Social Media gets a bad rap for wasting our time without considering the exposure that we have to new information and places. This is how I discovered this wonderful hike in Oregon in the Silver Falls. But first, I booked my trip from Denver to Portland!

Day 1- Travel and Oregon Coast Tour

I had to time my landing and Uber ride exactly with enough time to get to the meet up place for Wildwood Adventures and Tours at (www.wildwoodtours.com) Director Park in Portland. There were about 12 of us ready to get into the Mercedes Benz Streamer Van and head into the Oregon Coast. My original plan was to start the day running with the water falls but due to weather, I had to switch the days.

The van arrived and we headed into the Oregon forest which was amazing. I was grateful I had decided against renting a car and driving to Salem, OR right after getting off the plane. This was how I plugged in an extra experience going to the Oregon Coast with a tour and enjoyed the time in Oregon instead of trying to figure out where to go.

Soon enough we were into our first couple of beaches and towns. The fog was present this morning but it added a mystique that I enjoyed.

We stopped at Cannon Beach town to have lunch. It is just what you expect with being close to the beach. Very quaint with art and an eclectic feel to it. We had free time to have lunch anywhere we wanted. I chose Ecola Seafoods Restaurant and Market for myself. Being alone but in a group proved phenomenal as I was not expected to hold any long conversations and could just sit on my own for lunch. I caught a young woman looking at me with a puzzled look but I carried on.

After lunch, we headed to another beach and a couple of cliffs. The most memorable part of the day was heading to Short Sand Beach Trail. Wow, how amazing. The short trail was filled with bright greenery, ancient trees and harmonious streams of water. I could have spent hours on this trail alone. It was magical. I connected briefly with a fellow solo traveler from Brazil who shared with me she often travels alone. My phone died unfortunately so I could not get pictures of the beach myself but I will attach one so you get the idea.

We left the park and headed back to Portland. Our guide had a ton of personal stories that related to the area and his family’s history. It made the experience better to have this dimension to the trip.

Once we were back in Portland, I was able to make it to my hotel finally. I walked from Director Park and settled in at Royal Sonesta Hotel, Downtown Portland. Very cute and whimsical and I enjoyed the cleanliness and antique feel of it as well. The front desk staff were very kind and offered me complimentary beverages. There was a restaurant on site although I thought their menu could be less limited. I ended up ordering delivery pizza and went to bed early after the travel morning and tour. I will say that downtown Portland is alive and you can hear not just music but also screaming people. The area during the day is perfect for shopping and sightseeing but at night, one should be careful. I suppose like in any metropolitan city.

Day 2 – Silver Falls

An early start to the morning as this was a half day trip to Silver Falls. We met up in an industrial area of Portland and load in a van like the one the day before. This time there were only five of us. I booked this trip via Viator with Around Portland Tours for $85.00 which I thought was reasonable. Our tour guide also had stories to share with each town we passed. I love little towns and these did not disappoint. We stopped at a lake in Silverton before heading up to the falls for a quick bathroom and snack break. There were many kayakers on the serene waters. Loved it!

We made it to the Silver Falls Park!!! I had such anticipation and as soon as I go there, I knew it was worth the trip. Our guide explained how this was Native American sacred land at some point and that it was treated as an area of rejuvenation and it was considered magical. I believed it as soon as we got there.

In our group were two young solo travelers, maybe in their mid twenties and a couple from India who was in their 70s. The site of the first waterfall was magical (yes, I used the word again) as you have to adjust your eyes to capture how big the crater is and the fact that you can walk behind it which was true for several of the falls.

Once you make it down the steps of the second water fall, you realize this is also a moderate hike and there will be a lot of ups and downs and some rocky terrain. The couple that was with us decided to turn around so the guide walked them back to the trailhead and drove them to the end of the hike. At that time, he started backwards and met up with us half way. We were given a map and left on our own which was fine as there were other people on the trail. Not so many that it was crowded but enough that if you needed something, you were not alone.

The entire trail is about eight miles but in the Summer one of the water falls is not visible so we hiked around seven miles. Towards the end, we were beat. I felt fine endurance wise since I am used to walking at around 5,000 feet over sea level daily but my CA friends were done. We met up with our guide almost towards the end and finished up a lovely day. yes, I was sad it was over. I wish I lived closer so I could do this hike more often.

Of note, we did see a snake, not venomous and there is evidence of wild life on the trail. Our guide confirmed bears at the very least but we did not see any. Twilight was filmed on parts of the trail as well so that made me happy as a fan.

The van ride back was quiet and pensive. I could not help but to think of the times when Native Americans occupied this area and to reflect on the magical energy of this place. Nature has a way of reminding you that beauty is simple and complicated at the same time with all the sounds, scents, colors and variations in the landscape. It just is without effort.

We got back to the tour headquarters and we all went our separate ways. My friend Fiona and I were potentially going to have dinner but decided to stay in considering the downtown situation and its unsafe feeling. We were also very tired but it was nice to also discover more solo travelers who confirmed what I was seeking…learning to enjoy your own company and realizing we are enough.

Before walking into the hotel, I grabbed an early dinner. I found a Chinese restaurant that was delicious. I feasted and just sat by myself with the owners on another table about a block away from the hotel. Once in the room, I cleaned up, packed and napped.

Day 3 – Travel back to Denver, CO

The next morning I grabbed an early Uber and drank tea from the hotel.

Once at the airport, I should just have gotten in the TSA line but went into a store. I paid for it as the TSA line was painfully long. I am not sure what other event there was happening in town but it was a heavy Sunday travel at the Portland airport. Once I got through the line, my flight was short and just like that, I was back in Denver with a new set of experiences and self discoveries about my own strength, curiosity and independence.

This solo traveler loves Oregon.

Considerations: Plane ticket, hotel stay, car rental or Uber, tour company or gas, food. I spent around $700.00 all in with the above for a weekend experience. I do like my nice hotel so if you can find deals, it could be even more affordable.