Thinking about hitting the trail alone? Solo backpacking can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also one of the most empowering ways to experience the outdoors. In this guide, I share beginner tips, personal stories, and essential gear advice to help you confidently plan your first solo backpacking trip.

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.

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.