Of the couple hundred miles we hiked in 2020 only 10 of those miles were without our pup. Washington is home to three incredible National Parks and several other recreation areas that prohibit dogs, but there is so much more! These are some of my top picks for dog friendly hikes without sacrificing the views.
The right supplies and gear can make all the difference between an enjoyable outing, a miserable slog, or even a dangerous situation. I’m one of those people who always agonizes over what I forgot so I feel better when I have a list.
This is one of those shady trails that is perfect to shield you from the sun on a summer day, or even the rain. The mountain ringed lake at the end with its unique coloring is well worth the trek to see it.
This area is dotted with craggy lakes, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery, peppered with small towns and wineries. I lived in this area for over a decade and did lots of exploring. The Finger Lakes in Central/Western New York has so many places to check out that it is hard to pick just a few, but these are my picks for where I would take friends from out of town for a memorable trip:
Something about the mountains and the reflections here make these lakes really special. The trails to Anderson Lakes are an easy walk complete with some boardwalks and a little up and down, the first Watson Lake requires a little elevation change going over a ridge, and the far side of the second Watson Lake is barely a trail, but worth it.
Crystal clear water, stunning views of Mount Rainier, plentiful wildflowers, mountain summit with panoramic views, and peaceful forest trail? This hike has it all, just make sure you are prepared for what it take to get there!
Rochester, New York has something for every season. These are a few local gems that aren’t a secret, but even if you have lived here for years you may not have experienced them all.
I keep getting asked What is the best? and What if you have to pick just one? While there are hard questions to answer, here is my best shot at it. If I was going to do this trip again and only go to the very best places these would be my picks.
Snaefellsnes Peninsula is often called mini Iceland for its mix of sights from all around the country. While it does condense a lot of Iceland into on spot, it also has many sights of its own that we you won’t find anywhere else.
When I think of going north I tend to visualize snowcapped mountains. While I’m sure there are many in the north, the Ring Road takes you through the center of the north which presents fewer snowcapped mountains than the fjords, but plenty of volcanic activity.