Just the drive, with the layers of pine trees climbing up the mountain in front of me, and the snow-capped volcano shrouded in a ring of clouds jutting to the sky above them, was enough to put a smile on my face and remind me what I love about this area.

If you have been here before then you know that my adventures often do not go as planned. This is an example of that – except in a good way. With giant trees and abandoned bunkers and an old water tower and interpretive signs and a bridge and an ocean view, my plans couldn't hold a candle to what was in store.

It was the middle of winter, a blanket of clouds hovered above the trees, it was cold enough to see my breath, precipitation fluctuated between a heavy mist and a light sprinkle, the ground was muddy in some areas, and the trees were covered in bright green moss. It’s like a party is happening on those bare branches.

I opened my eyes and was surrounded by deep red shades of mahogany and rust, browns resembling milk chocolate and cinnamon, and hints of black brushed in long upward strokes along the trunks.

Humans may have built the road, but it is very clear that the forest owns this space and the humans are only visiting.

This week I found a few bridges and a waterfall, and realized that humidity is not my friend.

This easy, flat hike led us through the forest, across a bridge, around an island, and provided stunning views and something that looked like a giant Root Beer Float.

We meandered through this peaceful old growth forest, learned a little bit about logging in the 19th century, and made a peaceful stop in the Chapel in the Pines.

This trail starts out at 6,900 ft, and just keeps climbing. All the huffing and puffing is worth it, though, when you get to the expansive mountain view.

This week we explored an old cemetery, found a cove on a lake, and probably saved a woman from being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

You never know what you might run into when you're hiking in the forest at the base of a mountain.

An easy loop around majestic falls. This trail definitely ranks at the top of our list.

An easy hike on a rainy day where we found mossy trees, lacy lichen, grass growing in the middle of the river, and a glassy pool surrounded by silence.

A gorgeous hike on an old dirt road that leads to the ruins of a resort built in 1887 and a beautiful waterfall.

I found myself off the beaten path (ok, just off the path) and trekking through ice and mud to find some gorgeous mountain views.

This hike follows the path of the Sacramento River and takes you right through a graveyard!

Returning to one of my favorite trails to see what she looks like in the fall, and what the trees were hiding behind all of those leaves.

This beautiful trail follows the lakeshore and crosses Wagon Creek Bridge.

After experiencing the magic of McCloud Middle Falls, we had to check out the surrounding Lower and Upper Falls. They did not disappoint!

This trail allows hikers to get right down to river level and wade in the water.