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Hiking After ACL Surgery: Tips And Tricks For A Safe And Successful Return 

By Samantha Panzera | May 1, 2023 |
If you are an active outdoorsy person who loves going on adventures in the mountains, tearing your ACL can be absolutely devastating. In this blog post, Hiking After ACL Surgery: Tips And Tricks For A Safe And Successful Return, I will share my own experience of getting back onto the trail, hiking and backpacking after knee surgery, and things I learned along the way. I hope this post inspires and helps you with your own journey of getting back into the mountains after knee surgery.

If you are an active outdoorsy person who loves going on adventures in the mountains, tearing your ACL can be absolutely devastating. In this blog post, Hiking After ACL Surgery: Tips And Tricks For A Safe And Successful Return, I will share my own experience of getting back onto the trail, hiking and backpacking after knee surgery, and things I learned along the way. I hope this post inspires and helps you with your own journey of getting back into the mountains after knee surgery.

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The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State

By Samantha Panzera | Apr 17, 2023 |
Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness? Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.

Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.

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12 Years of Hiking with Meindl Boots: The Ultimate Review

By Samantha Panzera | Apr 10, 2023 |
Extremely Durable These boots had a lot of use. There were several backpacking trips where I was hiking over 35 miles over very rugged terrain and some scrambles and these boots worked great. They lasted 12 years before falling apart with lots of hikes over the years.

Extremely Durable
These boots had a lot of use. There were several backpacking trips where I was hiking over 35 miles over very rugged terrain and some scrambles and these boots worked great. They lasted 12 years before falling apart with lots of hikes over the years.

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Snowshoeing the Scenic Skyline Lake Trail in Washington State

By Samantha Panzera | Mar 28, 2023 |
Looking for an easy snowshoeing destination with gorgeous views? Check out the Skyline Lake Trail in Washington State. This short yet steep hike has stunning mountain peaks and snow-covered boulder fields leading to a frozen lake. This is a great place to spend a fun-filled day in the mountains.

Looking for an easy snowshoeing destination with gorgeous views? Check out the Skyline Lake Trail in Washington State. This short yet steep hike has stunning mountain peaks and snow-covered boulder fields leading to a frozen lake. This is a great place to spend a fun-filled day in the mountains.

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45 of the Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers

By Samantha Panzera | Dec 5, 2022 |
Are you struggling to find fun Christmas stocking stuffers for the hiker or backpacker in your life? If you need ideas and inspiration for gifts, you are in luck! We have gathered a list of 45 of the Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers. Stocking stuffers are often forgotten until the last minute. We hope that this list can help you get ahead of the holiday season and help you find unique and creative stocking stuffers that hikers will absolutely love.

Are you struggling to find fun Christmas stocking stuffers for the hiker or backpacker in your life? If you need ideas and inspiration for gifts, you are in luck! We have gathered a list of 45 of the Best Stocking Stuffers for Hikers and Backpackers. Stocking stuffers are often forgotten until the last minute. We hope that this list can help you get ahead of the holiday season and help you find unique and creative stocking stuffers that hikers will absolutely love.

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Snowshoe Snoqualmie’s Gold Creek Pond Trail

By Darlene Panzera | Feb 16, 2021 |
New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking your car. #hiking #nature #mountains #adventure #travel #traveltips #experiencewa #snowshoeing #pacificnorthwest #wastate #nationalparks #ustravel

New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking…

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A First-timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier

By Darlene Panzera | Feb 9, 2021 |
New to snowshoeing? Are you a local living in Washington State or visiting the Pacific Northwest during winter? Want something fun to do? Try snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier National Park.Our First-timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier can give you the information you need to take off on your own snowshoeing adventure. #hiking #nature #mountains #adventure #travel #Mtrainier #traveltips #experiencewa #snowshoeing #pacificnorthwest #wastate #nationalparks #ustravel

Looking to escape the gray skies and get outside? The Paradise area at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State is a great place for snowshoeing for several reasons.

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High Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

By Samantha Panzera | Oct 26, 2020 |
High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

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High Rock Lookout Photo Gallery

By Samantha Panzera | Oct 26, 2020 |
High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

High Rock Lookout Photo Gallery. Great photos and inspiration to go hike to this fire tower.

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50 Inspirational Hiking Quotes To Inspire You To Get Outdoors!

By Samantha Panzera | Sep 21, 2020 |
If you love hiking and exploring the outdoors but need some extra inspiration to set aside the never-ending to-do list, we have put together 50 Inspirational Hiking Quotes to Inspire You To Get Outdoors.

If you love hiking and exploring the outdoors but need some extra inspiration to set aside the never-ending to-do list, we have put together 50 Inspirational Hiking Quotes to Inspire You To Get Outdoors.

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35 Great Trail Running Shoes for Women

By Samantha Panzera | May 20, 2020 |

If you are bored of running on the treadmill and want to venture into trail running in the great outdoors you are going to need to upgrade your footwear. Many shoes that are great for concrete or a treadmill are not designed to handle some of the more rugged terrain you may encounter while running out in nature. So right here we have gathered 35 Great Trail Running Shoes for Women.

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35 Great Trail Running Shoes for Men

By Samantha Panzera | May 6, 2020 |

If you are bored of running on the treadmill and want to venture into trail running in the great outdoors you are going to need to upgrade your footwear. Many shoes that are great for concrete or a treadmill are not designed to handle some of the more rugged terrain you may encounter while running out in nature. So right here we have gathered 35 Great Trail Running Shoes for Men.

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Backpacking Upper Lena Lake – Olympic National Park

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 30, 2020 |
Backpacking Upper Lena Lake- Olympic National Park

Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination.

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Milk Lake: Beautiful Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 30, 2020 |
Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake. If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don't miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.

Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake.
If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don’t miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.

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25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 30, 2020 |
Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.

Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.

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5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall

By Samantha Panzera | Jan 27, 2020 |
Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

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50 Gift Ideas for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | Dec 11, 2019 |

Are you stumped on what to get for that special someone in your life who loves hiking? We have gathered together 50 Gift Ideas for Hikers That are Under $25. This list consists of unique items that are fun and useful. These hiking gifts are budget-friendly but are sure to be loved by anyone who loves hiking, backpacking, camping, or just anyone who loves spending time in the outdoors.

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How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend

By Samantha Panzera | Nov 5, 2019 |
How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Hiking in Olympic National Park Washington State.

How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Mt. Townsend is one of my most favorite day-hiking destinations that I have found in Olympic National Park “so far”. There is just something about the top of Mt. Townsend that reminds me of the epic mountain landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. It has that unreal fantasy vibe that feels as though it could be the filming location for a different world. The larger than life peaks have always been absolutely stunning to me during the day. So when my younger brother and his friend recently asked if I would like to do a sunrise hike up to this incredible place my answer was a definite “Hell, yes.” Below I will be sharing my experience and some tips I have gathered on How to Successfully do a Sunrise Hike up Mt. Townsend so you can plan your own pre-dawn hiking adventure to this gorgeous spot.

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What to Pack for a Sunrise Hike

By Samantha Panzera | Oct 10, 2019 |

To reach a mountain top in time for sunrise there is going to be a large portion of the hike during the dark which requires extra gear and expertise depending on the location of your hike. Hiking in the dark has many additional hidden dangers due to lack of visibility, wildlife, and rapid changes in weather. Having the right gear can make for a safer and more pleasant journey. Below we have gathered together What to Pack for a Sunrise Hike.

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Night Hiking Dangers To Be Aware Of When Planning Your Next Pre-Dawn Adventure

By Samantha Panzera | Sep 8, 2019 |
There is just something completely exhilarating about hiking at night. With your sight limited all your other senses are heightened. Every rustle of brush, every tree creak, and every little noise is amplified. The stunning views of the stars and seeing the outlines of mountain peaks lit up from moonlight can feel unreal. Although beautiful, hiking at night presents its own kind of dangers and should be prepared for accordingly.

There is just something completely exhilarating about hiking at night. With your sight limited all your other senses are heightened. Every rustle of brush, every tree creak, and every little noise is amplified. The stunning views of the stars and seeing the outlines of mountain peaks lit up from moonlight can feel unreal. Although beautiful, hiking at night presents its own kind of dangers and should be prepared for accordingly.

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