Category: TRAIL

  • Burroughs Mountain Trail

    Burroughs Mountain Trail

    SUNRISE, MT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: As the sun began its ascent, gently painting the sky with warm autumn hues, my journey unfolded—a blend of nature’s beauty, gratitude, and reflections about the rituals and traditions that tell our story. As I navigated the Burroughs Mountains, each step drew me closer to the majestic sights of Mount…

  • Glacier Basin and Emmons Moraine

    Glacier Basin and Emmons Moraine

    MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: The early morning air was crisp as I drove toward the eastern side of Mount Rainier, anticipation flowing within me like the river that would accompany me on my hike. With each bend in the road, I reflected on the gratitude I felt for the love and lessons learned from…

  • Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap

    Sheep Lake and Sourdough Gap

    MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, NACHES, WA: As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a rich blend of deep red, burnt orange, and a golden hue on the familiar terrain, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewal. My drive to the Sheep Lake Trailhead had been marked by unexpected detours, including…

  • Annette Lake Trail

    Annette Lake Trail

    MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA: As dawn was about to break, I laced up my hiking boots, the early morning chill was perfect for the steady ascent. With the world still in slumber, I set off toward Annette Lake, a journey steeped in both challenge and beauty. The soft glow of my headlamp cut through…

  • Oyster Dome Trail

    Oyster Dome Trail

    BLANCHARD STATE FOREST, CHUCKANUT DRIVE, BOW, WA: As I approached the trailhead off Chuckanut Drive, the morning was still wrapped in a soft, overcast blanket—a familiar calm before my ascent. Breathing in the cool morning air, my heart swelled with gratitude for the day ahead. Each step felt like more than just a physical challenge;…

  • Tipsoo to Dewey Lake

    Tipsoo to Dewey Lake

    NACHES PEAK LOOP, PACIFIC CREST TRAIL, WA: Feelin’ a Big Chill, an angelic choir echoed in my mind this Sunday morning, “I saw her today at the reception; A glass of wine in her hand…” A poignant reminder that things in life won’t always turn out the way you want, but if you’re looking for…

  • Snow Lake

    Snow Lake

    MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA: Today, I embarked on a journey that would lead me into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, armed not just with water and a couple LUNA Bars, but with a heart full of gratitude and a mind ready to reflect. The brisk morning air, dipping into the 40s, invigorated my spirit as…

  • Talapus and Olallie Lakes

    Talapus and Olallie Lakes

    ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS, WA: As the clock struck four, I slipped out the door, greeted by the gentle hush of the early morning. The tranquility of the next ninety minutes on the road to Talapus and Olallie Lakes offered a comforting prelude to the adventure that awaited me. The serene drive allowed my mind to…

  • Skyline Loop, Paradise

    Skyline Loop, Paradise

    MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: Today marks a poignant milestone, a year since our beloved Kelly took her last breath. It’s a heart-rending moment, a delicate balance of sorrow and renewal, a reflection of the 7.3 million breaths I’ve taken since, without her. Each breath feels heavy yet transformative, a reminder of the love we…

  • Lewis River Falls Trail

    Lewis River Falls Trail

    GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST, WA: This waypoint excursion began the day before my hike, as I journeyed to Southwest Washington, where I found a comforting place to rest for the night, positioning myself only a couple of hours from the trailhead of the Lewis River Falls. With a little time on my hands, I ventured…