If you’re looking for an easy Washington hike, I highly recommend checking out Moulton Falls Trails in Washington. This hike is just an hour away from Portland and the clear East Fork Lewis river and cascading waterfalls spotlight some of the prettiest features of the Pacific Northwest. The trail here is wide and flat, so it’s a perfect hike to bring your kids or dogs. It’s also wheelchair accessible, as the trail starts out paved. It does turn to gravel, though, so keep that in mind. Moulton Falls itself is more of a rocky cascade of water and not a towering waterfall, but it’s still makes for a beautiful hike.…

Byodo-In Temple lies at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park in Honolulu, Hawaii. This nondenominational Buddhist temple was built in 1968 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Temple is a beautiful replica of the 950 year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. It is one of the most tranquil and peaceful spots on the island of Oahu. This incredible structure was built without any nails, and the grounds themselves are a lush paradise filled with koi carp and wild peacocks. The large reflecting pond provides stunning views which took my breath away. The essence of being alive seems…