Hike

25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 30, 2020 |

Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.

5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 27, 2020 |

Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

50 Gift Ideas for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | Dec 11, 2019 |

Are you stumped on what to get for that special someone in your life who loves hiking? We have gathered together 50 Gift Ideas for Hikers That are Under $25. This list consists of unique items that are fun and useful. These hiking gifts are budget-friendly but are sure to be loved by anyone who loves hiking, backpacking, camping, or just anyone who loves spending time in the outdoors.

How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend

By Samantha Panzera | Nov 5, 2019 |

How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Mt. Townsend is one of my most favorite day-hiking destinations that I have found in Olympic National Park “so far”. There is just something about the top of Mt. Townsend that reminds me of the epic mountain landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. It has that unreal fantasy vibe that feels as though it could be the filming location for a different world. The larger than life peaks have always been absolutely stunning to me during the day. So when my younger brother and his friend recently asked if I would like to do a sunrise hike up to this incredible place my answer was a definite “Hell, yes.” Below I will be sharing my experience and some tips I have gathered on How to Successfully do a Sunrise Hike up Mt. Townsend so you can plan your own pre-dawn hiking adventure to this gorgeous spot.

What to Pack for a Sunrise Hike

By Samantha Panzera | Oct 10, 2019 |

To reach a mountain top in time for sunrise there is going to be a large portion of the hike during the dark which requires extra gear and expertise depending on the location of your hike. Hiking in the dark has many additional hidden dangers due to lack of visibility, wildlife, and rapid changes in weather. Having the right gear can make for a safer and more pleasant journey. Below we have gathered together What to Pack for a Sunrise Hike.

Night Hiking Dangers To Be Aware Of When Planning Your Next Pre-Dawn Adventure

By Samantha Panzera | Sep 8, 2019 |

There is just something completely exhilarating about hiking at night. With your sight limited all your other senses are heightened. Every rustle of brush, every tree creak, and every little noise is amplified. The stunning views of the stars and seeing the outlines of mountain peaks lit up from moonlight can feel unreal. Although beautiful, hiking at night presents its own kind of dangers and should be prepared for accordingly.

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak

By Samantha Panzera | May 28, 2019 |

If you are in search of a good leg-burner, Mailbox Peak is the hike for you! With over 4,000 feet of elevation gain this hike is flat-out brutal. Despite being a quad and knee killer, the panoramic 360 degree views from the top are beautiful. There is also the fun novelty of checking the mail…

5 Reasons to Buy LOWA Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots

By Darlene Panzera | May 14, 2019 |

Hi, I’m Darlene Panzera, an adventurer, author, and mom, and I’d like to share 5 reasons why I decided to buy Lowa Women’s Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots.

Last year I bought a pair of hiking boots from another company that felt great when I tried them on in the store, but when I started hiking in them, they didn’t quite feel right. I kept telling myself they still needed to be broken in and that they’d be okay. I was so wrong! After several months of smaller hikes, I took a 6-mile hike to a fire tower in Washington’s Cascade Mountains and when I removed my boots my toes felt like they were on fire! The pain was almost unbearable. I had to face the fact that these boots were the wrong fit and I ended up giving them away to someone else even though I had spent over two hundred dollars on them.

This year when I went to buy new boots, I was more cautious. Below are a few of the deciding factors that led me to buy a pair of Lowa brand hiking boots:

25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State

By Samantha Panzera | May 7, 2019 |

Are you interested in getting outside and hitting the trail but don’t know where to start? Whether you are new to Washington state or a longtime resident just looking for inspiration of what trail to crush next. We have gathered together 25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State. 100 Classic Hikes in Washington…

7 Ways to Save Money on Hiking & Camping Gear

By Samantha Panzera | Apr 15, 2019 |

Are you a hiking/camping newbie looking to venture out into nature for the first time? Or an experienced pro with numerous adventures under your belt? Whether you need gear or have old gear that is currently only being held together with duct tape, we have gathered 7 Ways to Save Money on Hiking & Camping…

LifeStraw Go 2 Water Bottle: Hiking Gear Review

By Samantha Panzera | Mar 23, 2019 |

No one wants to go on a trip and get sick, whether it is a vacation or a backpacking adventure. Filtering the water you drink while out on the trail is extremely important. No mater how pristine the water may appear to be, there is always the chance that there could be bacteria or a…

15 Hiking Quotes to Inspire Adventure

By Samantha Panzera | Aug 25, 2018 |

Don’t settle for ordinary, get out there and find your adventure! Here are 15 quotes to motivate you to take that  journey.  “Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure” “Always take the scenic route” – Unknown  “If you don’t do wild things while you’re young, you’ll have nothing to smile about when you’re old.” –…

20 Inspirational Hiking Quotes To Fuel Your Wanderlust

By Samantha Panzera | Apr 29, 2018 |

20 Inspirational Hiking Quotes To Fuel Your Wanderlust For those who love hiking and outdoor adventure we have collected a series of inspiring quotes with beautiful images to motivate you to plan your next wilderness expedition. Want to fill your life with adventure?  “There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart…

Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park

By Samantha Panzera | Mar 14, 2018 |

Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park Marymere Falls is a 90-foot-high waterfall located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington State. This easy 1.5 mile round trip hike is an extremely beginner friendly trail with a great payoff. My hiking group was able to walk at a leisurely pace, with plenty…

Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018

By Samantha Panzera | Feb 18, 2018 |

Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018 At some point, when backpacking, you will need to replenish your water supply. When that time to fill up comes, filtering and purifying your water to avoid getting sick is extremely important. No matter how crystal clear and beautiful the water from that mountain river or…

Top 30 Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2018

By Samantha Panzera | Feb 3, 2018 |

Top 30 Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2018 Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. Happy feet equals a happy life on the trail. Getting blisters, or the skin rubbed off your ankles is no fun at all. If there was one item I could recommend you spend your money on…

Franklin Falls Easy Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 20, 2018 |

Franklin Falls – Easy, Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle Franklin Falls in the winter is absolutely stunning! If you live in Western Washington, this easy winter hike is definitely one to add onto your bucket list. This winter wonderland is truly incredible. I have been hearing about this hike for years but did not get…

65 Fantastic Gift Ideas for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | Dec 22, 2017 |

Any hikers you need to find Christmas gifts for this year? A lot of hiking gear is pretty expensive but right here I have rounded up a list of 65 ideas that are completely affordable and the hiker in your life would absolutely love.  Honest Portable Camping cookware Mess kit Folding Cookset for Hiking Backpacking…

15 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | Dec 8, 2017 |

Any hikers you need to find Christmas gifts for this year? A lot of hiking gear is pretty expensive but right here I have rounded up a list of 15 stocking stuffer ideas that are completely affordable and the hiker in your life would absolutely love.  1. Any hiker or backpacker would love getting a…

Narada Falls (Paradise Mt. Rainier Hikes)

By Samantha Panzera | Nov 29, 2017 |

Narada Falls
(Paradise / Mt. Rainier Hikes) Narada Falls should be a priority stop on your way to see Mount Rainier. This stunning horsetail waterfall is only a 0.1 mile walk downhill to the viewpoint and 0.2 mile total round trip. Just an easy 5-10 minute trek for one incredible view.