The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for serious hiking — glacier-covered volcanoes, rugged backcountry, and trails that demand skill and multi-day commitment. That reputation is earned. But it tells only half the story. Washington and Oregon are also home to some of the most accessible, rewarding, and genuinely stunning beginner trails in the entire country. […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Caving: What to Expect Underground
Most outdoor enthusiasts spend their time moving across landscapes — summiting peaks, crossing ridgelines, following rivers downstream. Caving takes that instinct and sends it in the opposite direction. Underground, the rules change entirely. There’s no sunlight, no trail markers, no ambient noise from wind or birds. Just you, your headlamp, and a geological world that […]
Wildfire Season 2026 and What It Means for Western Trail Access
Summer hiking season is here, and so is one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent memory. After an exceptionally warm and dry winter, vast swaths of the Western United States are already up in flames, with large fires burning across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Nevada, and Utah. For hikers with plans across […]
Permit Culture Is Reshaping How We Hike — Here’s What You Need to Know
Not long ago, showing up at a trailhead with your boots laced and a full water bottle was enough. These days, some of the country’s most iconic hikes require something else entirely before you ever set foot on the trail — a permit. And for many of those, simply wanting one isn’t enough either. You […]
Hiking America’s 250th: Challenges Worth Adding to Your 2026 Trail List
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. Across the country, state park departments are celebrating by getting people outside. A growing number of states have launched hiking challenges tied to America’s 250th anniversary, and the variety is genuinely impressive. For Stacey Slamka, whose hiking goals already span multiple states this year, several of […]