I didn’t even know Oregon had a place called Strawberry Mountain Wilderness until the summer of 2020 when I stumbled upon it while researching a road trip. This wilderness area quickly caught my attention because of its lakes and Strawberry Mountain, Oregon’s 30th tallest peak at 9,042 feet. I was trying to bag as many …
Eagle Cap Wilderness: The Ultimate Backpacking Guide To Mirror Lake
The Wallowas and the Eagle Cap Wildnerness are without a doubt one the most amazing places in Oregon. The area is one of the 7 wonders of Oregon, and rightfully so. There are very few day-hiking options here without hiking 12-20 mile days. It’s an epic backpacker’s paradise with alpine lakes and various mountain peaks. …
Backpacking Permits and Lotteries Explained: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re new to backpacking you may have heard experienced backpackers talk about lottery season and obtaining backpacking permits. It’s an exciting time of year, but can be pretty confusing at times, even for an experienced backpacker/hiker. I’ve been applying for backpacking permits for years and still get confused and frustrated at times by the …
Steens Mountains: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Did you know that Eastern Oregon has a mountain range that combines Hawaiian-like canyons, mountain peaks, a desert oasis and alpine lakes all in one spot? Well, The Steens Mountains has it all and is well worth the long, monotonous drive to see it. One of the things I love about this area is how …
Everything You Need to Know About Ice Lake and Matterhorn Summit
Ice Lake is an alpine lake in The Wallowa Mountain range. The Wallowas are without a doubt one of the most amazing places in Oregon. The area is one of the 7 wonders of Oregon, and rightfully so. There are very few day hiking options in the Wallowas without hiking 12-20 mile days so most …
Havasupai Falls: Everything You Need to Know
Backpacking to Havasu Falls on Havasupai Indian reservation is like entering a secret paradise. As soon as I learned about this little gem on Earth, I knew I had to see it for myself. I started by researching how to book it and tips I needed to know before going. I want to share what …
A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Outdoor Shoes
I get asked all the time what I wear when I’m hiking, so here I am giving you a full rundown of my go-to footwear for the outdoors. Finding the right shoes can be hard, but is also so important! Getting blisters from poor-fitting shoes or having wet feet because your shoes aren’t waterproof is …
A Ultimate Beginners Backpacking Guide With Free Printable Checklist
I’m going to start by sharing the hard truth with you all: backpacking is uncomfortable, it hurts, it’s exhausting, it’s dirty, it’s smelly and yet it’s so rewarding. You either love it or hate it. At the end of the day, you have to decide if pushing through the uncomfortable is worth it for the …
The Best Insect Repellent and Must-Have Accessories For the Trail
Having the proper insect repellent and accessories to keep bugs at bay will make summer hiking more enjoyable. If you dare venture outside between June and August, going prepared with an arsenal to fight off those pesky mosquitoes is essential! Summer is mosquito-hatching season and if you venture into the mountains you’ll be swarmed by …