go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
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go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/1721797151151-SFZLD8ZA6LP8ACTHCZJ8/DSC02866%252B5.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/41c49331-b2cd-4082-940f-ebc823f881d7/DSC03520+3.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/bec32bbf-accd-4741-8eca-67c552163d90/Erin_Exploring.jpg)
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/1721797151151-SFZLD8ZA6LP8ACTHCZJ8/DSC02866%252B5.jpg)
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/41c49331-b2cd-4082-940f-ebc823f881d7/DSC03520+3.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/047e67bd-1575-4838-a9ec-ad94d9675fc2/DSC03339+2.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/6752c256-893a-4f3a-ab1a-2b981bd6f935/DSC05412+15.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/7dd36a5a-645f-406c-8412-8a99f6f1b6a6/DSC03520+5.jpg)
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
go where you feel most alive
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/047e67bd-1575-4838-a9ec-ad94d9675fc2/DSC03339+2.jpg)
![go where you feel most alive](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f92ce4f31de3931450e80d5/6752c256-893a-4f3a-ab1a-2b981bd6f935/DSC05412+15.jpg)
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WELCOME TO YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE FOR ALL THINGS HIKING AND BACKPACKING.
From guides on long-distance trails and thru-hikes to advice on hiking and backpacking gear, this blog is here to help you take on your next outdoor adventure with confidence.
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I’m a photographer, long-distance hiker, backpacker, and just overall nature lover. In 2022, I completed a 93-day thru-hike of the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail and a 28-day thru-hike of the 800-mile Arizona Trail. I loved it so much, in 2023 I also thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail in 110 days. I most recently hiked the Wonderland Trail in 2024.
Erin Exploring is a blog for those who love hiking, outdoor adventures, and want to explore this beautiful world a little more.
Here, I hope to inspire your next adventure in the outdoors and find the same happiness in nature that I have found.
Hi, I’m Erin!
Discover the best winter hikes near Seattle, Washington, with this comprehensive guide. From breathtaking mountain vistas to serene forest trails, find a variety of scenic hikes suitable for all skill levels. Get detailed information on hike lengths, elevation gains, and required permits.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential winter hiking gear, from layering techniques to insulated outerwear, waterproof gear, and accessories. The goal with winter hiking gear is to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and safe.
WINTER ADVENTURE GUIDES
LATEST ON THE BLOG
Planning to hike the Wonderland Trail in 2025? This permit guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Wonderland Trail permit, including the Early Access Lottery, general reservations, and walk-up permits. This Wonderland Trail permit guide includes important dates, permit and campsite tips, and advice on booking permits for this beautiful backpacking trip around Mount Rainier.
Looking for the best sun hoodies and long-sleeve shirts for hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking? In this guide, I share my top picks based on 6+ years of testing. From lightweight, breathable options to durable, sun-protective fabrics, find the perfect sun hoodie or shirt for your next outdoor adventure.
Is your goal to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail fast or complete it in under 100 days? In this blog post, I share the tips and strategies I learned from my experience of thru-hiking the 2,650-mile PCT in 93 days, with insights on efficiency, planning, and staying consistent.
Here is my 6-day Wonderland Trail itinerary with detailed mileage, elevation gain, campsites, photos, and highlights from my solo backpacking trip. Great for planning your 93-mile thru-hike around Mount Rainier (Tahoma) or getting inspiration for your next adventure!
I go through my top 4 methods for carrying your camera while backpacking and thru-hiking, including the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Camera Pod, Peak Design Capture Clip, fanny packs, and storing your camera inside your backpack.
In this Kari Traa base layer review, I go into detail about the best women’s merino wool base layers for winter activities, from skiing to hiking and more. From comfort to style, I break down the features of Kari Traa's base layer tops, pants, and accessories.
Staying hydrated when backpacking and thru-hiking is crucial and the right water filter or purifier can make all the difference. In this post, I break down the best options—Sawyer Squeeze/Micro Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Aquamira—sharing when I use each and why they’re my go-to choices for backpacking and thru-hiking.
Looking for the best Black Friday and Cyber Week deals to gift to an outdoor lover you know or update your backpacking, hiking, or camping gear? Look no further! You can score some huge discounts on gear this time of year. I share some of the best deals you can get this holiday season.
In this Kari Traa base layer review, I go into detail about the best women’s merino wool base layers for winter activities, from skiing to hiking and more. From comfort to style, I break down the features of Kari Traa's base layer tops, pants, and accessories.