Regarding your question about sourdough starter maintenance, I keep mine at room temperature and feed it daily with equal parts flour and water. Discard half before each feeding to keep it manageable. The consistency should be like thick pancake batter after mixing. If you see a gray liquid layer on top, that is hooch and it means your starter needs feeding. Just stir it back in or pour it off. I use a glass jar with a loose lid so gases can escape. A rubber band at the starter level helps me track rise. When it doubles within four to six hours after feeding, it is ready to bake with. Flavor improves with longer fermentation between feedings. Refrigerating works for weekly bakers. Take it out a day before baking, feed it, and let it warm up. Consistency with feeding times is the most important factor for a healthy starter.

The type of flour you use also affects the flavor and activity. Whole wheat or rye flour gives a more robust flavor and ferments faster than all purpose flour. I like to use a blend of half whole wheat and half all purpose for a balanced result. The water temperature matters too. Room temperature filtered water works best since chlorine can inhibit fermentation. If your tap water is heavily treated, let it sit out for an hour before using. Your starter will tell you what it needs through its smell and activity level. A healthy starter smells pleasantly tangy and yeasty, not like acetone or nail polish remover.
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About the hiking trail recommendation you asked about, Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge is my top choice. It follows a river with several waterfalls and the first two miles are relatively flat. Tunnel Falls has a path carved behind the waterfall which is unique. The trail continues another four miles beyond for a longer day hike. Spring is muddy but waterfalls peak then. Summer gets crowded so arrive before 8am for parking. I carry two liters of water and a filter for creek refills. Bug spray is essential in warmer months near the water. Trekking poles help with steep sections and stream crossings. The trail is well maintained but some edges are exposed near drop offs. Fall colors along the canyon are spectacular in October. Winter hiking is doable with microspikes on icy sections. Overall it is a rewarding trail with varied scenery throughout.

Another option I mentioned to my friend is the Silver Falls State Park trail in Oregon. It has ten waterfalls along a loop that is about eight miles total. You can hike behind four of the falls which makes for great photos and a cool experience on warm days. The trail is well marked with signs at each junction and has restrooms at the main parking area. I recommend going on a weekday if you can because weekends draw large crowds. The path is mostly dirt with some paved sections near the lodge. There is a small fee to enter the park but it is well worth it. The canyon stays shaded in the afternoon so a light jacket is helpful even in summer. I have done this loop three times now and each visit feels different depending on the season and light conditions.