Currently, my favorite park is Wildwood in Welches, Oregon. It is nestled in the foothills of the Mt. Hood National Forest. Foothills is kind of the wrong term. The “hills” are actually mountains in and of themselves but they are dwarfed by Mt. Hood. Wildwood is one of the most peaceful, magical places I have ever been.When I am there, wandering the boardwalk on the Wetland Trail, or hiking through the cedar forest, all of my troubles melt away. I go running there at least once a week.

The Salmon River cuts through it and is beautiful any time of year. My favorite times are when it is barely raining and there are wisps of fog that hover over the river.