In 2017 the Hidden Lakes area of the central Pasayten was badly burned by fire. 3 days backpacking here made me realize there is immense beauty in devastation and that nature is extraordinarily resilient.
A trip report from a 3 day solo backpack of the Devil's Dome loop in the Pasayten. Devilishly steep? Absolutely, but full of heavenly ridgetop camps, North Cascades vistas, and surprising solitude.
Backpacking light(ly) is less about sacrificing and more about smart gear choices. Base weight? Meh, I care how heavy my pack is!
A wonderful 3 days spent backpacking the White Pass/Pilot Ridge loop in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. This one has it all: wildflowers, green meadows, alpine lakes, old-growth forests, and mountains for miles.
A look back at some of my biggest outdoor adventures of 2018, mostly to remote Washington State fire lookouts, and some funny fire lookout bagging stats along the way. What were your big 2018 accomplishments?
An incredible 30+ mile ultralight overnight to Miner's Ridge Lookout, deep in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. This was lookout #46 for me and I enjoyed not only surprising solitude, but one of the most fantastic mountain sunrises I've ever seen!
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.
And just like that, one of my biggest dreams was over. Hiking the John Muir Trail in 2015 just wasn't meant to be. All I can do now is remember the amazing 8 days I had on the trail. I met incredible people, saw gorgeous country, and had one of the best experiences of my life.
Over 4th of July weekend I headed to the Sierras with my dad, stepmom, and friend to get some backpacking miles AND some altitude training in preparation for this summer's 18-day backpack. And I bagged my 2nd 14er: Mount Langley!
I can't tell you how excited I am to have finally checked off my first solo backpacking adventure! It was a "beary" exciting weekend of wildlife encounters, hot spring soaking, and beautiful trails!
A trip report from a Memorial Day weekend exploring Stehekin and running part of the Lakeshore Trail along Lake Chelan. We're so lucky to have such an amazing place in our backyard!
Playing gear Tetris on a Friday night, sleeping in my Jeep with my dog during a rainstorm.. just your normal Labor Day weekend outing!