Rachel DavidsonExplorer

NOTE: as of 2019, North Peak has been fenced off around the installation of a radio tower and weather station. Additionally, the summit has been found to be a habitat for the endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly. The Gray Whale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes south of San Francisco. Leaving the city using I-280, take the Highway 1 exit for just about 10 miles...

Not only is South Sister a stunning image and visible from hundreds of miles throughout Central Oregon, but it is a great beginner climb to introduce hikers to high altitude mountain life. As long as you’re mentally prepared, have good physical endurance, and pack right, there’s no reason why this mountaintop should be out of reach. Getting there is simple and accessible for any type of city v...

One of the best routes to add to your itinerary when exploring Deception Pass State Park, one of Washington’s most popular year-round camping, hiking, and kayaking destinations; The Lottie Point Loop trail is a great offshoot of a larger trail system that takes you across soaring cliffsides and alongside untouched beaches for some of the purest, bluest water you’ll find in the state. You can fi...

Smith Rock State Park is an iconic PNW canyon that's become one of the rock climbing capitals of the country, and known worldwide for its sport climbing routes. And while climbing draws crowds year-round, adventurers also visit for its trail system boasting sweeping Central Oregon volcano views. The new-ish Summit Trail Loop is one of the most challenging of the park and super popular for hike...

Looking for those postcard views of the Annapurna range you see in Lakeside stores? You'll have to work for them (or at least, wake up early). Especially during the spring, the mountains get lost in clouds by mid-morning and are rarely visible from the town of Pokhara, on the lake, or even up on the top of the World Peace Pagoda. The good news is, an early start will do the trick. Talk to one o...

The Three Passes Trek is a seriously challenging, seriously awe-inspiring high-altitude trek through the Nepalese Himalayas. Lonely Planet describes this as “the ultimate Everest trek… Only for the truly adventurous.” In fact, for over a week during this trek you will be hiking and sleeping above the highest point in the continuous United States (14,505 ft.).As it’s named, this route crosses th...

The Annapurna Circuit Trek continually ranks as one of the most famous and popular treks in the entire world. This route will take you through lush lower valleys, alpine apple orchards, and high-altitude icy climates, eventually reaching the crux of the entire trip on Thorong-La Pass at 17,770 ft.One of the biggest attractions of this trek is that once you reach Jomsom on Day 12, there are bus ...

Mt. Elbrus is considered to be the second simplest of the Seven Summits, after Kilimanjaro. Climbers should have prior experience with glacier travel and crampon + ice axe use, but the climb itself is non-technical and considered to be a long, slow alpine trek. Everyone attempting should still be versed in mountain safety and aware that all alpine environments can be harsh and unforgiving. New ...

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous high-altitude trekking routes in the world, and rightfully so. During this adventure you’ll pass through alpine apple orchards, colorful prayer flags and religious stupas, and of course – alongside a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Along your way, you’ll have ample opportunities to kick back and enjoy a rest/acclimatization day. But what ...

Kala Patthar (also spelled Kala Pataar, Kala Pattar), is one of the best ways for ordinary hikers to reach extraordinary heights in the heart of the Nepal Himalayas. The trek to the base of the mountain, at Gorakshep or Lobuche, will have already taken you well over a week and acclimatized your body to high altitude – so by the time you reach the “Black Rock” mountain, summiting it should be a ...

The starting location of this adventure is set at the city's largest hotel, aptly named Gyantse Hotel. All of the streets surrounding the hotel are flat and cobblestoned, with little traffic or danger, and should be comfortable for all types of travelers. Head right out of the entrance of the hotel to reach the main downtown area. The shops and restaurants downtown will be littered with unique ...

This classic cycling destination out of Chamonix Valley is perfect for reasonably fit people looking to summit a mountain pass on wheels. Col des Montets (1,462 m) is on County Road D1506 that connects France to Switzerland, and it was even included in the Tour de France in the 50s through the 70s. Check road conditions on the Chamonix tourism site before setting off. You can begin this trip a...

If you’ve been anywhere near Central Oregon, you’ve seen the Three Sisters Mountains dominate the skyline. Each of these volcanoes exceeds 10,000 ft. and are some of the highest peaks in the state of Oregon. Though they are truly considered sister peaks to one another, each has unique climbing routes that require varying physical conditioning and gear.Note: Some (crazy) people actually climb al...

Springwater Corridor is a 40-mile paved trail that stretches from downtown Portland all the way to Boring. This trail is wide, virtually flat, and yes, paved - but there is a clear manmade path on the dirt shoulders that's friendlier to knees. Any given day, you'll see dozens of cyclists and pedestrians on their daily commute or enjoying a break from the road.The starting point for this adventu...

The Gokyo Valley lies just to the east of Renjo La Pass – the final obstacle to those completing the epic 3 Passes Trek in Nepal. Before embarking on this last challenge, and especially after making it over Cho La Pass, you deserve a rest day.The emerald-green lake at the banks of the village of Gokyo is just one of six in the area which make up the highest-altitude freshwater lake system in th...

Lower Macleay Park is one of most easily accessible trailheads in the city, especially during one of Portland’s rare snow years where even driving up to 500 feet of elevation can challenge your car. You can park within the park entrance cul-de-sac, around the intersection of Upshur St. & NW 29th St., or even on top of the Thurman Street Bridge and take the stairs down to the trailhead. The...

Cheget Peak isn’t just one of Russia’s premier ski and snowboard destinations; it’s an awesome acclimatization climb to the European peak of the Seven Summits, Mt. Elbrus (18,510 ft.). The Baksan Valley is remote, even for Russia. From the small Mineralnye Vody airport, it’s a three-hour drive to the valley proper, which hosts a number of villages with lodging, restaurants, and gear shops. You ...

Clackamette Park is known for its prime destination right off of the freeway and across from Oregon City's most popular shopping area, but it's frequented for its public boat dock, RV facilities, and handicap-accessible picnic benches. While the rest of Portland's parks freeze over or flood, Clackamette is a safe bet for a scenic day on the water that the entire family will enjoy. This 1.2 loop...

This beautiful tucked-away trail offers runners, hikers, and backpackers a new view of their favorite neighboring peaks - like Mailbox Peak and Mt. Si - from one of the most scenic river trails in the Seattle area. Often overlooked in favor of more rigorous hikes, the Middle Fork is a gently graded single-track that winds in and out of the forest and follows the Snoqualmie River all the way to...

Boundary Peak received its name because it straddles the border of California and Nevada. While technically in Nevada, just a few hundred feet away lies its taller neighbor Montgomery Peak (13,442') in California. Many people bag both peaks at once, but the rotten rock and unstable trail make Montgomery a much more technical feat.Warning: This is a very remote trailhead. Pack plenty of food, wa...

The Lighthouse Point Trail is yet another offshoot of Deception Pass Park’s wonderful trail system, which weaves itself through the northern corners to the southern ends of the park’s expansive walking paths. Perfect for families and for adventurers just getting their hiking legs warmed up for the season, the Lighthouse Point Trail is one of the closest options to the highway and a great way to...

Yosemite's Panorama Trail is undoubtedly one of the most scenic and worthwhile trails in the entire national park. The stretch that reaches from the valley floor to the top of Glacier Point involves 8.5 miles and a monumental amount of elevation gain. If you want to see the entire stretch of trail - but you also want to catch an unbeatable sunrise view beforehand - try out this demanding revers...

Kendall Peak is an easily accessible summit hike just off of Exit 52 of I-90 that offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Snoqualmie range. You’ll start out in the PCT parking lot where you’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park, or pay the daily fee. A permanent bathroom and backcountry access permits are available here, too. There are two trail options to reach the upper portion of the P...

The Sunrise to Summit Trail on Mt. Bachelor is the easiest and most straightforward way for peakbaggers to reach the summit of one of Central Oregon’s classic volcano climbs. The top boasts views of Broken Top, the Three Sisters, and even Mt. Jefferson beyond. Mt. Bachelor’s official Sunrise to Summit Trail map should help you get a clear visual of this hike.This route begins at Sunrise Lodge a...