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.

Even though so many signs of city life were surrounding me, with the canopy of the trees above and birds flitting from branch to branch, and the sound of the shallow creek cascading over the rocky bottom, I felt like I was walking in a forest.

Ok, with a name like Cape Disappointment, how can you NOT go see what this place is all about? Hiking trails, two lighthouses, a beautiful coastal drive, ocean views, a trail to a secluded cove. I’m here to tell you that there is nothing disappointing in this state park.

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 had not been on a trail in over a month and when I passed the threshold into the meadow it was as if Mother Nature herself enveloped me and said, 'Welcome home.'"

The first half of my East Coast Lighthouse trip took me to Maryland and the Jersey Shore where I met some of the most amazing people and found my favorite lighthouse.

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 super easy hike keeps you in the shade with the river rushing along beside you while you meander through the forest.

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

A beautiful hike around a glassy lake with mountain views that begin before you even get out of the car.

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.

Two short trails gave us stunning mountain views, beautiful spring flowers, and even took us to a little oasis with a waterfall and dragonflies!

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

We walked along a wooden path along a lazy river, through a forest of birch trees, and emerged in a field of gold surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.

A quick little nature hike in the middle of town showcasing a plethora of different types of cacti.

A surprisingly beautiful oasis with diverse trees and wildlife, right off the freeway in Tucson.