Up the Mountain-- The Beauties of Oregon

Can I just say how much I LOVE Oregon!!! I would have to argue with anyone (probably to the death) and say that it is the most beautiful state in this nation. I love how green it is, I love how we have mountains, desert, AND the beach all in one beautiful place. I love how there are waterfalls, and cliffs and trees (oh how I love the fir trees), lakes and rivers, streams and puddles. I love that we do things organic. I love that Portland has pretty much anything you can think of. I love the beauty of the Portland temple. I love so many things about Oregon. I pretty much am having a love affair with this state. 

Granted, I hate the slow speed limits and the insanely liberal government. And I hate that we feel the need to recycle every single thing, and how we feel the need to be hipster ALL. THE. TIME. (even though I sometimes love that aspect). I hate how far away Oregon is from SVU. 

Yeah, I might hate a couple of things about it, but I LOVE Oregon. 

I got the opportunity to hike up to Angel's Rest. Man, it was difficult
but totally worth it in the end. 

I absolutely love to go hiking, camping, backpacking, etc. I love being outside with my family, friends and my pups. I feel privileged to live in such a gorgeous state where I can do all the nature-like activities without having to travel too far or pay too much. I love it here.

Opal Creek is also one of my favorite places to hike. The water is so clear it looks like glass.
It is a simple 7 mile hike with old mining shafts, old mining equipment and plenty
of waterfalls and swimming holes!

The beach is one of my favorite places to drive to for the day, hiking up the sand dune in Pacific City, having a bonfire and making S'Mores--- that's the life. 

For those of you who don't know, the Ocean over here is COLD! If we want to surf or Scuba Dive you can be assured that we will be in our 7mm wetsuits before we dunk ourselves in the freezing cold water. 

The beaches in Oregon are absolutely beautiful! But who are we kidding? Nearly everything in Oregon is beautiful!

In short, I love this state and I love being able to experience it through the outdoors. Let's see what adventures that this summer has to offer. #ExploreOregon

<3 Oregon <3