The Natural Side of Oregon

I'm not too much of a nature junkie, but every now and then my surroundings are just too beautiful to not take notice. Especially living in a place like the Pacific Northwest, I may take for granted the beauty of all four of our seasons. And I have to say that even though I struggle sometimes with the "hot time" in July and August, that is our burst of 90+ degree days, I would rather live here than many other places. I think that all corners of the United States probably have some appeal, but Oregon truly wins for the most natural beauty that truly entertains in a way you wouldn't expect.

We have so many parks and lakes and rivers that offer a serene escape and splashing-good-time from the hot pavement of the city. Of course, the Oregon Coast, all the way from Astoria to Florence is the most beautiful shoreline. I find the beach to be perfect when it's about 75 degrees and I can lay out on a blanket and take a nap with the sun even just slightly peaking through the overcast skies. Just watch out for all those seagulls. Even though I'm not much of a hiker, Multnomah Falls is quite an awesome visual, even from the bridge. I've never been to Crater Lake but I can imagine it's devastatingly amazing. Oh and the mountain! On clear days just atop my neighborhood, Mt. Hood is majestic in the distance. Though I don't love driving over the mountain to make it to the other side, the landscape is still quite beautiful. And it's the only place where I believe the snow belongs :-)

What else am I missing? I'd say I have a healthy appreciation for nature, as long as I stop and think about how lucky I am to live in a state where life moves along as usual, but is set to the most beautiful backdrop. There are few other places I could probablysay this same thing about.

And in addition to the obvious natural spots, there is beauty in other places. Like the Oregon Gardens which I visited with my parents this past weekend. The garden flowers were in full bloom and beautiful. I was slightly disappointed by some of their gardening habits (considering my mom walked around dead-heading petunias), but all in all, the blooming colors were striking.