Questions: What do you do on your birthday? Answer: Hike Mt. Bachelor, of course.

For my wife’s birthday, we started our 4 hour car ride at 5am and arrived to the parking lot to sunny but snow-covered surroundings. There had just been a snorm storm a few days prior, so we were hiking through snow the entire time. Although it was cold, are movement and the sun kept us from getting too cold until we started to get towards the top, where the wind and altitude started to hurt a little. We had packed a thermos of hot chili, which we enjoyed towards the top. Most of the second half of the hike was improvised, as there was not trail to be found and we used AllTrails to try and help us stay on course the best we could. Because of the ski lifts and facilities, it felt less “in the middle of nature” than other hikes. This was a “con” for me. Typically, I enjoy hiking in snow, but when the trail is completely lost on you and the snow starts to get to you mid thighs at times, you start to wish for less snow. Like all hikes, it was still a great adventure and a birthday my wife won’t forget!