A view from the Sediment Retention Structure at Mount St. Helens Photos by Cheryl Landes On May 18, 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted, the blast deposited more than three billion cubic yards of sediment into the Toutle River Basin, covering 32 miles with an average depth of 150 feet. Mudflows filled the Cowlitz River … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Sediment Retention Structure at Mount St. Helens
The Mima Mounds Naural Area Preserve in Olympia, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes The Mima Mounds is a mystery. No one knows for sure how the bumpy landscape originated in these 637 acres of prairie grasslands. Theories are abundant, from pocket gophers excavating nest chambers to permafrost cracking near the end of the Ice Age. … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Fall at the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
A view of Rainbow Falls from the viewpoint in Rainbow Falls State Park west of Chehalis, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Rainbow Falls State Park is a popular place for camping, picnicking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, wildlife watching, birdwatching, and fishing. A short trail from the day-use parking lot ends at a viewpoint for a … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Rainbow Falls State Park
Lucia Falls at Lucia Falls Regional Park in Yacolt, Washington Photos by Cheryl Landes Lucia Falls Regional Park is a nice escape for a short, easy walk along the north bank of the East Fork of the Lewis River to enjoy a view of Lucia Falls and have a picnic. From the day-use parking lot, … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Lucia Falls Regional Park
Fall colors in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon Photos by Cheryl Landes Peavy Arboretum is a beautiful, quiet escape for outdoor lovers who want to immerse themselves in nature any time of year. In the fall, the changing colors are a beautiful treat, no matter what you do. Maple leaves near the OSU Research … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A fall hike in the Peavy Arboretum in Corvallis, Oregon
Fall colors in the Lime Quarry Reservation in Chelmsford, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The Lime Quarry Reservation in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, is a pleasant place to take a walk year-round, but fall is an extra special experience because of the vibrant colors. The trails, a combination of dirt and boardwalks, wind through 64 acres of … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: Fall colors at the Lime Quarry Reservation
The Bog House and entrance to the trails at the Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts Photos by Cheryl Landes The Carlisle Cranberry Bog in Carlisle, Massachusetts, is a pleasant place to go for a walk any time of year. It's also a nice place for snowshoeing in the winter. The trails, which are the … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: The Carlisle Cranberry Bog
Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon (photo by Cheryl Landes) New Year's Day 2021 brings new life to three trails in the Columbia River Gorge that suffered damage from the Eagle Creek fire in 2017. After extensive repairs, they're open to hiking again. The entire Eagle Creek Trail, which … Continue reading Three Columbia River Gorge trails reopen after repairs from the Eagle Creek fire
An ocean view from Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco, Washington (photo by Cheryl Landes) Entry fees to all open Washington State Parks are free on Veterans Day, November 11, and the day after Thanksgiving, November 27. These are the last two days in 2020 when Washington State Parks will have free admission days. For … Continue reading Visit any open Washington State Park for free two days in November
Photos by Cheryl Landes Continued from the armchair photo tour, A flight from Anchorage to Katmai National Park and Preserve We landed at Brooks Camp at the Katmai National Park and Preserve at 12:10 p.m. The copilot unloaded our lunches and went ahead of us to store them in the food cache and reserve viewing … Continue reading Armchair photo tours: A bear watching tour at Katmai National Park and Preserve
Tabby Cat's Pawprints 