This beautiful Hawaiian proverb reminds us that no hill is too high when you are willing to climb it.
Standing on the islands, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and volcanic peaks, it’s easy to see how this wisdom was born. Every mountain looks intimidating from the bottom. The path isn’t always clear, and sometimes the climb feels slow and exhausting.
But step by step, the summit gets closer.
This proverb isn’t just about physical mountains. It speaks to the challenges we face in everyday life, raising families, pursuing dreams, healing from hard seasons, or trusting God in uncertain moments.
What once looked impossible becomes reachable when we keep moving forward.
For our family, adventure has taught us this truth again and again. The hardest hikes often lead to the most breathtaking views. The same is true in life: perseverance reveals beauty we would never see if we stopped at the base of the mountain.
So wherever you are today, remember this Hawaiian wisdom:
No mountain is too high when you’re willing to take the next step.
Check out a few of the beautiful hikes we did in Oahu where this was a great reminder ✨
Climbing Koko Head Crater Trail .. looking back down as we were climbing
We planned several hikes during our trip to Hawaii and knew the Koko Head Crater Trail hike was one we wanted to challenge ourselves with as a family . It’s also known as the Koko Stairs of Doom or Pu’u Mai Stairs .
First glimpse of the trail and we could see dots for people ! Warning!
Even before we reached the trailhead, we knew this hike was going to be something different. It was already busy, and as we looked up, we could see tiny people scattered along the ridge….like little specks climbing straight into the sky. But nothing quite prepared us for that moment when we were standing at the very bottom and looked up.
It felt… intense.
We started out by praying for strength and thanking God for allowing us to be there and that this was a “get to” for our family . We then started the only way we could …one step at a time.
Starting the trail Continuing to climb
The steps are no joke! They are about 12 to 15 inches high and about that in width as well and because the trail follows an old railway trestle, the footing is uneven. Some steps were solid beams, others required stepping between them, and in places, the dirt was worn away completely. It would be so easy to twist an ankle or slip if you’re not paying attention, so we did our best to stay focused.
Every now and then though,we found a rhythm stepping beam to beam, and those moments felt like a huge win .
One of the most encouraging parts? The people. You see everyone on this trail…families, athletes, locals. One guy passed us multiple times, clearly training up and down the mountain. We heard later that many locals actually use this as a weekly workout and honestly, if this were in our backyard, we would too.
During our hike, we experienced a little bit of everything … rain, sun, then rain again. It was wild. Definitely come prepared for changing weather.One thing to definitely be ready for: there is zero shade except for the occasional bush you can step to side to try to get shade so sunscreen,hat ,cooling towel and sunglasses are must!
We had also heard about the “bypass” section of the trail. It is a part where the track is open underneath, and you definitely don’t want to fall through. I hadn’t been able to find good pictures beforehand, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thankfully, it’s a short scramble around the exposed section and much safer than trying to cross the broken trestle.Especially with little ones.
Bypass Section This is what the bypass looks like so a short scramble around
As we climbed , we cheered each other on, and even encouraged others along the way. One of my favorite things about hiking is sharing the struggle with others on the trail .
To keep things fun, we started counting steps. Hitting 500 felt like a victory. Then 700. Around 750 is where the final climb really kicks in and it’s steep. There were sections where we were on all fours, just pulling ourselves up. Check out the picture below ⬇️
My youngest waited off to the side for that part , I honestly don’t know how she would have managed it safely, especially coming back down or maybe I should say how I would have managed it watching her try to go back down! It was steep!
After all the hard work we were so excited to see the neon green bunker and push to the top …So thankful we had made it to the top!!
Seeing our first glimpse of the bunkerWe made it!! You can go a little more around the top by continuing the stairs First views! So sweaty but so worth it!! Praise be to God!
The view was absolutely breathtaking. I soaked in that moment and praised God …grateful for the strength to get there and the chance to take it all in.
Taking in the beauty
We took turns going up since part of our family had stayed behind with our littlest, and once everyone had their moment at the top, we were ready to head down.
And let me just say…
Going down was no easier.It was slow and careful. At times it felt like one wrong step and you could tumble forward. In some sections, turning around and climbing down on all fours was the safest option and plenty of people were doing the same .
Heading back down
Eventually, the trail leveled out, and we made our way back down. It felt like we had been out there all day but in reality, we clocked just over two hours.
Looking back at what we just did!!! Wow!!
And every single step?
Worth it.
What You Should Know Before Hiking Koko Head
📍 Location & Parking
The trailhead is located inside Koko Head District Park.
Parking: Free lot available at the park Restrooms: Available near the parking area Tip: Arrive early …this is a very popular hike and fills up quickly
🕒 Hours & Best Time to Go
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset but keep in mind there are no lights on the trail, so hiking in the dark isn’t recommended.
Best time to hike:
Early morning (before 9 AM) for cooler temps Late afternoon for golden hour views (but plan enough time to get down before dark)
🪜 Trail Details
Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: ~1,200 feet Stairs: Approximately 1,048 steps
These aren’t normal stairs…they’re old railway ties, which makes footing uneven and part of what makes this hike so challenging.
⚠️ Safety Tips
No shade … bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat
Wear sturdy shoes (not flip flops!)
Watch your footing …uneven steps and loose areas
Use the bypass trail at the broken trestle section (especially with kids) See the pic in our post .
Take your time going down…it can be just as hard as going up
📖 A Little History
What makes this hike even more interesting is its past and one of the reasons we really wanted to do this hike. Hike + History = Win!!!!
The stairs you’re climbing were originally built during World War II. The railway was used by the U.S. military to transport supplies up to a military radar site at the top of Koko Head.
After the war, the track fell into disrepair .In a partnership between the the city and Kokonut Koalition ,a volunteer group dedicated to protecting and preserving the Koko Crater stairs ,there has been work done to restore and protect this piece of history . It has since become one of Oahu’s most iconic hikes.
Today, those old railroad ties have turned into the “stairs” that challenge thousands of hikers each year.
❤️ Why It’s Worth It
It’s the kind of experience that pushes you, slows you down, and brings your family together in the best way. Between the challenge, the people you meet along the way, and the incredible views at the top and being steeped in history , it’s something you won’t forget.
We headed straight to Snoqualmie Falls Brewery for some much-needed refueling after our hike . One of our favorite things at the time of our visit, was the beer flight they offered—brews named after popular local mountains that were part of our hiking goals.How cool is that!
Looking back now, it feels extra special. By God’s grace, we’ve since tackled Mailbox Peak, Haystack (at least partially!), and Mount Si. Which means… I think it’s officially time for another trip back to celebrate again.
There’s just something fun about ending a hike with good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a shared moment to reflect on what your body just accomplished. Enjoying an incredible dinner here felt like the perfect way to close out the day.
If you’re in the Snoqualmie area and spending time on the trails, this spot is absolutely worth adding to your list.
Looking for a beautiful place to stay in the area? Check out our favorite place to stay in the area and our full review ⬇️
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent ,a season in the Christian calendar that invites us into reflection, repentance, and remembering our need for God.
I didn’t grow up observing Ash Wednesday. In fact, I never even heard much about it. But as I’ve grown older in my faith, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what this season represents ,especially the practice of lament.
One of my new favorite resources this past year has been The Worship Initiative. A friend shared it with me, and recently they’ve been doing a series on lament. In one episode,Mark Vroegop (author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy) shared a powerful definition:
“Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.”
Pause on that for a moment.
A prayer.
In pain.
That leads to trust.
Not a denial of pain.
Not pretending everything is fine.
Not rushing to a quick spiritual answer.
Lament gives us language for the hard things ,the unanswered questions, the disappointments, the grief, the confusion. It teaches us that we can bring all of it to God.
Psalm 13: A Pattern for Lament
In the Book of Psalms chapter 13, David begins with raw honesty:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
He asks questions.
He expresses sorrow.
He feels forgotten.
But the psalm doesn’t end there.
It ends in trust:
“But I trust in your unfailing love…”
That’s the movement of lament.
From pain → to prayer → to trust.
Not because circumstances changed instantly.
But because the heart turned toward God.
Why Lament Matters
Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust. That we are fragile. That we are not in control.
And lament gives us permission to bring that fragility to God.
We don’t have to only pray polished prayers.
We don’t have to only thank Him when things are good.
We can say, “How long?”
We can say, “I don’t understand.”
We can say, “This hurts.”
And still — we can trust.
Check out The Worship Initiative on the link below and go to Monday 16 to hear this beautiful psalm in song form. It’s one of my new favorites ✨
Snowshoeing at Crystal Mountain was quite the adventure for our family. We arrived early and found parking in the lot where the snowshoe routes start which was a huge blessing!
We geared up and then headed toward the Bullion Basin snowshoe route. We decided to do the Blue Bell Loop since it was our first time snowshoeing this area.
As we climbed higher, the views began peeking out everywhere. Openings in the trees revealed layers of snow-covered ridgelines, and on clear days you can catch breathtaking glimpses of Mount Rainier rising in the distance like we did …amazing!!Each clearing felt like a reward for the work it took to get there.
Bullion Basin isn’t a flat winter stroll. It’s a steady uphill climb that definitely gets your heart rate up. But that’s part of what made it feel like an accomplishment. The higher we climbed, the better the views became.
Near the top, parts of the route connected with ski terrain, so the trail became shared with skiers descending. Staying alert added a layer of awareness that kept us moving and paying attention.
And then came the descent.
It was steep — especially with packed snow underfoot. We took our time, used trekking poles, encouraged each other, and carefully made our way down. Snowshoeing downhill can sometimes feel trickier than the climb up, but slow and steady wins.I switched to my spikes and was much more confident going down.
By the time we reached the bottom, our legs were tired, our cheeks were cold, and we were ready for a warm cup of Cocoa and /or Coffee.
Crystal Mountain operates a reservation-based parking system during peak winter season (especially weekends and holidays).
Parking fees typically range from $10–$40 depending on demand and lot location.
Carpool vehicles (4+ people) may qualify for free parking in select lots.
Reservations should be made online in advance.
Arriving early is highly recommended.
What to Bring
Snowshoes
Trekking poles (very helpful for descent)
Waterproof layers
Warm gloves and hat
Snacks and water
Microspikes for icy conditions or for descending
Winter adventures like this stretch everyone — physically and mentally — but they also build confidence and shared memories that last long after the snow melts.
If you’re looking for a Washington winter adventure that feels both challenging and rewarding, Bullion Basin at Crystal Mountain is absolutely worth adding to your list.
October in Washington State is one of the most beautiful seasons and the perfect time to visit .
Look at all the beautiful fall colors that are so vibrant and welcoming🍁
Heading up to Heather Pass
The Golden Larches were on full display and we were lucky enough to catch them..they turn the bright golden color for such a short time before they lose their needles .It was interesting to touch them .. they were so soft .
Look closely you will see a beautifully hidden lake (Lewis Lake ) just past the larches .. thanks to my friend who spotted it! Viewpoint at Heather Pass
We also talked with another hiker .. Keith from Ohio who recommended a short trail off of the Maple Pass Loop …the Wing Lake Trail ..where he captured the most beautiful hike through the larches .
The weather in the North Cascades is a little of everything …sunshine,rain and even some snow and the mountains are basking in the final streams of sunshine as they prepare to welcome winter.
Heading to Maple Pass
We experienced all their weather including the snow and enjoyed all the beauty of fall. The pics look so unreal but the actual views were so much better! The camera never captures the full experience .So thankful to be able to experience all this beauty! . “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalms 113:3 NIV
Descending Maple Pass is so beautiful! You see the path as it zigzags along the mountainside and everywhere you look you see mountains. If you look closely you will see other hikers who look like little specks .
Look to the left of the picture .. do you see the path through the trees? We hiked all the way around and could see the other side from where we were.. so cool! That zigzag is our path down
Views of Rainy Lake as we were descending back to where we parked.
Here are our stats⬇️
📍Maple Pass Loop
🧭 Winthrop, Wa
🥾 6.5 miles RT ( we came in at 7.9 miles)
🏔️ 2162 ft elevation gain ( we gained 2254 )
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
The Larches in all their beauty this past week at Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascade Mountains was such a blessing to experience. So thankful we were able to catch them during this magical transformation.
Maple Pass Loop also connects to Rainy Pass with the PCT Trail and we had the privilege of catching up with one of the PCT hikers,Daniel and his dad who was there to provide refueling snacks for those on the trail. Daniel started hiking in April from Mexico and had it had been 179 days since starting and he had just a few more to finish the PCT ! So impressive! He looked great and by the time we finished the hike he was already on the trail again but his dad was still there to cheer on the PCT hikers and us! What a nice guy! You can follow all his adventures on his YouTube channel I linked below ⬇️
Kamiak Butte Trail is a beautiful trail tucked into the rolling Palouse farmland and comes with some great view points that is near Pullman ,Wa.
It was the perfect trail to stretch our legs after a long drive and take in the beauty of the area. I love that the landscape is so differant there . It reminds me of parts of Texas with its rolling fields that look like a quilt of patched farmland everywhere you look.
There is also a beautiful park with playground by the parking lot if you are looking to have a picnic with views and want to skip the hike.
Here are the stats ⬇️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍Kamiak Butte Trail 🧭 Palouse , Wa 🥾 2.5miles RT ( we came in at 2.57) 🏔️ 715ft elevation gain ( we gained 704) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lake 22 was one of the most beautiful hikes we did in 2024 . The pics don’t even begin to do it justice or show just how huge the rocks are…Amazing!
Stairs This log was huge!
This trail was not at all what I expected. With the elevation being under 2000 gained I was thinking easy but it was not. It was a great workout and the views were stunning! It was rocky which I wasn’t expecting and had some bouldering . Definitely one of my top favs!
Huge boulders Look at how little these hikers look on one of the many rocks Lake 22Huge bouldersOther less traveled side of Lake 22Best view!
The stats for this trail are ⬇️
📍 Lake 22 Trail
🧭 Granite Falls, Wa
🥾 5.9 miles RT ( we came in at 8.38)
🏔️ 1446 ft elevation gain ( we gained 1526ft)
⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
Trail to walk around Lake 22View on the opposite side of Lake 22
We were able to finally make it to Hurricane Ridge ✨The trail has eluded us for a few trips due to closures. The drive up was beautiful .The parking lot was quickly filling so once we parked , we geared up and set out on the trail . There were already several groups of snowshoers on the trail so plan to go early .
The trail was absolutely beautiful! Trees covered in snow and really perfect conditions when we started. After we let the more popular turnaround point to continue to the summit , the snow became softer and was harder to navigate with just spikes so we changed to snowshoes.The snow became less packed and even with snowshoes there was still some post holeing making it difficult to climb . The path was also getting hard to see because the snow was covering tracks and even with navigation it was difficult. With white out conditions, we turned around about 1/2 mile from summit . Sometimes knowing when to turn around is one of the hardest decisions when you are so close .
Trail Stats ⬇️ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📍 Hurricane Ridge 🧭 Deming , Wa 🥾 3.4 miles RT ( we came in at 4.58 ) 🏔️ 826 ft elevation gain ( we gained 758 ) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
Hurricane Ridge is in avalanche terrain, so it is best to check the NWAC avalanche forecast before venturing out (updated every night at 6pm).
Check out our Snowshoe at Artist Point ~ Mt. Baker ⬇️
Elevation Hike that makes you work for it! Mt Peak in Enumclaw has two routes .. Long and steady or short and steep . We took the short and steep on this trip .
Once we made it to the top , we enjoyed a break in the beautiful Fire Lookout and snapped some pics. It took us just about 2 hours round trip . Below are our stats⬇️
📍Pinnacle Peak Park via Cal Magnusson Trail 🧭 Enumclaw, WA 🥾 2.7miles RT ( we came in at 2.5) 🏔️ 1299 ft elevation gain ( we gained 1004) ⭐️ Stats based on AllTrails and Apple
