The Trekking Mama
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  • North Cascades

    Washington's wildest national park

  • Itineraries

    Your trip, and it's already planned

  • Backpacking

    Overnight adventures, no experience required

  • Mount Rainier

    The Mountain that's always calling

  • 11 Epic Hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway (Washington Trail Guide)

    January 30, 2025

    Last Updated: February 2025 | Reading Time: 11 minutes I live in Lake Stevens, on the north end. The Mountain Loop Highway is 25 minutes from my door. This is my backyard. When I have an hour, I’m here. When I have all day, I’m here. Sometimes I just drive…

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  • 9 Easy Backpacking Trips in Washington with Kids!

    September 16, 2025

    Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 14 minutes Great backpacking for kids in Washington… here we go! We all have to start somewhere. My first backpacking trip with my kids looked like this: a 55-pound pack, two stuffed animals strapped to the outside, two kids, and one night out.…

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  • 3 Days in North Cascades National Park: The Ultimate Itinerary for Hikers

    December 6, 2024

    The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary to the North Cascades National Park.

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  • Washington’s Backcountry Permit System

    February 18, 2025

    Backcountry camping in Washington is something you don’t want to miss. But many require permits—and some of those require a lottery system. For first timers the process can seem daunting and confusing to say the least. (I was initially even struggling to explain it) Thats why I put together this…

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  • Hiking to High Hut: Complete Guide to Washington’s Best Backcountry Cabin Near Mount Rainier

    September 14, 2025

    High Hut is a backcountry cabin perched at 4,760 feet with spectacular 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Located in Tahoma State Forest just outside Mount Rainier National Park, this overnight hiking destination offers one of Washington’s most affordable and unique mountain lodging experiences. For…

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  • Mount Rainier Hikes I’d Recommend to a Friend

    October 4, 2024

    Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 21 minutes Mount Rainier isn’t a place you casually squeeze into a day — it’s big, varied, and can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. I’ve lived in Washington for over 20 years, and this mountain has always been part…

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  • Pack Rain Suits and Let Them Chase Waves: An Oregon Coast Road Trip

    December 17, 2025

    Last Updated: December 2025 | Reading Time: 14 minutes The forecast said rain for three days straight. We’d already booked the campervan. The kids were packed. So we went anyway. It rained the entire time—sideways, relentless, the kind of Pacific Northwest rain that laughs at your Gore-Tex. And my kids…

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  • McCall Point Trail

    Spring in the Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls, Wildflowers & Where to Stay

    January 2, 2026

    Spring is when the Columbia River Gorge comes alive—waterfalls roar, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, and cool evenings make hot springs and cozy basecamps especially appealing. It’s also the most misunderstood season—conditions change quickly, bloom timing varies by elevation, and popular hikes require planning. I’ve visited the Gorge many times across…

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  • The Best Fire Lookout Hikes in Washington: History, Views & Overnight Adventures

    June 16, 2025

    Want panoramic mountain views, a dose of history, and the thrill of standing atop a historic tower? Fire lookout hikes in Washington offer all that—and more. From quick family-friendly trails to challenging climbs that reward you with 360° views (and maybe even a night in a lookout), these hikes are…

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  • The Solo Trip That Started Because Nobody Could Come With Me

    October 3, 2025

    Last Updated: October 2025 | Reading Time: 20 minutes I’m standing at the edge of Grizzly Lake in the Yukon, alone, having just hiked 11 kilometers with everything I need for four days on my back. My family is fourteen hours and a barge crossing away. The tundra stretches out…

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  • The Ultimate Family Adventure Guide to Glacier National Park

    February 15, 2022

    Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 16 minutes Glacier National Park is the ultimate playground for adventurous families. With breathtaking hikes, crystal-clear lakes, and endless opportunities to explore, this trip will be one your family never forgets. Whether you’re hiking to stunning overlooks, paddling through turquoise waters, or spotting…

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☕ Like what you see? If my trail guides, gear tips, or trip ideas have helped you plan an adventure—or inspired one—I’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying me a coffee.” It helps fuel the blog (and my backcountry caffeine habit). Thank you for supporting The Trekking Mama! Buy Me a Coffee ☕

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