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 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.
A Guide to Hiking the Hannegan Pass Trail in the North Cascades
The Hannegan Pass and Peak Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the North Cascades, offering wildflower meadows, glacier-fed streams, and sweeping summit views. In just a few miles you’ll climb from lush forest to a high alpine pass, with the option to continue up to Hannegan Peak for a 360° panorama of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Ruth Mountain, and the jagged Pickets. Whether you’re looking for a challenging day hike, planning a backpacking trip, or simply want to experience the grandeur of the North Cascades, this trail delivers it all.
A Guide to Hiking the Heather-Maple Pass Loop in Washington
Looking for one of the best hikes in Washington State? The Heather–Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades offers everything you could want in a Pacific Northwest trail—alpine lakes, wildflowers, golden larches, and jaw-dropping mountain views. This 7.2-mile loop near Rainy Pass is especially popular in late summer and early fall, and it’s often ranked as one of the top hikes in Washington for its stunning scenery and variety of terrain.
A Guide to Death Valley National Park: What to Do and See
Planning a trip to Death Valley National Park with your pup? In this guide, I share dog-friendly ideas, the best campgrounds, and what to see and do in one of the most extreme yet beautiful places in the U.S. From scenic drives and salt flats to quiet desert pullouts, here’s how to explore Death Valley with your four-legged adventure buddy—plus tips from my own camping experiences in the park.
The 20 Best Hikes in Washington: A Local's Personal List
18 years of hiking in Washington and I've only scratched the surface — but these 20 trails have stood out above the rest. A personal roundup across the North Cascades, Olympic Peninsula, Central Cascades, and Mount Rainier, with trail stats, honest takes, and plenty of dog-friendly options.
Hiking Lake Valhalla: A Complete Guide
Planning a hike to Lake Valhalla? This dog-friendly trail in the Cascade Mountains is a must-see, offering stunning alpine scenery and a peaceful lakeside destination. In this guide, I’m sharing my top tips to make the most of your trip—best trail options, ideal seasons to visit, what to pack, and key things to know before you go. Whether you're hiking in summer or chasing fall colors, get ready for an unforgettable adventure!