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.

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 went searching for a place to hike along the coast and found myself in a little state park with several trails that had different look-out points over the pacific.

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.

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.

A place for contemplation and reflection, where everyone is welcome.

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.

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.

An easy hike up a hill in Lake Shastina with 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. Spectacular!

The trail was covered in snow so we enjoyed the blanket of sparkles and the magical serenity of winter.