It’s that time of the year again! Outrun the mosquitoes at Tumalo Falls as you hike to Happy Valley, run the Burma Road Trail, soak up some rays paddleboarding on Three Creek Lake and hike Black Butte, starting from the bottom of the trail. Those are just a few favorite activities to kick off summer!
The benefits of being outside are endless! From reducing stress to absorbing Vitamin D, the fresh air and movement of your body feels so good. You leave behind unanswered emails, towering piles of laundry, and the list of never-ending errands. As you wander down the trail, gaze up at the tall trees and listen to birds calling to each other, there’s a welcome shift in your mind.
On a broader nature note, “The Fullness of Time” by Cathy Haynes explores the forgotten art of marking time from nature’s daily rhythms. From early morning birdsongs to the pinkish-hue of alpenglow, the natural world invites a slow-down pace and observation. It can be a deeply absorbing experience.
I’ve lived in Central Oregon for 16 years and kept a journal of all my hikes. From Pilot Butte to Hager Mountain, it’s all documented for me to look back on as I consider new hikes and select which ones to repeat. Timing my hikes and trying to beat last summer’s record is no longer a goal. Instead, I look forward to discovering new trails, chatting with my friends along the path and enjoying a marionberry scone from Sisters Bakery on the drive home.
When customers come into the bookstore asking for hiking books, William Sullivan’s “100 Hikes: Central Oregon Cascades” is one of the books I recommend. His book stays in my back car seat pocket year-round. HikeOregon.net’s popular books, “52 Hikes for 52 Weeks” and “Lakes of the Cascades” are some of our bestselling guidebooks. Their new book “52 More Hikes for 52 More Weeks” is the highly anticipated sequel and features hikes in the Willamette Valley, Central Cascades, and the Coast. Each hike is accompanied by a color topographical map with a handy scannable QR code.
In addition to time on the trail, there’s fishing for rainbow trout in Fall River, kayaking Hosmer Lake and biking the McKenzie River Trail through the old-growth forest and lava fields. I also enjoy the trifecta of wildflower hikes that I learned from my friend, Margarita. Lookout Mountain in Prineville kicks off the wildflower season along with gorgeous views of the Cascade peaks, followed by Iron Mountain with more than 300 species of flowering plants, and the always spectacular Canyon Creek Meadows with glimpses of mountain goats. Bring your binoculars and your trekking poles to aid in hiking down after you reach the saddle.
For those interested in plants and animals, Bend author LeeAnn Kriegh’s “The Nature of Bend” is a winner. With color pictures and fun facts, it’s a wonderful resource for the curious-minded. Learn a few flowers and birds from her book, and you instantly feel like a local.
In the upcoming book, “Fierce Country,” Seattle author Heather Hansman shares the untold story of Georgie White, Anne LaBastille, and Dolores LaChapelle. All these women pioneered the love of outdoors with courage, undaunted spirit, and unapologetic domination in a male-centric world. The power of their fierce love for adventuring and conservation shines through, and readers may see themselves reflected in the stories.
One last book to note is “American Rambler” by Isaac Fitzgerald. He follows the path of the legendary Johnny Appleseed. The book is a blend of travel, history, and memoir. Fitzgerald explores his own past as he travels through several states, sleeping outside under the stars, making friends along the way, and sifting through the myths that surround Appleseed. It’s an entertaining book to enjoy on your next camping trip.
I hope to see you outside this summer. Whether it’s hiking to Tenas Lake with a floatie folded up in your backpack on a sunny hot day, camping at your favorite site at Paulina Lake, or climbing the Marsupials area at Smith Rock, there are so many adventures awaiting Central Oregonians. Pack snacks, water, a book, and find a quiet place off the beaten path, and be present in the moment. An analog life without distractions and social media scrolling is a lovely way to spend time no matter the season of the year.
What Cassie’s Reading
“Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It” by Brooke Averick
Is it possible to find true love when going on a date makes you want to throw up?
Phoebe Berman fears the one thing she wants the most: love. Thanks to an unfortunate first kiss, crippling intimacy anxiety has plagued her since she was a teen. She has a lot going for her but can’t help but beat herself up over the one thing she can’t quite seem to figure out.
Determined to change this, she drafts up the ultimate “Guide to Losing My Virginity” checklist with the hope of finally getting laid. Suddenly, she goes from a non-existent dating life to juggling three romantic prospects at once.
"Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It" is a brutally honest and completely relatable story for anyone who’s ever felt stuck between coming of age and coming apart.
This article appears in the Source July 2, 2026.
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