I Hope We Hike Together Forever: Watching My Son Discover Nature

Life through his eyes: A Hike with my 4 year old son

As we began our hike and started our descent onto the trail, my son gasped and exclaimed, “It’s so beautiful!”

And it truly was.

We were at Rainie Falls in Southern Oregon—a trail that’s woven through the story of our little family. My partner and I have walked it countless times: together, separately, and even while I was pregnant with our son. It’s one of those places that feels like an old friend—familiar, grounding, and full of memories.

We don’t hike all that often. When we do, it’s usually something short—just long enough to explore a little and get some exercise. There’s a small trail system near home that we loop through now and then. Nothing too intense. Nothing too far. But it’s enough to step outside, stretch our legs, and share a small adventure together.

Lately, though, something’s shifting. My son is getting older, and with that age has come a deeper kind of curiosity. He doesn’t just walk beside me anymore.

Instead, he notices -and stops to point out moss on tree trunks . Every five seconds I hear, “Look what I found!”

He crouches to inspect rocks and bugs, holds up crumpled leaves like treasure, and beams when a wildflower catches his eye. “Look at this pretty flower,” he says, voice soft with wonder.

Every time, I feel myself slowing down, too—seeing the old, familiar trail through brand-new eyes.

Rainie Falls was our first longer, more rugged hike together. The narrow canyon paths and the river roaring below nudged us out of our comfort zone, but they also handed us something unforgettable. Not just a view—a memory. A full-circle kind of moment.

I hope we hike together forever.

Even if it’s only once in a while. Even if the trails stay short. I hope he always finds magic in trees and moss and tiny blooms. I hope I can keep pace as his legs grow longer and his questions grow bigger. And I hope—no matter how much time passes—he never stops pausing to notice how beautiful the world can be.

Because there’s so much of it out there.

And walking beside him, I get to see it all again, too.