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      • things to do in the “off-season” // how to hike in the rain
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  • backcountry skiing
    • the ultimate beginner’s guide to backcountry skiing | washington
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    • comprehensive guide to all my ski tours
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    • contact
  • hiking guides
    • intro to hiking
      • how to pick a hike
      • hiking gear
      • hiking basics
      • free resources
    • backpacking guides
      • backpacking 101
      • a guide to washington’s backpacking permit system
      • 10+ north cascades national park backpacking itineraries
    • hiking lists
      • best hikes around seattle
      • a larch guide | 20+ crowd-free washington hikes
      • washington hike-to-scramble progressions
      • 35+ common wildflowers of pnw
    • winter season
      • things to do in the “off-season” // how to hike in the rain
      • winter hiking
      • beginner’s guide to snowshoeing | resources for 20 washington hikes
    • trip report index
  • backcountry skiing
    • the ultimate beginner’s guide to backcountry skiing | washington
    • 25+ low-angle washington ski tours
    • backcountry skiing: tips and tricks
    • comprehensive guide to all my ski tours
  • blog
  • print shop
  • portfolio
    • published work
    • elopement photography
  • about
    • contact
  • pnw

    extended table mountain circumnav (summer edition) | ptarmigan ridge backpacking via chain lakes loop

    I call this summer edition because I did nearly the same exact loop in the winter last season on skis. After a hiatus from... // 15.5 miles . 3600 ft gain . 5950 ft high

    September 6, 2024
  • pnw

    thickets & ridges | howard-mastiff traverse

    On a mission to hike and scramble all the routes out of Peggy’s Washington Scramble book and somehow we landed squarely on the Howard-Mastiff Traverse. I’d brushed... // 13 miles . 5400 ft gain . 7063 ft high

    August 20, 2024
  • pnw

    redemption climb | gunn peak scramble

    My first attempt of Gunn Peak was ambitious to say the least. Me and my two hiking buddies embarked on a journey that took much longer than any... // 5.5 miles . 4300 ft gain . 6244 ft high

    August 7, 2024
  • pnw

    glacial joy | kyes peak via columbia glacier

    Unlike most people taking the ridge up to the summit, we decided to check out the other route via the glacier. Wyatt had a great idea of checking... // 17 miles . 6900 ft gain . 7280 ft high

    August 1, 2024
  • coastal,  pnw

    the ultimate 2-day backpacking itinerary to see the Olympic National Park

    Did you know that the Olympic National Park is divided into two distinct sections? While the majority of the park consists of mountains, half of the coastline along the Olympic Peninsula belongs...

    July 25, 2024
  • pnw

    mild adventure for tired souls | mt watson overnight scramble

    I think I’ve been on more plan B trips than I could count on my fingers. But not only was this a plan B, it was also redacted... // 15 miles . 5600 ft gain . 6234 ft high

    July 24, 2024
  • pnw

    little girl, big mountain | ruby mountain backpacking

    The alpenglow potential is unparalleled here. I had summited Ruby Mountain previously on skis and the views were incredible in the winter. I was so excited to go back.... // 22 miles . 6600 ft gain . 7408 ft high

    June 12, 2024
  • desert

    where’s the spray in spry? | spry creek canyoneering

    Out of all the canyons we did on this trip, Spry Canyon required the most hiking. In the summer, it’s super important to start hikes early enough so you don’t overheat or dehydrate too fast. It helps to get...

    June 5, 2024
  • europe

    2-day itinerary through southern iceland

    Summer in Iceland is incredibly gorgeous with roaring waterfalls, bountiful lupine, and a dappling of wildlife just to lure you in for more. We were bound for Paris, but couldn’t pass up taking up Icelandair’s offer on a long layover…

    May 28, 2024
  • desert

    a bachelorette canyon | pine creek canyoneering

    Adventure bachelorettes are envious trips for the outdoorsy, when most are traditionally held in a city with heavy drinking involved. But if the outdoors is a big part of your life, why not make your bachelorette all about spending time...

    May 24, 2024
  • pnw

    spring bound | silver star mountain via silver creek ski tour

    When the North Cascades Highway opens, backcountry skiers will flock over to Washington Pass and find that sweet spring corn snow...Silver Star Mountain has been... // 12 miles . 5400 ft gain . 8630 ft high

    April 26, 2024
  • canada

    where the north wind blows | whitehorse, yukon

    The Yukon is known for its vast landscapes, giant playground for adventure and perfect conditions for winter northern lights. Spoiler alert...

    April 11, 2024
  • canada,  rockies

    ultimate winter guide to road tripping the powder highway

    Get your coffee mug ready cause you’re in for some dense information and everything you’ll need to know to complete your own Ikon Pass Powder Highway trip! Everything from sights to see, food to eat, and runs to ski...

    April 1, 2024
  • canada,  rockies

    a canadian exploration | little sifton, rogers pass

    When near Rogers Pass, one must ski tour Rogers Pass if that is in your wheelhouse! It’s simply a backcountry skiing paradise with so many options... // 7 miles . 3400 ft gain . 7730 ft high

    March 21, 2024
  • europe

    city of croissants | a short guide to paris

    Paris is just one of those places that’s captured my heart entirely. It’s hard to really sum it up in one blog, nor could I write an extensive guide to Paris. It’s a...

    March 1, 2024
  • europe

    champagne problems | épernay

    For our second day trip near Paris, we decided to visit wine country since they’d have some pretty castles as well! We forfeited our idea to visit Loire Valley, famous for all its châteaus. You might know that wines are…

    February 6, 2024
  • coastal,  europe

    exploring the alabaster coast | étretat

    I had two full days to explore neighboring towns to Paris and this is the first of two blogs that are coming! Having studied abroad... headed north to the beautiful Alabaster Coast, stretching 120km and including the larger town of…

    February 2, 2024
  • pnw

    early season exploration | hex mountain ski tour

    Sometimes you just need a ski tour that still feels like you're getting out there (aka not next to a ski resort) but also chill enough to make... // 8 miles . 2700 ft gain . 5050 ft high

    January 22, 2024
  • desert

    4 days in joshua tree for the lazy climber

    When days are gloomy and cold and short in the PNW, escape to the desert! It might still be on the chilly side, but it’ll definitely but sunnier on the whole. When Christie asked...

    January 17, 2024
  • europe

    puttering around porticos | a day in bologna

    If you have a free day near Venice or Florence, Bologna is the perfect short train ride away. It’s not too touristy so yo get that Italian cultural feel. It’s a smaller city, so it’s easier to digest...

    January 10, 2024
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about me

Hi there! I’m Cherlyn and I love to adventure, from climbing mountains to going down canyons. And you won’t find me on any trip without my camera!  Read more…

recent posts

  • Kühl Spyfire® Parka Review
  • embracing the weather | mt daniel (class 2-3 scramble)
  • life on the edge | vesper via ragged edge rock climb (5.7 alpine trad)
  • another way | panorama ridge via taylor meadows
  • getting lost in the meadows | lost creek ridge – meadow mountain backpacking

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