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...

The Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect place to swing through if you're looking for a short and gentle trail run without leaving the city. This expansive park includes the UW Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, entire length of the Arboretum Creek - all landmarks you'll pass on this trail. This wide, gravel trail is easy to navigate and dotted with maps and turn offs for side streets and s...

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 ...

This route follows a narrow goat and yak trail high up in the hills overlooking the capital of Tibet. Though the trip is not very long or steep, tourists visiting from sea level will feel the strenuous effects of altitude as they complete this trek (elevation highpoint is around 13,000 feet). Begin your day with a tour of Pabonka Monastery, a 7th-century sacred site that was actually the locati...

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 first half of the Canyon Creek Drainage is one of the most popular destinations within the Trinity Alps, but the second half goes largely unexplored and uninhabited by sojourners. Four peaks – Thompson Peak, Wedding Cake, Mt. Hilton, and Sawtooth Peak – surround the basin and offer adventurers some spicy off-trail scrambling. The drainage opens into three lake basins, including the always-p...

Beginning at the Suttle Lake Lodge just off Highway 20, the Suttle Lake Loop follows a wide dirt path that circumnavigates the entire lake. Hug the lake whenever the trail opens up to camping areas or pavement - it's nearly impossible to become lost on this track. Pass campsites, kayakers, and recreationalists out for day hikes along this super-popular and easily-accessible trail. Enjoy views o...

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...

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world since it stands alone from any mountain range, making its size and height all the more impressive. Because of its reputation, ease of accessibility, and Tanzania’s affordability, this is an incredibly popular mountain to climb and therefore laden with lots of red tape. It is required to organize this climb through a licensed mountai...

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...

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 ...

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 t...

Leif Erikson Drive is a wide dirt road running through the heart of Forest Park that is closed to motorized vehicles…making it a magnet for those looking to add some relatively easy and scenic distance to their workouts.The road itself is nicely graded and well maintained. It has relatively good drainage, so it’s a good go-to destination if you’re looking for a more scenic run during wet weathe...

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 ...

Most people climbing Island Peak are adding this summit onto an extended 3-week long Everest Base Camp Trek, this climb occurring after a visit to EBC, between days 10 and 12. Folks embarking on the longer and more challenging 3 Passes Trek may complete this climb before visiting EBC, between days 8 and 10. Either way, the jumping off point for this climb will be in the village of Chukung, east...

Portland and its surrounding suburbs are filled with trails and hidden treasures, including this stretch along the Willamette River. This road is a super popular pedestrian path and can be accessed from West Linn, the Mary's Woods and Marylhurst Development, or from Lake Oswego off of Highway 43. The route described here begins in the Riverwood district of West Linn, near Cedaroak Park Primary ...

Deception Pass State Park is one of Washington state's favorite year-round destinations; Beachside camping, salt-water kayaking, and plenty of short, accessible trails with endless views of the strait. Goose Rock, the tallest point on Whidbey Island, is just southeast of the Deception Pass bridge and a popular destination for its moderate hike and gorgeous payoff. This adventure starts just ben...

Cerro Aconcagua is the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas, the highest point in the Western Hemisphere, and the second-highest of the Seven Summits behind Mt. Everest. It is a high-altitude endeavor not for the faint of heart, or legs.Since the normal route on Aconcagua is largely non-technical, this climb is considered to be more of a grueling slug up an incredibly high-altitude mountai...

Whether you’re looking for a dayhike near Mammoth Lakes, planning a backpacking trip along the JMT, or have a few extra hours to spare on a cross-California road trip, this is an easy and popular trail choice for killer mountain views.I was delighted to discover that this is one of the most easily accessible trailheads in the Eastern Sierras. You’ll be looking for the McGee Creek Road exit off ...

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 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...

This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners.Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead to begin this run. The first 0.7 miles is an easy up-and-down before you hit the McEnry Bridge. Turn ri...