Garrett SchmidtExplorer

The Columbia River Gorge is full of hidden gems, especially for new folks like me. I just found out about this little trail right in the middle of Mosier Oregon.  The trail is great for new hikers, and if you have some friends visiting this would be the perfect trail to take them on if they don't have a ton of time to visit. Once you are finished with the trail there is a great little restaura...

The campground is right at the very north end of Lake Crescent. It has bathroom and potable water, and for just $20 a night I think it is well worth it. Each campsite is equipped with a table and firepit (bring firewood). Open between May and October; first come first serve.  As for activities, the list is endless. You can kayak, paddleboard, swim, dive, really whatever you feel like. The lake ...

Foster Falls will suit any climber. A novice climber can find routes here, and an expert can find new and exciting projects. There are a few camping sites near the climbing area. Father Adams which is a primitive spot, and Foster Falls campground which has a shower and toilets (around $16 a night), are a few I know of that are close. The price is fairly nice if you have a big group. Foster Fall...

This lake is found about 25 miles south of Hood River, Or. $5 for day use and now other passes are accepted, just keep that in mind. There are camping sites all over the lake as well, so if you are thinking of making a weekend out of it.  It wasn't very crowded on a weekend during the summer so you may be able to just show up and find a spot to camp. There is quite a bit of parking for day use ...

Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...

Catching a beautiful sunset has never been so easy. This lookout tower is accessible by vehicle. The road is fairly smooth too. No car would have any trouble getting up to the top.  The last gate before the lookout tower/peak is about a mile down. The gate does close at 8pm but is ran by volunteers, so if they feel like staying longer or if there is multiple cars they will leave it open late. H...

Arrive at Longmire in Mount Rainier National park about 9a.m. They open the gate during the late season at this time so you will want to get ahead of the crowd, especially if it is a beautiful day! This time of year it is required to carry chains, so don't forget those. Arrive at Paradise parking lot and start up the trekking next to the bathroom house in front of the parking lot. Carry a GPS i...

We drove all around Trinity Lake and this was the best campground we found! Located right on Trinity Lake you will find Hayward Flat Campground.  From Weaverville California you will follow highway 3 north about 20 miles. Then take a right on Hayward Flat road two miles. Boom, you are there.  There are 98 camp spots scattered within the camp site. Water fossetts and bathrooms easily accessible ...

So the hike starts out at Taggart Lake Trailhead ( 6625') and the highest point on the trail is (7022'). Follow this trail all the way along the stream to your left. You will go through a pretty dense forest for a bit, this area can get wet and muddy depending on the season so equip yourself accordingly. After about a mile of hiking you will reach the point where the trail goes right to Bradley...

From Tacoma, Wa. take Hwy 167 to Hwy 410 and follow that until you get to the Chinook Pass Hwy. Then from there follow this road and take the second Service Road on the right and follow this road until it dead ends. The trail starts on NF-7315. You have to walk this road until you reach the first fork on the trail ( about 3 miles). Take that right up the trail until you reach the trail sign tha...

Mann Lake can be found in the Steens Mountain Wilderness area. Camping is first come first serve but depending on the time of year it won't be crowded at all. I visited in the early fall and there was one other car.  I decided to camp next to the lake (>200 ft. away of course), which holds water all year long. Waking up to views of the Steens Mountain Range and the glass like water on the la...