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Crystal Lakes Trail
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL FOREST, WA: Reaching the Crystal Lakes Trailhead, still enveloped in darkness, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves about the adventure that awaited me. The crisp winter air filled my lungs, a reminder that this journey would be a physical challenge, but also provide a space for me to reflect on…
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Franklin Falls and Badger Mountain
SNOQUALMIE PASS & BADGER MOUNTAIN, WA: As the sun dipped low in the sky, I found myself standing at the trailhead, filled with anticipation for a new adventure. My journey started with the calming stream of water leading me to Franklin Falls, a trail where nature revealed its secrets through the early-evening light breaking through…
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Burroughs Mountain Trail
SUNRISE, MT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: The sun was just beginning to rise, warming the sky with autumn color, as I set out thinking about the rituals and traditions that tell our story. As I climbed the Burroughs Mountain Trail, each step drew me closer to Mount Rainier and filled my heart with wonder. Breathing in…
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Glacier Basin Trail
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: The early morning air was crisp as I drove toward the Glacier Basin Trail on 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…
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Sheep Lake Trail
MOUNT BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, NACHES, WA: As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a 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 the…
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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 up the Annette Lake Trail, a journey steeped in both challenge and beauty. The soft glow of my headlamp…
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Oyster Dome Trail
BLANCHARD STATE FOREST, CHUCKANUT DRIVE, BOW, WA: As I approached the Oyster Dome Trail 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…
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Anacortes Cancer Walk
SEAFARER’S MEMORIAL PARK, ANACORTES, WA: As the sun crested beyond the horizon, bathing the sky in shades of red, orange, and yellow against a deep blue canvas, I stood on a pier in Anacortes, WA, embracing the beauty of a new day. Today’s adventure led me along the urban pathways of Fidalgo Bay for the…
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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…
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Mount Fremont Lookout
SUNRISE, MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WA: As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, today’s journey unfolded like a familiar, yet special story. With my son, William, by my side, we drove through the hushed pre-dawn hours towards the towering presence of Mount Fremont Lookout. Each mile seemed to echo my thoughts…