My Life in the Forest

Four of the best years of my life working in the Angeles National Forest as a biologist

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Kept it local today with a hike to the top of Mt Lukens and a bit of extra onto Grizzly Flats to get my 20 miles. Another beautiful sunrise and the trail wasn't as crowded as expected. It felt good to hike with Charlie again. Pretty sure his waggy tail indicated he was happy to be on the trail too ❤ #mtlukens #grizzlyflats #angelescrest #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #teepee #sunrise #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Mount Lukens) https://www.instagram.com/p/CW1vQ6mvJiz/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip Day 4, Part 2: Coconino National Forest. Second hike of the day took me to the top of Wilson Mountain. The rain and wind became more intense at the top, it was so cold, just perfect. And so my hiking adventures in Sedona come to an end. I wish I had more time out here. All the more reason to come back. Love you, Arizona! #northwilsontrail #wilsonmountain #firstbenchofwilsonmountain #sedonaoverlook #canyonoverlook #coconinonationalforest #redrocksecretmountainwilderness #mountains #sedona #arizona #redrocks #geology #geologyrocks #rain #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at North Wilson Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWpOoVnLm3U/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip Day 4, Part 1: Coconino National Forest. It rained all day and I couldn't have asked for better weather. Started the day in a gorgeous canyon. First one on the trail and so the end, a freezing cold pool of water, was all mine. It was so quiet, just the sound of the rain and the crunching of leaves under foot. #westfork #oakcreek #coconinonationalforest #redrocksecretmountainwilderness #canyon #sedona #arizona #redrocks #geology #geologyrocks #creek #rain #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at West Fork Oak Creek Trail - Coconino National Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWpMagOr5yr/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip Day 3: Sedona. The day started and ended in darkness. Capturing the sunrise at Cathedral Rock was incredible. Today was a collection of a few hikes around the Red Rocks Area. The geology is stunning, sedimentary layers of sandstone deposited over hundreds of millions of years. Sedona was at the bottom of an ocean 330 millions years ago. The geological scale is difficult to comprehend. I'm so thankful I get one more day out here. To be continued. #cathedralrock #tabletopmountain #bellrock #courthousebutte #coconinonationalforest #mundsmountainwilderness #highdesert #sedona #arizona #redrocks #geology #geologyrocks #wildflowers #sunrise #sunset #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Sedona, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWmqo8_LZ7q/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip Day 2, Part 2: Sedona. Kinda obsessed with how much Coffeepot Rock looks like an old timey coffee pot. Admired the great views at Sugar Loaf Summit. There were not one, but two wee caves along Soldier Pass. Such dramatic vistas all day, the geology out here is amazing. Love the shade breaks provided by the woodlands. The adventure continues tomorrow. #coffeepotrock #sugarloafsummit #capitolbutte #morninggloryspire #soldierpasscave #thefin #coconinonationalforest #redrocksecretmountainwilderness #highdesert #sedona #arizona #redrock #geology #geologyrocks #woodland #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Sedona, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWkJwRyLlsc/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip Day 2, Part 1: Sedona. Hitting the trail before sunrise afforded me the opportunity to experience the Devils Bridge with minimal crowds. A pay-it-forward system enabled everyone to get their photo on the bridge. Driving the 4x4 road to get to the trailhead was so much fun in the dark, nothing but my headlights to guide me. Hiked 21 miles between 4,000 and 5,000 ft in elevation, cruising mode activated. The day flew by! Round 2 tomorrow. Can't wait #devilsbridge #chimneyrock #sevensacredpools #soldierpasscave #coconinonationalforest #redrocksecretmountainwilderness #highdesert #sedona #arizona #redrock #wildflowers #blooms #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Sedona, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWkG9wIruge/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Desert Road Trip, Day 1: Joshua Tree. Starting off a road trip to Arizona with a day of bouldering in Joshua Tree National Park. First time bouldering outdoors. The day did not disappoint. The highlight was completing Gripper Traverse. Gotta start somewhere, right? My fingers are done. Couldn't ask for better weather in the desert. Onwards to Arizona! #joshuatree #joshuatreenationalpark #jtnp #quailsprings #trashcanboulders #grippertraverse #echorock #echocove #bouldering #boulderinglife #climbing #climbinglife #rockclimbing #desert #roadtrip #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #findyourpark (at Joshua Tree National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWh2mqurF90/?utm_medium=tumblr

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The last thing I expected today was hiking 25 miles, especially in 6.5 hours. The more incredible feat is that Charlie hiked it. What a champ! A personal best that I will not be challenging any time soon. First hike of the season that started below 40°F this morning. I was surprised by a bit of water along the trail. Even on the most exposed parts of the trail, a lovely wind kept things cool. #greenvalley #greenvalleytrail #pct #pacificcresttrail #fawnskin #bigbearlake #sanbernardinonationalforest #sbnf #sanbernardinomountains #lake #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Big Bear Lake, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWPiPrvrkq1/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I may know Mount Gleason like the back of my hand but this was the first time I approached it via the PCT for a whopping 22.5 miles, a personal best. And I finally got a start before sunrise. Spectacular views of Antelope Valley and cold, strong winds were the highlights of the day. #mountgleason #mountgleasontrail #pct #pacificcresttrail #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #sunrise #sunrisephotography #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Mount Gleason) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV9YHW3FToS/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Revisited the first +20-mile I ever did. I shaved off two hours. It was a hell of an uphill hike to San Gabriel Peak, that sure didn't change. This time I remembered to bring a pen to leave a message for the box at the top. Small crowds and cool temps made for a very nice day. #sammerrilltrail #echomountain #inspirationpoint #mountlowe #mtlowe #sangabrielpeak #gumbyrock #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #goodday #findyourpark #findyourhike #goodhike (at San Gabriel Peak) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVtp_vsv-HO/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Four hours of rain left me and Charlie drenched this morning. Nothing like putting on a dry hoodie over a soaking wet shirt 😅 Honestly I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was cold at the top though. A bit of a nostalgia tour for an old project, I hadn't visited the area in over seven years. The 2020 bobcat fire hit the area hard. The recovery is very promising but what a scar the fire left behind. #vantasseltrail #whitesaddle #silverfishtrucktrail #monroviacanyontrucktrail #upperclamshelltrucktrail #rinconredboxtrucktrail #trtp #nostalgia #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #bobcatfire #postburn #rain #rainyday #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #goodday #findyourpark #findyourhike #goodhike (at Van Tassel Trail (Duarte)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVY7YIBvIud/?utm_medium=tumblr

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When Plan A and B are eliminated because of forest closures to the public, I sure am glad Pacifico Mountain is such a reliable backup plan. Hiked a new portion of the PCT and added some extra miles by jumping onto Mt Gleason Road at the end of the day for a total of 20 miles. Absolutely ferocious winds kept it mostly cool today. Thanks wind! I love wild weather #millcreekstation #pct #pacificcresttrail #pacificomountain #mtpacifico #mtgleasonroad #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #antelopevalley #windy #wildweather #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturephotography #landscapephotography #findyourhike #findyourpark #goodday (at Pacifico Mountain) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVEXn4PP49c/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Hiked the Arroyo Seco Trail today, an out-and-back hike on the Gabrielino Trail from JPL to the Switzer Falls Trailhead and back, for a total of 21 miles. Spent the majority of the day in the shade of the canyon or the woodland canopy, just perfect. There's still water but I'm blown away by how little remains. Looking forward to winter rains. Charlie had a nice soak. #arroyosecotrail #gabrielinotrail #arroyoseco #lacanada #gouldmesacampground #usfsdam #switzerfallstrailhead #waterfall #canyon #canyonhike #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #goodday #goodhike #findyourhike (at Gabrielino Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CU0_9j1pnn3/?utm_medium=tumblr

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First weekend of the forest reopening. Hiked a big 21.5 mile loop north of the Vincent Gulch Divide. Came across a number of hunters with crossbows. Fortunately all the deer I saw today were far away from them. The weather was incredible, thanks autumn! Also checked out more areas burned in the 2020 Bobcat Fire. #vincentgap #bigrockcreek #pinyonridge #fennersaddle #boyscouttrail #ptc #jacksonlake #bobcatfire #angelesnationalforest #anf #sangabrielmountains #wildlife #muledeer #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #nature #naturelover #naturephotography #landscape #landscapephotography #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #goodday #findyourpark #findyourhike #goodhike (at Vincent Gulch Divide) https://www.instagram.com/p/CURBBTIFix9/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I understand why Southern California forests are still closed, but it's tough. The bright side is that I get to explore areas I wouldn't usually. I hiked 20 miles in the Santa Monica Mountains. The grasslands and oak woodlands were beautiful. Oof it was pretty exposed on this hot and dry day though. The pockets of shade were greatly appreciated. Charlie is so tough! #morrisonranch #cheeseborocanyon #sheepcorral #palocomadocanyon #chinaflat #albertsonmotorway #santamonicamountains #oakwoodland #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturephotography #landscapephotography #findyourhike #findyourpark #charlie #dogstagram #instadog #dogsofinstagram (at Cheseboro Canyon Trail (Sheeps Coral)) https://www.instagram.com/p/CT_LQnvlMFD/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Squeezed in an evening hike in Solstice Canyon tonight. The colors were beautiful. Thanks golden hour! I was lucky enough to find a tarantula. Such a beauty! The ruins were fun to explore and I was surprised by how brightly the stars and planets shown. Definitely coming back during the day to better explore. #risingsuntrail #solsticecanyon #tropicalterrace #ruins #solsticecanyoncreek #teamstream #santamonicamountains #malibu #tarantula #hike #eveninghike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturephotography #landscapephotography #findyourhike #findyourpark (at Solstice Canyon Hiking Trail) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTMAZOELMpe/?utm_medium=tumblr

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What a beautiful Saturday at San Gorgonio. Mill Creek has a trickle of water left, still enough to feel refreshing at the end of the day. Despite the heat, the peak felt amazing. At 11,503 ft, the peak was cool and breezy. Gorgeous views and a close-up look at the damage from the El Dorado fire completed the day. #sangorgonio #sangorgoniomountain #sangorgoniowilderness #millcreek #eldoradofire #sanbernardinonationalforest #summerbloom #hike #hiking #hikinglife #hikingadventures #hikingwithdogs #thegreatoutdoors #optoutside #nature #naturephotography #landscapephotography #findyourhike #findyourpark #charlie #dogstagram #instadog #dogsofinstagram (at San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTKca6XF1UT/?utm_medium=tumblr