38.8697° N, 106.9878° W A QUICK BREAKDOWN OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SKI GEAR YOU SHOULD HAVE. PLUS, MY OWN SKI GEAR CHECKLIST. Figuring out what to wear skiing is actually much tougher than you think. You have to take into account a number of things: the temperature, the wind speed, the likelihood of precipitation (snow, sleet or rain), and comfort (and maybe cuteness). While I grew up skiing in Colorado - where the ski conditions don't really change thaaaat much - now that I live in the Pacific Northwest, I find my ski gear choices to be long and challenging. Below is a breakdown of the main pieces of ski gear you should have in your arsenal. I have added in my own helpful tips (mostly things that I have learned from dressing for many, many types of ski conditions) and recommendations on items that I personally love. As always, if you have any questions or comments please reach out here. MY COMPREHENSIVE DOWNHILL SKI GEAR GUIDE BASELAYER TOP / Smartwool Merino Baselayer / Stoic Lightweight Baselayer I wear my Smartwool merino wool baselayer top probably 90% of the times I go skiing (both downhill and backcountry). The shirt is fitted to be tight against the body while still being comfortable, the wool wicks sweat and is breathable and it somehow doesn't smell as bad as other tops even after a long day of skiing. 💬 INSIDER TIP: it took me a while to jump on the wool baselayer train, but now that I have, I find myself staying much warmer out on the slopes even in adverse conditions. While the price tag can be high, this is one piece of gear I would suggest investing in. BASELAYER BOTTOM / Smartwool Midweight Bottoms / Stoic Lightweight Bottoms You will also want a set of baselayer bottoms that wick moisture and keep your legs nice and warm. I actually two pairs: a lighter pair for relatively nice snow days (similar to the Smartwool ones above) and a thicker, fleece-lined pair for when it gets really cold out. When backcountry skiing, I wear the thinner pair. MID-LAYER JACKET / Mountain Hardwear Polartec Hooded Jacket / Fjallraven Fleece Jacket (this one is very similar to the Mammut jacket I thrifted for $6) Layers are your best friend for skiing. But making the right decision can be tough. I tend to go with my Smartwool baselayer top, a thinner mid-layer jacket (usually of some fleece-like material, like the Fjallraven one above) and then finish with my top shell/waterproof jacket. 💬INSIDER TIP: on really cold days, I may also add another long sleeve wicking top (one that is not too bulky) between my baselayer and mid-layer jacket. If you can, try to find a top that has the thumb holes. This will help make sure no skin shows between your jacket and gloves. TOP SHELL JACKET / Backcountry Last Chair Insulated Anorak / Burton Prowess Jacket / Helly Hanson Powchaser Jacket TOP SHELL BOTTOMS / Backcountry Last Chair Insulated Pants / Helly Hanson Legendary Pants / Halfdays Bib Pants You will want your top shell layers to be both waterproof and large enough to fit multiple layers underneath. I use both the Helly Hanson Powchaser jacket (a huge perk of working at a ski resort) and a much thinner Cotapaxi jacket (I love it even if it isn't a "quintessential" ski jacket). Both jackets have their perks, but I think investing in a good outer shell is key if you are someone looking to ski in all conditions (that Helly Hanson jacket is a godsend when it is blizzarding). EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPRING SKIING MITTENS/GLOVES / Hestra Fall Line Mitten / Black Diamond Spark Mitten (love my Black Diamond mittens - both for skiing and other winter activities, like trail running) / Icebreaker Glove (liner) I am a mitten girl through and through. I started out skiing in gloves and quickly realized my fingers got so much colder, so much faster. Now I only use thick mittens and sometimes a glove liner if the temperatures are really cold. The only downside to mittens that I have found is the struggle to use your fingers to do such menial things like zip your jacket up or take a photo. But I guess you can't win them all. STOCKING CAP / Patagonia Fishermans Beanie / Fjallraven Classic Knit Beanie Stocking caps or beanies are great for those days when the temperature is just absolutely freezing or when you want to look cute in the ski lodge. I have a sweet burnt yellow one for both occasions. HEADBAND / Smartwool Intraknit Headband / Skida Alpine Headband I typically wear a headband under my helmet when skiing unless the temperatures are relatively balmy (then it is just the helmet and maybe a buff protecting my ears). Either way, this is a good piece of gear to have because headbands are nice and warm without being too bulky. BUFF/GAITER / Smartwool Reversible Gaiter (this one is super comfortable and breathable) / Stoic Polar Fleece Gaiter / Stoic Polar Fleece Balaclava I swear by buffs/gaiters (is there an actual difference?). I wear one during most adventures no matter the season. The thinner fabric is breathable and not very constricting, while the protection against the elements (sun, snow, wind) is top-notch. I have two options that I rotate through because they can get gross quickly. LEARN MORE | THE BEST SKI RESORTS IN COLORADO FOR EVERY TYPE OF SKIER HELMET / Smith Method Helmet / Salomon Mountain Lab Helmet Safety first. Always. GOGGLES / Oakley Flight Deck Goggles / Smith ChromaPop Goggles My newest ski gear addition are these cool Smith ChromaPop goggles (I won them in a lottery) and I absolutely love them. They are great in many different types of lighting and weather environments, plus they fit my face well, don't get fogged up easily and match my helmet. SKIS / Black Crows Camox Birdie Skis / Salomon QST Skis / Atomic Maven Skis SKI POLES / Salomon Arctic Ski Poles / Atomic Ski Poles I use standard Atomic ski poles for both downhill and uphill skiing. They are simple, straightforward and comfortable. BACKPACK / Osprey Glade 51 Backpack / Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Backpack Unless I am heading into the backcountry, I don't tend to wear a backpack (it can be kind of a hazard on chairlifts). But when I do need one, I like to have one that fits my body snuggly, has lots of pockets and can carry plenty of important gear (like avalanche safety gear). Ski gear and ski layering can be a tough thing to figure out - especially when you are exploring a volatile environment where the weather can change quickly (i.e. the PNW). Add on the fact that ski gear isn't exactly cheap and you will likely find yourself feeling a bit out of your depth. But here is some (hopefully) good advice: don't stress about having the most top-notch gear, especially when starting out. While it would be great to buy all of the primo ski gear out there, it isn't necessary. You can very likely get by with gear that won't break the bank (for example, I wear a thrifted mid-layer jacket a lot of the time, my skis are from an end of season sale at a demo shop (aka used), and my goggles for the longest time were also from a used gear shop). Don't let the fear of not wearing the best ski gear hold you back from actually skiing. Okay, stepping off my soapbox now. Hopefully, this ski gear guide helps you figure out what items you should have when you plan your own epic ski adventure. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out or leave a comment below. EXPLORE MORE GEAR GUIDES WHAT'S IN MY BACKPACK: ULTIMATE MOUNTAINEERING GEAR GUIDE | A Comprehensive List of What I Bring for Epic Mountaineering Adventures SPRING TRAIL RUNNING GEAR GUIDE | What I Make Sure to Have For Those In-Between Runs FALL ADVENTURE GEAR GUIDE | A Comprehensive List of the Adventure Gear I Use When the Season Starts to Cool Down

45.7089° N, 121.5123° W FINDING THE RIGHT PARK PASS FOR EXPLORING THE PNW CAN BE TOUGH. LUCKILY, I HAVE BROKEN IT DOWN INTO AN EASY TO FOLLOW GUIDE. EXPLORE IT BELOW. The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is full of so many amazing adventure destinations. From the jagged peaks of North Cascades National Park to the rugged beaches of the Oregon coast to the hundreds of lakes and waterfalls dotted around the dense, mossy forests, there is so much to explore. But one thing you quickly realize is that many of the more well-known destinations require a pass of some sort. The only issue? There are so many to choose from that it can sometimes be overwhelming to know which one you actually need. I dealt with this issue numerous times and heard many similar grumbles of confusion from my outdoor-loving friends. Which is where the idea of this little guide came about. Below you will find a breakdown of all of the major park passes offered throughout the PNW, including how much each costs, where to buy one and what the major requirements and perks of each one are. Let's get exploring! \\ State Park Passes OREGON 💸COST: 12 months for $30, 24 months for $50 (permit is transferable between cars) ➳ Learn more about the Oregon State Park Pass here. If you live in or are planning a trip around the beautiful and diverse state of Oregon, then you may want to invest in its state park pass - especially if you are looking to visit some of the more popular spots, like Rooster Rock SP (located near Portland). One important thing to note about this pass - and Oregon state parks in general - is that only 25 of the 371 state parks require a parking or entry fee. So, if you plan accordingly you can likely get away with not needing this pass at all. If you are looking to buy the pass (which costs $30 for a year or $5 per day) you can do so at each individual state park, online, or at numerous shops around Oregon. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: there is also an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, which specifically covers the entry or day use fees at dozens of federally-run fee sites. This includes destinations overseen by the Forest Service, National Parks Service, and the Bureau of Land Management) as well as Oregon State Park sites situated along Highway 101. This passport costs $35 per year or $10 for 5 days. Learn more here. EXPLORE MORE | MOUNTAINEERING MIDDLE SISTER MOUNTAIN NEAR BEND, OREGON WASHINGTON 💸COST: $30 per year or $10 per day ➳ Learn more about the Washington State Park Pass/Discover Pass here. Washington is home to 140 state parks (SPs), including such well-known places as Cape Disappointment SP and Fort Townsend Historical SP. In order to visit these scenic destinations you will need a Washington state park pass, also known as the Discover Pass. The pass, which can be used for multiple cars (just not at one time) costs either $30 per year or $10 a day. Do note that a park pass is not needed if you are staying the night at one of the state parks (there is another fee for this) and it does NOT work at Sno-Parks (learn more about that specific pass below). READ MORE | MY IN-DEPTH GUIDE TO SUMMITING MOUNT SAINT HELENS \\ Northwest Forest Pass 💸COST: $30 per year ➳ Learn more about the Northwest Forest Pass here. Okay not to be confusing or anything, but besides the two state park passes above (one for each state) there is also a super handy pass called the Northwest Forest Pass. This pass covers dozens of sites spread across the 19 national forests that are dotted around both Washington and Oregon. This includes popular destinations in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (i.e. the Enchantments), the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (home to tons of waterfalls and lakes) and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (which is chock full of hiking trails). This pass is also interchangeable between vehicles and does NOT cover Sno-Parks. 💬INSIDER TIP: I would say that if there was one pass to purchase for exploring the PNW this one would be it. I found that a majority of the places I explored accepted this pass. Plus, it is not very expensive and it is easy to buy (in person and online). \\ America the Beautiful Pass (aka the National Parks Pass) 💸COST: $80 per year ➳ Learn more about the America the Beautiful Pass here. This annual pass is not just good to have for exploring the Pacific Northwest, but also if you are someone looking to plan adventures across the whole United States. Covering entrance fees at all lands managed by the National Park Service (as well as sites overseen by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Army Corps of Engineers), the America the Beautiful Pass is super handy to have if you are looking to check out numerous national parks, national monuments and/or national historic sites (there are 400+ options). In the PNW this pass gives you entry into such stunning destinations as Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Crater Lake National Park. You can buy the America the Beautiful Pass online (here) or at any national park. EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE \\ Sno-Park Passes One key thing to remember is that if you are planning to do some winter adventuring in either Oregon or Washington, you will likely need to purchase a sno-park pass ahead of time. A sno-park is just a cleared parking area in close proximity to prime winter adventures, including cross country ski trails, backcountry ski trails, snowmobiling and dog sledding routes and even sledding hills. There are dozens of awesome sno-parks spread around both states, including many near such popular towns as Bend and Hood River in Oregon and Leavenworth and Winthrop in Washington. OREGON 💸COST: $25 per year, $9 for 3 days, and $4 for 1 day ➳ Learn more about the Oregon Sno-Park pass, including how to buy one, here. Planning to explore some of Oregon's numerous landscapes during the winter time? Then you will very likely need to purchase an Oregon Sno-Park Pass (all other passes mentioned above do NOT give you access). This pass/permit is required between November 1st and April 30th. One cool thing about this pass is that it can also be used for all sno-parks in California and Idaho (and vice-versa), but not in Washington (bummmmer). Find a map of all Oregon sno-parks and what each offers here. WASHINGTON 💸COST: $25 per day, $50 annual ➳ Learn more about the Washington Sno-Park Pass here. Similar to the Oregon Sno-Park pass, the Washington Sno-Park pass grants you access to over 120 winter recreation sites across the state and is needed between November 1st and April 30th. This pass can be transferred between vehicles but can NOT be used in Oregon (or California or Idaho). This is a great pass to have if you are planning to do a lot of cross country or backcountry skiing, snowmobiling or sledding. Buy your annual sno-park pass here. \\ Day Passes Besides the passes outlined above, and sometimes in conjunction with them, there is also the possibility of needing a specific day pass - especially for more popular outdoor destinations like The Enchantments in Washington and the Three Sisters area in Oregon. Most day passes can be found and reserved/bought at recreation.gov. I would highly suggest looking into whether you need a specific day pass for an adventure well ahead of time for some of the really popular places do fill up fast. Likewise, you can also make reservations for things like fire tower rentals or state park tours at the aforementioned website. EXPLORE MORE | MY GUIDE TO THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON The Pacific Northwest is full of truly astounding scenery and epic adventures. But for many destinations (especially the more well-known and popular ones) you may find that you need to do a bit of planning to make sure you are showing up with the right park pass (or otherwise be prepared to get a ticket). Hopefully, this guide to all the major PNW passes helps you figure out which ones you need for your next adventure! WANT TO SAVE THIS HELPFUL TRAVEL GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR TIPS AND TRICKS ADVENTURING IN BEAR COUNTRY | How to Stay Safe While Hiking, Backpacking and Trail Running BE A RESPONSIBLE EXPLORER | A Quick Guide to the 7 Leave No Trace Principles HIKING ETIQUETTE | Helpful Tips to Know While Out on the Trail

48.3093° N, 120.6565° W LOOKING FOR A FUN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE WITH A HEARTY DOSE OF HISTORY (AND DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS)? THEN MAKE SURE TO ADD THIS CUTE TOWN TO YOUR WANT-TO-VISIT LIST. THIS STEHEKIN TRAVEL GUIDE TELLS YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. I first heard of Stehekin from a friend who had done the PCT (twice). She casually mentioned during one of her longer diatribes about the adventure a cute, little mountain town set along the bank of a massive lake that was home to one of the best bakeries she had ever been to. Nature, remote location, baked goods - I was interested. Stehekin was officially on my want-to-visit list. Somehow it would take me two years and a weird set of circumstances to finally see the town for myself. But upon landing at the small ferry dock (after a five hour drive that began at 2AM and ended with my third round of coffee), I quickly realized that my friend was 100% right: Stehekin was one cool place to visit (and yes, the bakery was damn good). So what makes Stehekin worth seeing? Well, besides the fact that it is located in a beautiful section of Washington state (smack dab within the center of the large North Cascades complex), the town also has a lot of interesting history, some great hiking and backpacking trails, and the aforementioned bakery. It is also unreachable via road/car - which in my opinion gives it a fun remote vibe. Below you will find my in-depth Stehekin travel guide that covers pretty much everything you need to know about visiting this cute mountain town for yourself. STEHEKIN FACTS | Location: northern Washington state, within the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and on the bank of Lake Chelan (find it). | Population: 112, though most are not year-round residents | Naming: in the Salishan language Stehekin means "the way through" | Best Things to Do: hiking, backpacking, boating/fishing ► JUMP TO STEHEKIN ADVENTURE ITINERARIES INTERACTIVE MAP OF STEHEKIN \\ Stehekin Weather | The Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Stehekin is during the warmer summer and fall months - namely June, July, August, and September. During this time of year, you can expect sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and easy access to the nearby hiking trails. Similarly, if you are hoping to swim in Lake Chelan (which Stehekin sits on the bank of), then plan your adventure to coincide with the hottest part of the year (namely July and August). EXPLORE MORE | THE 8 BEST NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT IN SUMMER \\ What to Bring With You to Stehekin Obviously, what gear you bring to Stehekin will highly depend on what time of year you are visiting and what adventures you are planning to do while there (hiking, boating, backpacking, etc.). Below are a few key things to remember if you are thinking of visiting for a few days during the warm summer months (like I did): | Bug spray: the mosquitos can be absolutely horrible, especially during the early morning and dusk hours. Make sure to bring a bottle with you even if you are not planning to do any major hikes or mountain adventures. | Sunscreen: never leave home without sunscreen, especially if you are planning to spend a decent amount of time out on the water or at higher elevations (like in the mountains surrounding Stehekin). I absolutely love this natural sunscreen from MadHippie. | Cash: try to bring at least a bit of cash with you when heading to Stehekin for there is no ATM available in town. While cash is not highly used, it is nice to have in order to tip your bus drivers or other service personnel. Also, some places only take cash (like The Garden). | Comfortable shoes to hike or walk in: one of the best things about Stehekin is its close proximity to numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. Therefore it is important to make sure you pack at least one pair of comfortable shoes that you can wear while tromping around in the woods. This pair by Salomon is a great option. | Swimsuit: Stehekin is located right on the banks of Lake Chelan - a stunning narrow mountain lake that measures just over 50 miles in length. If planning to visit in the summer, make sure to bring at least one swimsuit along so you can cool off in the water after a long day of exploring. | Warm jacket: but also, while summer days can be quite hot, due to the elevation and the surrounding mountains, the mornings and evenings can get quite chilly. Make sure to bring at least one cozy jacket for those times. Check out my top choice. LEARN MORE | ULTIMATE GEAR GUIDE FOR FALL ADVENTURES \\ How to Get to Stehekin Because Stehekin cannot be reached via car, it will take a bit more effort to make it into town. Luckily, there are 3 ways to do it: by boat, by foot or by plane. By far the most common way to reach town is via one of the ferry boats that cross Lake Chelan throughout the day. The closest major town to Stehekin is Chelan, Washington, which also sits on the banks of the lake (see map below). It is relatively easy to reach the town of Chelan from the major Pacific Northwest cities of Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon, as well as from the nearby city of Wenatchee, Washington (a bigger town where you can find lots of major box stores for last-minute supplies as well as lodging). See driving times to each location below. WENATCHEE, WA --> CHELAN || 50 minutes, 38 miles SEATTLE, WA --> CHELAN || 3 hours, 180 miles PORTLAND, OR --> CHELAN || 5.5 hours, 323 miles Besides taking a ferry up to Stehekin - which is quite scenic and fun - you can also choose to hike in along one of the major hiking trails that cross the surrounding mountains (including the Pacific Crest Trail/PCT) or if you are lucky and/or know the right people, you also have the option to fly in and land on the small dirt runway on the outskirts of town. Learn more about how to reach Stehekin below. TAKING THE FERRY TO STEHEKIN There are two ferry companies that run the route between Chelan and Stehekin: Lake Chelan Boat Company and Stehekin Ferry. It is best to book your ticket(s) online ahead of time (especially during the busy summer season). | Lake Chelan Boat Company This boat company offers 3 types of ferries, each offering different speeds and levels of comfort. | The Liberty: the fastest at 1.5 hours one-way, most expensive, not always running. | The Lady Express: takes 2.5 hours one-way, stops at numerous points along the lake and runs daily (during the busy season). | Lady of the Lake: the slowest boat at 4 hours one-way, also the most comfortable and cheapest option. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW | Stehekin Ferry There is only one boat option through this company, a larger vessel that only offers indoor seating. Unlike the above ferries, this route runs from Fields Point (just up the road from Chelan) to Stehekin instead of from Chelan. The boat trip takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes one-way. BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW Besides running between the towns of Chelan and Stehekin, other possible stops include Fields Landing (where the Stehekin Ferry begins), Prince Creek, Lucerne/Holden, and Moore Point. Similarly, if you are looking to stop at a more remote point on the lake (for example, if you want to begin your hike there or just camp in a quiet spot), then you will need to let the ferry company know ahead of time so they can put you on the correct boat. BACKPACKING TO STEHEKIN If you don't want to take a ferry into Stehekin then really your only other option is to hike in. Luckily, there are a number of beautiful hiking trails that lead into town. Some of the most popular options include starting at Cascade Pass or Rainy Pass in North Cascades National Park or hiking along the flat Lake Trail (which as the name applies, meanders right alongside Lake Chelan). | Cascade Pass to Stehekin 20.6 miles one-way, 6,601 ft. elevation gain || Start at Johannesburg Camp (Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm TH) in North Cascades NP, hike out on the Cascade Pass Trail to the Upper Stehekin Valley Trail and then jump onto the PCT, ends at High Bridge Campground (where a bus can take you into Stehekin). | Rainy Pass to Stehekin 18.9 miles one-way, 4,812 ft. elevation gain || Start on Highway 20 in North Cascades NP, take the PCT all the way to High Bridge Campground (where a bus can take you into Stehekin). | Lakeshore Trail Perfect early season backpacking trip (usually snow free by May 1st), starts/ends at Prince Creek (16.9 miles from the Stehekin Landing/boat dock), relatively flat with very little climbing. You will need a ferry or private boat to pick you up or drop you off for the trail doesn't go all the way to the town of Chelan. FLYING INTO STEHEKIN You can technically fly into the small town of Stehekin. But you will need to have your own small plane and be skilled in flying through the mountains and landing on a dirt runway. The airport is located on the outskirts of town roughly 3 miles from the bakery and 5 miles from the ferry dock/visitor center. Just some food for thought: the Stehekin Airport is noted by the Washington State Department of Transportation as being one of the state's most challenging. \\ How to Get Around Stehekin While the town of Stehekin is not very large, it is rather spread out. Really the town is made up of two areas: the ferry dock, where you can find the North Cascades Visitor Center, some campgrounds and lodging, and the general store, and the neighborhood zone, which is where the famous bakery and garden are located, as well as most of the homes of year-round residents. The two areas are roughly 2 miles apart - though it is very easy to either walk, bike or take the bus to get to either. FERRY DOCK --> NORTH CASCADES VISITOR CENTER || 0.3 miles FERRY DOCK --> THE BAKERY || 1.9 miles FERRY DOCK --> RAINBOW FALLS TRAILHEAD || 3.5 miles FERRY DOCK --> STEHEKIN VALLEY RANCH || 8.5 miles WALKING The most straightforward way to explore Stehekin and the surrounding area is by foot. But do note that while the town of Stehekin is pretty small, some of the main attractions are relatively far away. This includes the popular Rainbow Falls, some of the main trailheads for hiking into neighboring North Cascades National Park, and the popular Stehekin Valley Ranch (where you can find lodging and food). 💬INSDIER TIP: because Stehekin cannot be reached via car, walking along the road is quite safe for there is very little traffic (only a few buses and cars that have been shipped in). BIKE OR ATV RENTALS If you want to get around the valley on your own terms but don't feel like walking, then your best bet is to either rent a bicycle or a Can-Am (a raised, heavy duty enclosed ATV that costs $65 per hour). It is recommended to book both ahead of time, especially during the busy season. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: from the Stehekin Landing ferry dock, it is an easy 5-minute walk to the Discovery Bike shop where you will be able to pick up both bikes and Can-Ams. The shop is open from 8AM to 5PM starting in mid-May. BUS SERVICES There are various bus companies that run between the main tourist points in Stehekin, including from the main landing/ferry dock, the bakery, the Garden, Rainbow Falls and then all the way up to High Bridge Campground (the main trailhead for many of the most popular hiking trails, including the PCT). Look for buses from Stehekin Valley Adventure (a ride costs $10 per adult if going from the ferry landing all the way to High Bridge or $5 per adult if just going to the bakery). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: buses run during the busy season, usually June to October. If visiting outside of this time, I would suggest trying to contact the bus companies ahead of time or make other transportation arrangements. \\ Where to Stay in Stehekin There are a few Stehekin lodging options to choose from, including the more upscale Stehekin Valley Ranch, various privately owned cabins, and park-run campgrounds. Below is a breakdown of the main lodging options in and around Stehekin. LODGING | Stehekin Valley Ranch If you are looking for a more luxurious stay up in Stehekin, then this family-owned ranch located on the outskirts of town is the perfect fit. Accommodations include tent cabins, ranch cabins, wagons and a ranch house (great for larger groups). All reservations also include a meal plan. Learn more about staying at Stehekin Valley Ranch, including the various activities they offer, here. | North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin Another option is to book a room at the North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin, which is a bit more rustic and centrally located (it is right next to the ferry dock). There is also a restaurant and store on the premises. Learn more about the lodge and its amenities here. RENTAL HOMES There are a few homes you can rent in and around Stehekin if you are needing a bit more space and amenities (like a kitchen). Most rental options are cabins of varying ages and sizes. A few options include this cabin located right on the lake (can accommodate up to 4 guests), this retro cabin that sits on the bank of the lake and includes a personal vehicle to help you get around the valley, and a creekside cabin that offers 2 rooms and easy access to the bakery and Rainbow Falls. 💬INSIDER TIP: do note that because there are very few options available (the town is not very large) the cabins often get fully booked up early in the year (aka plan your trip well in advance). Similarly, most rental options are NOT found on Airbnb - be prepared to contact the owners directly or go through various local rental services. CAMPGROUNDS There are a few campgrounds dotted around the Stehekin area, including two that are right in town near the ferry dock and one that is just on the edge of town along the road that leads into the national park. The three campgrounds below are first-come (non-reservable) outside of the peak season and reservable during the summer (highly recommend trying to make a reservation in advance). Learn more about each campground and make your reservations at recreation.gov. | Purple Point Campground Located right next to the boat dock and lodge/general store, this campground includes food storage lockers, picnic tables, boat rentals and is pet friendly. It costs $20 per night during peak season (May 20th - September 8th). // LEARN MORE | Lakeview Campground Located just above the national park visitor center and within easy walking distance of the boat dock, the Lakeview Campground offers similar amenities as the campground above and costs the same amount ($20 per night during peak season). // LEARN MORE | Harlequin Campground Located a bit farther outside of town but still within walking distance (and definitely reachable by bus), the Harlequin Campground is a bit more rugged than the two in town (above). Picnic tables, pit toilets and food storage lockers are available, but running water is not (the Stehekin River does run nearby though). It costs $20 per night during peak season. // LEARN MORE BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING If you are planning to camp in the backcountry that surrounds Stehekin, then you will need to first secure a backcountry camping permit (which can be picked up at the visitor center in town). Learn more about what each campground offers, what you will need to bring and other helpful information at the North Cascades National Park Wilderness Trip Planner. The closest backcountry campsites to Stehekin include Bridge Creek Campground, North Fork Campground, Heaton Campground, Rainbow Bridge Campground, and Rainbow Lake Campground. \\ Food in Stehekin I really only knew two things about Stehekin before visiting: it was located on a lake in North Cascades National Park and it had a kickass bakery. So you can imagine how fast I walked (ran) to see the bakery for myself on morning one of my visit. Besides the famous bakery, you can also find food at the Stehekin Valley Ranch (supposedly quite pricy but tasty), the restaurant at the lodge, and at the small general store located right next to the ferry dock. STEHEKIN PASTRY COMPANY (AKA THE BAKERY) 🕝HOURS: 7:30AM - 5PM, sometimes opens earlier during peak season 💸PRICE: medium priced, expect to pay between $2 and $10 for a baked good or breakfast plate No trip up to Stehekin would be complete without a stop at the famous bakery. Head there in the morning for a freshly baked croissant or roll (the mushroom pesto option is fire), a cup of coffee and a cozy mountain atmosphere. Other things on offer include day-old baked goods that are the perfect snack for hiking adventures, refreshing ice cream, and lots of indoor and outdoor seating. GENERAL STORE Located near the ferry and national park visitor center, this small store has a somewhat standard array of snacks and camping goods to choose from. You can also pay to use their showers and laundry as well as Wi-Fi ($5 a day as of summer 2023). STEHEKIN VALLEY RANCH 🕝HOURS: open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, reservations are required for dinner if not staying at one of their facilities 💸PRICE: meals are included if you book a stay at the ranch, otherwise expect to pay between $26 and $32 per plate If you want to combine rugged natural adventure with fine dining then head to the luxurious Stehekin Valley Ranch for dinner. Located roughly 9 miles from town, this historic ranch is surrounded by Cascade mountains and offers stunning vistas and lots of outdoor opportunities. Do note that reservations for dinner are required if not staying on the ranch itself (see above for information on lodging), alcohol is not served but you can bring your own, and transportation to and from the ranch is available ($10 per adult and $5 per child). THE LODGE AT STEHEKIN RESTAURANT 🕝HOURS: open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, check website for seasonal hours and closures 💸PRICE: moderately priced, expect to pay between $18 and $22 for a regular entree Head to this centrally located restaurant for standard American fare, including hamburgers, sandwiches and tacos. Located right next to the ferry terminal and just a short walk from the visitor center, the Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant is a good spot to grab a bite before heading back down the lake. \\ Top Things to Do in Stehekin Due to its location within the North Cascades National Park complex, the main activities in Stehekin include hiking, backpacking, and boating/swimming/fishing. Below is a breakdown of some of the best things to do and the top places to head to during your visit: HIKING This might be a bit of a controversial take, but hear me out: there really is not much of a point in visiting Stehekin unless you are looking to hike (even if it is just a short one up to Rainbow Falls or along one of the in-town nature trails). Besides the bakery and the few historic buildings, the town doesn't have much to offer the non-hiker. But, with that being said, thanks to the town's central location within various natural areas (the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, North Cascades National Park, the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area), there is a huge array of hiking opportunities to choose from. Below are a few great options: | Rainbow Falls: a very short hike up to a large waterfall || This is one of the most popular things to do in Stehekin so try to beat the crowds by arriving early in the morning or later in the day. The waterfall - which measures 312 feet in height - is pretty no matter the time of year, but expect wildflowers in late spring and fall colors beginning in late September. | Rainbow Loop Trail: 8.7 miles, 2,293 ft. gain || This hike can be made into a fun loop if you are okay with walking along the road (don't worry, there are very few cars. It offers good views of Lake Chelan, the Stehekin River and Buckner Orchard as well as the surrounding mountains. // LEARN MORE | McGregor Mountain Trail: 10.7 miles, 4,524 ft. gain || A tough out and back route that includes a long gradual climb up to the peak. Do note that this trail does require some route finding and scrambling skills - especially in the last 1,000 feet. Hike starts at the High Bridge Campground. // LEARN MORE | Boulder Creek Trail: 18.9 mile loop, 8,908 ft. gain || This longer hike starts at the Rainbow Loop Trailhead and heads up the Boulder Creek trail. Eventually it loops back around and ends at the national park visitor center. The trail offers a more remote hiking experience as well as nice views of the surrounding mountains and water features. | Rainbow Lake: 18.9 miles, 7,185 ft. gain || This very scenic and less popular trail starts at the Rainbow Loop Trailhead near town before heading up the Rainbow Creek Trail. Eventually the route splits off and heads out along the Rainbow Lake Trail. This remote trail ends at the very scenic Rainbow Lake (stunning!) and offers numerous backcountry camping options. One important thing to keep in mind when hiking around Stehekin is to always stay wildlife-aware. Bears, mountain lions, wolves and various rodents and birds all call the region home. Be a good steward of the land by giving wildlife plenty of space if you come upon them, not feeding any animal you may meet along the way (including those cute chipmunks), and always paying attention to your surroundings while out in remote areas (look for fresh skat or tracks). ➳ Check out AllTrails to find even more hiking trails and routes in and around Stehekin. LEARN MORE | HOW TO STAY SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY BACKPACKING Stehekin is a great place to either start or end a backpacking adventure. Some of the most popular areas to backpack from Stehekin include starting from High Bridge Campground (via a short bus ride) and then backpacking up either the PCT, the Upper Stehekin Valley Trail, or the Rainbow Creek Trail. I highly recommend looking at either AllTrails or Gaia GPS when planning your trip to Stehekin for this is a great way to understand the numerous trail options that crisscross the mountains in and around the valley. When I visited Stehekin, I decided to take on a larger loop that started at the Rainbow Creek Trailhead, headed up to Rainbow Lake and over an unnamed pass before dropping down to the PCT and then back out to Bridge Creek Campground. In total, this loop covered 27 miles, climbed just over 9,000 feet and gave me access to some stunning mountain scenery - including lakes, dense forests and flower-filled alpine meadows (check it out). While my route/trip did not include the last bit of road that was required to make it back to Stehekin proper (I luckily was able to catch a ride back before it got too dark out), if you are planning to do the loop yourself, then make sure to catch the last bus of the day or plan on spending the night at the Bridge Creek Campground. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: due to Stehekin being right on the edge of North Cascades National Park you will need to make a backcountry camping reservation ahead of time on the park website (and then don't forget to grab your backcountry permit from the visitor center before setting out on the trail). EXPLORE MORE | ULTIMATE NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE BOATING AND WATER SPORTS A trip to Stehekin is not complete without at least one swim session in Lake Chelan. While the water is frigid, it feels absolutely amazing on a hot summer day. While swimming is easy and free, another option includes heading out on either kayaks or paddleboards (both of which will need to be brought with you or rented at one of the outfitters/lodges). Boating and fishing are also great options, though these will require either having a friend with a boat, or renting one for the day. If exploring the lake isn't really what you are looking for, then you also have the option to kayak on the nearby Stehekin River. A great way to do this is to book a day tour through Stehekin Valley Ranch ($65 /adult). This trip includes a run down the river, a visit to the town's old hotel (now underwater) as well as a quick trip out onto the lake to see some nearby native pictographs. Other adventure opportunities include biking around town and up into parts of the park, mountaineering on some of the nearby peaks, and stargazing at night (the night sky is beautiful as there is very little light pollution). STEHEKIN TRAVEL ITINERARIES 1 DAY If you only have one day to check out Stehekin, then I suggest reserving a Lady Liberty round-trip ferry ticket. This option means leaving the town of Chelan at 8AM, docking in Stehekin for 6 hours and then returning to Chelan at 5PM. During your 6 hour layover in town, you should first head to the bakery for a freshly baked pastry and coffee, and then make your way up to Rainbow Falls (a short but pretty hike to a large waterfall). Then if you have more time, consider biking up the road to take in views of the surrounding mountains and the Stehekin River, wandering around the National Park visitor center or hopping in the lake for a quick swim. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you only have a day in Stehekin, I would highly recommend renting a bike in order to make the most of your time. 2 DAYS To start your Stehekin adventure, take the early ferry up the lake from Chelan (the Express leaves at 8:30AM and takes 2.5 hours to reach Stehekin), then spend the day hiking around the surrounding area (see suggested hikes above), grab dinner at one of the restaurants or eat the food you packed in with you. On Day 2, head to the bakery first thing in the morning and then either check out Rainbow Falls, stop in at the visitor center, or swim in the lake before taking either the Express ferry back down to Chelan (2.5 hour ride that leaves Stehekin at 12:30PM) or the Lady of the Lake ferry (4 hour ride, leaves town at 2PM). 3 DAYS If you are lucky enough to be able to spend 3 days in Stehekin, then I highly recommend spending one night of your trip camping in the backcountry. There are lots of backcountry campsites available within a relatively short hike from town (see above for more information and/or visit the national park website). On Day 1, try to catch the earliest ferry up to Stehekin from Chelan (8AM). Once docked, head to the national park visitor center to learn a bit about the area and pick up your wilderness camping permit. Then start making your way to whatever trail and campsite you have chosen to explore. 💬 INSIDER TIP: highly recommend stopping off at the bakery to pick up some freshly baked goods or a few day-olds, both of which make for a tasty hiking snack. Day 2 will likely consist of you packing up camp and heading back down to Stehekin from whichever epic campsite you chose to spend the night at. Depending on where you camped, this could take up all of your day. But if you do have some extra time, consider visiting some of the historic sites located around town (including the old school or Buckner Orchard) or just relaxing along the bank of Lake Chelan. End the day with dinner at The Lodge at Stehekin Restaurant. For your final day, try to wake up nice and early to beat the crowds at the popular Rainbow Falls. Then grab a coffee and breakfast sandwich at the bakery, visit The Garden, and make one last stop at the general store or visitor center before hopping on the ferry and heading back to Chelan. Stehekin is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking to explore a different side of North Cascades National Park, spend a few days in the woods (with very little service or amenities) or if you are just someone who likes to ride ferries (guilty). The pretty lakeside town had been on my long list of places to visit ever since I heard that it was a) one of the few towns that you couldn't reach via car, b) had a kickass bakery and c) was close to some epic hiking opportunities. And after spending one long summer weekend there, I am already planning a trip back that will hopefully include even more outdoor adventuring. WANT TO SAVE THIS STEHEKIN GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDES ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK MY EXPERIENCE BACKPACKING IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK (HELPFUL TIPS!) TOP 5 BACKPACKING TRAILS TO EXPLORE IN NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: I absolutely love my LARQ water bottle. I have brought it on so many adventures and really find it to be extremely useful, especially in the backcountry. If you don't know what a LARQ water bottle is, it's a self-cleaning water bottle with a rechargeable UV filter inside that kills almost all contaminants. | Eco-friendly sunscreen: I always use MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. It also doesn't feel heavy and gross on my face (even after sweating). Plus, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been my favorite for years. ► Find my full sustainable travel packing list here.

47.8021° N, 123.6044° W OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK IS PRETTY DARN BIG - AND DIVERSE. SO IT CAN BE OVERWHELMING TO PLAN AN ITINERARY TO SUCH AN AMAZING PLACE. LUCKILY, WE HAVE DONE A LOT OF THE TOUGH WORK FOR YOU. BELOW ARE FOUR POSSIBLE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES YOU CAN TOTALLY STEAL. Olympic National Park is pretty darn big (it is over 1,400 square miles in size) and of that, nearly 95% of it is considered "wilderness". Because of how rugged the park is, there are no roads that cross it completely. Instead, you have to somewhat circumnavigate it - mostly via Highway 101. If you are looking to head into the interior, then you will either have to drive up Hurricane Ridge Road or hike along one of the many long-distance trails. But it isn't just the size that makes Olympic National Park so hard to see. What really makes it tough is how diverse it is. Within the national park you have high snowy mountains, lush temperate rain forests and over 70 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. That's is a lot to see. So it really is no wonder that it can be tough to plan the perfect travel itinerary. Luckily, we have visited this stunning national park a good number of times and have explored almost all of the main areas. Below you will find four Olympic National Park travel itineraries that are based on where you want to explore and how much time you have. This includes a couple of 1 day itineraries, and also a 2 day, 3 day and even a 4+ day adventure itinerary. Hopefully, these travel itineraries hope you plan the perfect adventure in this stunning Pacific Northwest national park! ► You can find even more information on the national park in our comprehensive Olympic National Park Adventure Guide! OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK MAP 4 PERFECT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES We suggest that if you are short on time (have only a couple of hours) then you should definitely try to focus on just one area of the park instead of the whole park. Below are six adventure-filled travel itineraries for Olympic National Park; including, a couple of 1 Day itineraries (based on the area you want to explore), a 2 Day, 3 Day and even a 4+ Day itinerary if you happen to be lucky enough to have that much time to spend in Olympic National Park :). OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 1 DAY ITINERARY If you only have one day in Olympic National Park then we definitely recommend narrowing down your travel itinerary to just one specific area. While it is possible to visit multiple sections of the park in one day, due to the distances between them, it will likely seem more like you are spending time just in your car driving than actually out in the national park exploring. ONE DAY IN THE MOUNTAINS Hurricane Ridge is a fantastic place to head to if you want to spend a day exploring the high mountains of Olympic National Park. The drive up to Hurricane Ridge takes about 30 minutes if coming directly from Port Angeles. Along the drive, you can stop off at a couple of viewpoints and hiking trails. Once at the top, wander around the main base area and spend a bit of time in the lovely visitor center. After that, consider heading out for a longer hike. Some of the most popular trails nearby include the Klahhane Ridge Trail (3.8, one-way), Hurricane Hill (1.6 miles, one-way), Wolf Creek (8 miles one-way, all downhill) and the 6-mile one-way trail down to the Elwha Valley and Ranger Station (where you can then hike out to Highway 101). If you get your fill of Hurricane Ridge and still have some time left over, then consider checking out the stunning Lake Crescent and hiking out to Marymere Falls (which are both roughly an hour away) or visiting the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which is around 1.5 hours away (there are also a lot of great hiking trails nearby). EXPLORE MORE | HIKING PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE ONE DAY IN THE RAINFOREST If you instead want to explore the stunning temperate rainforest - one of the last remaining examples of this biome in North America - then we suggest driving just over 2 hours from Port Angeles to the Hoh Rainforest. Here you can check out the visitor center (check hours ahead of time), walk along the two nature trails - the Hall of Mosses Trail and the Spruce Nature Trail - or head out for a full day of adventure on the 17+ mile long Hoh River Trail. Nearby, you can also check out the Bogachiel Rainforest (25 miles / 40 minutes away), or drive further south to the equally stunning Quinault Rainforest and Lake Quinault (72 miles / 1.5 hours away). ONE DAY ON THE COAST Finally, you can choose to spend your one day in Olympic National Park on the rugged Pacific Coast. The best beaches to head to will likely be Rialto Beach near the town of La Push, or Ruby and Kalaloch Beaches down near Oil City. Both areas will have plenty to offer the adventurous visitor, from just walking along the beach looking for marine life (seals, otters and whales are relatively common) to birdwatching to tidepooling in the numerous little rainbow pockets left behind once the ocean water recedes. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Rialto Beach from Port Angeles, and just under 2 hours to reach Ruby Beach (and another 10 minutes to reach Kalaloch). OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 2 DAY ITINERARY If you have two days to explore Olympic National Park, then we suggest splitting your days between the mountains - where you can head out on numerous hikes - and the rainforest and coast. On Day 1, head either up to the Hurricane Ridge area to do some high mountain exploring (see above for ideas on how to fill your time) or down to the beautiful Sol Duc Valley where you can head deeper into the heart of the mountains and explore some amazing alpine lakes. Some of the top hikes in the Sol Duc Valley and surrounding areas are: | Lovers Lane Loop // 5.8 miles round-trip, only 480 feet of elevation gain; the trail follows the Sol Duc River out to Sol Duc Falls. | Sol Duc River Trail // 17 miles round-trip, 3,200 feet of elevation gain; this is one of the most beloved hikes in the whole national park - and for good reason. It takes you through lovely old growth forests and along the mighty Sol Duc River all the way to various high alpine meadows (where wildlife is commonly spotted). Due to its popularity, backcountry camping permits are required and a quota is enforced. | High Divide Trail // 9.63 miles round-trip, 5,111 feet of elevation gain; this challenging hike takes you up into the high mountains where you will find alpine lakes and stunning mountain views (on a clear day of course). This trail is part of the longer Seven Lakes Basin Trail, a popular backpacking route. Other popular areas to explore nearby are the Mount Storm King/Marymere Falls area, Lake Crescent itself and the Elwha Valley (which includes the Olympic Hot Springs). EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING THE AMAZING OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS On Day 2, get up early and drive out to the coast for a morning of wildlife watching and tidepooling (you can check tides here). If you are hoping to spot migrating whales, then your best chance will be to visit Neah Bay and Shi Shi Beach (up on the northern section of the coast), Rialto Beach and La Push (closer to Forks, Washington) and Kalaloch and South Beach (this is also a great spot to watch sea otters). The best time of year for whale watching along the Pacific Coast will be between March and May (with May being the unofficial "Whale Watching Month"). ➳ If you would like to head out on a whale watching tour, then your best bet is to head to Port Townsend where you will find numerous tour operators. Or you can head a bit further north and hop on a tour through Orca Spirit Adventures Whale Watching, which is located in Port Renfrew, British Columbia (Canada). You can check out their whale-focused adventure tour for yourself here. Other popular activities along the coast include bird watching (bald eagles are commonly seen) or just hiking along the beaches (there is even a designated Coastal Trail that stretches along the whole Olympic National Park coastline). Once you get your fill of the coast, head inland to the numerous Olympic National Park temperate rainforests - including the Hoh Rainforest and the Quinault Rainforest. Both areas offer opportunities to stretch your legs on various hiking trails, learn about the temperate rainforest biome, and even spend the night under the dense green forest canopy. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 3 DAY ITINERARY If you have more than two days to spend in Olympic National Park then definitely consider putting aside a day to explore some of the more off the beaten path destinations. This includes such hidden gems as the Staircase area (which is located in the far southeast corner of the national park), the forested Quinault Valley (where you can hike through lush temperate rainforests and then up into alpine mountain meadows, including to the famous Enchanted Valley) or out to Deer Park, which - though quite close to Port Angeles - is often quite quiet (though still stunning). With three days put aside to visit the park, you can really get a deeper understanding of what makes Olympic National Park so amazing. Definitely still try to visit each of the three areas (the mountains, rain forest and coast) - either on their own individual day, or by combining them (of course the first option is more recommended). EXPLORE MORE | THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE TO OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK 4+ DAY ITINERARY If you somehow have the time to spend 4 full days in Olympic National Park (lucky you!) then definitely try to plan a trip into the marvelous and rugged backcountry. There are a ton of options for backpacking in the park - from the more popular Seven Lakes Basin area to the more off the beaten path trails in the higher alpine meadows (there are plenty of ways to combine routes to form loops too). Just know that you will first need to get a Wilderness Permit before setting out on the trail, and, depending on where you plan on going, you might also need to reserve a campsite (quotas exist in the popular areas). If you have any questions about backpacking and spending time in the backcountry of Olympic National Park, then definitely stop in at the Wilderness Information Center at the main Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles. The rangers will help answer all of your questions and even help you figure out the right route to head out on. These six Olympic National Park travel itineraries will hopefully help you plan out the perfect adventure to this wonderful national park. With so much to see and do, we totally understand how it can be overwhelming to figure out how best to spend your time (don't worry we've been there). If you have any questions about these travel itineraries - or Olympic National Park in general - then please leave a comment or question below, or reach out to us directly. EVEN MORE HELPFUL OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK PLANNING INFORMATION \\ Where to Stay in Olympic National Park You have a couple of options when it comes to deciding where you want to base yourself when exploring Olympic National Park. The closest major towns with lodging options are going to be Port Angeles (the largest town on the entire Olympic Peninsula), Sequim, Forks and Port Townsend. If you are looking to explore the rainforests and the coast, then Forks is probably your best bet. While if you are looking to check out the mountains and Lake Crescent, then Port Angeles and Sequim are great options. Port Townsend is not as close to the national park, but it is one of the cutest and most tourist-centric towns on the Olympic Peninsula. So if you want to combine your trip to the national park with a bit of luxury and history, then this could be a great spot to stay. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK HOTELS AND LODGING LODGING INSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There are four options for lodging within the national park: the Kalaloch Lodge, the Lake Crescent Lodge, the Log Cabin Resort and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Of the four, only Kalaloch Lodge is open year-round (the other three are open all summer and part of spring and fall). Each spot comes with its own perks, from having kayak rentals to easy access to hot springs, it totally depends on what kind of trip you want to have. No matter which one you choose, it is smart to plan ahead and make your reservation far in advance. You can do that for all four of them here. LODGING OUTSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you want to instead book a spot outside of the national park, then your best option will be in either the town of Port Angles (which is the closest major town to a lot of the top adventure destinations) or in Forks. Below are a couple of awesome options to consider when booking a spot near Olympic National Park. | Sea Cliff Gardens Bed and Breakfast: this cozy and romantic BnB is located just outside of Port Angeles along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It includes a hot tub, water views, free breakfast and immaculate gardens. BOOK YOUR STAY. | Juan de Fuca Cottages: another unique lodging option near Olympic National Park is this quaint spot that offers amazing views of the Dungeness Spit, the New Dungeness Lighthouse, Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic Mountains, and even Victoria, British Columbia. Plus, this locally owned spot has also been recognized for its eco-conscious ways. BOOK YOUR STAY. | All View Motel: if you just want a simple spot to spend the night in Port Angeles, then this motel should definitely do the trick. Located right off Highway 101 and only a mile from the main park visitor center, this is a really good option for basecamp - especially if you want to spend a couple of days exploring the mountains and other parts of Olympic National Park. BOOK YOUR STAY. | Hoh Valley Cabins: located along the same road out to the Hoh Rainforest region of the national park, this quaint resort is super well located for both exploring the rain forest and the coast (it is only 50 minutes from Rialto Beach). There is free parking and a cute café nearby. The cabins are roughly 30 minutes from downtown Forks. BOOK YOUR STAY. OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK CAMPING If you want to instead live it up a bit more ruggedly, then definitely consider getting a campsite either in the national park (there are a lot of campgrounds to choose from) or in one of the nearby towns. Just remember, if you are planning to camp in Olympic National Park in the summer, definitely get a reservation ahead of time (if possible) or try to show up early to snag a first come, first served spot. CAMPING INSIDE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There are 13 campgrounds spread around Olympic National Park. Of the 13, four of them require reservations during the busy summer season (Fairholme, Hoh Rainforest, Mora and Kalaloch). A few other important things to note about camping in Olympic National Park is that there are no showers available at any of the campgrounds. Likewise, none of the campgrounds are equipped with electrical hook-ups. If you need either, your best bet is to reserve a spot at the Log Cabin Resort RV and Campground. You can learn more about the 13 campgrounds - including how many sites there are, where they are located, their seasonal openings and what amenities they include, at the Olympic National Park Camping page. Likewise, below are some recommended campgrounds to get a spot in for specific adventures. | Hiking up in the high mountains --> Heart O' the Hills Campground; $24 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required. Or consider Deer Park for a more off the beaten path camping location. | Exploring the rain forests --> Hoh Rainforest Campground; $24 /night, open year-round and reservations are required. | Awesome coastal access --> Mora Campground (only 2 miles from Rialto Beach); $24 /night, open year-round and reservations are required. Or consider South Beach Campground farther south ($20 /night, open in the summer and no reservations are required). | Quiet and off the beaten path --> Queets Campground, which is located along the Queets River ($15 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required) OR the North Fork Campground, which is located above Lake Quinault and only has 9 sites ($20 /night, open year-round and no reservations are required). BACKPACKING IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you are interested in backpacking in Olympic National Park, then you will first need to get your backpacking and wilderness permit. You MUST do this ahead of time and online (you can no longer get it in person). You can get your backpacking and wilderness permit here. If you are unsure of where you want to go backpacking in Olympic National Park, then we highly recommend first stopping by the Wilderness Information Center, which is located in the main park visitor center in Port Angeles. They have a ton of useful information and can help you narrow down where you want to go and help you figure out what safety measures to take. If you are just looking at possible wilderness routes within the park, then we suggest checking out this Wilderness Camping Map. You can learn more about backpacking in Olympic National Park here. CAMPING OUTSIDE OF OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK There is a KOA campground located on the outskirts of Port Angeles near Sequim. This KOA includes plenty of RV sites, tent sites and a couple of cabins. Similarly, it also includes hook-ups for RVs, a pool (open in the summer), social events, bike rentals, a dog park and wi-fi. You can learn more about the campground and make your reservation here. VAN LIFING NEAR OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK If you are hoping to van life near Olympic National Park, then your best bet for finding free boondocking sites is going to be up on one of the many forest roads. This includes dirt roads close to Lake Crescent (especially on the north and east side), Lake Quinault and down south near the town of Skykomish. Remember to always follow Leave No Trace Principles when van lifing and to only camp in legal areas (like in National Forests). We always use the apps iOverlander and FreeRoam when searching for places to camp. EXPLORE MORE | HOW TO FIND FREE CAMPSITES (INCLUDING IN YOUR VAN!) ACROSS THE USA \\ What to Bring With You to Olympic National Park Because it rains a lot in Olympic National Park - especially in the temperate rain forests (like Hoh and Quinault), you will want to come prepared with plenty of rainy weather clothing. We recommend at the very least a good wicking jacket that is light and breathable as well as some hiking boots that easily repel water. Below are some more of our favorite outdoor gear. HIKING BOOTS You will want to wear a pair of sturdy boots that can handle all kinds of terrain: from steep rocky scree fields to slick river crossings to just miles upon miles of trail pounding. These hiking boots by Vasque seem to be a jack of all trades and therefore should be able to handle whatever the trail throws at you. Recommended hiking boots. Another good option is these Columbia Newton Ridge Plus hiking boots. They have a nice durable sole, plenty of ankle support and are super water-repellent. Recommended waterproof hiking boot. HIKING SOCKS These socks can easily go from hitting the forest or coastal trails to hanging out at basecamp due to their moisture-wicking properties and slightly elastic stretch. Plus, they are made partially of recycled materials - meaning they are good for you and the planet. Recommended hiking socks from Smartwool. MOISTURE-WICKING SUN SHIRT No matter what month you are planning to hike in Olympic National Park (including even during the cloudy winter season), you will want to wear a nice lightweight long-sleeved shirt on the trail. This one by Backcountry works great as your base layer for it is lightweight and breathable enough for those hotter days but also insulated enough to be great under a warmer rain jacket during those (common) wetter days. Recommended long-sleeve shirt. WARM JACKET This lightweight fleece jacket works great as both a mid-layer for winter hiking adventures or as a solo jacket once the season starts to warm up. Plus, the raglan-style sleeves provide seam-free comfort when you are carrying a backpack - no matter the size or weight. Finally, the fleece jacket is made of recycled fabrics and is Bluesign approved (its sewing was also Fair Trade Certified). Recommended hiking jacket. RAIN JACKET While a nice cozy jacket will help keep you nice and warm on those chilly mornings or late-season days, usually the best jacket to have with you while hiking - especially in Olympic National Park where rain is always possible - is an easy-to-pack rain jacket. This one by Patagonia checks all of the boxes: it is super lightweight and can pack down into its own little pouch, it has underarm zips that let you vent air even when hiking, it has an adjustable elastic draw cord hem that allows fine-tuning for the perfect fit, and finally, it is also Bluesign approved and its sewing is Fair Trade Certified. Recommended rain jacket. HIKING SHORTS When it's a nice warm day, we usually reach for some easy, breathable, and comfortable shorts. This pair by Mountain Hardwear is simple but gets the job done. Plus, they are made of a nice breathable ripstop fabric that resists wear and tear (even when hiking through dense rainforests) and has nice hand and thigh pockets that allow you to stash small essentials like snacks, your phone and some Chapstick. Recommended hiking shorts. HIKING PANTS Or you might instead gravitate towards wearing hiking pants while exploring Olympic National Park (definitely not a bad idea). We personally tend to veer more towards wearing light pants while hiking unless it is absolutely scorching out - just for the sun protection and less likelihood of getting scratches and cuts from plants. These pants by Black Diamond are durable enough for all kinds of trails, including trails in the high mountains, in the dense forests and along the rocky Pacific coast. Recommended hiking pants here. SUNSCREEN Even if it isn't exactly "sunny" out, you can still get burned - especially at higher elevations. Therefore it is still important to give your skin that extra bit of protection - especially your shoulders, feet and hands. These sunscreens not only protect you against the sun but are also environmentally safe. HEADLAMP A handy headlamp is a true adventure necessity. We tend to have about 5 headlamps scattered around our van and bags just in case we lose one or the batteries die (which somehow happens quite often...). This headlamp by Black Diamond is a personal favorite because it is relatively affordable, it has multiple light settings and it is rechargeable. Recommended headlamp. HIKING DAY PACK By far one of the most important items in your hiking repertoire is going to be your backpack. Because you will be carrying this bag all day on the trail - including sometimes up and down some steep and sketchy sections - you will want to make sure it is really comfortable. This bag by Osprey holds 24 liters of gear, while still having plenty of straps to allow it to fit perfectly to your body. Plus, it is made of a nice durable nylon construction that can withstand tons of trail abuse. It also has a specific place to attach your trekking poles or ice ax - which will help you free up your hands when out adventuring. Recommended day pack. BACKPACKING BAG For longer trips on the trails - including adventures that last multiple days at a time - you will want a bag that not only carries all of your gear but is also comfortable to wear for hours and miles on end. This large 65-liter backpacking bag also by Osprey does just that. Its anti-gravity suspension is well-ventilated and has plenty of cushions, while its shoulder straps adjust up and down the back panel for a totally custom fit. The bag also comes with a built-in sleeve for a 3-liter hydration bladder and bottom straps for securing a sleeping pad. Recommended backpacking bag. WATER FILTER One of the best ways to cut back on your hiking load is to bring along a water filter and just filter water as you hike. This is especially true in places as wet as Olympic National Park. This super easy one by Grayl combines a water filter inside an actual water bottle - meaning less gear to carry and less time actually filtering. A true win-win. Recommended water filter. Or if you want to get an actual water filter system that allows you to filter lots of water at once, we recommend a top-notch Katadyn water filter. This filter has been our go-to for all hiking and backpacking adventures for years. Plus, it takes up very little space in your bag, is easy to clean and works pretty darn fast. Recommended Katadyn water filter. HIKING FIRST AID KIT This is one of those items that you don't realize you need until it is too late. Luckily, this lightweight pack comes with (almost) everything you could need if an accident does unfortunately occur on the trail. Recommended hiking first aid kit. TREKKING POLES We personally have never been the type of hikers to use trekking poles but we have friends who absolutely swear by them. This set by Black Diamond can handle all kinds of terrain, are super lightweight and pack down small enough to be stored easily on the side of your backpack. Recommended trekking poles. POST-HIKE SANDALS Once you make it back to your basecamp (your car, your tent, your house) make sure to take off those boots, stretch out your arches and let your feet breathe. Seriously, this might be one of the best feelings ever. After you do that, slip on a pair of these comfortable Teva sandals (we won’t judge if you add socks too). Recommended post-hike sandals. POST-HIKE COZY SHIRT Likewise, there are few things nicer than taking off your sweaty shirt and putting on a nice cozy (clean) one after a long hike. This one by the Parks Project is made of a nice soft cotton fabric and is cut in a fun vintage style. Recommend post-hike shirt. WANT TO SAVE THIS OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE NATIONAL PARK GUIDES & TRAVEL ITINERARIES THE ULTIMATE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK TRAVEL ITINERARIES | 2 & 3 DAYS THE ULTIMATE LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE THE ULTIMATE ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK ADVENTURE GUIDE

46.1914° N, 122.1956° W LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMBING MOUNT ST. HELENS IN WASHINGTON - INCLUDING THE BEST TIME TO GO, WHAT THE BRING WITH YOU, AND WHAT TO EXPECT ALONG THE TRAIL. While Mount Saint Helens was once thought of as the Mount Fuji of the USA due to its perfect conical shape, thanks to its famous eruption in 1980 the Cascade peak now has an almost equally well-known flat top that can viewed from dozens of miles away (on a clear day at least). Today, Mount Saint Helens and the surrounding national volcanic monument is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, biking and backpacking. But maybe the most famous adventure is climbing up to the crater rim of the ubiquitous mountain itself. Mount Saint Helens (or Loowit - the indigenous name given by the Klickitat tribe) is considered to be a non-technical mountain. And in truth, as long as you have the physical fitness, the ability to do a bit of rock scrambling and the gumption, you can make it to the top. There are two trails available depending on the time of year you plan to visit: the Ptarmigan Trail is more commonly used in the summer (this is the route I took), while the Worm Flows Trail is more commonly taken in the winter (though you can obviously take it in the summer too). This adventure guide mostly covers the Ptarmigan and Monitor Ridge route - though most of the information, especially on what time of year to hike, what to bring with you on the trail and what to expect along the way - can easily be followed for either hike. If you are thinking of climbing Mount St Helens but have a few lingering questions, then this in-depth guide is for you! \\ How to Get to the Mount Saint Helens Trailhead When planning to summit Mount Saint Helens you will want to drive and park (and likely camp) at the Climbers Bivouac Trailhead, located on the boundary of Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument and near the town of Cougar, Washington. For the most part the drive to the trailhead will be on a well-maintained paved road. Only the last couple of miles are dirt and gravel. but even this section isn't too bad and easily doable for nearly all types of vehicles. Below are basic driving directions from the nearby major cities of Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington: FROM PORTLAND, OR If starting from Portland or the surrounding area, the drive to the trailhead should take roughly 1.5 hours. To start, head up Interstate 5 and into Washington. Then turn onto Highway 503 in the town of Woodland (there is a couple of gas stations, restaurants and a large grocery store here if you need some last minute supplies). Then drive for a little over 30 miles, past the town of Cougar until you see a sign and the turn for NF 81. Drive up this paved road until you enter the national monument (there is a sign and information board). Along the way you will see the turn for Ape Cave, a popular destination in the area. Soon you will see a sign for 830 Road and Climbers Bivouac Trailhead. Turn right here and follow it until the end. The trailhead parking lot is quite large and includes multiple pit toilets, an information station, picnic tables and campsites. Total Distance: 74 miles // 1 hour and 35 minutes FROM SEATTLE, WA If you are coming from Seattle, you will follow a similar route as above but instead of heading north on Interstate 5 you will be coming from the south. The drive from Seattle to the Mount Saint Helens trailhead takes just under 3.5 hours (on average). You will take the same exit in Woodland and drive up through Cougar before reaching the national monument boundary and the turn for the Climbers Bivouac Trailhead. Total Distance: 186 miles // 3 hours and 20 minutes CAMPING AT THE MOUNT SAINT HELENS TRAILHEAD It is perfectly acceptable to camp at the Mount Saint Helens Trailhead, which is especially nice if you are planning an early summit climb. The parking lot is quiet, dark and has the standard amenities like pit toilet bathrooms, an information station, picnic tables, trash bins, fire pits (check for fire regulations beforehand) and plenty of flat and clear spots for tents. Though I do not remember if there was potable water available 😶 I camped the night before in my car and had zero issues. However, I would recommend getting to the trailhead relatively early (I arrived around 6:30 PM on a weeknight) since it does fill up rather quickly - especially in the summer. Also, note that there really is no phone service available at the trailhead, so make sure to download your offline map and let your family and friends know where you are at before heading up. EXPLORE MORE | MY ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT AND PRESERVE \\ The Best Time to Hike Mount Saint Helens The best time of year to climb Mount Saint Helens depends solely on how you want to actually travel: in the winter skis or snowmobiles are necessary, while in the summer hiking boots (and even trail runners) will do the trick. Likewise, you will also want to decide what kind of weather you want to experience. In the winter you can expect snow and icy, cold wind and a lower chance of visibility. While in the summer the temperatures can be quite hot and the sun can be strong when hiking outside of the forest (nearly half of the hike). I summited Mount Saint Helens in the middle of summer (early August) and found the weather to be quite nice. While it was windy and somewhat chilly at the top, it was nice to have an early sunrise, blue skies (for the most part), balmy temperatures, and a clear trail. But, with that being said, the scree section at the end can be really tough (aka slick) in the summer. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: Mount Saint Helens is a popular place for backcountry skiing in the winter due to its short approach and open mountainside. If you are fine dealing with the cold, skiing up and down could be a fantastic way to explore the mountain. \\ What to Bring With You to Hike Mount Saint Helens What gear you bring with you to climb Mount Saint Helens totally depends on the time of year you are planning to go. I did the hike in early August and found the trail to be almost completely clear of snow. Because of this, I chose to wear trail running shoes instead of hiking and mountaineering boots. Likewise, I didn't feel the need to bring as many layers as I would of if I was doing it in the winter and/or during the chillier shoulder seasons. But, with that being said, because of the warmer temperatures and the overall lack of shade for a good part of the hike, I did make sure to pack plenty of water and sun protection. Below is a brief outline of what I brought with me to climb Mount Saint Helens: | Shoes: I wore trail running shoes but really the main thing to keep in mind is wearing footwear that has good grip (there is a lot of loose sand and scree as well as boulder hopping along the route) and that are comfortable for both uphill and downhill travel. These are the trail runners that I wore. | Backpack: make sure to wear a comfortable backpack that can carry all of your necessities like water (see more on this below), snacks, an extra layer or two, a first aid kit and a headlamp. I wore my trusty 30L bag but only filled it about halfway with gear. | Sun Protection: there isn't too much shade along the trail so be prepared for plenty of sun, especially if you are hiking during the middle of the day. I made sure to bring a sun hat, sun shirt (with a hood), sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm with SPF. | Wind Protection: the wind can be fierce once you get within a mile or so of the summit. And I mean howling, push-you-back-down-the-mountain fierce. Because of this, it would be smart to pack a buff to help protect your face and neck from the blowing sand, glasses (or even goggles) to help shield your eyes, and a windbreaker for extra warmth. Other pieces of gear that would be helpful on Mount Saint Helens are gloves with good grip (great for rock scrambling) and some warmer layers for up at the summit - especially a beanie or headband. 💬INSIDER TIP: because of the lack of shade along the route you will want to bring enough water up with you. I brought a full 3L CamelBak bladder and had plenty for the whole ~9 mile hike. But, with that being said, if you are someone who tends to drink lots of water while out hiking or is planning to start during the heat of the day, then I would highly suggest packing a full water bladder and an extra water bottle too. Unfortunately, there really isn't a place to filter water along the trail so you will have to carry all water with you from the start. EXPLORE MORE | WHAT'S IN MY BACKPACK: EVERYTHING I BRING MOUNTAINEERING AS A SOLO FEMALE \\ Mount Saint Helens Hiking Permits A climbing permit is REQUIRED for hiking up Mount Saint Helens year-round. But there are more regulations in place between April 1 and October 31st (the more popular time to climb). During that season there is a quota system in place to help reduce overcrowding and protect the area's natural resources. During the quota season (April 1 and October 31st) you will need to secure a permit ahead of time. Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month. So for example, if you want to climb Mount Saint Helens in August, you will need to get online and reserve your permit on July 1st. To reserve your permit, head to recreation.gov and search for Mount St. Helens climbing permit (check it out now). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: permits can go quickly, especially during the busy summer months (June, July and August) so make sure to get online early to reserve the day you want. All permits become available at 7AM PST on the 1st. Other important things to know about permits for Mount Saint Helens are that you will need to print your permit before hiking (you can do this up to 14 days in advance), once the permit is printed no changes can be made to your reservation, and the max group size is 12 people. The permit costs $15 per person (per day). There is also a $6 transaction fee added to each reservation made. So for example, if you are purchasing a permit for 3 people it will cost $51 ($15 x 3 people + $6). If you are climbing with others, you will need to add all members information when making the reservation (mainly their names). Finally, whoever purchases the permit becomes the permit holder and MUST be on the climb. ➳ Learn more about permits for Mount Saint Helens here. READ MORE | 7 IMPORTANT TRAIL ETIQUETTE TIPS ALL ADVENTURERS NEED TO KNOW \\ Extra Tips to Know About Hiking Mount Saint Helens While summiting Mount Saint Helens isn't considered to be very technical, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to have a more enjoyable climbing experience. 1 | It is super easy to find your way along the trail, even when the trail somewhat disappears on the boulder fields. When in the trees (the first ~2 miles of trail) you will want to follow the blue markers (some can be quite high up on tree trunks). Then once you are out of the forest and heading up the rocks, make sure to follow the tall wooden poles. The weather can change quickly on the mountain and fog/clouds are somewhat common, but as long as you always can see the wooden poles you should be fine. But with that all being said, it is also not a bad idea to download an offline map beforehand. I have been using Gaia GPS for years and love it. 2 | It can be suuuuuper windy during the last mile or so of the summit push (really once you pass the obvious weather station). This is also when the trail gets quite sandy (wind + sand = uncomfortable eyes). Make sure to pack a buff that can be used to shield your mouth and neck from the blowing wind and sand, as well as some eye protection like sunglasses and/or goggles. 3 | In the rocky section (mainly the large boulder field) you will need to be prepared for some scrambling. This can include having to use both hands to pull yourself up and over some large boulders. Always take your time and make sure all rocks are stable before putting all of your weight on it. Likewise, when climbing up or down, always keep an eye on your surroundings in case someone else is in the vicinity who may either knock a rock down on you or who you may knock a rock down on. 💬INSIDER TIP: while I do love rock scrambling, I also found the sandy trails that run along the lower sides of the ridge to be quite nice too. If the upper trail (the one with the wooden poles) is crowded with people going up or down, then I highly recommend heading for one of the other established routes. These should be quite obvious once you are out of the forest. 4 | Let's talk a little bit about the difficulty of this mountain. I personally didn't find it to be too challenging. BUT I am also a very fit 20-something who finds joy in running 20+ miles. So definitely take my view with a grain of salt. With that being said though, this hike is not very long (between 8.5 and 9.5 miles round-trip) and while it does climb a decent amount (4,655 feet), it isn't technical and really just requires the ability to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Some tips to help make it a more enjoyable hike would be to start early (like around 4AM) in order to beat the heat of the day if you are planning to do it in the summer, hydrating regularly - including the night before you hike, bringing electrolytes (I love electrolyte gummies) as well as plenty of snacks with you, wearing shoes that have good grip (I saw a group that were wearing standard looking boat shoes and they were really struggling on the rocky section), and finally, if this is your first bigger mountain, try to do some training beforehand, including going for long hikes or walks that include some longer hills. HIKING MOUNT SAINT HELENS | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: 8.5 miles ELEVATION PROFILE: 4,655 feet // 1,418 meters; the highest point is the summit at 8,363 feet or 2,549 meters TIME NEEDED: 5 - 10 hours depending on your fitness level TRAIL CONDITIONS: first two miles are in the forest on a very easy to follow trail, then it is mostly in the open on a boulder field and/or loose sandy scree; there is a somewhat false summit so be aware of that CHECK OUT THE ALLTRAILS GUIDE START | You will begin the climb up Mount Saint Helens from the Climber's Bivouac Trailhead. Before starting, make sure to add your name to the registration book and either pay for parking ($5) or display your Northwest Forest Pass. 1 | The first two miles or so are in the forest. The trail is easy to follow, especially once all of the snow has melted. If the trail is somewhat covered (likely by lingering snow) then simply follow the blue arrows that are posted regularly on the trees. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: you actually enter Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument after 0.3 miles of hiking, before that you are in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 2 | After nearly 2 miles, you will come to a junction with the Loowit Trail. This route actually circumnavigates the entire mountain and is open to bikers. Next to this junction is a restroom (though it was closed when I did the hike in August of 2023). This is your last chance to use the bathroom (with some privacy) before the trail leaves the forest and heads out into the wide open boulder fields. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: after the trail junction, the trail name actually changes from being the Ptarmigan Trail to the Monitor Ridge Trail. 3 | Soon after you leave the forest you will see a sign stating that you cannot go any further without a climbing permit (see above for more information). If you do not have a permit, please follow the rules and turn around here. If you do, keep heading up through the rocky landscape. Above you you will be able to see the prominent Green Knoll. Look for the white wooden posts to help guide your way. 4 | From the start of the boulder field the grade gets a lot steeper. Be prepared for some loose rock and rocks that you will very likely need to start climbing up and over. While the trail isn't nearly as obvious as it was in the forest, it is still easy to find your way by always looking for the posts (and/or using an offline map if you have one - I recommend it no matter the hike - and also just heading straight up the hill). 5 | At nearly the 3 mile mark, the rocks get a bit bigger and you will have to do some scrambling. If you are not used to climbing over rocks this section can be quite slow. But always take your time (the mountain isn't going anywhere so why rush it?), check that a rock is secure before putting all of your weight on it, and keep an eye out for other climbers heading up or down. 6 | Once you see the weather tower (a sizeable metal device with a small information sign), know that the boulder field is nearly over. This is a good spot to take a quick snack break and look around at the surrounding area (plus you can read more about how scientists monitor the volcanoes in the area). 7 | After the weather tower the rocks give way to ash, sand and scree. From here you can clearly see the crater rim hovering above you. Just keep heading up, though be prepared for slightly slicker conditions. This part can feel quite long, especially if the wind is really raging. 8 | Once you make it to the rim, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the area and the volcanic crater itself. While it might not look very big, the crater can actually hold 300 football fields. It also has the only growing glacier in North America (both facts are from the wonderful Mount St Helen's volunteer I met on my hike back down). 9 | While you might think you've done all the climbing you need to do, if you are someone who needs to finish something 100% then you will need to head to the left and climb around the crater to reach the actual peak/highest point. View of the actual highest point along the crater rim and the trail leading up to it. 10 | From where the trail meets the crater rim to the highest point it is roughly 0.4 miles. There is a clear trail along the rim, but make sure to stay vigilant for any falling rock (quite common) on your hike around. Similarly, this part of the trail is all loose sand and scree so it can be a bit slippery. Take your time, especially on some of the downclimbs. 11 | Make it to the actual summit! Woo you did it. From the highest point - which sits at 8,363 feet (2,549 meters) - you will be able to see Mount Adams to the east, Mount Rainier to the north and Mount Hood to the south (on a clear day of course). 12 | Once you get your fill of the summit, simply retrace your steps and head back down the exact way you came up. Do note that the section between the crater rim and the boulder field is quite slippery so take your time and watch your footing. 13 | It is likely that if you started your hike nice and early (I started at 5:30AM) you will see a lot more people coming up on your way down. Etiquette states that uphill travelers get the right of way and this is very true in this case (especially on the boulder field). Obviously, some people will likely move aside while you head down but don't expect this from everyone. 💬INSIDER TIP: on the way down, it might be faster and safer to instead stick to one of the sandy trails instead of along the rocky ridge. When going down rocky sections always stay vigilant with who might be below you in case a rock does fall. 14 | Once you make it back to the trees you have just two miles to go. The whole way back down is downhill (I don't think there is a single uphill section once you leave the crater rim) so you should be able to catch your breath and move a bit quicker. Congratulations - you just climbed Mount Saint Helens! Climbing Mount Saint Helens is a fantastic adventure. While the mountain isn't technical, it is a lot of fun nonetheless and definitely worth seeking out. The views from the top and the ability to look into a still quite active volcano are tough to beat. Hopefully, this adventure guide helps you plan your own epic climb up Mount Saint Helens. But if you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below or reach out to me directly. ► Follow me on Strava for more Mount Saint Helens climbing information. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDES CLIMBING MOUNT HOOD IN OREGON | My Ultimate Planning Guide with Insightful Tips HIKING ACATENANGO VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA | The Complete Adventure Guide HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURER | The 7 Leave No Trace Principles Everyone Should Follow MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: I love my LARQ water bottle. I have brought it on so many adventures and really find it to be extremely useful, especially in the backcountry. If you don't know what a LARQ water bottle is, it's a self-cleaning water bottle with a rechargeable UV filter inside that kills almost all contaminants. | Eco-friendly sunscreen: I love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been my favorite for years. ► Find my full sustainable travel packing list here.

45.3736° N, 121.6960° W EXPLORE EVERYTHING THAT I PACK WHEN SUMMITING MOUNTAINS, AS WELL AS MY TOP MOUNTAINEERING GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS. Okay, story time: the first time I climbed a big glaciated mountain was in central Chile, Villarrica Volcano to be exact. While this experience was absolutely magical, I also realized that having the right gear can really make or break a mountaineering adventure. In that case, I learned that proper sun protection - including of your face - is absolutely necessary, otherwise there is a good chance you will get a sun-induced headache and burnt lips. But like many other things, it sometimes takes two mistakes to really learn a lesson. Fast forward to my first attempt on Mount Hood in Oregon: dense cloud cover, freezing rain and whiteout conditions. And no real rain gear or proper gloves. Aka misery. This highly uncomfortable experience - though pretty awful at the moment - drove home the fact that having the proper gear can not only make or break a summit attempt, but can also put you in some dangerous positions. Now many mountains later I feel like I am getting close to having all of the proper mountaineering gear. This gear guide below is a basic outline of everything I pack with me to summit mountains (during the warmer months). These items have gotten me up not only Mount Hood (on try 2), but many other peaks in the Cascade range (and a few other South American volcanoes). Check it out! MOUNTAINEERING GEAR GUIDE \\ Mountaineering Clothes | Tights: thinner black full-length leggings are usually my go-to for days on the mountain due to their ability to protect my skin from all of the elements (wind, rain, sun), while also being plenty comfortable to move around in - from scrambling up rocks to hiking across glaciers. CHECK THIS PAIR OUT | Waterproof Pants: if the day looks to be a bit colder and wetter (snow or rain) and/or there is a good chance I will be trekking through snow, then I also make sure to pack a pair of comfortable waterproof pants. This pair by Black Diamond is nice and stretchy - meaning you can continue heading up all kinds of rugged terrain in comfort. CHECK THIS PAIR OUT | Sports Bra: I tend to lean towards lighter, less supportive sports bras while mountaineering (but I have a small chest so it isn't that big of a deal). This bra by La Sportiva is a great option no matter your bust size as it has plenty of support while still being light and breathable. Plus, it's made from recycled materials. CHECK IT OUT | Breathable Base T-shirt: a simple, wicking t-shirt will go a long way in keeping you comfortable out on the trail. This one by Outdoor Research is lightweight and will protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. CHECK IT OUT | Thermal Shirt: for an extra layer of warmth or skin protection - either from the sun or the wind/rain - grab a comfortable wicking long-sleeved shirt. This one by Mountain Hardwear is quick-drying and breathable. CHECK IT OUT | Pullover Jacket: for me, nothing is cozier than a fleece jacket on a cool and crisp day. Especially when out on the trail. This one by Patagonia is perfect for winter layering or shoulder season adventures. Plus, it is made from recycled materials. CHECK IT OUT | Rain Jacket: this Cotopaxi rain jacket was a game changer when it came to my mountaineering gear setup. This colorful jacket is not only light and breathable, but it also handles both extreme wind and rain really well. CHECK IT OUT | Puffy Jacket: it can be really cold on the summits of mountains, especially if you are looking to reach the peak in the early hours of the morning. Therefore having a warm puffy jacket in your backpack is paramount. This one by Patagonia is ultralight and packable while still being durable and toasty. CHECK IT OUT | Wool Socks: always try to bring at least two pairs of wool socks with you when mountaineering. I found myself having to double up while summitting Mount Hood just because it was so cold during the midnight push. Plus, having an extra pair is smart in case your first pair gets wet. CHECK THEM OUT | Thin Gloves: I always pack a lighter pair of gloves for those in-between moments when the weather isn't quite cold enough for full winter gloves, but it also isn't exactly warm enough for no protection. Plus this lightweight pair from Smartwool is nice for rock scrambling (they have good grip) and sun protection. CHECK THE PAIR OUT | Waterproof Gloves: never head out to the mountains without a pair of warm, waterproof gloves or mittens. I learned this the hard way on my first attempt up Mount Hood, and have since always made sure to pack a durable pair. This option from Black Diamond is great because it includes a waterproof exterior, a warm wool interior, and the ability to grip your gear (like an ice axe) thanks to the finger mitten design. CHECK THE PAIR OUT | Beanie: another basic piece of gear you should always include in your mountaineering gear setup is a warm beanie. This one from The North Face is basic but warm and it will definitely keep your head and ears nice and toasty during those early morning climbs or summit photo sessions. CHECK IT OUT | Buff: the final piece of mountaineering clothing you should have with you is a buff of some kind. This one from Smartwool is made of cozy Merino wool, a type of textile that is not only soft but also fast drying and somewhat odor resistant. I always wear one around my neck since it is great for protecting my skin from the howling wind, the burning sun and in the Pacific Northwest, some uncomfortable volcanic odors. CHECK IT OUT \\ Mountaineering Gear | Mountaineering Boots: while not the most comfortable shoe out there, mountaineering boots will definitely help you on those really rugged and steep mountains, especially if glaciers and crampons are involved. This pair by Lowa is nice and durable and is compatible with most crampons. CHECK THEM OUT 💬INSIDER TIP: depending on the time of year you are planning to climb a mountain, you may be able to get away with wearing standard hiking boots or even trail running shoes. When climbing Mount Adams in Oregon (in August), I was able to summit in Salomon trail running shoes (this exact pair) and microspikes. | Crampons: a key piece of your mountaineering gear set up will be crampons - aka spiky boot clips. Crampons are necessary for most alpine and glacier travel, especially when traveling up very steep terrain. This pair by Black Diamond is compact, lightweight and thanks to its full-strap attachment system you can use them with almost any type of boot (and even a few non-boot styles). CHECK THEM OUT | Ice Axe: another important piece of mountaineering gear is going to be an ice axe or ice axes (having one or two kind of depends on your preference). This classic style from Black Diamond is light but tough and is made from stainless steel. CHECK IT OUT | Durable Backpack: the type of backpack you bring with you up a mountain will mostly depend on the terrain and the length of the adventure. For shorter summit pushes, I try to pack light and go with a smaller backpack, but if there is a chance of being out there for most of the day - or if the mountain requires a lot of gear - then I go with my larger 30L backpack. This backpack by Deuter is 34L plus an extra 8L if you extend the hood. This should be plenty of space to carry all of the necessities like water and snacks, extra layers, a first aid kit, crampons, etc. Plus, there are external bungees that are perfect for securing your ice axe, trekking poles or skis. CHECK IT OUT | Water Bladder: one of the easiest ways to carry plenty of water with you up a mountain is via a water bladder and hose. I almost always fill up my 3L bladder and then if necessary (like if I feel the trail is going to be quite long/hot) I pack another water bottle and store it in the bag (best if it has a filter built in - like this LARQ bottle does). CHECK IT OUT | Headlamp: another important piece of mountaineering gear to pack, especially in terms of safety, is going to be a headlamp. This is especially true if you are planning to start your mountaineering adventure in the early hours of the morning or if there is a chance it will take you into the night. I personally like to pack two with me, as well as extra batteries (if they aren't rechargeable) just in case something happens with the first one. This headlamp by Black Diamond is compact and has three different vision colors that allows for more exact adjustment. CHECK IT OUT | Phone with Offline Map: before heading out on your mountaineering adventure, make sure to have a fully charged phone and an offline map of the area you are planning to explore. I like to use Gaia GPS and download the whole area (not just the peak or trail itself). Other good mapping services to check out are AllTrails, Komoot and maps.me. | Compass: never a bad idea to pack a basic, lightweight compass with you - even if you do have an offline map on your phone. CHECK IT OUT Other pieces of mountaineering gear you may want to pack with you, depending on the mountain, are going to be a climbing rope and harness. I would suggest for the latter piece of gear finding one that is comfortable to wear for long(ish) periods of walking/climbing, as most of the time you will need the harness and rope for glacier travel. EXPLORE MORE | THE TOP 11 ADVENTURE MAPPING APPS TO DOWNLOAD NOW Having the proper gear can make or break an adventure. And when it comes to mountaineering that notion couldn't be more true. Mountaineering can be absolutely glorious, but also quite dangerous - especially if you are planning to summit and explore larger, glaciated peaks. Hopefully, this gear guide helps you pack for your own epic mountaineering adventures. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below or reach out. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS MOUNTAINEERING GEAR GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE MOUNTAINEERING AND GEAR GUIDES MOUNTAINEERING MIDDLE SISTER | My Complete Guide MOUNTAINEERING MOUNT HOOD | An In-Depth Planning Guide A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF SUMMITING MOUNT HOOD IN OREGON | My Insider Tips MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: I love my LARQ water bottle. I have brought it on so many adventures and really find it to be extremely useful, especially in the backcountry. If you don't know what a LARQ water bottle is, it's a self-cleaning water bottle with a rechargeable UV filter inside that kills almost all contaminants. | Eco-friendly sunscreen: I love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been my favorite for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

45.7068° N, 121.5281° W TRAIL RUNNING IS EXHAUSTING - AND OTHER THINGS I LEARNED WHILE TRAINING AND RUNNING MY FIRST ULTRA TRAIL RACE. Running an ultra trail race had always been a goal of mine. For years I had wanted to do it - run a 50 kilometer or 31 mile race - but something always got in the way or I felt like I just didn't have enough time for training. Because, let's be honest, running more than a marathon requires some dedication, no matter what your goal may be. But this year I decided no more excuses. I was going to do it. I was going to run my first ultra trail race. So I found a race that looked fun, signed up, paid a decent amount of money (races aren't cheap) and start creating a rough training plan. Soon enough my weeks consisted of a lot of trail running, at least one long run (which by the end was in the 20+ mile range) and one longer bike ride. During this period I figured a lot out about my body, my mental fortitude and just what it really takes to train and race such a long distance. Below you will find 11 of the biggest lessons I learned during my ultra training and racing. \\ 5 Things I Learned Training For My First Ultra Trail Race 1 | YOU WILL BE VERY TIRED. This one (weirdly) surprised me. I found that I was just exhausted most of the time - especially once I really started to build up my mileage. It got to the point where I had to plan my long runs to be done on a day when I could just do absolutely nothing afterward because I knew that I would have zero energy to get anything accomplished. During your training, really try to get as much sleep as possible in order to help your body recover. 2 | NUTRITION IS AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR TRAINING. This was another thing I didn't really think about before I started training for my first ultra race. While I have been a runner for many years, I never really took my nutrition and eating habits too seriously. I always ate what I wanted and felt like that was good enough. Well, now I feel like if there is one thing that is important, it is to know what exactly is going into your body and what you might be lacking. I don't like counting calories but I did start focusing on my protein intake and it didn't take me long to realize that I wasn't eating enough (though I should have probably known when I randomly started craving bacon and hamburgers...). When training for a longer distance, really try to meet your daily nutritional needs and focus on getting in good, solid healthy food. 💬 INSIDER TIP: but also... eat whatever sounds great to you. Craving ice cream? Go for it. Pizza? Yessss. Listen to what your body wants and enjoy life. 3 | LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Running is hard on the body, it just is. So if something starts to hurt, stretch it, ice it and maybe take a day or two off. Remember, an ultra is a marathon (well, actually more but you get the idea) NOT a sprint. Taking one day off to help a small pain get better is going to be so much better in the long run for eventually that small pain could become a much bigger problem. 4 | HAVE AT LEAST 1 TRAINING RUN MIMIC YOUR RACE. This can include wearing the same clothes you plan to race in, bringing the same gear with you (like your backpack, snacks, etc.) and even running at the same time as when the race is planned to start. Think of one of your long runs as a trial run to work out kinks that might pop up. I know when I did this on one of my last long training runs, I realized that the shirt I planned to wear ended up starting to rub wrong after about 20 miles. I was so glad I felt that discomfort on just a training run instead of on race day. 5 | DON'T TAKE YOUR TRAINING TOO SERIOUSLY. I talk about this a bit more below, but I think this was a key reason I didn't really get burnt out after training for months for my first ultra. I really focused on keeping it fun and making sure I continually ran in pretty places, didn't take my runs too seriously, and was kind on myself if something didn't go as a I planned (like getting really sick and having to take a full week off of training). LEARN MORE | A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TRAIL RUNNING: 12 HELPFUL TIPS & TRICKS \\ 6 Things I Learned During My First Ultra Trail Race 1 | KNOW WHAT FOOD WORKS FOR YOU AT AID STATIONS. For me, this meant staying away from really sugary stuff (like Coca-Cola) and just eating basic potato chips (I was craaaaaving salt). If you are really worried about getting a stomach ache then simply avoid food at the aid stations and just make sure to pack enough food with you to make it through the race on your own. 2 | KNOW THE COURSE AHEAD OF TIME. A 50k is a long distance so definitely don’t wreck yourself in the first 10 miles. Likewise, know what is coming on race day, as in what the course elevation profile looks like, the type of trails you will be running on, and where the aid stations will be located. 3 | BUT ALSO DON'T BE AFRAID TO GO FOR IT. Consider pushing the pace a bit and see what your body can handle. All of your training has led to that day, so why not leave it all out there and just see how it goes! 4 | NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRAIN, IT WILL STILL BE TOUGH. This is unfortunately just the way it goes. You can train for months and months and put some serious miles in and still be hurting - especially towards the end. A 50k is quite a distance and your body will definitely be taking a lot of pounding. 5 | YOU WILL LIKELY EXPERIENCE SOME "UNIQUE" PAINS DURING THE RACE. For example, the second toe on my right foot started to burn with 12 miles to go. It was the weirdest thing and even now (a couple of weeks later) I still don't understand why I was feeling that at nearly the halfway point. Similarly, at around the 25 mile point, my back really started to ache. So while it might be obvious to expect some pain in your legs, you too will likely find that you'll have your own weird pain moments during your ultra race. 6 | IT MIGHT BE CLICHE TO SAY - BUT HAVE FUN! A 50k takes a lot of energy and effort, and not just the race itself, but all of the training too. Try to keep it fun and interesting. For me, that meant running on trails that were pretty and also changing it up for every long run (I don't really enjoy running the same trail over and over again). Similarly, for the ultra race itself, I focused on finding one that was in a really scenic spot (I ended up picking one in the hills near the coast of Oregon). Running longer distances can be quite boring - especially if you are doing it by yourself. So, try to find your own thing that makes training and running more fun (be it scenic trails or a funky playlist). Training and racing your first ultra trail race can be both exciting and terrifying. Because at the end of the day, an ultra is a whole lot of running (not to mention all the training you need to do beforehand). After successfully training for and racing my first ultra, I felt like I learned a lot - about running, but also about myself. It really is a great experience and such a good way to get outside and explore (and feel like a total badass!). Hopefully, you found this inside look at my own ultra trail running experience to be helpful. If you have any questions about trail running, training or the like, please don't hesitate to reach out! WANT TO SAVE THIS TRAIL RUNNING GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TIPS & TRICKS TRAIL RUNNING GEAR GUIDE | Everything I Wear on the Trail TRAIL RUNNING IN NORTHERN COLORADO | The 8 Prettiest Trails to Explore OFF THE BEATEN PATH COLORADO | The 6 Perfect Towns to Explore During the Fall MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

40.3428° N, 105.6836° W READ MORE ABOUT THE 7 KEY TRAIL ETIQUETTE TIPS AND LEARN HOW TO BE A MORE RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURER WHILE OUT EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Heading outside via foot, bike or horse is, in my opinion, one of the best ways to explore this beautiful planet that we all call home. While I am all for getting people outside, the increase in usage can oftentimes have some unexpected negative effects. Most notably, environmental degradation, littering and contamination of water, and harm to wildlife. So how do you balance out the desire to explore and adventure with the impacts of said exploring and adventuring? Well, to start, you can focus on being a more responsible hiker and following "standard" trail etiquette rules. This includes such things as abiding by all Leave No Trace Principles, keeping wildlife wild and doing your part to leave the trail and the natural landscape better than when you found it. Learn how to be a more responsible adventurer with the help of these 7 trail etiquette tips that all adventurers need to know. 7 TRAIL ETIQUETTE TIPS ALL RESPONSIBLE ADVENTURERS TO KNOW 1 | Know the Right Right of Way This is an especially important trail etiquette to know when you are planning to explore a busier trail. For the most part, the right of way goes like this: bikers yield to hikers and stock/horses, hikers yield to stock/horses and stock/horses yield to no one (this is mostly because they are bigger and can be easily spooked). Once you come across another party and need to step to the side of the trail (either as a hiker or while on a bike) it is best to come to a complete stop. This is especially true when dealing with stock and horses as you can easily scare them, which can be dangerous for all parties involved. When stepping to the side of the trail, always make sure to keep an eye out for fragile vegetation (like flowers) and any possible dangers - like cliffs, pokey bushes, and wildlife. 2 | Uphill Travelers Get the Right of Way This is especially true for hikers. When traveling on a trail and you are going downhill, always try to move aside and allow anyone coming up to go past you. Obviously, sometimes it does make more sense for uphill travelers to move out of the way, but this is more of a case-by-case thing. I would say that the best way to go about this is to plan to step aside if you are going downhill and then if the uphill party gives you a signal that you can pass (they step aside, wave you on, whatever) then you can proceed to pass them. 💬INSIDER TIP: if you are hiking on a popular or relatively well-known biking trail, always pay attention to the trail ahead of you when going uphill in case a biker comes speeding past you downhill. 3 | ALWAYS Stay on the Trail This is a key part of keeping the landscape in good shape so that everyone can use it for years to come. No matter what the trail looks like or whether it may appear that there is a better option, never stray from the established trail. Don’t bushwhack, don’t cut switchbacks. Always stick to the established trail... even if it is longer. Similarly, always be mindful of trail conditions. If a trail is too wet and/or muddy, turn around and plan to do the hike/ride another day. Exploring a muddy trail can be dangerous and damaging - to you, the trail itself and the whole ecosystem around it. LEARN MORE | THE 7 MAJOR LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES AND HOW TO FOLLOW THEM 4 | Announce Yourself on the Trail When coming up from behind someone or a group of people, always let them know that you are there in a calm manner so as not to frighten them. Then ask politely if you can pass. If you are the one being passed, step to the side of the trail (safely) and wait until the full party has passed you before moving on. If you are looking to pass a group of horses, then definitely make sure to let them know quickly that you are there so as not to spook the animals. This is especially true if you are coming up from behind. Likewise, it is somewhat common for bikers to let you know how many people are in their group and how many are behind them when they pass (try to do the same thing if/when you are on a bike). Finally, when you pass other parties on the trail, always try to give a brief nod or a friendly hello (being nice is always nice). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: making your presence known while out on the trail isn't just good trail etiquette, it is also safer - especially if you are out in known bear country. Read more about the top safety tips for hiking and backpacking in bear country here. 5 | Never Disturb Wildlife While this definitely pertains to the bigger mammals you might encounter while out on the trail (elk, moose, and bear) it is also equally important to not disturb smaller wildlife like birds, squirrels, and chipmunks - no matter how "friendly" they may look. The main points to remember with this trail etiquette tip are to always keep a safe distance between you and the animal (especially if it is one of those bigger ones), stay calm and quiet once they do see you, and never (ever) feed them (or run away from them). Really just focus on disturbing the wildlife as little as possible and keeping them "wild." When out hiking and adventuring, remember that you are in their home - so make sure to always treat them, and it, with respect. 6 | Let Nature Be Your Noise Please, please, please for the love of all things holy, leave that speaker at home. If you really want/need to listen to music while out hiking then always use headphones. People often head outdoors to disconnect and listen to the natural sounds (i.e. birds, rivers, the wind in the trees), so the sound of your music blasting out of a speaker while you hike by really ruins it for everyone (including the wildlife). 7 | Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings Be smart. It is kind of that simple. If something looks dangerous, then you should probably stay a safe distance away. That bear in the meadow - yeah he’s a large predator who can outrun and outfight you. That cliff edge that drops down into the raging water - yeah rockslides and slips happen. Always pay attention to what is around you and think intelligently about what can and cannot happen. Being smart will not only keep you safe, but will also protect other adventurers and any wildlife that may be nearby - not to mention the natural environment around you. Following proper trail etiquette is a key part of being a responsible adventurer, along with other key things like not littering and not harming wildlife. Whether you are hiking, backpacking, trail running or biking, it is important to know what "rules" are followed in order to keep you, your fellow adventurers and all wildlife happy and safe (not to mention keeping the natural environment happy too). If you have any questions or comments about these 7 Trail Etiquette Tips, or anything else about being a more responsible adventurer, then please feel free to leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING GUIDES HIKING IN THE DESERT | The Ultimate Adventure Guide + Tips THRU-HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN WASHINGTON | The Complete Planning Guide HIKING AND BACKPACKING IN BEAR COUNTRY | Top Tips on Staying Safe MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

45.3736° N, 121.6960° W CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO SUMMIT MOUNT HOOD? THEN THIS PERSONAL CLIMBING GUIDE IS FOR YOU. READ MORE ABOUT MY ADVENTURE UP THE PEAK BELOW. Upon moving to Oregon, I knew I had to summit Mount Hood - or at least attempt to. But the thing was, while I had recently taken a mountaineering course down in South America, I hadn't spent much time on big, glaciated peaks in the USA. I felt like that needed to change. So after one failed attempt due to white-out and miserably wet conditions, I once again found myself at the start of the trail looking up at Hood during a clear, balmy 50° midnight start. Below is an outline of my own experience climbing and summiting Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon and the second most climbed glaciated peak in the world (after Mount Fuji in Japan). Hopefully, this gives you a good idea of what to expect if you are looking to mountaineer Mount Hood yourself. ► Explore my in-depth planning guide to summiting Mount Hood here. SUMMITING MT. HOOD (SOUTH SIDE) | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN MOUNT HOOD ROUTE MAP (SOUTH SIDE) Below are two maps outlining the southern route(s) up to the summit of Mount Hood. I went up the South Side Approach to the right of Crater Rock and then took the alternate route across and up Old Chute (before actually taking the 1 O'clock Couloir) to the summit. On the way down, I kept going all the way down to Fire Rocks (Route 5) instead of taking the alternate crossing. Then it was to the left of Crater Rock and down the same South Side Approach. You can read more about this below. TIMELINE OF MY MOUNT HOOD SUMMIT HIKE Started Hiking | Midnight I camped at the trailhead the night before. Reached Silcox Hut on the ski resort | 1AM Reached the Top of Palmer Lift | 2AM Got Right Below Crater Rock | 3:30AM Put on my crampons right after the top of Palmer Lift, though I ended up taking them off a bit later once I reached a clear trail on rock and dirt. But I did put them back on once I got to the snowfield right below Crater Rock. Start of Hogsback | 4:30 AM My group took an hour break at the base of the Hogsback to wait for the sun to rise and to let the clouds on the summit clear out. Summit | 6:15AM The final push up the steep section took around 30 minutes, though I was lucky to not have to worry about other groups going up or down. I ended up staying at the summit for about 15 minutes - just long enough to take some photos, eat a victory sandwich and take in the amazing view. Base of the Hogsback on the Way Down | 7:30AM Fortunately, I only had to wait for one group of 6 to climb up when I headed back down the 1 O'clock Couloir. Halfway Down Palmer Lift | 9:55AM I tried glissading as much as possible but the snow was pretty meh. Finished | 10:30AM Made it back to the trailhead roughly 10.5 hours after starting out. Long morning but so, so worth it. Promptly changed out of my mountaineering boots and grabbed a coffee. THREE THINGS TO DO BEFORE STARTING YOUR HIKE UP MOUNT HOOD | Check the weather regularly, including the morning of your planned summit push. This is very important because bad weather can really make or break this climb. Here is a great site to check. | Fill out your climbing permit. You will need to do this at the Climber Registration Office in the ski resort lodge (here). Fill in all the information and then keep the visitor copy on you when out climbing. | Make sure you have ALL of the necessary gear; including most importantly a helmet, crampons, ice axe, and a headlamp (or two just to be safe). \\ Route Guide to Summiting Mount Hood Via the South Side TOTAL DISTANCE: 6.4 miles // 10.3 kilometers ELEVATION PROFILE: 5,249 feet // 1,600 meters TIME NEEDED: between 5 and 7 hours to summit, half that to get back down TRAIL CONDITIONS: relatively straightforward hike for the first 90% of it (especially if you have a map with you), the last 10% up the Hogsback and through either Old Chute or 1 O'clock Couloir is intense. Bring proper mountaineering gear for the summit push. ➳ ALLTRAILS GUIDE START | Try to start really early - we're talking like midnight or 1AM. I met someone who started at 11:30PM. While it sucks getting up that early, it will be worth it once you reach the danger zone below the summit and are rewarded with good snow conditions and amazing sunrise views. 1 | From the parking lot, head up the dirt trail toward the ski lift. It will be dark out but the first mile or so is pretty easy to follow since it is on a wide, dirt road. Keep going up this until you reach the ski lift. 2 | At the 1 mile mark you will get to the Silcox Hut, a large wooden building at the point where the first ski lift (Magic Mile) ends and the Palmer Lift begins. This is a decent spot to take a quick break if necessary. Otherwise, keep heading up (and up and up). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the hike is pretty much uphill from the start. Between the parking lot and where you get to the Palmer Lift/Silcox Hut, the grade hovers between 16% and 26%. Once past this point, it gets a bit steeper (staying in the mid-20%) until you eventually get to the Palmer Glacier - from there it is 30% or more. 3 | You will reach the start of the Palmer Glacier at 1.6 miles. It does get a fair bit steeper from here on out so this could be a feasible spot to put on your crampons. I ended up waiting until the 2 mile mark (right at the point the lift ends), though there were definitely parts where the steepness was a bit tough in just normal mountaineering boots. The end of the Palmer Lift is another good spot to take a break. There is a road that cuts across and if the sky is clear you should be able to start seeing city lights down and around you. Also, be prepared to be blinded by snowcat lights while hiking up this part. For some reason the ski resort has the cats out grooming between 1 and 2AM. 4 | Depending on the time of year you are mountaineering Mount Hood, after the lift you will either be on snow the rest of the way or be able to hike on a decent amount of rock. I did it in mid-June and was able to somewhat easily follow a trail up a rocky ridge. To get on the trail/ridge, head straight up towards Crater Rock (check your map for this). You should be able to see that there is a dirt/rock section that cuts between Zigzag Glacier and White River Glacier. This is the ridge. 💬 INSIDER TIP: though I did put my crampons on right at the end of the lift, I ended up taking them off soon after once I realized the rock and dirt ridge line was faster. I would say that if you are looking to summit later in the season when a lot of the snow is gone, you can probably get close to the Devils Kitchen without putting your crampons on (but obviously do what feels best for you!). 5 | Keep hiking up the ridgeline. During this section of the hike the grade hovers between 34% and 42%. Take your time and try to just keep a steady pace. 6 | Once you get around Crater Rock you will be to the left of Devils Kitchen and on the Coalman Glacier. Keep an eye out for large crevasses around you (there are multiple) as well as fumaroles. The Hogsback is a clear trail going up a ridge right below the summit point. This part of the trail is steep, but there will likely be steps kicked in (obviously don't count on this for mountain conditions are always changing). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: I went up the Hogsback on my way up but was told to instead head towards Fire Rocks (the fumarole section to the left of the trail) on the way down by one of the mountain guides my group ran into. There is a clear trail for both options so take your pick. The Hogsback is steep but if you go slow and use your crampons and ice axe you should be fine. But from the top of the ridge you will need to cut left across a steep face that does have crevasses above and below. Again if you take your time and stay calm you should be fine. BUT, it is a bit dangerous since rock falls do often occur here. The other route gets rid of that somewhat sketchy crossing and instead goes up right below the Old Chute section. Take your pick depending on what you feel more comfortable with. 7 | Once on the base of the final climb, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to look up at what you have to do next: climb a very steep and icy snowfield that has clearly been hit with falling rock. Add on extra people and it can seem like a bad idea. But trust me - it is not as bad as it looks (promise!). Like with everything else, take your time, make sure all of your steps are firm, trust your gear and just keep moving up. I tend to do a bit of a crisscross maneuver: take a few steps to the right and then cut to my left. Always keep an eye out above you just in case rocks fall from the nearby ridges or if a mountaineerer above you kicks off some ice. 8 | The final bit can either be done via the Old Chute (to the left of the final face) or up 1 O'clock Couloir, which is a tight section on the right side. I unknowingly went up the latter and while the last 10 yards were a bit intense (80+% grade and icy) by focusing on my ice axe placement and making sure my feet were always on firm ground before stepping up (and just not looking back down), I got up and over the top without any issues. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if you go up Old Chute you will have to cross a section known as the Catwalk. Depending on the time of year you summit, this can be quite exposed. 9 | Once you get up the last tricky section - by far the most intimidating part of the whole summit push - you will be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. There is a short ~2 minute hike to the actual summit, which is actually in front of you (there will likely be a trail cut into the snow). You will know you reached the official summit when you see the marker. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier to the north and Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south. Congratulations, you just summited the highest point in Oregon! 10 | Once you get your fill of the summit, eat a victory sandwich and snap a few photos, start to make your way back over to the point where you came up (either the couloir or the chute). More likely than not, you will need to wait a bit to allow other climbers to come up before you head down (traffic jams are common even here on the mountain). Be a responsible mountaineerer and give the uphill climbers the right of way. 11 | Take your time heading back down the steep section: sometimes going down can be even more dangerous and nerve-wracking than going up. Keep your ice axe handy and watch out for others. Some people choose to go down backward, though I like to go down facing forward. Toward the end of this section you can (if comfortable) simply duck-walk down. 12 | Choose whether to cross over to the Hogsback or head straight down toward Fire Rocks. Either way you choose you will want to meet back up with the same trail you came up at Devils Kitchen. By now the sun should be up and it will be easier to follow the ridge trail or walk down the glacier/snow. Once you reach the rocky ridge, you can take your crampons off. Though consider leaving your helmet on just in case. 💬 INSIDER TIP: in the upper part I found the ridge to be faster to get down, but once the steepness decreased a bit I ended up heading out on the snow and trying to glissade. If you want to glissade, make sure to take your crampons off. 13 | Once you make it back to the ski resort boundary you will need to head to the left and follow signs for the "Climbers Trail." This will bypass the resort and follow a groomed road back down to the parking lot. Honestly, by this part of the hike I was pretty done with my boots and was so ready to put on new clothes (it can get hooooot by the time you reach this point in the morning). Make sure to wear proper sun protection on the hike back down (or really whenever the sun rises on your hike). Sunglasses and sunscreen are an absolute must. Follow signs for the Climbers Trail on the way down. 14 | Eventually the parking lot will come into view. Do a victory dance, put on some sandals and figure out where you want to refuel (summit beers at 10AM are totally acceptable 😂 ). Summiting Mount Hood is one challenging but epic experience. The hike up is just that: up. For just over 3 miles you are constantly climbing. But know that all of that effort is worth it once you reach the summit and look out at the surrounding peaks and mountain landscape. Plus, there is just something really exciting about conquering the last technical section (you will very likely feel like an absolute badass at the top). Hopefully, this personal account of my own summit push gives you an idea of what to expect and how to plan for your own epic mountaineering adventure on Mount Hood. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly. Happy adventuring! WANT TO SAVE THIS MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE GUIDES ULTIMATE PLANNING GUIDE TO SUMMITING MOUNT HOOD | Learn Everything You Need to Know HOW TO DEAL WITH ALTITUDE SICKNESS | Tips and Tricks to Stay Safe At Higher Elevations HIKING YOUR FIRST 14ER | What To Know About Summiting These Tall Peaks MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

45.3736° N, 121.6960° W EXPLORE THIS IN-DEPTH MOUNTAINEERING AND CLIMBING GUIDE FOR SUMMITING MOUNT HOOD - THE HIGHEST POINT IN OREGON AND ONE TRULY EPIC ADVENTURE. Hovering over downtown Portland and the surrounding area, Mount Hood is a stoic, snowcapped peak that just seems to scream adventure. Rising roughly 11,200 feet above the landscape, the highest peak in the state of Oregon is a true alpine wonderland that is home to numerous hiking trails, including part of the fabled Pacific Crest Trail, raging rivers and multiple ski resorts. It is also one badass mountain. Covered in glaciers, crevasses and volcanic fumaroles, Mount Hood is not a mountain to be messed with. But, with that being said, if you are someone with a bit of mountaineering experience plus a whole lot of gumption then you can very likely make it to the summit. This adventure guide below should help give you a good idea of what it's like to summit the peak from the south side (by far the most common side with such well-known routes as Old Chute, the 1 O'clock Couloir and the Pearly Gates), including information on how to reach the trailhead, the best time to attempt a summit push, and what gear you will need to bring with you. If you are like me and have been staring up at Mount Hood and dreaming of reaching its peak, then this in-depth adventure guide to summiting Mount Hood is for you. MAP OF MOUNT HOOD'S SOUTHERN ROUTES \\ How to Get to the Mount Hood Trailhead If going up the south side of Mount Hood, then you will want to park and start your adventure near the Timberline Lodge Ski Resort and Hotel. There you will find plenty of parking - including a large lot that seems to specifically be for hikers and backcountry skiers to camp in. Bathrooms and water are available in the ski resort lodge (not the hotel) which is open until around 6 or 7PM. There is also a fancy restaurant in the Timberline Lodge, which is open from 7:30AM to 3PM and then again from 5:30PM to 8:30PM. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: the ski resort lodge also has a climbing registration room, which is where you will go to fill out your FREE climbing permit. While not required, it is a good idea to fill the form out just in case something does happen on the mountain. Keep a copy of the permit with you while hiking. The closest town to the trailhead is going to be Government Camp, which does have a few lodging options, restaurants, a brewery, one gas station, and a small grocery store. REACHING THE MOUNT HOOD TRAILHEAD FROM PORTLAND, OREGON It takes just over an hour to reach the trailhead from downtown Portland (depending on traffic of course). The easiest and fastest way is to head up Highway 26, which passes through Sandy, Mt. Hood Village and Government Camp. Along the drive, there are multiple grocery stores and gas stations. You will need to turn off Highway 26 and head up the 10 mile drive towards Timberline Lodge (there is a large sign). Park right before the hotel in a large parking lot on the right. REACHING THE MOUNT HOOD TRAILHEAD FROM HOOD RIVER, OREGON If coming from Hood River, then you will need to instead drive up Highway 35, which passes through the very tiny town of Mt. Hood before skirting Mt. Hood Meadows Ski area. Stay on Highway 35 until you see a turn for Government Camp and Highway 26, take this and then almost immediately take a sharp right turn onto the road up to Timberline Lodge. Park right before you get to the hotel. This drive should take just under an hour. REACHING THE MOUNT HOOD TRAILHEAD FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON If you are thinking of coming from Seattle, then you should plan to put aside 4 hours for the drive. While relatively scenic, this drive can also be quite congested if you hit it at a bad time (definitely try to miss rush hour traffic). To start, head out of Seattle on I-5 and pass through Tacoma, Olympia and Centralia. Eventually, you will make it to the outskirts of Portland. Once here, head down Highway 205 before going east on Highway 84. Then exit on NE 238 Drive near the town of Gresham, take that until it turns into Highway 26. Follow that highway until you eventually reach Government Camp and the turn off for Timberline Lodge. CAR CAMPING AT THE MOUNT HOOD TRAILHEAD More likely than not, you will want to stay near the trailhead the night before you start your summit push. While there are lodging options nearby - see recommendations below - if you want to save a few bucks as well as the necessity of driving early in the morning, then you can also just simply camp in the trailhead parking lot. The lower parking lot (NOT the one next to Timberline Lodge) allows you to park and sleep in your car for free. The lot is flat, quiet, and relatively dark. You can also find bathrooms and water in the nearby ski resort lodge as well as food at Timberline Lodge (surprisingly not that expensive) or at the resort food court (only open during the day). LODGING NEAR THE MOUNT HOOD TRAILHEAD TIMBERLINE LODGE This historic and very unique lodge was actually used in the movie The Shining (the creepy one with Jack Nicholson). The hotel offers 70 rooms, a bar and restaurant, and expansive views of the surrounding mountain landscape. A night will cost anywhere between $200 USD and $400 USD depending on the room type and season. BOOK HERE BEST WESTERN MOUNT HOOD INN Another nearby option is this economy hotel in Government Camp. Located just down the road and roughly 10 minutes from the trailhead, this hotel is a good option if you want to stay close but not spend a ton of money. BOOK HERE The historic Timberline Lodge. \\ The Best Time to Mountaineer Mount Hood While you can technically climb Mount Hood year-round, the best time is going to be in late spring and early summer. During this period - mostly April to July - you can expect clearer evenings/mornings and decent snow conditions. Do note, that this is also the most popular time to climb, so you will very likely have to deal with others while on the trail (especially on weekends). Winter brings lots of snow, which could be nice for some of the higher sections. But that precipitation also means lots of storms (and plenty of wind). Plus, temperatures in the winter can be downright coooold. During late summer and early fall, rock falls are very common and hard to really mitigate. Crevasses are also much more exposed. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: if there is one thing to know about summitting Mt. Hood, it is that later in the season it is very important to try to start your summit push early in the morning. Like many other big mountains, getting up to the top earlier in the day is almost always safer. In the case of Mount Hood, while storms are definitely a possibility, it is actually more important to summit as early as possible so you avoid rock falls and have better snow conditions on the final steep stretch. \\ What Gear to Bring With You to Summit Mount Hood Mount Hood is a legitimate glaciated mountain and therefore having the right gear is pretty paramount. Even though it isn't that tall - less than 12,000 feet - do not underestimate this peak. Make sure you have proper gear, including all mountaineering gear (crampons, ice axe, helmet, etc.) as well as plenty of warm clothes. ❔GOOD TO KNOW: a question I had when planning my Mount Hood mountaineering adventure was whether I should bring a rope. While I did use one on Middle Sister, I didn't on Hood and felt like this was definitely the better choice. Obviously, do what feels best for you, but I think it is easier to go rope-less, especially on the final push. You will likely see some guiding services using ropes on the final section, so be aware of this on your way up and down. For a hike like this, layering will be your best friend. Since you will be starting quite early in the morning, make sure you have a warm jacket, gloves and a headlamp (or two, just in case). But also try to wear a thinner thermal shirt underneath because unless the temperature is very cold at the start of your hike, you will probably get quite hot once you start really moving uphill. By the time I reached the Silcox Hut (about a mile in) I was just in my thinner thermal shirt and waterproof pants (even the gloves and stocking cap were off). But, once I got to Devils Kitchen and took a break to wait for the sun to rise, I quickly cooled down and donned my thickest jackets (a puffy and windbreaker), gloves and stocking cap. Likewise, the summit of Mount Hood can be brutally cold. Even though I got lucky with a day with minimal wind, I was still shivering at the top. Fast forward to an hour later during the descent and I was shedding all of my layers once again. Once the sun comes out and the temperature starts to rise you too will likely start thinking about how wonderful sandals and shorts will be back at the car. 💬 INSIDER TIP: definitely keep your sunglasses and sunscreen handy for when the sun does pop out (it can be blinding with all the snow). Apply regularly, especially at the summit and on your hike down. WHAT I BROUGHT WITH ME TO SUMMIT MOUNT HOOD CRAMPONS Very important, especially for the final section before the summit. MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS Mine are older and in somewhat rough shape but they do the job; this pair by Lowa is perfect for a Mount Hood summit push. ICE AXE(S) I saw some people with two ice axes and others with just one. I think this depends on what you are more comfortable with. I used just one and felt totally safe. This one by Black Diamond is very similar to the one I used. CLIMBING HELMET Super important to have with you for rock falls are relatively common. I put mine on right below Crater Rock and didn't take it off until I was well past the rocky sections on the way down. BACKPACK I carried a 40 liter backpack from REI and had plenty of space for all of my gear, food, layers and water. Try to use a bag that has a specific place for a water bladder and loops for your ice axe. HEADLAMPS Try to bring an extra pair (and some batteries) just in case the first one dies. COMPASS Probably not that necessary but also doesn't hurt to have. PHONE WITH OFFLINE MAP I felt very comfortable route-finding using Gaia GPS for the climb up. Make sure that no matter what mapping service you are using you have the map downloaded and usable offline. WATER BLADDER I carried my trusty 3 liter Camelbak bladder as well as another 1500 ml water bottle. While I did end up only consuming the water from my bladder, it was nice to know I had something reserved just in case. I will say that the bladder did freeze slightly at the top, so be prepared for that if it is extra cold out. GLOVES Maybe one of the most important pieces of gear for the summit. Make sure to wear a pair of gloves or mittens that protect against water and wind, are nice and insulated and can grip your ice axe. HARDSHELL JACKET Great for wind protection, especially at the summit when the wind can be absolutely brutal. I wore a Cotopaxi jacket (this exact one) and loved the fit and large pockets. PUFFY For extra warmth, pack a puffy jacket that can be worn under your hard shell. This one by Patagonia is perfect for those cold mountain summits. THERMAL SHIRT The perfect base layer keeps you warm without adding much bulk. I have been wearing a Nike thermal shirt for years and love it. TIGHTS Similar to above, try to wear a pair of tights that keep you warm without making it hard to move around in. I recently got some Lululemon active tights and love them. WATERPROOF PANTS A recent purchase that was a long time coming. Waterproof pants help keep you warm both in bad weather (especially rain, sleet and snow) as well as when you are out playing around in the snow itself. Mine are from REI Co-Op and so far they have held up really well - even after multiple long hikes and glissade trips in sub-optimal snow conditions. WOOL SOCKS Wear a pair from the start and pack an extra just in case your first pair gets soaked or you need an extra layer for warmth. I ended up putting my second (bigger) pair on once I got to Devils Kitchen because my toes started to go a bit numb. BUFF Great for both wind and sun protection. STOCKING CAP Anything that helps keep your head and ears warm works; though make sure to bring one that can be worn comfortably under your helmet. SUNGLASSES Essential for the final stretch to the summit and for the whole hike back down. Once the sun comes out, the snow can be absolutely blinding. I have been wearing this pair from Sunski for a couple of months now and love them (honestly thinking of investing in a pair of their mountaineering-specific options). SUNSCREEN Another should-have on the mountain. Make sure to apply regularly and maybe more often than you'd think on the way down. The sun is intense. CHAPSTICK (WITH SUNSCREEN) Keep the sun protection going by packing a tube of Chapstick that includes SPF and reapply liberally. SNACKS How much food you bring depends on you, but definitely err more on the side of caution than not. I packed a full deli sandwich, some granola bars, trail mix, spicy pickles and jerky. I ended up not eating too much on the hike up, but definitely scarfed the sandwich down at the top. CANON CAMERA I always bring my full-frame digital camera with me - though in this case I was a bit hesitant to use him at the top just because of the cold. \\ Route Dangers and Things to Be Aware of When Summiting Mount Hood Mount Hood is a serious mountain and therefore you should only attempt it if you are prepared for technical climbing and glacier travel. Below are a few of the key dangers and things to keep in mind when you are pushing up the mountain yourself. ROCK FALLS A pretty well-known danger of mountaineering on Mount Hood. Always keep an eye out for falling rocks, either from natural causes (like snow and ice melting in the sun) or from being kicked down by climbers above you. Rock fall danger is actually one of the main reasons you should start your climb early in the morning when the ice/snow conditions are better and why you should always wear a helmet in the so-called "danger zone." OTHER CLIMBERS Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when you get to the Old Chute when other climbers will be right above you. Likewise, be respectful of other climbers coming up when you are heading down from the summit. Usually, the uphill climbers get the right of way. AVALANCHES Always check avalanche conditions before setting out (check Mount Hood's here). Know the signs of avalanche danger and stay vigilant. Avalanches are more common in the winter, but they can still be a danger any time of the year after a big snowstorm (especially if it is directly followed by warm weather). CREVASSES Another one of the more well-known dangers on Mount Hood. Crevasses are a very real thing to be aware of on this hike - especially on the way up when you will be hiking (likely) in the dark. The two main crevasses to be aware of are near the Hogsback, especially if you take the alternate route across and up the Old Chute. PUSHING YOURSELF TOO HARD I am all for pushing your limits, but at the same time know what your body can safely handle, especially when it comes to doing things at higher elevations. Altitude sickness is not only uncomfortable but it can also be dangerous (learn the signs of altitude sickness here). If you start feeling lightheaded, nauseous or get a headache, slow down, drink plenty of water and, if necessary, cut the climb short and head back down. 💬 INSIDER TIP: on my climb up I took a break with other mountaineerers right next to the Devils Kitchen. While it seemed like a good break point (right before the Hogsback, on a flat, protected section) it is often directly in the path of the sulfur-y clouds that are produced from the nearby fumaroles. After about 10 minutes of breathing the fumes in, multiple people in the group started to feel sick (one even puked). I would suggest instead taking a break either farther down (and out of the wind path) or farther up near the base of the Old Chute. EXPLORE MORE | HIKING YOUR FIRST 14,000+ FOOT MOUNTAIN: WHAT TO KNOW \\ How to Prepare to Summit Mount Hood I would definitely suggest only attempting this mountaineering adventure if you are in good physical shape. While I do believe that the body is amazing and can be pushed quite past what we think our limits are, in this case, I think for overall safety and comfort it is important to know what you can handle. This mountain is big. And it is steep. That being said, there are a few things I would definitely suggest doing before summitting Mount Hood to help ensure a more enjoyable day out: | Do a couple of other bigger mountains first. And if possible, try to find ones with some snow/ice and glaciers. I did Middle Sister down near Bend, Oregon before Mount Hood and found it to be quite a nice warm-up adventure. | Work on your cardio. Hike a lot, go for long bike rides, or do some trail runs. Get your body used to pushing itself for hours on end. The trail to the summit is uphill the whole time, so try to do adventures that also include a good amount of elevation gain (your calves and hamstrings will thank you). | Try to acclimate beforehand. This can be sort of tough, especially if you live in or around Portland or Seattle, both of which sit at lower elevations. While Mount Hood is not a super tall mountain in the grand scheme of things (the summit sits at 11,249 feet) it is still a good idea to try to acclimate to the elevation change beforehand (altitude sickness sucks so try to avoid it at all costs). | Know your gear inside and out, especially your ice axe and crampons. Take them out for a practice run or take it a step further and actually take a mountaineering class. While crampons are pretty self-explanatory, it is still really important to use them before stepping onto a more intense mountain like Hood. The last section before the summit - the Old Chute or 1 O'clock Couloir are not to be underestimated. You will definitely want to feel comfortable in your crampons before heading up. And this is even more true with your ice axe: know how to self-arrest if you slip, and also how to use it to get up steep, icy sections (because the last couple of yards are exactly that). Climbing Mount Hood is one epic outdoor adventure. The scenery, the challenge and of course the reward make this long day out on the mountain 100% worth it. If you are a mountaineerer looking to test yourself, then make sure to add this iconic volcano to your adventure bucket list. Hopefully, this in-depth planning guide helps you prepare for your own epic mountaineering adventure. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE GUIDES ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMITING MIDDLE SISTER IN OREGON | A Fun Mountaineering Experience Near Bend HIKING GUIDE TO CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN IN WASHINGTON | A Loop Hike With Epic Views of Mount Rainier THE 7 LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES | How to Be a Responsible Adventurer MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

43.8041° N, 120.5542° W TRAIL RUNNING IS TOUGH - FUN, BUT TOUGH. THIS GUIDE OUTLINES THE MOST ESSENTIAL GEAR YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AN EPIC TIME WHILE OUT HITTING THE TRAILS. EXPLORE ALL MY FAVORITES NOW. Oh trail running, you addicting and fickle beast. Love you, hate you, can't get enough of you. While I have been running off and on since middle school, it wasn't until a few years ago that I really started to get into trail running. And in this past year that passion has only grown and now I am actively training for a 50k (31-mile) ultra race as well as a few fully unsupported epic long-distance trail runs. Over time, I have learned what gear is actually needed, what is worth splurging on (and not) and what really works for me. Below you will find my list of the top trail running gear you should have with you when you start hitting the trails - especially if you are looking to go for longer distances. This gear guide covers both trail running clothes and trail running essentials (as well as a few tips from my own adventures). Explore it now. SHOES Top Choice: Altra Lone Pine 6 or 7 I converted to Altra's a couple of years ago and now I don't know if I will ever go back. While this style might not be for everyone, I do believe strongly in the less is more approach. I have run hundreds of miles in Lone Pines and have nothing but good to say. If there is one thing you invest in for trail running, have it be your shoes. They will not only help you enjoy running more, but help keep you from getting injured (which is never fun). CHECK THEM OUT SOCKS Top Choice: Smartwool I feel like socks are one of those somewhat underrated pieces of your trail running setup. But man can they really make or break a run. This pair by Smartwool will keep your feet comfortable and dry no matter how many miles you put in. CHECK THEM OUT SHORTS Top Choice: REI Co-Op Swiftland Love a pair of shorts that are breathable and loose, but that stay in place around my waist (nothing sucks more than having an uncomfortable waistband - especially when you start to sweat). This pair from REI Co-Op are affordable, comfortable and durable. CHECK THEM OUT TIGHTS Top Choice: Lululemon or On Running Some mornings shorts just aren't enough. That's when I reach for a trusty pair of tights that are light enough to not be constrictive but warm enough to keep me going for miles out in the cold. Lately, that pair has been a thrifted pair of Lululemon active leggings. I never got the hype before, now I do. Love 'em for trail running and for running around town. CHECK THEM OUT SPORTS BRA Top Choice: really anything wicking! You will want a bra with plenty of support but also something that doesn't feel like an 18th century corset. Nike and Patagonia both make good ones. Though I have also found Target has some decent options (at good affordable prices). CHECK IT OUT T-SHIRT Top Choice: REI Switftland Running T-Shirt This soft shirt is not only light and breathable, but the color choices are cute too. I find myself wearing this top for most of my extra long runs just because I know it will be comfortable at mile 10, 15 and 20 no matter how hot/sweaty I am. CHECK IT OUT LONG SLEEVED SHIRT Top Choice: Mountain Hardwear Sunshirt Sun coverage without all of the weight is how I tend to look at long-sleeved running shirts. This one by Mountain Hardwear keeps my skin protected from the sun's blasting rays while also feeling like nothing on those uphill climbs. It's breathable, wicking and hella comfortable. CHECK IT OUT JACKET Now, when it is nice and cold out - and especially if it is raining or snowing - I tend to choose something a bit thicker (but not constrictive) and also something that has a nice comfortable collar and/or hood. This one by The North Face is all three. Plus, it's made from recycled material that provides nice windproof performance. 💬 INSIDER TIP: for more warmth and still very little constriction, I almost always grab my all-time favorite Mammut jacket. Can't find the exact one - got mine in an epic thrift store for $6!! - but this one is similar. CHECK IT OUT LEARN MORE | TOP 12 TRAIL RUNNING TIPS & TRICKS \\ Extra (Nice) Trail Running Gear to Have GLOVES OR MITTENS I actually hate gloves. The constrictive feeling on my fingers is just... ugh. So I always lean towards mittens, especially while running when I know my fingers are gonna get sweaty. This set by Outdoor Research is super light and made of a wool-synthetic blend that wicks moisture. CHECK THEM OUT HAT A year ago I never wore a hat, but now I can barely do a 3-miler without missing the sun protection and the comfort of it. When looking for a running hat, try to find one with a moisture wicking ability and one that is light and comfortable on your head. Mine - while great - doesn't fit juuuuust right and sometimes I just want to chuck it off the trail. 💬 INSIDER TIP: a hat might have just been the biggest game changer for me. I can start to get pretty bad headaches when out in the sun for long periods of time, but I never liked running in sunglasses. CHECK IT OUT RUNNING VEST OR BACKPACK If you looking to go for miles and miles on the trail then you'll want to have a backpack that can carry enough water to keep you hydrated, enough snacks to keep you energized, and maybe some space for a few necessary odds and ends (like a small first-aid or blister kit, and your phone). When looking for a running vest, try to find one that will fit your body type snuggly and comfortably, and also that has easy-to-open pockets that'll store all your snacks and gear without you having to take off the backpack (mine is neither of these and it wears on me toward the end of runs). If your goal is to run far, definitely consider investing in a nice running vest or backpack. I got mine for a good price when down in Colombia and while it does the job, it doesn't do it very well. Now that I am planning to run over 25 miles at a time more consistently, I am seriously considering dropping some money and getting a backpack that I actually like (and that works). CHECK IT OUT SUNGLASSES If you aren't a hat person but still want something to help keep the sun out of your eyes then I recommend this set of polarized sunglasses from Sunski. These sunnies are not only cute and comfortable, but they come from a company that focuses heavily on making high-quality adventure goods in the most sustainable manner. A real win-win. CHECK THEM OUT SNACKS Always bring something with you to snack on while out running - especially if you are planning to do anything over 8 miles. A good rule of thumb is to consume 200 calories every hour of running. I personally love Honey Stinger waffles, Nature's Bakery fig bars and just simple jerky. Trail running can be an epic way to get outside and explore your surroundings. The ability to push yourself and have an adventure, to me, makes all of the hard, tiring miles worth it. Hopefully, this trail running gear list helps you figure out what you need if you are thinking of picking up the epic adventure sport yourself. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS TRAIL RUNNING GEAR GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE TRAIL RUNNING GUIDES 8 PRETTIEST TRAIL RUNS IN NORTHERN COLORADO | Explore These Epic Trails Now NECKLACE VALLEY TRAIL IN WASHINGTON | Ultimate Hiking Guide to an Epic Mountain Hike PYRAMID PEAK IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK | Ultimate Hiking Guide to a Stunning Viewpoint MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.

44.14830°N / 121.7828°W EXPLORE THIS IN-DEPTH MOUNTAINEERING GUIDE TO SUMMITTING MIDDLE SISTER MOUNTAIN IN THE THREE SISTERS WILDERNESS IN CENTRAL OREGON. While maybe not as popular an adventure as its neighbor and sibling South Sister, or as technical and rugged as its other sibling North Sister, Middle Sister is still a worthy endeavor and definitely an epic way to spend a day out in the mountains. Rising to a height of 10,056 feet (3,065 meters), Middle Sister offers adventurers stunning views of nearby snow-capped mountains, a fun opportunity to test out your mountaineering skills on a sizeable glacier and the chance to explore the beautiful Three Sisters Wilderness, one of the best places to hike in Oregon. The most popular route up the mountain is the North Ridge Route - which starts at the Pole Creek Trailhead and then heads up the Hayden Glacier to an obvious saddle between Middle and North Sister. The below adventure guide should cover everything you need to know about taking on this striking volcanic peak located just outside of Bend, Oregon; including, how to reach the trailhead, what gear to bring with you, and what to expect once out on the trail and mountain. Happy adventuring! \\ How to Get to the Trailhead/Start of the Hike Most likely, you will be starting your trip to the Pole Creek Trailhead from either Bend or Sisters - the latter of which is the closest town to the trailhead. GOOD TO KNOW: in Sisters, you can find a few cute restaurants and cafes, a couple of hardware and gear stores, two gas stations and a small grocery store. FROM BEND AND SISTERS It will take you between 1 hour and nearly 1.5 hours to drive to the Pole Creek Trailhead from downtown Bend (depending on traffic). Head up Highway 20 towards the town of Sisters (and through it) before turning onto the scenic Highway 242/McKenzie Highway. Take a left onto Forest Road 15 (there will be a sign for Pole Creek TH) and follow the well-graded forest road for just over 10 miles. While the road is bumpy and washboard-y, it is still very nice (did it in a Subaru with no trouble). Along the way, you will see numerous spots to camp at - which, because it is national forest - is allowed and free. Park at the sizeable trailhead where there should be plenty of spots, as well as a bathroom (pit-toilet) and an information and pay station. Note there is NO water available at the trailhead. 💬 INSIDER TIP: if you are feeling gumptious, you can also bike to the trailhead along Forest Road 15. From downtown Sisters, Oregon - roughly 30 minutes from Bend - the trailhead is just over 13 miles away. The forest road is very nice and wide, well-marked and not super busy. While at the trailhead there isn’t a bike rack, there are plenty of places to safely lock up your bike. \\ The Best Time to Mountaineer Middle Sister While you can summit Middle Sister (and the other two Sisters) any time of the year, the best time is going to be in late spring if mountaineering and early and middle of spring if skiing. During the late spring (May and June), there will likely still be a decent amount of snow on the mountain and if you start early enough in the morning it shouldn’t be too slushy. Obviously, snow conditions change year over year, but for the most part you can expect solid snow conditions and only a bit of post-holing near the top during this time of year. During the summer (especially July and August) the route will likely be quite a bit more rocky and scree-y - especially near the top. If planning to summit then, definitely come prepared with helmets and ALWAYS keep an eye out for falling rocks. While the trail will be a lot less snowy during the summer, you will still need to cross a glacier - meaning you will always want proper equipment, especially since crevasses will be bigger/more open then. EXPLORE MORE | EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SPRING SKIING \\ What to Bring With You to Mountaineer Middle Sister You will definitely want to bring proper mountaineering gear with you on this adventure; including, ice axes, crampons, and helmets. We did also bring a rope, but didn't feel like it was totally necessary (but do what feels right/safest for you!). Also, because a majority of the hike will be done on snow, make sure to bring proper clothing for both snow and sun protection (the reflection off the snow can be inteeeeense). Sunglasses or goggles, a sun hat and sunscreen, not to mention long sleeves and pants, are likely a must. Below is an outline of what we brought for two people to summit: WHAT WE BROUGHT FOOD | One large pre-made sandwich | 2 bags of gummy candy | 1 bag of beef jerky sticks | 1 packet of pickles | 1 packet of energy gummies | 4 granola bars | 2 packaged waffles WATER | 1 full bladder (2.5 liters/85oz) | 2 large water bottles (40oz each) | My handy LARQ water bottle for purification | A thermos of hot water for mate GEAR | 2 sets of crampons | 2 ice axes | 2 pairs of mountaineering boots | 2 climbing helmets | 1 rope (not totally necessary) | 2 harnesses | My Canon camera | Hiking first aid kit | 1 pair of Sunski sunglasses and 1 pair of ski goggles | 2 sun hats and 2 stocking caps | 2 sun shirts | 1 pair of tights | 2 puffy jackets | 4 pairs of wool socks | 2 sets of gloves | 2 buffs for sun and wind protection | 1 bottle of water-repellent sunscreen | 1 Chapstick with sunscreen | 1 paper map of the Three Sisters Wilderness | 1 standard compass | 2 fully charged phones (with maps downloaded) HIKING MIDDLE SISTER IN OREGON | THE ADVENTURE BREAKDOWN TOTAL DISTANCE: between 17 and 18 miles depending on which way you hike up/down the glacier ELEVATION PROFILE: 5,282 feet of elevation gain; from 5,318 feet to 10,015 feet at the summit TIME NEEDED: 10 - 15 hours; also common to do it as an overnight trip TRAIL CONDITIONS: established trail until you reach the climber's route; from there, you don’t have much of a trail but you just need to head towards Hayden Glacier (a map is necessary), steep snow - especially on the glacier, lots of loose scree on the final push GEAR NEEDED: see our full list above >> ALLTRAILS GUIDE START | Begin your adventure at the Pole Creek Trailhead. There is a large information sign with self-issue permits as well as extra information on the area. Take the only trail from the trailhead out towards the large snowy mountains - which will clearly be visible to the west. 1 | The first couple of miles of the hike is on an obvious singletrack trail that cuts through a now-burned pine forest. You will have great views of the Sisters (all 3 of them) during the whole first couple of miles. But, because of the fire and now charred forest, there is also almost NO sun protection, so make sure to bring the proper gear and plenty of water with you (it can be hooooot). 2 | At around mile 1.4 you will come to your first trail junction. Keep heading straight on the Camp Lake Trail/Green Lakes Trail. The other trail - Green Lakes Trail - goes off to the right and eventually leads to numerous other forest trails and mountain lakes. You will then pass a stream at around mile 2. If necessary, fill up and purify drinking water here. 3 | After mile ~3, the trail will start to be covered with some fallen trees (as of early summer 2023) that will either require you to climb over them or to go around. In this section, it can be somewhat tough to stick to the trail so make sure to have a handy offline map with you (we like Gaia GPS and Alltrails). 4 | Around mile 4, the snow starts to appear - sometimes in just small clumps and other times in foot-deep drifts. Once you get closer to Hayden Glacier the snow will likely be a bit more present (though obviously this depends on the time of year you are hiking). This is also when the established trail starts to peter out and you need to start following one of the climber trails (marked on most maps). If you can't find an established trail, just continue heading towards Middle Sister, which will still likely be visible. 5 | Once you reach the deeper snow field, simply start making your way up towards the obvious saddle between Middle and North Sister. It should be clear to see in front of you, though there will be a couple of small hills/rises before. 6 | Once you reach the edge of Hayden Glacier (near mile 6.6) you will want to put on your helmet, crampons and your harness and rope (if using) and grab your ice axe. From here, stick to the RIGHT side where there will be an obvious ridgeline that may or may not be snow covered (it wasn't when we did this trail in mid-June). The ridgeline is a good spot to take a break and eat a snack and grab some water. 7 | Continue up the glacier on the right side as if you are heading straight for Prouty Point, the outcropping near the clear saddle. Do note that the glacier DOES have a few crevasses. Size will obviously depend on the time of year you are mountaineering, but be aware and vigilant while out on the glacier. 💬 INSIDER TIP: also rock falls are common in this area, especially off of North Sister and Prouty Point. You will very likely see some fallen rock and debris (and maybe even hear rocks falling) while climbing up. ALWAYS keep your helmet on and stay aware of you and your partner's surroundings. 8 | Once on the saddle, take in the view, eat some food, and catch your breath. From the saddle it is another half mile or so and nearly 900 feet of elevation gain to the summit. We suggest dropping your pack and summitting with just water, a few snacks or victory sandwiches, your camera and an extra jacket (it is very exposed at the top and can be quite windy). 9 | The last section of the climb is quite steep and loose: go slow, watch where you are placing your feet and hands and always stay aware of falling rocks (above and below you). Likewise, keep an eye on your partner and try to stay close together so there is less time for rocks to gain momentum when falling. 10 | Reach the summit - woo! From the high point you should be afforded great views of the nearby Cascades; including South and North Sister, Mt. Bachelor, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood (on a clear day) and maybe Mt. Adams on an extra clear day. And if you are very lucky you may even be able to see Mt. Rainier way off in the distance. 11 | Once you get your fill of the summit, head back exactly the same way you came up. We like to retrace our steps, especially on the glacier (less likely to run into a crevasse). If the snow is good and soft, you may also be able to glissade part way down - just make sure to watch out for rocks and take your crampons off. It ended up taking the two of us - two fit late-20-year-olds - almost exactly 12 hours from car to car to do this adventure. While we did stop and take a few longer(ish) breaks, we also moved pretty quick, especially on the trail. If you think you will need more time than that, we recommend starting quite early in the morning or doing it as an overnighter. EXTRA TIPS & THINGS TO KNOW FOR MOUNTAINEERING MIDDLE SISTER SUN PROTECTION Hiking on snow for multiple hours can lead to some serious solar radiance. Therefore stay on top of your sun protection - whether that means hiding your skin from the sun completely through sun protective clothing or reapplying sunscreen regularly. Also, the glare from the snow can be blinding, especially during the middle of the day. Wear proper eye protection as well as a hat. Also, consider packing some pain medicine if you are prone to get headaches from the sun (like Madalyne). WATER Besides the one creek you pass in the first couple of miles, there really isn't too much water access on this adventure. While we did see a few small alpine lakes, most were covered in snow/frozen or were too far away to really be plausible. Therefore you will need to come prepared with plenty of water. Also, try to leave some in the car for when you get back. CAMPING If you are wanting to do this hike in two days instead of one - either because you want to take it a bit slower or if you want to do a sunrise summit push - then you will want to pack your handy backpacking gear. The best places to camp are going to be near the base of Hayden Glacier. From the trailhead, it is approximately 5 miles and 6,600 feet of elevation gain to the first good camp spot (though there are a few lower ones as well). ❔GOOD TO KNOW: there are many animals in the area, so make sure to keep all of your food and smelly stuff secure (though we don't think bear boxes are needed). COST $5 for day use parking unless you have the Northwest Forest Pass, which costs $30 but is good for a full year. PERMITS This is kind of a confusing process, so bear with us. If you are planning to do the hike in ONE DAY then you will not need to make a reservation, but you will need to fill out a free self-issue permit at the trailhead and carry that form with you. If you are planning to do an OVERNIGHT TRIP between June 15 - October 15 then you will need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit, which must be reserved ahead of time at recreation.gov. The overnight permit costs $6 per group. ➳ Learn more about permits here. While Middle Sister might not be the most popular mountain to hike of the Three Sisters - that title likely goes to South Sister - it is still 100% worth doing, especially if you are looking for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure and/or want to try your hand at mountaineering. Hopefully, this in-depth Middle Sister Mountaineering Guide helps you plan your own epic adventure, but if you have any questions or comments, then please leave them below or reach out directly. WANT TO SAVE THIS HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDE FOR LATER? CONSIDER PINNING IT! EXPLORE MORE HIKING ADVENTURE GUIDES HIKING YOUR FIRST 14ER | The Complete Guide, Plus Useful Tips & Tricks THE KENDALL KATWALK TRAIL IN WASHINGTON | The Ultimate Hiking Guide HIKING THE ENCHANTMENTS IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON | Our In-Depth Planning Guide MORE ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING | Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable! | Eco-friendly sunscreen: we love MadHippie sunscreen because it’s cruelty-free, vegan, broad spectrum, and reef safe. And even better, they donate $1 for every purchase to conservation efforts. | Allbirds shoes: comfortable shoes can make or break an adventure or travel day, these eco-conscious and cozy shoes from Allbirds have been our faves for years. ► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.