Hike - June Lake, Gifford Pinchot NF, Washington

Hiked with friends and Buddy Boy (the dog) to June Lake on July 4, 2023. The hike was an easy 2.9 mile out-and-back from the trailhead. Not surprisingly, it was somewhat busy with hikers and dogs. 

June Lake is located on the south side of Mount St. Helens just inside Mount St. Helens NVM (National Volcanic Monument). The trailhead, however, is located outside the NVM in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

June Lake is beautiful, surrounded by trees and lava fields with a 70-foot waterfall on the far side. We had hoped to get a view of Mount St. Helens, but were only able to get a glimpse of the mountain from along the trail. 

Being somewhat determined, we decided we needed to find a spot with a view of Mount St. Helens. So, we drove down forest road 83 and up forest road 81 to a spot where we were able to find a picnic spot with a great view of the mountain and some gnarly lava fields in the foreground 

View of Mt St Helens from forest road 81

Buddy Boy wading in June Lake

Wide angle view of June Lake 

Portland Waterfront Blues Festival

Pics & vids from the 36th annual Portland Waterfront Blues Festival July 2, 2023. Hard to believe the last time I went to the Portland Waterfront Blues Festival was 2010. The WFB Festival is a four-day annual event that first started in 1988 and is the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi River. This year included legendary Buddy Guy, Shemeka Copeland and one of my favorites, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats. Was a good day and thankfully, not too hot. Also got to use my somewhat new Insta360 camera and take some 360-degree photos and videos (links below).

Larry & me at the 36th annual WFB Festival

Portland WFB Festival (Click for 360 degree view)

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats - Video

Shemeka Copeland - Video