Hello, fellow explorers! I’m Rodrigo Maxwell, and for as long as I can remember, the outdoors has been my true north. My earliest memories are painted with the vivid colors of nature, a stark and beautiful contrast that shaped who I am today.
I grew up with the rhythmic crash of waves just steps from my door, the salty breeze a constant companion. But equally close, practically in my backyard, was a sprawling, whispering forest. It was my sanctuary, my playground, and my first classroom. I spent countless hours there, walking its winding trails, discovering hidden nooks, and simply soaking in the quiet grandeur of the trees. That early duality – the boundless ocean and the
If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.
-Oprah Winfrey
Rodrigo Maxwell: My Top Hiking Havens – From Utah’s Canyons to Oregon’s Waterfalls and the Majesty of the Pacific Northwest
Hello again, fellow adventurers! Rodrigo Maxwell here. As I shared, my love for the outdoors was forged in the unique landscape of my childhood, nestled between the calming rhythm of the ocean and the embracing quiet of the forest. Now, that passion drives me to explore some of the most breathtaking hiking destinations our world has to offer.
While every trail holds a special place in my heart, there are a few iconic locations that consistently draw me back, places where the sheer beauty and the challenge of the landscape create truly unforgettable memories. These are the top spots where my hiking buddies and I frequently find ourselves, pushing our limits and soaking in the majesty of nature.
It’s hard to pick just one, but the southern Utah landscape, particularly Moab and Zion National Park, represents the pinnacle of desert hiking for me.
Shifting dramatically from the arid desert, my mind immediately goes to the lush, verdant landscapes of Oregon, specifically Silver Falls State Park and its renowned Trail of Ten Falls. This trail is a symphony of water, a place where you’re constantly surrounded by the soothing sound and mist of cascading waterfalls.
The 7.2-mile loop trail (though there are shorter options) takes you past, over, and incredibly, behind ten distinct waterfalls, several of which are over 100 feet tall. Walking in the cool, damp air behind a curtain of water like South Falls is an utterly magical and refreshing experience. The dense old-growth forest, moss-draped trees, and crystal-clear streams make every turn a picturesque moment. It’s a place that invigorates the senses and reminds you of the sheer power and beauty of water in motion.
Seattle is a fantastic hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a quick escape to an incredible diversity of hiking experiences. The Pacific Northwest, with its misty forests, alpine lakes, and volcanic peaks, is a constant source of adventure.
These destinations, each so distinct yet equally captivating, continue to fuel my passion for the outdoors. They’re the places that inspire me to keep lacing up my boots, packing my bag, and heading out into the wild. I hope sharing these favorite spots encourages you to discover your own beloved trails and create your own unforgettable memories, just as I’ve been fortunate enough to do.
There’s a unique magic that happens the moment my boots hit the trail. For me, the outdoors isn’t just a place; it’s a profound connection, a boundless source of rejuvenation, and the ultimate playground for my spirit. Living in a place like Las Vegas, with the majestic Spring Mountains, the vibrant Red Rock Canyon, and countless desert trails right in our backyard, the call of the wild is simply irresistible.
