TrailChick

Larches and Lookouts: Funk, Bonaparte, Steliko and More

Okanogan County in Washington State has incredible history and the highest concentration of remaining Washington State Lookouts, which makes it a spectacular destination for geeks like me! Here's a trip report from a recent October larches and lookouts road trip.

Essays

Conquering Fear: Sea Kayaking the San Juans

All of us have fears, yet living in fear keeps us from truly living. Since my childhood I've been terrified of the water and it's taken me over 30 years to finally defeat it. Recently I was able to fulfill a dream to sea kayak to the beautiful San Juan Islands, which is proof that all of us can conquer our fears!!

Essays

When Your Best Adventure Buddy Grows Old

11 years ago I walked into an animal shelter and came home with Crazy Jake dog. In the years since he's become my peakbagging partner, camping companion, and road trip co-pilot. I can't think of a single memory without him! Here's the story of Jake dog and how to cope when your best adventure buddy grows old.

Essays

What I Learned From a Weekend of Silence

Last summer I did something completely crazy: I spent 3 days at a silent yoga/meditation retreat. What I thought would be my worst idea ever actually became my best. I learned a lot about myself, rebooted my brain, sharpened my senses, and experienced first-hand how powerful the mind can really be.

Backpacking Peakbagging

Peakbagging the Pasayten: Rock, Armstrong, Horseshoe and Pick

Rich with history, The Pasayten Wilderness in Washington State spans 531,000 acres, skirts more than 50 miles of the Canadian border, and is one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous US. Horseshoe Basin in its northeastern corner is a high alpine tundra-like environment unlike anything else in the state. It's been on my list to explore for far too long. Last weekend I finally ventured there and left in awe of its landscape, solitude, and wildness.

Essays

An Inside Look at King County Search and Rescue

I think it's easy for most of us to support our local search and rescue teams, but it's tough to grasp the level of effort required for a rescue. Some friends and I played mock victims for a large avalanche training exercise and witnessed firsthand the amazing skills and dedication of search and rescue volunteers.

Fire Lookout Journal

Larches and Lookouts

A trip report from a few days of fall fire lookout bagging in the beautiful Okanogan County, including a visit to one of my favorite Washington State fire lookouts.

Fire Lookout Journal

Kayak Camping Ross Lake in a Smokepocalypse

Sometimes the most memorable adventures are the biggest disasters, aren't they? The story of kayak camping in a Mad Max-like apocalypse of wildfire smoke...

Travel

Trail Running Sedona

Need a sunny vacation, especially in the midst of a PNW winter? Pack your sunscreen and running shoes and book a flight to sunny Sedona, Arizona! A long weekend amongst its magical red rocks will leave you rebalanced, recharged, and reenergized.

Peakbagging

Completing Southern California’s 3 Peak Challenge

Back in July I headed to Southern California to climb its 3 tallest peaks in 3 days as part of Adventure 16's 3 Peak Challenge. Who was crazy enough to join me? My folks of course! It turned out to be an amazing weekend and a reminder that staying active is the best medicine of all!

Travel

Washington State Hot Springs

Hot springs have been used as a natural medicine for centuries and are rich in minerals that increase blood flow and circulation. If you're looking for a fun adventure and a little warmth, soak your way to better health by visiting one of Washington’s natural hot springs. These three springs offer a little something for everyone and have an incredible history.

Peakbagging

Day Hiking Mount Whitney

Disappointment over my failed JMT attempt was replaced by excitement when I somehow lucked into Whitney day hike permits AND clearing smoke conditions. Standing on top of the Whitney summit at 14,505' with my dad and stepmom right next to me was proof that life rarely unfolds exactly as planned.

Returning to First Butte

Traversing the Golden Stairway: Starvation to Old Baldy

Kayak Camping Ross Lake in a Smokepocalypse

My dad, my outdoor hero!

Trail Angels are Real

Finding Community at the Altai Skis Backcountry Festival

An Off-Grid Airstream Winter

Investing in Energy Independence

Off-Grid Lessons: When Winter Says “Nope!”

Larches and Lookouts: Funk, Bonaparte, Steliko and More

Conquering Fear: Sea Kayaking the San Juans

When Your Best Adventure Buddy Grows Old

What I Learned From a Weekend of Silence

Peakbagging the Pasayten: Rock, Armstrong, Horseshoe and Pick

An Inside Look at King County Search and Rescue

Larches and Lookouts

Kayak Camping Ross Lake in a Smokepocalypse

Trail Running Sedona

Completing Southern California’s 3 Peak Challenge

Washington State Hot Springs

Day Hiking Mount Whitney

Backpacking the White Pass/Pilot Ridge Loop in the Glacier Peak Wilderness

Backpacking to Heaven on the Devils Dome Loop

Washington State Hot Springs

Hiking Beehive Basin—With a Surprise

Hiking the Grand Canyon’s Rim to River and Back in a Day

Washington State Hiking and Mountaineering Challenges