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.

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.

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

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 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 took a trip down memory lane and ended up at a roadside stream, crossing a ferry, and reminiscing at a little river where I used to catch crayfish.

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

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

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.

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

An easy loop with varying landscapes on each side and two bridges that cross over the creek. A troll just might live under one of them!

This short and easy loop offers gorgeous lake views and a surprising peek at Mt. Shasta.

This short, flat, wheelchair accessible trail offers mountain views and birdwatching.

An easy, lush trail leaving you feeling like you might have just walked through Pixie Hollow.