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.

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.

The plan was a short walk to see some lighthouses and watch the sun set on the Pacific. That's not exactly how it happened...

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

"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.'"

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.

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