When I ask you to think of a cactus, what comes to mind? For some, succulents. For others, maybe a prickly pear margarita. But to most, what comes to mind is the iconic Saguaro.
national park service sites
The Ultimate San Francisco to Bend Road Trip for Hikers

If you love hiking, and like a lot of people in the US right now, are craving some sunshine and Vitamin D, it’s easy to dream about trips to take in the coming months. I thought the trip I did with Mama Boots in 2019 was a perfect recommendation!
Biscayne National Park

If I thought Everglades was low on trails, I was in for an even bigger surprise with Biscayne: Only 5% of this park is on land!
Everglades National Park

I learned in April how very different Washington’s National Parks are from Florida’s–there’s hardly any hiking! But these parks are still very worth an other-wordly visit.
Spring Snowshoeing at Mount Rainier National Park

Spring in the mountains can mean wildflowers, or still snow by the foot! At Mount Rainier National Park, spring can be a wonderful time to snowshoe but have a better chance at good weather and clear roads. But, there’s some key info you should know!
Queets Backpacking to Spruce Bottom

After what has felt like years of begging him for more backpacking trips, the boyfriendo finally initiated a trip on his own!
Skyline Trail Loop at Mt. Rainier National Park

The wildflowers were calling, and I had to go! For a few weeks a year, Paradise at MRNP lives up to its name by becoming awashed with purple, yellow, red, and blue.
A Quick Trip to Saguaro National Park: Part 2

My early March trip to Tucson feels like it was ages ago. Pre-social distancing, I had planned a quick trip to Tuscon, and weeks ago I wrote about part one. It’s finally time for part two!
Conquering Mount St. Helens, Part 2

Last week, I wrote about how to prepare for hiking Mount St. Helens. This week, my tale of the hike itself–the coolest and hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished.
Conquering Mount St. Helens, Part 1

Picture it: You’ve just been denied a permit to a bucket list hike. Through your tears you see the words ‘YOU Can Climb Mount St. Helens.’ Feelings rush in–skepticism, fear, doubt–and then hope and excitement.