Sat, Jul 12, 2025 - Thu, Jul 24, 2025
This stunning 12-day walking adventure took our valiant group of 12 people from the sights of Zurich to the Lichtenstein border in the ancient town of Sargans by train, and then on foot to Grindelwald, the Eiger trail and the wonders of the Jungfraujoch. We experienced a wide range of lovely Swiss countryside, villages and cities, staying in hostels, small mountain guest houses, small family-run hotels and charming family dairies/B&Bs as we went. Trails were well marked and generally good terrain, though we did get lost a couple of times when our Gaia map didn't match recent Via Alpina re-routes. Lots of road sections (gravel, occasionally pavement) but not busy. Our outfitter Alpenventures Unguided did a great job with lodging bookings and we also took advantage of some of the frequent cable cars, trains and buses to avoid less appealing sections, catch up when we got behind, and make large elevation gain days more reasonable. The SBB app (Swiss transport) was invaluable. Rain can happen anytime in the Swiss Alps, even in high summer, and we walked through periods of rain on multiple days, but temperatures were moderate.
Wed, Aug 27, 2025
Launched from Boston Harbor for the last Wednesday evening paddle of the season.
Tue, Aug 12, 2025 - Sun, Aug 17, 2025
The Burgess Shale (located inside Yoho National Park) is perhaps the most famous fossil bed in the world. Access is tightly restricted, but can be arranged through Parks Canada. Yoho National Park also hosts incredibly gorgeous hiking. We spent two days hiking and two days fossil sighting.
Sat, Aug 23, 2025 - Sun, Aug 24, 2025
Late season climb w/late season conditions, very rigorous and rewarding.
Tue, Aug 26, 2025
Fog shrouded exploration of Quillayute Needles and Teawhit Head requiring compass course navigation. Decided not to paddle all the way to Toleak Point. Lots of sea otters, puffin, pelicans, auklets and other sea birds. Paddled up the Quillayute River into the sunshine before taking out.
Tue, Aug 26, 2025
7 of us from CHS-2 enjoyed a 45-minute lunch break and swim in Ridge Lake, the highlight of everyone's adventure. Lots of "wow" moments on this hike: Rainier, ski resort, Stuart, Red Mountain, marmots, picas... and BERRIES!
Mon, Aug 18, 2025 - Thu, Aug 21, 2025
Out and back four day backpack from Third Beach trailhead to Toleak Point.
Sat, Aug 23, 2025 - Sun, Aug 24, 2025
A trip with near perfect conditions for a larger group.
Sat, Aug 23, 2025
A strenuous one-day scramble up Mount Daniel, featuring panoramic views, alpine lakes, and a satisfying mix of trail and off-trail adventure.
Sun, Aug 24, 2025
5 of us took our dog on a private hike to the Lookout Tower in a heat advisory. The granite was cooking, the views pretty spectacular. If hiking with a dog carry double the water you think you'll need.
Sat, Aug 23, 2025 - Sun, Aug 24, 2025
A great night, enjoying bioluminescence on the water between Wauna beach and Cutts island used to be called deadman Island in the old days we did a counter, clockwise rotation, crossed over to the Gig Harbor side of the peninsula and handlebar down to raft island then down two Cutts after a break we crossed over to Glen Cove, and did the hand bar or handrail thing up the shoreline. Minter Creek was the area that had the best bioluminescence. It was Gorgeous some saw blue bright blue. Different colors. And it was odd. You’d see a porch light, and on the side the porch light was coming from was the best light show.
Fri, Aug 8, 2025 - Sun, Aug 17, 2025
From a tiny native village in the tundra at the northernmost pass in Alaska, through the Brooks Range, to the mighty Koyukuk River, the John has a blend of personalities along the way. Plenty of down time to read and meditate with Arctic nature. While this is not intended as a complete TR, here are a few observations of mine.
Sat, Aug 23, 2025
A nice chill scramble for a hot day.
Thu, Aug 21, 2025
A very successful outing.
Fri, Aug 22, 2025
On a private hike, my daughter and I braved the mid-day heat and noshed on berries to the beautiful Blanca Lake. We enjoyed breezes, tadpoles in Virgin Lake, and 13 bird species, followed up with a celebratory DQ Blizzard afterward. Sweet success!
Wed, Aug 20, 2025 - Fri, Aug 22, 2025
Lazy evenings can coexist with a bit of frost overnight when you backpack in August. Check out these "ready for anything" new backpackers with Tacoma branch.
Wed, Aug 20, 2025
Loop hike with woodland, lakes, a high pass plus pikas and marmots
Tue, Aug 19, 2025
Pika Party: A perfect day at the Tooth
Sun, Aug 17, 2025
This is a fun scramble with lots of opportunities for varying the route with more challenging sections possible.
