As a woman hiking, camping, and backpacking by myself I often get asked “You’re going alone?” This question is usually said in an incredulous voice. Yes, I do. “But aren’t you scared?” No, I’m not afraid. In fact, I’m free.
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Glacier-carved valleys, soaring peaks, ancient volcanoes and ice fields. Just a taste of what I encountered following the Opal Cone trail beyond Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
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A lot of trails near Vancouver are very popular. A lot of them are Instagram famous. Some of these trails are good to do once. Experience it, enjoy it, and then find the less beaten path. Elfin Lakes is worthy of the hype and fame. However those who only visit for a day are missing out on the real wonder of this place.
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A visit to Mount St Helens Volcanic Monument has been on my PNW bucket list for a while. I had the opportunity to visit and hike in the area on the 38th anniversary since the explosion.
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On the second day of my visit to Mountain Loop Highway I hiked to Heather Lake. The 2.2 mile trail climbs about 1000 feet to reach an alpine lake nestled below the north flank of Mt Pilchuk.
My first backpacking trip this year revealed that I’m not in the same shape I was last year by this time, mentally or physically. Read on to find out what I learned from this shakedown hike.