trail community
Last night felt like I had stepped into the pages of a dream I’d replayed in my head for years. I had often imagined what it would be like to photograph the northern lights at some of Glacier’s most iconic spots. The challenge? Most of these views face east or west—not ideal for capturing the Aurora unless there was a solar storm, strong enough to make it appear overhead. I didn’t want to get my hopes up so I kept my expectations low; but as it turned out, I was in for the night of a lifetime.
As I stepped off the tarmac, I knew I was in for a treat. Dense, luscious rainforests. Craggy shorelines. Windy high deserts. Towering mountains. Oregon is a haven of ever-changing landscapes, making it a perfect place for just about any adventure. With less than a week to explore, I didn’t waste any time getting out on the trail to see all that Oregon had to offer. And believe me, I will definitely be back for more in the future. In celebration of April being Earth Month, I wanted to highlight some of the ways I make sure my travels are mindful and sustainable:
Roxanne Strine a dedicated steward of the Mason Dixon Trail, serving as the Western Coordinator for its maintenance. A seasoned runner and former FKT holder, she brings her passion and expertise to ensuring that the MDT remains safe and enjoyable for all. Roxanne is out on the trail almost daily, tirelessly working to enhance our experience
It is important to consider being up to times in gear, but also to be familiarized and comfortable with it as well. Here are some tips and tricks to keep that backpacking trip on the fun list as you aim for ultralight packing. In this article learn about the the gear, backpacks, tents, and food accessories to help save weight camping.
Preparing for any kind of outdoor activity involves forethought and research, and that is especially true in the winter.
You may think that there is no hiking where you live. Sure, you might not have access to mountains or forests or deep wilderness, but there are trails and hiking opportunities that are closer than you think. The easiest way to find sweet hikes near you is to look at trail apps. There are so many trail finder apps and websites that it can be mind-boggling. Some useful ones to get started and find nearby trails are AllTrails, Trailforks, and Hiking Project. Hiking your local trails can also give you a convenient opportunity to train for bigger trips you have planned.
Follow Jack Schleifer on an inspiring journey with the Wild Gift 2021 Fellow through Part 1 of their trek. Uncover the power of wilderness adventures in shaping leaders committed to environmental stewardship.
Written and contributed by Kristen Walker, a lifelong Baltimore City resident with a passion for outdoor exploration and conservation. She is the Co-Founder of Our Parks Too! An initiative to increase the visibility of Black joy and recreation in the National Parks system.
As an urban outdoor educator, I’m all about blending style with functionality. After all, when you’re teaching the next generation about the great outdoors, looking the part can make a world of difference. I have had many outdoor shoes in my day, but I never expected the Katabatic to become my go-to shoe for everything from hikes to happy hours.
