ADA accessible when no trees have been downed by the weather. Take the babies (fur and otherwise) to this trail! You won’t be disappointed. There’s a longer loop that goes up the hillside, about a mile long. It is steep and not ADA accessible. When I say steep, I don’t mean mountain steep, but it’s steep enough to bother my creaky knees. There is also a portion of the trail where I really wished I had my poles. That being said, I’ve done the flat portion of this trail before and love it. It’s short, so Padme and I usually do the loop a few times to get the mileage. Today, we did the whole trail, and I was pretty proud of myself. I had tried to do the entire loop when we first started coming here a few years ago. I was less fit and heavier then. I did make it up the first set of switchbacks, but it was really painful on my lungs and knees. Even though I thought it was beautiful, I was afraid that there were more climbs ahead and that I couldn’t do it. I was in pain and embarrassed about my lack of abilities, so I didn’t go any further. And I didn’t try again. But today, I did the whole thing. It was a little uncomfortable on my knees, but it was fine otherwise because I’m a lot fitter and stronger now, which is the whole goal of my journey. It made me happy and proud. I try not to regret too much because we are where we are, but as I hiked the upper loop, I wished I had tried again sooner. This loop unlocked so many beautiful sights and views. At this time of year, many of the leaves from the deciduous trees have fallen and cover the trail. This makes the trail a little tricky because it’s slippery and hides how muddy things are. But today, there were just enough yellow leaves dotting the scenery to remind me of being at my grandmother’s house in Tennessee on warm summer nights, watching the lightning bugs buzz around while I fell asleep. As comforting and beautiful as it was at times, the time of year always made itself known. The ground is getting muddier and slipperier. On steep inclines, be careful. Also, toward the end of the trail, before you rejoin the smaller loop, there’s a short, tiny section that makes me laugh. I actually ran into it the one time I tackled the upper loop before, and I hoped to avoid it this time, but no such luck. There’s a spot on the hike where, if I were under 30, I would have just easily hopped down from one level to the next. My hiking shoes have good enough traction to not slip on the rock face that slopes steeply between the two levels. The problem is that I’m of a certain age, there was mud, and I didn’t bring my hiking poles. To get past this one spot, I ended up just scootching down a little. I hate scootching, but I scootched. So, beware or be prepared. And try to enjoy the scootch. Now get out there and take your dog on a hike! Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Eagle Fern County Park Loop Trail with Your Dog If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hike in Oregon, Eagle Fern County Park Loop Trail is a fantastic option. Whether you stick to the flat loop or take on the challenge of the upper one, it offers something for everyone. And if you have a dog, this trail is perfect for letting them explore and have fun while you enjoy the scenery. On this hike, I not only conquered the physical challenge but also made lasting memories with Padme. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since our first visit, and I can’t wait to return again and again. If you’re looking for other dog-friendly hikes in the area,
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!