Backpacking the Goat Rocks Wilderness (video)

In this video, join us on our 5-day walk in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Known for some of the best views on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Goat Rocks is a wonderful place to go backpacking.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakJuly 27, 2018Video, Hiking, Overnight, Multi Day, Backpacking, Backcountry, Washington, South Cascades, Alpine, Camp, Classic, Creek, Favorite, Forest, Lakes, Loop, Mountain, Meadows, Pass, Ridge, Scrambling, Snow, Summit, Sunset, Views, Volcano, Waterfall, Wildlife, Wilderness, Wildflowers, Nature, Outdoors, Featured, Most Popular Comments

Backpacking Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail (video)

In this video, walk with us along the spectacular Wonderland Trail around the majestic Mount Rainier.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakAugust 26, 2017Article, Hiking, Backpacking, Backcountry, Multi Day, Washington, Mount Rainier National Park, Alpine, Camp, Classic, Creek, Crevasse, Fire Lookout, Glacier, Lakes, Mountain, Meadows, Off Trail, Pass, Ridge, Snow, Sunset, Sunrise, Views, Volcano, Waterfall, Wildlife, Wilderness, Nature, Outdoors, National Park, FeaturedComment

A Simple Food Plan for First Time Backpacking

Whether going backpacking for the first time or just want to see somebody else's take on food and related gear, here's our recommendation.

GearDaniel ZilcsakJuly 30, 2017Article, Backpacking, Backcountry, Camp, Equipment, Guide, Gear, Outdoors, Overnight, Multi Day, Food, Hiking, Most Popular Comment

Backpacking Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches

A short backpacking trip leads you to the heart of a remote Pacific Ocean beach for the most spectacular sunsets. Here’s what Shi Shi is about, and more.

The Secret to Getting a John Muir Trail Permit

The secret to a JMT permit? No magic incantations, just persistence and flexibility. Here's a short list of tips we believe will get you one this year.

Daniel ZilcsakJune 30, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Guide, Outdoors, Backcountry, Permit, Yosemite National Park, National Park, Lottery, Most Popular Comments

The Best Guide Book, Maps, and Navigation Apps for the John Muir Trail

Here's our recommendation for a good guide book, maps, and navigation apps for your John Muir Trail hike, with a funny intro we call "the cover guy story".

GearDaniel ZilcsakJune 16, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, Guide, Outdoors, Equipment, Backcountry, GearComment

How Did We Decide to Hike the John Muir Trail

How did we pull the trigger to try a multi-week backpacking trip, when our previous "record" was merely five or six days in the wilderness? It turns out all we needed was a spark.

Daniel ZilcsakApril 19, 2017John Muir Trail, California, Sierra Nevada, Backpacking, Multi Day, Hiking, Article, BackcountryComment

Gallery: Along the John Muir Trail

A collection of about 50 favorite photographs from our 18 day John Muir Trail thru-hike from earlier this summer.

Daniel ZilcsakDecember 1, 2016John Muir Trail, Hiking, Gallery, Photography, Trail, Backpacking, Backcountry, Wilderness, California, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park, Alpine, Landscape, Nature, Outdoors, National ParkComment

A Mountain Lion Encounter on the Pacific Crest Trail

If facing such a situation, I've always wondered whether it's safer to stay in your tent and make noise, to make a fire, or to seek other's company.

NewsDaniel ZilcsakNovember 17, 2016Wilderness, Wildlife, Backpacking, People, Backcountry, Outdoors, California, Sierra NevadaComment

Backpacking Marmot Pass and Buckhorn Mountain, a Weekend Trip

An Olympic National Park classic, Marmot Pass is an ideal destination for a weekend backpacking, panoramic views from Buckhorn Mountain and sunset camping.

BackpackingTimea ZilcsakJuly 23, 2016Marmot PassAlpine, Backcountry, Washington, Camp, Creek, Forest, Trail, Olympic Peninsula, Meadows, Nature, Pass, Ridge, Summit, Wildlife, Olympic National Park, Overnight, Backpacking, Favorite, Article, Views, Featured, National Park Comment

Gallery: Wind

Here's a series of photos about the wind, but also about our will to climb and explore, in the face of everything that nature may throw at us.

Daniel ZilcsakJanuary 2, 2016Mount Rainier National ParkMount Rainier National Park, Winter, Snow, Nature, Washington, Alpine, Hiking, Gallery, Snowshoeing, Landscape, Backcountry, Outdoors, National Park

Backpacking the Enchantments, Washington's Finest Alpine Lakes

Washington’s very best backpacking: a combination of alpine lakes, streams, meadows, dramatic rocky peaks, open trails, high camps, and lots of goats!

Climbing Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route

This is the story of our three day climb to the summit of Mount Baker via the Easton Glacier Route.

Caulitz Rocks - Thwarted by Whiteout Conditions

Our attempt to reach Caulitz Rocks for a scramble on the south side of Mount Rainier failed due to whiteout conditions. Got to greet the marmots instead.

Vesper Peak - A Favorite Hike With Outstanding Views

Vesper Peak, one of the best hikes in the North Cascades. You are rewarded with fabulous views of some of the most spectacular peaks in Washington State.

Mountaineering, HikesDaniel ZilcsakJuly 12, 2014Summit, Camp, Pass, Lakes, North Cascades, Mountain Loop Highway, Washington, Scrambling, Hiking, Overnight, Article, Views, Trail, Mountain, Alpine, Favorite, Forest, Creek, Less Traveled, Off Trail, Ridge, Wilderness, Backcountry, Outdoors, Nature, Featured Comments

Mount Angeles - A Signature Experience Near Hurricane Ridge

Mount Angeles is a signature scrambling hike offering some terrific views of the Olympic National Park, accessible from the Hurricane Ridge.

Backpacking the High Divide/Seven Lakes Basin Loop

The best backpacking route in the Olympic National Park, with beautiful camps, clear lakes, high alpine, and sightings of bears in their natural habitat.

BackpackingDaniel ZilcsakSeptember 12, 2013Sol Duc Trail, WashingtonAlpine, Backpacking, Backcountry, Camp, Creek, Favorite, Forest, Hiking, Lakes, Meadows, Multi Day, Olympic National Park, Nature, Olympic Peninsula, Pass, Ridge, Summit, Trail, Washington, Wildlife, Most Popular, Article, Views, Featured, Loop, National Park Comments

Backpacking The Enchantments' Eightmile/Caroline Lakes

The Enchantment’s Eightmile/Caroline zone is a perfect weekend backpacking trip, with clear lakes, mountain views, secluded camps and scrambling opportunities.

A Journey on This Pale Blue Dot