Nothing beats time in the backcountry.
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.…
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.…
Lottery and permit applications for popular wilderness areas in Washington open as early as February, which makes it a great time to start planning! Here's a guide with important dates and details for the most coveted spots in the State.…
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!…
With its plentiful blue skies, sunshine, and warm temps, Eastern Washington's Coulee Country offers a fantastic spring reprieve from Western Washington's drizzle as well as some of the state's most amazing geological wonders! The earth's once largest waterfall? A soapy lake similar in alkalinity…
There's nothing quite like spending the night outdoors, just you and your pooch. Backpacking with Jake dog has a special place in my heart and we're here to share our tips and tricks for making sure you and your dog have a fantastic backpacking…
Waterproof boots are a myth. If you spend time on the trail, especially in the PNW, your feet are getting wet, plain and simple. Here are tips and tricks I've learned over the years to manage wet feet and keep them happy!…
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…
