Top 10 Trip Reports - May 2025

Each month, we sort through all your trip reports, pick our favorites, and celebrate them here! Read on for top reports from May 2025.
Shelby Olson Shelby Olson
Member Services Associate
June 01, 2025
Top 10 Trip Reports - May 2025
Photo by Alexa Zalipyatskikh.

It’s that time of year, dear friends - temperatures are rising, the snow is changing, and wildlife is coming out to play. May you find exemplary leadership, geological curiosities, and extraordinary scenery in this month’s top trip reports.

Naturalist training clinic - Juanita Bay Park - 5/3

juanita bay.jpegGlad I had my big lens.” -Courtenay Schurman

Eleven experienced birders saw and recorded 38 bird species, some of which beautifully struck a pose for the camera. Read on to see a mallard expertly maintaining its balance, a singing marsh wren living up to its name, and the master percussionist and star of the show, the red breasted sapsucker.

Whitewater Packraft - Sauk River: Bedal Campground to White Chuck River - 5/3

sauk river.jpegThis is a fun and challenging river in a great setting.” -Robert Kaye

It’s always important to take precautions on a trip, but especially when the group has a mixed range of experience. Take note: this trip report not only expertly details route conditions and difficulty level, it also demonstrates how to best set everyone up for success.

Alpine Climb - Mount Baker - 5/4-5/5baker.jpeg

“Our first time on this classic route!” -Isley Gao

In one of the most detailed trip reports you’ll read this month, learn how "bootpack" can sometimes be misleading, and how the density of snow can be the difference between a “secret passage” and “tunnel of doom.” Read on for a cinematic shot-by-shot recap of the entire adventure.

Sea Kayak - San Juan Islands from Anacortes - 5/10-5/11

san juan.jpegThis was just a wonderful trip.” -Lisa Johnson

If you needed an excuse to visit the San Juans this season, this trip report has your name all over it. A couple of the participants were determined to come on this paddle despite minor injuries, and were so glad they did! Read on for fun storytelling filled with caves, wildlife, and camping on Skagit Island.

Alpine Scramble - Foss Peak - 5/11

foss 2.jpegOur trip got interesting due to an unexpected thunder shower. - Paul Kallman

This trip report emphasizes the importance of intuition. If the technology is available to you, it’s never a bad idea to check for changes in weather conditions. Read on for how this group glissaded just out of lightning’s reach.

Basic Alpine Climb - Mount Whitney - 5/13-5/16

whitney.jpeg“Great conditions and a great team effort.” -Joshua Walther

This trip was nothing but blue skies, in every sense. Read on to learn how decision-making can be smooth when everyone has a voice and to see the most incredible starry night snapshot.

Scrambling - Mammoth Cave National Park - 5/16-5/18

mammoth.jpeg“Three days exploring the unique geology and history of the world's longest cave system!” -Travis Prescott

Originally intended as a Global Adventure, the description of this Kentucky cave system absolutely wowed us. A cave mouth which was a nightclub in the 1930’s and geologic phenomena such as gypsum “flowers” are just a few of Mammoth Cave National Park’s marvels. Read on for more historic and geologic wonders alike, but be warned: this trip report is not for the claustrophobic!

Basic Backpacking - Ross Dam & Big Beaver Creek - 5/17-5/18

ross dam.jpegThe trail offered a peaceful and picturesque experience, ideal for a first backpacking trip. -Marco Capo

An underestimated purpose of trip reports is their ability to inspire and encourage beginners. Not only does this trip report do a wonderful job describing the approachability of this trail, it also shows how much fun the participants had. (I was certainly envious!) As you drool over these views of Ross Dam and Big Beaver Creek, don’t be surprised if you end up with more summer plans on your hands.

Alpine Scramble - Iron Peak/Bean Peak - 5/18

iron peak.jpegA bit of winter and spring in the Teanaway. -Jacob Ward

As the quote suggests, participants on this trip got a pleasant blend of conditions. A windy day with cooler temperatures made the crossing to the peak more stable, while variable snow conditions made for gratifyingly mixed climbing practice. Read on for a tightrope act that was the perfect conclusion to a dynamic day.

Basic Rock Climb - The Tooth/South Face - 5/23

tooth 2.pngWe lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day to attempt the Tooth.” - Alexa Zalipyatskikh

This was a successful first alpine climb for these four participants. The description of snowmelt moats on the way up Pineapple Pass puts one in mind of a tropical slushy (and with all this sun, perhaps the participants were feeling a little tropical too!) Read on for chance encounters with friendly faces, and some solid rappel intel.


Want to see more top trip reports? Check out our Top Trip Reports Library to get ideas for next week, next month, or next year!