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!
Central Cascades
The Central Cascades contain nearly 49,000 acres of land in six different geographic regions and 124 miles of designated summer and winter trails.
After being stranded on the Middle Fork by flood waters after a visit to Goldmyer Hot Springs, I returned with friends and Goldmyer's caretakers to retrieve my Jeep and help clear the road of debris.
In January 2015, a simple visit to Goldmyer Hot Springs turned into quite the 24-hour adventure when I was trapped with two friends by one of the largest floods Snoqualmie Valley has seen since 2009. Mother Nature is mighty awesome.
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!
The Enchantments Death March, a one day thru-hike gaining over 6k in 18 tough, rocky, granite-filled miles is simply stunning and a mountain goat paradise.
A plan B hike through the fog to Hex Mountain after a whole lot of fail trying to find another trailhead. It turned into a suprisingly beautiful outing!
After a rainy and cold ascent of Navajo Peak in the Teanaway we were treated to clearing weather and lovely views! There be snow in the mountains!
Playing gear Tetris on a Friday night, sleeping in my Jeep with my dog during a rainstorm.. just your normal Labor Day weekend outing!
After 12 years I finally checked the mail again, successfully scrambled to Dirtybox AND narrowly avoided a lightning storm on the summit, I'd say that's a win!
One of these days I'm convinced I'll go on a hike with easy trails and warming huts with coffee. This was not one of those days.
My friend Annette and I have a track record of adventurous outings that never end up ordinary. With our crazy 3 dogs in tow we set out for Mt. Clifty, deep in the Cle Elum Ranger District to bag a peak for Sahaptin Outfitter's "Summit the District" contest. We had no idea it would turn into a 20-mile, all day outing!