25th
Aug
In the past few months, I’ve shared what I carry on my overnight trips, however, I have a finely tuned system that works for me. Not everyone can get away with what I bring and leave behind. I highly recommend that every backpacker have their own checklist for what to bring. I can’t tell you […]
20th
Aug
On this hot summer weekend, we decided to head out for a relaxing trip in the Chinook Pass / Bumping Lake area. Leaving late on a Friday, we decided to take it easy, camping at Dewey Lake on Friday night, American Lake on Saturday, and taking a short day hike out to Cougar Lakes, being sure […]
13th
Aug
Gem Lake is an oft overlooked destination for hikers. Snow Lake is a busy trail, which tends to dissuade serious hikers, and Gem Lake can be a long day for those less than serious. But, the escape from the crowds at Snow Lake, and the beauty of this subalpine pond make it a perfect destination. […]
11th
Aug
As most backpackers and avid outdoors folk know, traveling in the backcountry holds certain risks. For many, that risk is managed through adherence to bringing what were originally known as the 10 essentials. The original essentials list has morphed and grown over the years, but it comes down to the main concept, bring what you […]
6th
Aug
Gothic Basin is a popular, albeit intense, hike to a pristine alpine landscape. Located at the end of the paved section of Mountain Loop Highway, this hike begins at the old Monte Cristo Road. The road has been closed for many years now, though local landowners can drive in some of the way, however the […]
4th
Aug
Earlier in the year, I explained the limitations of my lighter Osprey atoms 50 pack. Beyond 35 pounds, it tends to get uncomfortable, and past 40 it’s downright painful. And with 8 pounds of camera gear, it doesn’t take much to hit up against the upper limits of that pack. A recent trip had me carrying […]
30th
Jul
This breathtaking alpine hike is a pleasant alternative to the busy Enchantments. Although perhaps not quite as beautiful as the Core Enchantments, the alpine lakes along Icicle Ridge are among the most spectacular in the state. But this hike is not for the feint of heart. With 4500 feet of elevation gain to Lake Edna […]
28th
Jul
Updated 8/10/2015 REI, Adventure Medical, and other companies have build quite a market around complex pre-built first aid kits. These kits can come very organized with quite a few components to them. They are often tailored to general circumstances, and contain a lot of potential yet unneeded trash. I believe that first aid kits are […]
23rd
Jul
Having attacked this area of the Alpine Lakes region from several different angles, I’ve put together an optimal loop hike that would hit some of the most beautiful spots in Washington, all in one, 4–6 day loop. The planned route would start and end out of the Hyas Lake and Cathedral Pass Trailheads (both in the […]
16th
Jul
I have often referred to the Northern Loop as the mini Wonderland Trail. It has a little bit of everything as far as scenery goes. The only thing it is missing the the moonscape high alpine rocks of Panhandle Gap. And Amy and I were not disappointed in our four and a half day visit there […]