2024 Trails

Highlights from trails hiked around Washington state throughout 2024, including three day-hikes and one overnight along the PCT outside of of Ranier National Park.

THE STATS

3 day hikes · 1 overnight

17.6 miles · 3323 feet gain

PRATT BALCONY

04.18.2024

3.2 miles · 787 feet gain

This is a quickie and a goodie. I usually stick to longer, more intense hikes, but since I've started looking at shorter, easier ones, a whole new world of trails has opened up to me. This one was close enough to Seattle that we could do it after work, return to the car before sunset, and have a post-hike drink at a local bar.

The trail had all the magical characteristics of Washington trails: lots of green (ferns, moss, thick forest of evergreens) with an endpoint of a stunning mountain view that had the perfect spot to stop and snack. It was just enough of a workout to feel accomplished and earn that post-hike beer.

Trail links: WTA, AllTrails

SHEEP LAKE VIA PCT

07.26.2024

5.2 miles · 886 feet gain

This was my only backpacking trip of 2024 and was meant to be a primer for future trips. Hence, I took a short and easy hike to a lake outside Rainer National Park. I needed to try out new gear (peep, that new tent) and remember everything I needed after being rusty from not backpacking much the past couple of years.