View of Hanauma Bay from summit of Koko Crater

From Pu'u Ma'i (1,208 ft), the highest point on the rim of Koko Crater, the view southwest extends over Hanauma Bay where the ocean has filled an ancient volcanic crater.

Volcano Climbing, Hawaii: Koko Crater (Kohelepelepe)

The main "trail" up to the summit of Koko Crater follows the course of an old incline railway that was once used to transport military personnel to lookout posts at the summit of the volcano.

Volcano Climbing, Hawaii: Diamond Head

A switchbacking trail, a series of steep concrete steps, a tunnel blasted through rock, and a metal spiral staircase comprise the trail to the top of Lēʻahi ("brow of the tuna"), a volcanic tuff cone better known as Diamond Head. The view westward from the summit, 760 feet above the waves, extends over Kapiolani Park to the towers along Waikiki Beach.

Oregon Hike: Sherrard Point, Larch Mountain

After two days of dreary weather, the sun emerged in full glory beckoning us on a late afternoon excursion to see "the mountain." Though the hike along the quarter-mile-long trail from the Larch Mountain parking lot to the fenced in viewpoint atop Sherrard Peak was short, the icy, howling wind made it a challenge. But the crystal clear views of five snow-clad volcanoes--Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount Jefferson--was reward enough!

The hike to Munra Point

The sharp, treeless ridge leading south from Munra Point in the Columbia Gorge. The lack of forest cover provides for some spectacular views which on this fine day included Mount Adams as well as the top of Mount Rainier!

Munra Point, Columbia Gorge

A sunny weekend in mid-November beckoned us to the knife-edged ridges of Munra Point in the Columbia Gorge! Off the beaten path, this unmaintained footpath led up almost 2,000 feet to this volcanic rock ridge high above Bonneville Dam. The ridge reminded me of the ridges of Oahu's Ko'olau Mountains where I wandered as a kid! A bit of Hawai'i in Oregon!

Autumn in the Olympic Mountains

Tawny high country meadows on Hurricane Hill ablaze with golden light as the sun sinks beyond the Bailey Range. The air was heavy with the aroma of Alaska yellow cedar, a scent so typical of the alpine areas of the Olympic Mountains. Lots of memories of my days as a backcountry ranger in the Olympics came flooding back! These are truly magnificent mountains!