Silver Peak & Tinkham Peak: A Great First Scramble
Silver Peak and Tinkham Peak looked intimidating on paper — steep talus, exposed scrambling, a route that isn't always obvious. Turns out, with the right beta, both summits (plus the traverse between them) are more manageable than they look. Here's the full loop from Mirror Lake, beta, tips and all.
A Guide to Snow Lake: Backpacking, Packrafting, and a Secret Island
Snow Lake is one of the most popular hikes near Seattle, but most people never see it from the water. Here's how we strapped packrafts to our backs, hiked in after work on a Friday, and ended up camping on a secluded island with a full moon overhead.
Backpacking the West Fork Foss Trail: A 3-Day Guide to Trout, Malachite, and the Heart Lakes
A 3-day, 3-night backpacking trip through the West Fork Foss Lakes chain in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Skykomish, WA — hitting Trout Lake, Lake Malachite, and the Heart Lakes, with a packraft day on Big Heart. Dog friendly.
Best Bike Rides In and Around Seattle — From City Trails to Hidden Forest Roads
From after-work loops on the Burke-Gilman to river crossings in the Teanaway and gravel roads near Mount Baker that most people don't know exist — a local's guide to the best bike rides in and around Seattle, organized by how far you're willing to go.
Kayak Camping for Beginners: How to Get Started in the PNW (No Hardshell Required)
New to kayak camping? This guide is for you, especially if you're a beginner with no roof rack, no idea where to start, and maybe a dog in tow. I'll walk you through choosing your first boat (inflatable or otherwise), picking a beginner-friendly destination, packing your gear, getting your permits, and what to actually expect on the water. Tex came on all three of my trips, so yes — we cover bringing your dog too!
Cycling From Tai Wai to Sam Mun Tsai: Coming Home to Hong Kong
The first day of Lunar New Year, my dad drove us to Tai Mei Tuk for lunch - the same place where I learned to ride bikes as a kid. The hill that used to feel impossibly steep didn't look steep anymore.
A few days later, I got on a bike in Hong Kong for the first time in over a decade and rode 26 miles from Tai Wai to Sam Mun Tsai. Protected cycle paths along Tolo Harbor, mountains rising across the water, fishing villages backed by forested hills. I caught up with my sister at Science Park, refilled my water bottle in Sam Mun Tsai, and realized something: you can come home and still discover new ways to explore.
This is a complete guide to cycling one of Hong Kong's most scenic routes - including MTR access, bike rentals, what to see along the way, and what it meant to ride in the place I grew up after years of grinding up Seattle's hills.
Best Places to Kayak in Washington
A local's guide to 17 of the best kayaking spots in Washington — from easy urban paddles near Seattle to alpine hike-in lakes, backcountry reservoirs, and island camping. Bring your kayak, packraft, or paddleboard.
5 Beginner-Friendly Bike Rides Near Seattle You Can Do Year-Round
I got on the wrong ferry. My legs were screaming up Roosevelt. My bike cost $200 and my cardio is trash. But 500 miles later, cycling has become the thing holding me together.
Discover 5 beginner-friendly bike rides in Seattle perfect for winter and summer cycling. From the flat, paved Burke-Gilman Trail to scenic ferry adventures to Manchester State Park, these routes prove you don't need a car to explore the Pacific Northwest.
After my car broke down, I rediscovered cycling as more than transportation - it became my mental health practice, my adventure tool, and my way of reclaiming freedom. Learn about accessible trails like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Centennial Trail, and Seattle's newly renovated waterfront path, plus practical tips on route planning, ferry logistics, and what it really feels like to climb Seattle's brutal hills as a beginner.
Snowshoeing to Artist Point: A Guide to One of the Most Rewarding Winter Adventures
Discover everything you need to know about snowshoeing to Artist Point in Washington's North Cascades. This complete guide covers the winter route from Mount Baker Ski Area, essential avalanche safety tips, navigation through challenging terrain, and what to expect when camping overnight at one of the state's most stunning alpine viewpoints. Learn about gear recommendations, the best time to visit, parking requirements, and how to safely experience the breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker in winter conditions. Whether you're planning your first snowshoe adventure or looking to add snow camping to your winter skills, Artist Point offers an unforgettable Pacific Northwest experience.