Hiking Information
Spring Backpacking the Enchantments: Snow Lakes Trail to the Core
If you’re planning an early season Enchantments backpacking trip, this post shares real trail conditions and trip details from our hike in mid-May. Includes Snow Lakes Trail mileage, elevation gain, snow and ice conditions, key landmarks, mountain goat sightings, gear used, and what the Core Zone looked like in spring near Leavenworth, Washington.
Read MoreMoose Lake and Moose Peak | Backpacking in Olympic National Park
If you’re looking for a stunning backcountry adventure in Olympic National Park, the Moose Lake & Moose Peak backpacking loop should be at the top of your list. This trail blends scenic ridgeline walks, fun rock scrambles, and striking turquoise alpine lakes—so unbelievably gorgeous that your friends might think your photos are AI-generated. Along the…
Read MoreRoyal Basin & Royal Lake Backpacking In Olympic National Park
If you’re dreaming of an alpine backpacking trip filled with turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows, and jaw-dropping mountain views, the Royal Basin Trail in Olympic National Park deserves a top spot on your list. This incredible route winds through lush old-growth forest, past cascading waterfalls, and leads you deep into one of the most breathtaking alpine…
Read MoreMelakwa Lake, WA | One of the Best Hikes Near Snoqualmie Pass
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day hike that is a bit of a challenge near Snoqualmie Pass, look no further than Melakwa Lake. Tucked away in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this trail delivers a little bit of everything: lush vegetation, sweeping views of the valley below, forests, gorgeous rivers and waterfalls, a natural rock…
Read MoreWashington Hikes with Lakes: Don’t Miss Heather Lake
If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike with lush forest vibes, giant trees, and a peaceful alpine lake at the end, Heather Lake is an awesome choice. Tucked into the slopes of Mount Pilchuck off the Mountain Loop Highway, this 4.7-mile round-trip trail delivers a little bit of everything: waterfalls, wildflowers, old-growth trees,…
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About the KAILAS Hurricane Hiking Backpack
When it comes to outdoor adventures, choosing the right backpack can make or break your experience. Whether you’re heading out for a short day hike, or need a good backpack to take with you to the airport on your next adventure, comfort, durability, and organization are key factors to consider. That’s why I decided to…
Read MoreMount Rainier in One Day: Best Hikes and Scenic Stops for a Day Trip
Mount Rainier National Park is absolutely stunning with its many breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful meadows of wildflowers, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This gem in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. This magnificent place can be visited over and over again and explore new trails each time. But if you are planning a one-day trip and see the best sites that you can in a limited window I have created a one-day itinerary to make it easy to have an amazing day packed with many of the must-see spots and hikes.
Read MoreHiking the Diamond Head Summit Trail on Oahu, Hawaii
When visiting Oahu, Hawaii, one of the top ten things to do is to hike up to the summit of the Diamond Head (Lē‘ahi) Crater to see sweeping views of Waikiki and the surrounding sparkling blue coastline. The trail is 1.6 miles round trip, which can be completed in about 2 hours with a 560 ft. elevation gain. A historic military bunker, built in 1910, sits at the top and has an observation platform where you can take breathtaking pictures and see a navigational lighthouse below.
Read MoreLake 22: Great Early Season Hiking In Washington State
Looking to experience the beauty of Lake 22 without the crowds? For a quieter trek, consider exploring Lake 22 early in the season. Although you won’t have the trail entirely to yourself, an off-season hike is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty. April and May are ideal times, as the trail is less crowded compared to peak summer months. Covering 5.4 miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,350 feet, this hike is perfect to explore before the busiest season hits.
Read MoreAdventure Essentials: KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket Review
Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket through a detailed gear review. Huge thanks to the amazing team at KÜHL for providing me with this waterproof jacket to put to the test on my adventures. Whether I was snowboarding, hiking, or snowshoeing in the beautiful landscapes of Washington State, this jacket has been by my side through it all, from snowy peaks to lush forests. After thoroughly testing it out, I’m eager to share my insights and adventures with all of you.
Read MoreGear Spotlight: KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Today, I’m excited to shine the spotlight on the KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket with an in-depth gear review. I’ve taken this jacket on lots of hiking and snowshoeing escapades in Olympic National Park, and the Cascades of Washington State. I’ve even taken it on several snowboarding trips using the jacket as my mid-layer this past snowboarding season. Now that I’ve really given the Spyfire Jacket a workout, I can’t wait to share my thoughts and experiences with you.
Read MoreStay Warm in Style: A Comprehensive Review of the Venustas Women’s Heated FELLEX® Hooded Puffer Jacket 7.4V
When Venustas asked if I was interested in testing their heated jacket, I was like, “Heck yeah!” I mean, who wouldn’t be curious about how a heated jacket works? So, naturally, I jumped at the chance! So, for a while now, I’ve been putting the Venustas Women’s Heated FELLEX® Hooded Puffer Jacket 7.4V to the test. It’s been my go-to jacket for everything from brisk morning strolls to rugged hikes, camping trips, snowshoeing treks, and even a bit of snowboarding fun. Over the past few weeks, I’ve really given this jacket a workout. It’s been with me through chilly mornings, challenging trails, and breathtaking mountain views, from Mt. Rainier National Park to Olympic National Park and the Cascades. Now that I’ve had the chance to really test out this heated Jacket, I’m eager to share my honest thoughts and experiences with you.
Read MoreWater-to-Go: The Ultimate Adventure Water Purifier Bottle
If you are a hiker, backpacker, or traveler the last thing you want is to get sick while out on your adventure from bacteria or a parasite in your drinking water. Having a reliable way to filter your water while traveling in different countries or while out on the trail is a must. No matter how beautiful a lake or stream may appear, there is always the chance of bacteria or a parasite such as Giardia. In this blog post, I will be doing a gear review on the Water-to-Go filter bottle.
Read MoreHiking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park in Olympic National Park
Discover Olympic National Park’s hidden gem: the Deer Park to Maiden Peak hike. Spanning 7.2 miles round-trip via the Obstruction Point Trail, it boasts a 2,100-ft elevation gain. Revel in 360-degree mountain panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. An enchanting hike that’s quickly become a personal favorite.
Read More20 Survival Items All Hikers Should Carry
Be fully equipped for your hiking adventure! Discover 20 essential items to ensure safety and comfort outdoors. From medical supplies to snacks, this guide has you covered. Don’t miss out on vital gear for your next hike!
Read MoreHiking After ACL Surgery: Tips And Tricks For A Safe And Successful Return
If you are an active outdoorsy person who loves going on adventures in the mountains, tearing your ACL can be absolutely devastating. In this blog post, Hiking After ACL Surgery: Tips And Tricks For A Safe And Successful Return, I will share my own experience of getting back onto the trail, hiking and backpacking after knee surgery, and things I learned along the way. I hope this post inspires and helps you with your own journey of getting back into the mountains after knee surgery.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State
Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.
12 Years of Hiking with Meindl Boots: The Ultimate Review
Extremely Durable
These boots had a lot of use. There were several backpacking trips where I was hiking over 35 miles over very rugged terrain and some scrambles and these boots worked great. They lasted 12 years before falling apart with lots of hikes over the years.
Snowshoeing the Scenic Skyline Lake Trail in Washington State
Looking for an easy snowshoeing destination with gorgeous views? Check out the Skyline Lake Trail in Washington State. This short yet steep hike has stunning mountain peaks and snow-covered boulder fields leading to a frozen lake. This is a great place to spend a fun-filled day in the mountains.
Read MoreHigh Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.
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