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. […]
Stacey Slamka
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 […]
No Reservations at Popular US National Parks
Mount Rainier is already on Stacey Slamka’s hiking resume. Glacier National Park is on her 2026 list. But both parks just made a major change that affects anyone planning a visit this summer. On the surface, it sounds like a win. No advance reservations, just show up whenever you want. But the reality unfolding on […]