OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

so cold at night, tent froze, toes froze.
bring mittens. that’s it.

Man, I got lost in Hocking too—followed a deer trail by accident, nearly ended up in a mud bog. Found my way back by followin folks with wet socks, lol.


Pro tip: bring extra granola bars, you will get hungry.


Rock House is wild, echoey and kinda spooky at dusk. Don’t forget bug spray, them ...

Javelinas are just spicy pigs, right? ?


Sunset at Scenic Drive—don’t miss it.

I swear I heard music echoing, but maybe it was just wind? If you’re not afraid of stairs, do the Natural Entrance trail at least once. Legs = jelly, but worth it.


p.s. Why do the bats come out right when you finally get hungry??

If you haven’t climbed a cinder cone, you haven’t lived. Pack extra water.


Also: tiny wildflowers everywhere in spring. Look close, you’ll miss them!

Ha! Henrietta is iconic—I got my picture with her wearing a silly “Wine Not?” t-shirt. Walla Walla is where I discovered that even people who don't like wine end up with purple teeth and questionable dance moves after a weekend. If you wander down Main late enough, there's a coffee shop that turns ...