Kayla Magura's Blog

Welcome to My Hiking Journey

Hello fellow explorers! My name is Kayla, and I’m excited to welcome you to my new blog where I will be sharing hiking adventures throughout Oregon and beyond. As a University of Oregon student and lifelong Oregonian, I’ve created this space with the focus of empowering women and beginner hikers to explore the outdoors with confidence.

Why I Chose This Topic

My relationship with hiking has been one of both loss and rediscovery. Growing up, family hikes through the Columbia River Gorge were a regular part of my life and something I enjoyed but often took for granted. In 2023 I broke my ankle and suddenly lost the ability to move freely. Recovery gave me a new perspective– the ability to explore and immerse myself in nature is a gift and not a guarantee.

Once I was cleared to hike again, I set out to rediscover Oregon’s landscapes with fresh appreciation. Hiking quickly shifted from a casual hobby to a central part of my identity. Along the way, I noticed that there were never many solo female hikers like myself on the trails. I realized that many women hesitate to hike alone due to safety concerns, and many beginners feel intimidated by where to start. I realized I could help bridge that gap by sharing my own journey on this blog.

This blog is called “Type 2 Fun” because even though hiking is physically strenuous and takes an insane amount of mental strength to be able to push yourself, the reward is always worth it. Whether the reward is a waterfall, a breath-taking view or a cool rock formation, the journey is worth it for the end result.

What You Can Expect From This Blog

This blog is designed to be a welcoming resource for female solo hikers and beginners. Here’s what you’ll find:

• Trail Guides: Hidden gem hikes across Oregon, from the Columbia River Gorge to the Coast and Central Oregon
• Safety Resources: Practical safety tips tailored for women hiking solo
• Navigation Help: Easy tutorials for using AllTrails, reading trail markers, and understanding maps
• Gear Guides: Packing lists and clothing tips specifically for beginners and Pacific Northwest conditions

Nature’s healing power is backed by research: time spent outdoors has been shown to significantly improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost physical well-being (source: American Psychological Association)—something I’ve experienced firsthand.

Starting Your Adventure

Whether you’re recovering from a setback, venturing out solo for the first time, or simply curious about exploring Oregon’s incredible trails, I hope this blog becomes a resource and a community for you. Hiking isn’t about reaching the tallest peak but rather about reconnecting with nature and discovering your own resilience to overcome challenges.Thanks for joining me on this adventure. I can’t wait to explore the Pacific Northwest with everyone!