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The Pacific Northwest Trail Route Will Soon Be Complete

Every hiker knows about the Appalachian Trail, and millions across the nation know of the Pacific Crest Trail. The north/south trails running along the mountains of each coast have been featured in movies, written about in books, and have been responsible for millions of dollars of endorsement deals from outdoor companies around the world. Everyone and …

The Spruce Fire in Yellowstone National Park

Guest Post by Ranger Kaiti May From a young age, we are taught that forest fires are dangerous, destructive, and horrible. As we grow older, we hear about the destruction on the news. Homes are destroyed and lives are taken; while we struggle to make a dent in keeping the fires at bay. Growing up …

Hike Summit Lake Near Mount Rainier

There are more classic hikes around Washington State than can be listed, though many authors try. It seems like early every road, from the gravel ones in the forest service to the paved ones in the National Parks, leads to a trail that is incredibly, jaw-dropping and beautiful. Around every bend, and in every corner …

Navy Jets: Coming Soon to the Olympic Wilderness. Seriously.

The Olympic Peninsula is isolated, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Made up of six wilderness areas, including Olympic National Park, this remote peninsula in Washington State is the scene of millions of vacations each year. Olympic is the 6th most visited National Park in America, with 3 million+ visitors coming from around …

UPDATE: Missing Hiker Found Safe at Olympic National Park’s Mount Storm King

Good News Update!!! Park officials announced Thursday morning they have found a hiker missing near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. David Galbraith, missing since Tuesday evening, was found alive, cold, tired and hungry, by an Olympic National Park search team at about 11:15 this morning. Original Post: The man,  David Galbraith of Victoria, British Columbia is 51 …

Fire Ban Lifted in Olympic National Park and Forest

As the temperatures drop and rain returns, Olympic National Park and National Forest kick off their fall tourist season with some great news. After 76 days (June 25th to September 9th) with no fires allowed in the backcountry, along the beaches or outside of established fire pits, campers around one of America’s most popular wilderness …

The Vanishing American Pika

Pikas are adorably cute, and nearly everyone who sees these tiny animals is taken aback by their adorableness. The American Pika is one of the toughest animals in the contiguous United States, living high above the tree line, thriving in cold temperatures, small spaces and some of the most unfriendly terrain around. Yet, despite their …

September Snow: Coming Soon to a PNW Mountain Near You?

I refrain from writing weather posts, as they tend to lose their usefulness quickly. However, this week’s forecast is something I can’t skip over. During the first week of September, 2015, there is a chance of snow for the mountains around the Pacific Northwest, something drastically needed during the driest, hottest summer in recorded history. …

Old Man Yells at Kids: The Appalachian Trail Drama

If life were a cartoon, he would have shaken his fist and called them whippersnappers.  There isn’t a single style of nature lover that doesn’t seen to catch some flack from a hiker or two. I hike alone, people lecture me. I see people hiking with dogs in the National Park, I lecture them. Some hike …

Olympic National Park Slowly Reopens After Storm

Update- As of 5pm September 1st, 2015, Olympic National Park is reopen. A few trails might be closed, but the park and campgrounds are open! The 29th of August will long be remembered around the Pacific Northwest. After a record long drought and more 70, 80 and 90 degree days than in any year on …