Enumclaw, Washington

What do you do when you have finals and a sunny day? Drive to a lake and hammock, duh. I just got out of class daydreaming of going out and just relaxing in the sun. I have a reputation in class for not showing up if the sun's out, so when someone asked me why I was in class, I asked myself the s...

During the day, Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most popular hikes within the one hour of Seattle. This means that the parking lot, as well as the road leading to the trailhead, is full of cars. If you hate crowds like this, then this is the time for you to go. You don't need much for this advent...

“I’ve always wanted to go there!” are six words that used to trickle out of my mouth more often than veggies went in. Just as often were the two words “One day…” I once lived a life of hesitation and slept in a deep well of procrastination. I found every excuse in the book for why I couldn’t do s...

Only a couple hours from Seattle yet worlds away, Mount Rainier National Park gets you away from crazy city life. Heed the call and make your way up to the mountain. Within the Park, you’ll find over 275 miles of maintained trails leading through old-growth forest and right onto the flanks of the...

Mount Rainier's famously glaciated profile rises 14,411 feet above sea level in western Washington, dominating the skyline of Seattle and drawing in adventurers from all over the world.  While climbing the mountain itself can test your strength and endurance, there is also a verdant beauty to be ...

For my first story in The Outbound, I'd like to share some pics from one of our most recent trips. It was our first time visiting Mt Rainier National Park even though we live so close to it. The main reason why we don't usually frequent national parks is because we have a dog and they are not all...

So I have been in Washington for about two weeks now. In the two weeks it has rained the majority of the time. Which was expected before I moved so I was ready for it. Well not really, I’m still working on getting a good rain jacket, which is super important here apparently. I have been to Moun...

Located inside Mount Rainier National Park, the Pinnacle Peak trail offers epic views of Mount Rainier while you ascend to the saddle between Pinnacle Peak and Plummer Peak. When you reach the saddle the trail continues unmaintained in which you can go right to Plummer, or left to Pinnacle and be...

Located down the road from the San Juan Islands and kitty corner from Olympic National Park, Seattle is a mecca for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Seattle’s infamous rain shadow allows the flora and fauna to flourish and creates some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever lay eyes on. We’ve...

If you've ever been to Seattle, you know the proximity to amazing outdoor adventures is pretty ideal. If you haven't, it's about time to plan a weekend trip. From Seattle, you don't have to drive too far to find some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the country and of course, the best ...

Winter can often be thought of as a time to stay indoors, drink hot chocolate, and hibernate. The opposite couldn't be more true. When you explore in the winter, not only do you get to see landscapes in an entirely different way, but you also get to enjoy a little more solitude that you typically...

Skip the long lines for coffee or brunch this weekend and head out on a hike for some challenging uphill climbs, stunning lake views, cascading waterfalls, and an escape from the city. Because there are so many options immediately surrounding the city, just choosing your hike is a challenge. We'v...

While this is everything that I own and use, you don’t by any means need to buy all of it to take great photos and videos! This is my complete gear list and I definitely don’t bring it all out with me on every trip. I customize my bag for each adventure depending on what I’ll be doing and what th...

If you’re looking for a three-day getaway in the United States, you cannot go wrong with the Emerald City in the Evergreen State: Seattle, Washington. Stereotypes of never-ending rain aside, Seattle offers a diverse mix of activities and scenery to satisfy any modern day traveler.On top of numero...

Backpacking for the first time can be both scary (in a good way!) and exhilarating. Here are a few relatively easy backpacking trips in Washington to get you hiking. Trust me, once you start, you can’t stop!1. Thunder Creek - North Cascades National ParkPhoto: Dawn CoyoteDistance: options for 5-1...

It does not matter whether I am car camping with luxuries or on an expedition to climb some of the worlds most remote peaks, my Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 Sleeping Bag goes everywhere I go. As a 3-season 20-degree bag, I have happily used it on chilly summer nights in the Blue Ridge Mountain...