Rachel DavidsonExplorer

NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes south of San Francisco. Leaving the city using I-280, take the Highway 1 exit for just about 10 miles...

Not only is South Sister a stunning image and visible from hundreds of miles throughout Central Oregon, but it is a great beginner climb to introduce hikers to high altitude mountain life. As long as you’re mentally prepared, have good physical endurance, and pack right, there’s no reason why this mountaintop should be out of reach. Getting there is simple and accessible for any type of city v...

This beautiful tucked-away trail offers runners, hikers, and backpackers a new view of their favorite neighboring peaks - like Mailbox Peak and Mt. Si - from one of the most scenic river trails in the Seattle area. Often overlooked in favor of more rigorous hikes, the Middle Fork is a gently graded single-track that winds in and out of the forest and follows the Snoqualmie River all the way to...

Wherever you go in Leh, you won't be able to miss the Leh Royal Palace. This massive, towering palace was actually built to resemble the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and is adorned with classic Tibetan inscriptions and Buddhist monuments. Begin this adventure at the base of the palace in the downtown Leh Bazaar area. There are a few different footpaths, and even a road, that lead up to the entrance....

This classic cycling destination out of Chamonix Valley is perfect for reasonably fit people looking to summit a mountain pass on wheels. Col des Montets (1,462 m) is on County Road D1506 that connects France to Switzerland, and it was even included in the Tour de France in the 50s through the 70s. Check road conditions on the Chamonix tourism site before setting off. You can begin this trip a...

The Wallowa Mountains are one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon – and rightfully so. Also dubbed the “Oregon Alps,” this range has over 30 mountains over 9,000 ft. in elevation. While Central Oregon gets more visitors and credit for its massive volcanoes, the Wallowas are a truly stunning sight and well worth the trip to the state’s isolated Northeast corner.The largest and most popular town to vi...

Smith Rock State Park is an iconic PNW canyon that's become one of the rock climbing capitals of the country, and known worldwide for its sport climbing routes. And while climbing draws crowds year-round, adventurers also visit for its trail system boasting sweeping Central Oregon volcano views. The new-ish Summit Trail Loop is one of the most challenging of the park and super popular for hike...

The Three Passes Trek is a seriously challenging, seriously awe-inspiring high-altitude trek through the Nepalese Himalayas. Lonely Planet describes this as “the ultimate Everest trek… Only for the truly adventurous.” In fact, for over a week during this trek you will be hiking and sleeping above the highest point in the continuous United States (14,505 ft.).As it’s named, this route crosses th...

This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead to begin this run. The first 0.7 miles is an easy up-and-down before you hit the McEnry Bridge. Turn ...

Boundary Peak received its name because it straddles the border of California and Nevada. While technically in Nevada, just a few hundred feet away lies its taller neighbor Montgomery Peak (13,442') in California. Many people bag both peaks at once, but the rotten rock and unstable trail make Montgomery a much more technical feat. Warning: This is a very remote trailhead. Pack plenty of food, ...

The Langtang region of Nepal is also known as “the valley of glaciers” for good reason. This trek takes you through a valley walled in by jaw-dropping snowcapped peaks, and is popular for its camping, trekking, and rafting. Plus, its lower elevation means that the valley is accessible in the winter, and you’re also less likely to experience symptoms of AMS.Langtang Valley also attracts tourists...

The starting location of this adventure is set at the city's largest hotel, aptly named Gyantse Hotel. All of the streets surrounding the hotel are flat and cobblestoned, with little traffic or danger, and should be comfortable for all types of travelers. Head right out of the entrance of the hotel to reach the main downtown area. The shops and restaurants downtown will be littered with unique ...

Stok Kangri is located within the larger area of Ladakh, closest to its capital city Leh (11,562 ft.). Because Leh sits at such a high elevation, it is incredibly important to spend one to three rest days in the city before starting this climb – you’ll find plenty to do between all of the great restaurants, lookout points, and monasteries.At the time that we set off on this climb in May of 2016...

Kala Patthar (also spelled Kala Pataar, Kala Pattar), is one of the best ways for ordinary hikers to reach extraordinary heights in the heart of the Nepal Himalayas. The trek to the base of the mountain, at Gorakshep or Lobuche, will have already taken you well over a week and acclimatized your body to high altitude – so by the time you reach the “Black Rock” mountain, summiting it should be a ...

Looking for those postcard views of the Annapurna range you see in Lakeside stores? You'll have to work for them (or at least, wake up early). Especially during the spring, the mountains get lost in clouds by mid-morning and are rarely visible from the town of Pokhara, on the lake, or even up on the top of the World Peace Pagoda. The good news is, an early start will do the trick. Talk to one o...

Lower Macleay Park is one of most easily accessible trailheads in the city, especially during one of Portland’s rare snow years where even driving up to 500 feet of elevation can challenge your car. You can park within the park entrance cul-de-sac, around the intersection of Upshur St. & NW 29th St., or even on top of the Thurman Street Bridge and take the stairs down to the trailhead. The...

The Lighthouse Point Trail is yet another offshoot of Deception Pass Park’s wonderful trail system, which weaves itself through the northern corners to the southern ends of the park’s expansive walking paths. Perfect for families and for adventurers just getting their hiking legs warmed up for the season, the Lighthouse Point Trail is one of the closest options to the highway and a great way to...

The Gokyo Valley lies just to the east of Renjo La Pass – the final obstacle to those completing the epic 3 Passes Trek in Nepal. Before embarking on this last challenge, and especially after making it over Cho La Pass, you deserve a rest day.The emerald-green lake at the banks of the village of Gokyo is just one of six in the area which make up the highest-altitude freshwater lake system in th...

The Annapurna Circuit Trek continually ranks as one of the most famous and popular treks in the entire world. This route will take you through lush lower valleys, alpine apple orchards, and high-altitude icy climates, eventually reaching the crux of the entire trip on Thorong-La Pass at 17,770 ft.One of the biggest attractions of this trek is that once you reach Jomsom on Day 12, there are bus ...

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous high-altitude trekking routes in the world, and rightfully so. During this adventure you’ll pass through alpine apple orchards, colorful prayer flags and religious stupas, and of course – alongside a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Along your way, you’ll have ample opportunities to kick back and enjoy a rest/acclimatization day. But what ...

If you’ve been anywhere near Central Oregon, you’ve seen the Three Sisters Mountains dominate the skyline. Each of these volcanoes exceeds 10,000 ft. and are some of the highest peaks in the state of Oregon. Though they are truly considered sister peaks to one another, each has unique climbing routes that require varying physical conditioning and gear.Note: Some (crazy) people actually climb al...

Springwater Corridor is a 40-mile paved trail that stretches from downtown Portland all the way to Boring. This trail is wide, virtually flat, and yes, paved - but there is a clear manmade path on the dirt shoulders that's friendlier to knees. Any given day, you'll see dozens of cyclists and pedestrians on their daily commute or enjoying a break from the road.The starting point for this adventu...

Mt. Elbrus is considered to be the second simplest of the Seven Summits, after Kilimanjaro. Climbers should have prior experience with glacier travel and crampon + ice axe use, but the climb itself is non-technical and considered to be a long, slow alpine trek. Everyone attempting should still be versed in mountain safety and aware that all alpine environments can be harsh and unforgiving. New ...

The Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect place to swing through if you're looking for a short and gentle trail run without leaving the city. This expansive park includes the UW Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, entire length of the Arboretum Creek - all landmarks you'll pass on this trail. This wide, gravel trail is easy to navigate and dotted with maps and turn offs for side streets and ...