Wide expanses of snow, ice and glaciers are what we think about when most of us think about Alaska. Going hiking in Alaska probably isn't something most of us would consider. Surprisingly, Alaska does actually have a summer, and it is possible to hike there then. Alaska also has some fabulous hiking trails in incredibly beautiful country where you can get back to nature more than anywhere else in America. If you're thinking of hiking in Alaska though, you really should consider these two hiking trails: the Kachemak Bay State Park near Homer and the Kenai Fjords near Seward.

The Kachemak Bay State Park is stunning and easily reachable from Homer but only by plane or by boat. Here there are two options for trail hiking. Either stick to the well-maintained trails, which will take you up mountains and glaciers and around hidden coves, or branch out to the eastern part of the park. Here it's basically completely Alaskan wilderness with no marked trails, making it a huge challenge but really gorgeous. The Kachemak Bay State Park is also home to loads of wildlife and birds, so don't forget your camera and notebooks. Oh, and be careful of the bears! They may look cute and cuddly, but they can kill you.

The Kenai Fjords are something else entirely. These fjords will rival anything Norway has to offer, with trails cut through the woodland as well as a lot of hikes that cross the glaciers. If you do these hikes make sure you're fully prepared for glacier hiking. It can be somewhat dangerous for those with no experience. (You don't want to fall down a crevasse or break a leg and have to get the Alaskan rescue service to save you.) Near the Kenai Fjords is also one of the most popular places in Alaska for hikers, a coastal defense depot that operated during World War II. Check out the old buildings and pretend you're a WWII soldier. You can also camp in the Kenai Fjord National Park overnight. Just make sure you stock up on provisions in Seward before you set out, because there's nothing to buy in the national park itself.

There are many more amazing hiking trails in Alaska. Your best bet is to start out in Anchorage, Homer, Seward or Juneau and branch out from there.

I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for 10 years. During that time, especially when I was attending university, I walked many of the state's trails. The best trail in Ohio is The Buckeye Trail. It's absolutely huge (almost 1,500 miles long) and hits every part of the state at least once. It starts in Cincinnati where two different forks go north and east, goes through a national park in Cleveland, continues on up through the rest of the state and ends at Lake Erie. On its way up the two forks, the Buckeye Trail also goes through Medina, Loveland, Shawnee, Troy, Defiance and Akron, just to name a few towns.

The Buckeye Trail is easy to follow as it's marked by what they call 'blue blazes.' These are blue painted marks that are on trees and signposts all the way along the trail. I've walked the Loveland part of the trail, which actually starts in the Eden Park area of Cincinnati. It goes through city streets here (which is cooler than it sounds as there are some beautiful old houses in this area of Cincinnati), then winds through Little Miami State Park, continues along the riverbank and passes King's Island Amusement Park. It ends up at an Indian earthworks and museum that's very interesting to stop and visit if you have the time.

You can also do the Circuit Hike on the Buckeye Trail, which means you can walk the whole thing. At almost 1,500 miles long though, it would take you a few weeks and a excellent pair of hiking boots to complete, especially if you're hiking during the summer months when Ohio gets very humid. You, of course, wouldn't want to hike the trail past the beginning of October as Ohio gets supremely cold in winter with the weather quickly changing to sleet, snow and ice.

Ohio, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. During the spring and summer, the countryside is green and full of flowers. It's also hilly in many areas so you'll get a great workout while hiking. The Buckeye Trail runs through pretty countryside, where you'll see rivers, waterfalls, gorgeous foliage and wild flowers, raccoons, deer, rabbits and more.

For more information on the Buckeye Trail in Ohio, check out the Buckeye Trail's website.

Big Bend National Park, in southwest Texas, is in the middle of nowhere, but that's a good thing. Big Bend National Park has more than 150 miles of phenomenal hiking trails, which is great for people who like being out in the real wilderness. The terrain in Big Bend is your typical Texas desert: wild and isolated. If you're going hiking here, you're going to need to take food, water, a tent, camping supplies, a medical kit and enough oil for a few days in the desert. Plan on camping out at night or heading to one of the small towns 40 to 70 miles away for a night in a motel.

Big Bend is such an enormous park that it is split up into different areas; east side, west side, north end and mountain. All have amazing hiking trails. Choosing one just depends on which direction you enter the park. The park has a lot of self-guided trails, and booklets and maps for each trail can be bought at the park tourist centers for as little as 25 cents. The Lost Mine Trail sounds really fun, as does the Hot Springs Historic District and the Window Trail. You can easily hike all of these in one day.

Big Bend National Park also has backcountry hikes for those who are not faint of heart. These trails pretty much require an off-road vehicle to get there. Mariscal Canyon Rim Trail is a 6.6-mile roundtrip, backcountry trail and Pine Canyon Trail is just 4 miles long. You can also do overnight hikes if you want to camp out in the desert somewhere, but you really need to understand the desert at night before you do this.

Another cool thing about Big Bend National Park is that the bones of a pterosaur, a Jurassic-type flying creature, were found here. The pterosaur is the second-largest flying creature ever found. How totally cool would it be if you found another one!

The National Park service has an excellent web site on Big Bend. Go to http://www.nps.gov/bibe/ to check out all the hiking trails and how to get to each one.

When I'm in the US, I spend a lot of time in North Carolina, so it's become one of my favorite places to hike. One of the best places for awesome hiking trails is on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It has a bit of a dry name but the trail is unbelievably beautiful and stretches almost 2,200 miles long from Maine down to Georgia. I've probably hiked about half of it at one time or another and, let me tell you, it's never a disappointment.

The last time I hiked part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail I started in Asheville, North Carolina and walked two one day hikes from here that were stunning. The trails were in true wilderness in parts with no one around but, on both trails, the wonderful thing too were the other hikers that I did meet - many of them - all friendly, all helpful and all loving it. I even met a couple of thru-hikers, people who were planning to walk the entire length of the trail in one season.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail does have disadvantages to completely comfortable and easy hiking. There are black bears that are seen now and again and a few different types of poisonous snake that you should steer clear of. The bugs though are the most annoying part, especially in the northern regions (I hiked part of the trail in New York State one year and was almost eaten alive with mosquitos), so make sure you have your bug repellent with you and long hiking pants. But, the positives so far outweigh the negatives that, after a while, you don't even really notice the bugs or worry about the scary snakes. The views are spectacular (come on, it's the Appalachians, of course they're gonna be) and breathing the air in the higher regions feels like breathing pure oxygen it's so clean. There are also some really cool towns that the trail passes by. I recommend Harpers Ferry, West Virginia or Hot Springs, North Carolina as two pretty towns with nice people and only a stone's throw from some awesome hiking.

My next goal is to hike part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Pennsylvania because there are some ghost mining towns the trail runs through. Now, how cool is that?

Cold Mountain, North Carolina, became famous when the Charles Frazier book of the same name won the National Book Award. It became more famous when a movie was made from the book. Cold Mountain, North Carolina, not only has movie-worthy scenery and breathtaking views, it also has some of the most challenging hiking trails you'll ever experience. The trails are only accessible for six months of the year though (May to October.) At other times the severe snow makes them impassible.

If you want to hike to the summit of Cold Mountain, it's a long hike. The trail runs for 11 miles in some of the most beautiful country in North Carolina. Streams, campgrounds and carpets of wild flowers line the trail, but if you go in the summer, be prepared for 100 degree heat. To get to the summit, it will take you a good six to eight hours of climbing, and your muscles will be screaming for you to stop by the time you get to the top. Make sure you're wearing the right hiking shoes before you set off.

If you are a Civil War buff, I don't think you can miss this hike. This area of North Carolina was patrolled by the Home Guard during the Civil War. Their goal was to capture deserting Confederate soldiers and return them to their units or kill them. Climbing this trail you can easily imagine how this incredible rugged country turned out to be a trap for so many soldiers who only wanted to return to their families instead of fighting a war they didn't believe in.

To get to the trail, you should drive from Asheville, NC, on I-40 West. Get off at exit 33 and head into Canton. I would ask someone in Canton how to get to the Cold Mountain trail, as it's around 14 miles outside Canton. When you get to the Scout Camp, if you park at the back, you'll see the hiking trail beginning right next to one of the last buildings.

I can't stress enough how beautiful this trail is. On Cold Mountain, you feel like you're in God's Country and also connect with the history of the South and the Confederate soldiers who were pulled into a war many didn't understand. When you get to the summit, even if you're not religious, say a prayer for the souls of those who lost their lives on Cold Mountain.

When people think about Santa Monica, California, they think of sun, sand and surf but not hiking trails. In fact, Santa Monica is famous for the Santa Monica Mountains and has some of the country's best hiking trails. The mountains are also known for incredible ocean views, varied plants and wildlife and fresh air (quite rare in Los Angeles, I might add).

One of the best hiking trails is up to Parker Mesa Overlook. It's a hiking trail that's five miles round trip but really isn't that difficult climbing-wise. It can be steep in places though so will give you an awesome aerobic workout. The trail runs along the old fireroad, with spectacular views of the ocean as you get further up. The most incredible view though is at the top, on the Parker Mesa Overlook. From here, on a clear day (and I have to mention 'clear day' as, with all the smog it ain't always so clear!) you can see all over Santa Monica Bay - Venice, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and if you're lucky to get a super clear day, way out in the distance is Catalina Island.

The hiking trail is easy to get to as the turnoff for it is right off Sunset Boulevard. If you're coming from Pacific Coast Highway and turn onto Sunset, you take the second turning on the left which takes you up a dusty road and into a small parking area. If you get there early, you'll be able to get a parking space. Any later than 10am though, and you'll be unlucky, so it might be better to have somebody drop you off.

The weather in Southern California is perfect for hiking. Not too hot and not too cold, but with a nice breeze that'll keep you cool even when you warm up from all the exertion. The bottom of the trail is a little rough but as it opens out, it gets wider and more airy and the views also are easier to see. Make sure you pack your backpack with water and band-aids for any minor accident but don't bring dogs as they're not allowed. There are occasionally mountain lions spotted up here so make sure you keep your eyes and ears open - would be awful to be surprised by one. Oh and look out for mountain bikers - they come down fast and you wouldn't want to be carried away by one.

With Tropical Storm Edouardo drenching Houston, I got to thinking about how often rain can ruin fun family vacations. Whether you plan on hiking in the Adirondacks or riding the rapids in Tennessee, rain can put a halt to your plans and leave you staring through the windows of your hotel room until it's time to catch a plane back home.

Of course, every rain storm isn't as torrential as Tropical Storm Edouardo, and as my mother and I drove to San Antonio to visit family this afternoon, we brainstormed ways to keep the fun in your vacation regardless of the weather.

Hiking in the Rain

Just because the sky is leaking doesn't mean you can't go on that nature hike you were planning. Watch the weather forecast to make sure there isn't any thunder or lightening in the vicinity, then gear up for a hike in the rain.

You'll need sensible shoes that won't easily slip on mud or exposed rock, such as the Scarpa Barun GTX hiking boots. The Gore-Tex lining will make sure your socks and feet don't get wet, and the tread will keep you safe from falls.

Additionally, make sure you wear a rain slicker that will keep the rain out of your eyes and protect you should the weather turn ugly while you're climbing the side of a mountain or roaming deep in a forest. A padded lining with plenty of pockets will be perfect, and don't forget extra batteries for the flash lights.

Camping in the Rain

You don't have to seek out more cozy lodgings if the weather turns foul--a great tent and plenty of food that doesn't need to be cooked will suffice even in the wilderness. Make sure that your tent doesn't have any leaks before you start to pitch, and make sure to head indoors if you see lightening or hear thunder close by.

Games in the Rain

Visiting a state or national park during inclement weather can be almost as fun as when the skies are clear and blue. Send your family on a wet-weather scavenger hunt or take a jog through the trails in the rain. Again, as long as there isn't any thunder or lightening, you'll find that the rain is actually invigorating.

Rain doesn't have to spoil your next outdoor vacation. Just make sure you're geared for any type of weather with coats, sensible shoes and luggage that won't ruin if it gets soaked heading for the car.

A hiking or trekking trip makes for a great Labor Day weekend adventure, and you don't have to go too far from home if you make your way to a national or State Park in your area. You'll need some basic survival gear, a camera and a few packets of trail mix to get you through that final outdoor challenge of the season.

Heading off to rocky terrain with the right trekking poles is an absolute essential. Whether you're tackling cliffs and hills, or just making your way through terrain filled with boulders, you'll need a pair of non-snagging poles to navigate your path. Trekking poles made with solid handgrips and lightweight materials work best for most terrain and can help you get through some of the tougher parts of the trail with ease.

If you plan to spend the night at a campsite, don't forget the all-important sleeping bag. Cocoon-shaped bags are a great way to trap in the heat and keep you safe, snug and comfortable on any stormy night. Just pick your favorite color and style, and make sure it rolls up tight for your backpack or tote.

And of course, you'll need a solid pair of hiking boots or hiking shoes. Light hikers are versatile, durable and can help you step up to that challenge like a pro. Look for low-cut hiking shoes if you plan to climb for most of the trip, which can help your joints move with ease. If your route involves tackling trails and hills, a pair of hi-cut boots may be a better match. No matter what style you go for, just make sure it's the shoe that fits!

Go ahead, play weekend warrior just one more time and say goodbye to summer with a memorable trip under your belt.

Sure, you love the great outdoors--but you also love your iPod! Check out these cool tips for hauling your tech gear up mountains and down rivers, regardless of your vacation destination.

Let's face it: we're all multi-layered human beings with a wide diversity of interests and passions. We're not just accountants or just mountain bikers, and sometimes our interests conflict with one another. This is the conundrum that active professionals face when they need a break from concrete sidewalks and high-rise office buildings. Sure, you want to go skiing or white-water rafting or hiking with the family, but you don't want to cut yourself off from the civilized world.

Taking an outdoor vacation means lightening the load of stress you carry on a daily basis and freeing yourself from worry. You shouldn't feel guilty about wanting to check your e-mail or answer your cell phone, but you'll need to be prepared if you want access to your gear on vacation.

Know the Itinerary

You'll need to plan differently for your vacation if you're going to be canoeing down a river than if you'll be climbing a mountain. Water, for example, is like kryptonite for your tech gear, so you'll want to pack sealable plastic bags to store your laptop, cell phone, PDA and other electronics.

Also, you'll want to think about comfort if you'll be on the move or cruising down a trail, so consider a roomy messenger bag with a shoulder strap for all your gear, such as the Patagonia Half-Mass Bag, which is padded to keep your gear extra safe.

Think Small

Big, bulky bags really don't cut it when you're trying to haul your tech gear around the wilderness-or even on a plane. The goal should be to find the smallest bag that will conceivably hold all of your equipment.

A compact backpack, for example, will allow you to safely store the majority of your gear without worrying about extra weight or volume. The Oakley Planet Pack 2.0 is the perfect solution-it even has a special compartment for your media player while you're on the go.

You'll also want to focus on security if you're going to bring expensive tech gear with you on vacation. Having a small, easy-to-access bag that holds all your stuff will allow you to keep a close eye on your belongings, and you won't be hunting through your luggage when you've got to get your Internet fix. So stay safe and allow yourself to enjoy the great outdoors and modern conveniences at the same time!

No one should die without seeing the coast of Maine from Acadia National Parks. This is one hike that I highly recommend.

August 15: We woke to rain after sleeping like babies. Once the sun was out, we headed to a hike that we had planned called Huegenot Head and Champlain Mountain in Acadia National Park, Maine.

The hike was 3.3 miles and supposedly would take two and a half hours. I'm not sure who's counting the minutes or how old the person is, but we like to stop and smell the flowers and did the hike in 3.5 hours. We found one area strenuous and much of it challenging, but the hike was gorgeous and worth the challenge. This hike begins at the Tarn parking area. We found the granite staircase. We love this kind of trail in spite of the physical work it requires. We started out with about 1,400 steps. Sure the steps were well defined and we had forest next to us eliminating the fear of falling off of them, but still, that's a lot of steps when you're going up a mountain and gaining 1,100 feet in elevation.

After the 1,400 steps, we hit some switchbacks. This is the kind of hike I call "rock climbing." I'm 5 feet 4 inches and with rocks like that, I'm pulling myself up to get on them and onto the next one. When we weren't "rock climbing" the trail was almost straight up. There's an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.

The summit was incredible and a perfect place for a picnic. We were looking at Frenchman's Bay but didn't see any seals or other critters. We had company but it was alright becase we all shared our stories of how we got up. We could have come to this summit any of four ways including using a ladder. At that time I had never done ladders so chose the rocky way. I had also been told that one way up the trail was so steep that I would be on my hands and knees clinging to the side of the mountain and trying not to look down to lots of air. Many of us wondered where the Starbucks was and when the helicopter would be coming to take us down!

We found out that we had our hike to ourselves for the most part because of the four ways up. The Precipice Trail, which is how some came up, is said to be the most difficult on this side of the island. The trail we went up is Tarn. We decided to go down Bear Brook Trail, which felt like an easy descent after the climb up. One negative about Bear Brook Trail is that we ended up on Route 3 and then had about a mile walk to our car. I would have preferred hiking to our car.

It's summer season, and even though it's an ideal time to loll on the beach and stroll the boardwalk, we all need to squeeze in a workout or two into the oh-so-busy relaxation schedule. Consider it your summertime balancing act, but whatever the case may be, summer is an opportune time to get out to the sand and surf... and go hiking!

Summer beach hikes are a great way to explore the dunes, experience the great outdoors from a fresh perspective and still squeeze in some fun in the sun while you're at it. A hike through beachfront hills, dunes and coves can also give your entire lower body a workout, engaging key muscle groups in the calves, hamstrings, glutes and thighs. Unless you're planning on pitching a tent and camping at the nearest beach venue, you won't need a backpack or a ton of gear to make your way through the trail.

What you will need are a few basic hiking supplies that are fit for walking and trekking through sand and softer terrain.

The right hiking shoes are a start, and you'll need a weatherproof pair with a light grip. Avoid the heavy boots and trade them for lighter, low-cut shoes that are designed with a waterproof layer. This wards off the surf and keeps toes happy and dry as you coast along the shoreline.

Protective clothing is another beach hiking must-have. While it's tempting to head off in your swimwear so you can work on that tan you crave, you'll need to protect skin from the sun and make sure you have enough coverage to get through any lush vegetation you encounter on the trail. Cover up with beach coveralls such as sarongs, lightweight short-sleeve shirts and baggy tanks and you'll be good to go.

Layers of sunscreen will also protect your skin and keep skin cancer and skin burns at bay. Make sure you use at least an SPF 30 or higher and double up on the sunscreen if you're alternating between hiking and swimming on your adventure.

There's no reason to skip a workout this summer with the right lineup of activities that are perfect for beach season. When you're done playing a few rounds of sand volleyball, had enough of lounging by the ocean and are ready to explore the waterfront, pack up your basic survival kit for a beach hiking adventure!

Diamond Head State Monument is located on the island of Oahu in beautiful Hawaii. This is a must-do hike. It can be seen just about anywhere on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. (Unless you're diving!)

When we arrived we were told by a person in a kiosk (there was no Visitor Center) to be back by 6 p.m. because the gate to the parking lot closes then and if we missed it, we'd be sleeping there. In fact, the gate didn't close at exactly 6 p.m and, if we had wanted to spend more time, we could have found parking outside the gate.

The trail was well maintained and, for the most part, pretty easy. There were handrails all the way up the 1.4 mile round-trip hike. This was a short hike, but really nice. We encountered some lava we had to climb up, but I'd call this hike great for the whole family. Although easy, it's a steep 760-foot crater, so I found wearing hiking boots to be a good idea. We also always carry binoculars and this was a great place to have them, along with the necessary sunscreen and a cap. There was no shade so having lots of water helped also.

Once we got to the top we had a gorgeous view. It felt as if we were on top of the world. It was one of the most impressive views I've ever seen. Along with the beautiful blue water, we saw hotels and a lighthouse.

We headed down at about 5 p.m. and it was still quite warm. Be forewarned: there was no water or bathrooms on the trail or at the top of Diamond Head.

We spent about two hours doing this hike. Even at that time of the day there were plenty of people. There weren't enough for me to call the observation posts crowded, but close to it. If I were to go again, I'd go early in the morning when it wouldn't be as crowded or hot.

If a backpacking adventure is calling your name this season, picking out some essential equipment can help you trek along safely and comfortably. You'll need ultralight backpacking and hiking gear to get you through those tougher trails and challenging courses; from shoes to sleeping bags, make sure you have all the basics covered with this equipment checklist:

1. Sleeping bag

If you're heading out on an overnight course or extended trip, make sure your sleeping bag is well-prepared for harsh climates and inclement weather.

2. Fleece jacket.

No matter how hot the temperatures are during the day, the nighttime climate can drop dramatically and leave you shivering yourself to sleep without the right gear. Pick up a lightweight fleece blanket, gloves or jacket to keep you warm and toasty.

3. Cooking pot.

This will probably be the heaviest piece of equipment in your stash of supplies, so look for something lightweight, efficient and convenient. You'll also need some utensils, a lighter and a water filter so you can cook up a nourishing meal after a hard day of hiking.

4. Hiking boots.

All-purpose hiking boots are your best bet for a backpacking trip, especially if you're trekking across different types of terrain. Avoid investing in a super-heavy pair loaded with extra 'features' you don't really need. Lightweight, waterproof and comfortable ankle boots are the ideal match for a backpacking adventure.

5. Swimming shorts or a swimsuit.

When you're taking a break from backpacking and hiking, don't forget to take a dip in the lake or swim around the waterfall pool! Tuck a swimsuit into your backpack for some rest and relaxation during your adventure.

6. Poncho.

You never know when that downpour is going to hit, so pack a poncho to keep you dry during a rainy spell. Ponchos are lightweight and easy to fold up and pack away in the small compartments of your backpack.

This is the first of two essays I'll be writing about hikes I've done in Sedona, Arizona.

Sedona, Arizona is so beautiful that only pictures can really tell the story. You will see the most magnificent rock formations and some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. When people told me they "had to go to Sedona" I pictured a forest; a state park. I didn't realize that people actually could live in this beauty all the time.

Sedona is known as a spiritual Mecca. Some people think it is one large Vortex; they come from all over to be in a place that is more alive and healthy than any other. It is a fantastic spot for hiking. I highly recommend the four-mile roundtrip Broken Arrow Trail, which begins one quarter of a mile past a road called Morgan Drive, where you must sign in and sign out.

Broken Arrow Trail is not for everyone and, as usual, going up was much harder than coming down! I'm over fifty and we had a dog, and I found that this trail, which is listed as moderate to strenuous, lived up to its reputation (especially in June, when it is very warm). There was very little shade, although we did find some on the trail. Jeep tours are popular here (they don't drive on trails, but on rocks). The end of the trail is called Chicken Point. This is a great place to have a snack. You will be on top of the world!

This was a tough climb, but actually much of the difficulty was the heat, so bring lots and lots of water. You'll find a lot of rocks and red dirt; some steep ascends and descends but you won't be doing any rock climbing.

We lost the trail once, so be careful. There are well-made cairns (rocks piled on one another surrounded by metal in this case) that are staked down, so they can't be moved. If you lose the cairns, turn right around and you will find them again.

Getting back always seems easier than going. You'll find some tree roots to make your way over. You'll also see gorgeous huge leaf cacti and beautiful views all the way down. As we walked and the sun changed the colors of the sky, the rock formations changed colors as well, making amazing shade patterns.

As always take only pictures, leave only footprints and kill only time.

This is a wonderful day trip that will give you a little of everything.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has some of the most spectacular scenery and is a must see. The mountains loom large in the distance but it's easy to get on them if you hike. The lakes are beautiful as well. It's awesome to watch the morning clouds that hide the mountains of the Grand Teton range fall away and give you a view of these spectacular mountains.

One hike we did was actually made up of a few separate destinations. At the Jenny Lake Visitor Center you'll park and take a ferry across the lake for $5.00 one way. We could have spent $9.00 for a round trip but wanted to walk back. If you do not take the boat at all you're looking at a whole day adventure. As it was we spent about 5 hours in this beautiful area. The hike I'm going to describe is considered a moderate to moderate-strenuous hike.

On this hike you can walk up to Hidden Falls which was about ½ mile from the dock. The path up to Hidden Falls was steep but well maintained we encountered some boulders but none I had to climb up or sit on to get down. The 200 foot Hidden Falls are really a cascade so if you are expecting amazing falls that you may have seen elsewhere, you'll be disappointed. Just enjoy Hidden Falls for what they are.

This area was crowded. I recommend that you go early in the morning to beat the crowds. We were able to at one point but it was due to veering from the trail and not on purpose! Many people turned around at Hidden Falls and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Be glad you could get that far. If you can continue you will go another ½ mile to Inspiration Point. Along the way you'll see a flat rock area - sort of a large plateau along the way. You can't miss it since there will be others there. Sit awhile. This is a great overlook for this very pretty lake.

The climb to Inspiration Point was tough. I can't minimize it in any way. Not only was it a rocky trail but it was a narrow trail right at the edge of the mountain. In fact one woman could not even go on she was so terrified of the height and the rocks. You'll find yourself at times hugging the rocks behind you with your back to maneuver your way up this fairly steep trail. We then climbed another 1/4 mile on Cascade Canyon to a junction point where we took the trail heading back to the boat ramp which said .9 miles. This is where we veered the wrong way. We were treated to views of rock climbers. Hopefully you will not get treated to a bear sighting. This is bear habitat and the signs were very clear. The trail we were on was narrow and bordered by high grasses. We only saw 2 others hikers here so in a way it was a good choice because it was not crowded. However if I had to do it again I would look for the maintained trail.

Once we got to the boat ramp rather than getting on the ferry we walked 2 miles around the lake to the parking lot. This started out as a very easy walk but changed constantly. Some areas were quite steep, some rocky, some really just dirt. Much of it was right along the lake and many people had their feet in it. I was surprised to not see many people in the lake. You can swim in all other bodies of water except Snake River.

Please take only pictures; leave only footprints; kill only time.