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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Soulful travel in Oregon

Soulful travel in Oregon

Born and raised in Oregon, I have a passion to help you find just the right connection to my home state. Whether that’s exploring the iconic rock stacks along the coast or climbing on ancient obsidian flows in Central Oregon, I’ve got new ideas for your discovery.

Distinct regions of Oregon

There is so much to experience in Oregon, it can sometimes be difficult to determine which way to go first. Or, perhaps those already living here are seeking new ways to explore, and see their home state?

I work to provide you with the option to get off the beaten path. My articles show you new ways to see the beautiful features of Oregon — even in the more traveled areas.

Oregon Coast

There isn’t anything quite like the wild Pacific Ocean coastline of Oregon. From hollowed-out lava tubes to sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, the varied landscape is sure to have something for everyone.

But beyond the rental houses and tourist shops selling shells and kites, there is a real soul to this land that can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

My growing collection of articles is designed to push you to look deeper under the surface and be rewarded with a whole new way to explore, and experience, this land.

Learn More
Central Oregon

The smell of pine and sage seem to surround any experience in this high desert region of the state. Enjoy an ancient geology geek out at the Painted Hills or hike through a pristine alpine lake district. This region centered around Bend is sure to surprise and delight.

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Eastern Oregon

The investment to drive long distances starts to pay off in the stunning Wallowa Mountains, or even more remote around the Steens. Find peace and quiet in this vast, yet understated part of the state.

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Portland area and Willamette Valley

My hometown and transportation hub for the state. There are so many excellent day-trip options within a few hours of the Rose City — in any direction.

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Columbia River Gorge

The majesty of the Columbia River, framed in by spectacular walls of basalt lava, pounded with erosion for thousands of years and then sprinkled with rich forest vegetation presents an amazing encounter with Mother Earth.

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Matthew Kessi leans against an old growth sitka spruce tree on the Oregon Coast at Oswald West State Park. He's wearing black raingear head to toe that appears very wet, with a striped colored hat. There are roots from another smaller tree and green fir branches hanging down into the shot.

How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Matthew
January 4, 2023

Oregon Coast icon near Cannon Beach. My personal guide to quick, intermediate, and all-day hikes. Includes old-growth, creeks, beach, cliff views, and nature’s magic.

Continue Reading How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Waves crash along the path on a famous Oregon Coast Hike at Shore Acres State Park. The sky is a swirl of gray and blue and the water foamy as it crashes on the rock formations.

10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

Matthew
November 2, 2022

The ten best Oregon Coast hikes to balance time with the spirits of nature. All my local knowledge, includes videos, interactive maps, and photos.

Continue Reading 10 Oregon Coast hikes to reclaim the soul

The Frenchglen hotel lights up the night with several windows shining bright as the stars in the sky above push out their light too. There are many cars parked in the front of the hotel, which is hidden under the brushy popular and cottonwood trees.

25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

Matthew
October 19, 2022

I’ve done the work for you — locating and vetting 25 hidden Oregon and Washington hotels won’t appear in usual online searches of places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.

Continue Reading 25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay

View from the summit of Wallowa Lake Tramway. The blue lake is in the background with the rolling farmland of Joseph in the background. There are two white gondolas gliding on black cables.

Wallowa Lake Tramway — Eagle Cap Wilderness magic

Matthew
August 24, 2022

Experience the thrilling 3,700 ft ride in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Eastern Oregon — near Joseph, Oregon. All you need to know about Wallowa Lake Tramway.

Continue Reading Wallowa Lake Tramway — Eagle Cap Wilderness magic

Beautiful Wallowa Lake with deep blue water and rising mountain peaks in the background.

Wallowa Lake Lodge — a good night’s sleep in Eastern Oregon’s alpine wilderness

Matthew
August 10, 2022

Enjoy the pristine nature of the Joseph, Oregon area while staying at historic Wallowa Lake Lodge — interactive map, photos, and more…

Continue Reading Wallowa Lake Lodge — a good night’s sleep in Eastern Oregon’s alpine wilderness

The iconic lamp post on the Seaside Promenade is made of yellow painted concrete with a black casing for the light fixture. The sky is bright blue and just a faint line of surf from the ocean can be seen banging onto the beach.

My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon

Matthew
April 20, 2022

My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon, including an interactive map for eating, drinking, and wandering along the Oregon Coast.

Continue Reading My favorite things to do in Seaside, Oregon

A sweeping view of Pacific City, one of the best Oregon Coast Towns for wide sandy beaches and peace and quiet.

The best Oregon Coast towns to visit

Matthew
March 27, 2022

My list of the best Oregon Coast Towns to visit in each of 10 different categories — beaches, scenery, things to do. Includes an excellent interactive map.

Continue Reading The best Oregon Coast towns to visit

Chetco Point Park is a great thing to do in Brookings Oregon. Waves roll into shore with bright white caps, smothering over an open sandy beach while blue skies float above this scene.

My 10 favorite things to do in Brookings, Oregon

Matthew
February 4, 2022

Seafood, beaches, redwoods, whale watching: fun things to do in Brookings, Oregon. Includes an interactive map of the Southern Oregon Coast.

Continue Reading My 10 favorite things to do in Brookings, Oregon

A giant redwood tree in a forest along the Oregon Coast rises high up into the sky. Spindly branches pop out before rich green foliage fills in the canopy. The bark of the tree is weathered black texture.

How to connect your heart to the Redwoods in Oregon

Matthew
February 4, 2022

Two fantastic hikes among the Oregon Coast redwoods will have your heart singing in no time. All the details are here, including an interactive map.

Continue Reading How to connect your heart to the Redwoods in Oregon

The St. Johns Bridge rises up toward Forest Park in Portland. There are a few cars coming and going.

Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

Matthew
December 8, 2021

Tired of the slog between Portland and Seattle on I5? First time in the Pacific Northwest and wanting to see sights along the drive? Check out this list of fun local detours along the route between these two largest cities of Oregon and Washington State.

Continue Reading Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique

Oregon Coast scene featuring Heceta Head Lighthouse and the nearby Bed and Breakfast with layers of surf floating in and pounding on the rocks. The mountains rise up, covered in evergreen trees.

Overnight at Heceta Head Lighthouse — a favorite Oregon Coast experience

Matthew
October 27, 2021

Beaches, hiking, sunsets, views, Bed & Breakfast, maps +++ Follow my soul-nourishing Oregon Coast experience at Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Continue Reading Overnight at Heceta Head Lighthouse — a favorite Oregon Coast experience

Yachats Oregon beach at low tide. There are hundreds of seagulls sitting on the beach with water creating a reflection while other waves lightly crash on the beach. In the background are beach homes of different colors and twisted spruce trees.

Yachats, Oregon Coastal dreaming

Matthew
October 24, 2021

Quick information to help you experience the wild beauty of the Oregon Coast off the grid in Yachats, Oregon. Includes map.

Continue Reading Yachats, Oregon Coastal dreaming

Matthew Kessi poses for a photo at the overlook to the Blue Basin in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The canyons are a variety of blue and green colors and continue up to grass covered slopes leading to pointed peaks. There are endless canyons in the background that flow to partly cloudy skies. Matthew is wearing a red shirt and green shorts and a backpack and blue hat. He looks sweaty, as if he is hiking.

John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

Matthew
August 4, 2021

Road trip adventure, including an interactive map and downloadable checklists, to inspire the best 3-day drive through the famous John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Continue Reading John Day Fossil Beds — the best 3-day drive itinerary

A barn near Joseph, Oregon sits on green grassland just in front of the Wallowa Mountains in Eastern Oregon. There are cattle grazing and wood posts create the fencing.

Journey to Joseph, Oregon — spirit of the Wallowa Mountains

Matthew
June 16, 2021

Information, interactive map and photos, with inspiring things to do in Joseph, Oregon — deep in the heart of the Wallowa Mountains.

Continue Reading Journey to Joseph, Oregon — spirit of the Wallowa Mountains

Secret Beach along the Southern Oregon Coast is mystical in the waning sunset glow. The sky is a mixture of yellow and orange and purple and a man stands on the smooth sandy beach looking at the light waves foaming as they hit the shore.

The statuesque Oregon Coast. Or… 363 miles of soulful senses.

There isn’t anything quite like the wild Pacific Ocean coastline of Oregon. From hollowed-out lava tubes to sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, the varied landscape is sure to have something for everyone.

But beyond the rental houses and tourist shops selling shells and kites, there is a real soul to this land that can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

My growing collection of articles is designed to push you to look deeper under the surface and be rewarded with a whole new way to explore, and experience, this land.

oregon coast articles

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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