Best Trails of 2022 - A Year of Hiking Washington

[@nicolegilbert8450]

Amazing list! Would love a video talking about your training and getting prepared to do some of these longer mileage hike!

[@wanderingwashington]

That's a good idea, I might make a video on that. Glad you liked it!

[@leapheap6837]

Congratulations 🎊🍾🎉🎈 on making your hiking dreams come true. I live in Oregon but I would love to do more hiking in Washington.

[@scottalpine]

What an amazing year you had, those stats were impressive! Looking forward to seeing the new year’s adventures. You really packed a lot of hikes into that Death Valley trip.

[@tmaraariel]

Recently stumbled on your videos and love them. I'm several videos in and you just mentioned chronic health issues. Do you talk about this more? I was just diagnosed with MS last year, and my desire to hike has only increased. I have such a draw to train myself to be able to push myself to hike longer and hopefully backpack. I don't want this to hold me back, but I don't know where to start to heal my body and train for future hikes. I'd love to hear your story if you're willing to share!

[@allenlynn8982]

I did the enchantments through hike and i loved the area so much me and my family are moving to the state! That being said make sure you train. I’m a decently fit person and i was struggling on the day hike 😂. I remember being so tired at 3AM doing the switch backs i fell asleep while hiking😂

[@HolisticHikes]

Neighbors to the north 💚💚, lovin your Washington vibes! Keep it up in 23’!

[@wanderingwashington]

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed! 2023 here we come!!

[@HolisticHikes]

@@wanderingwashington of course!! Cheers! 💚

[@outdoor-paradise]

First of all, I like your channel! I also have a hiking channel focusing on hiking trails in WA. My favorite lake in Washington is Pea Soup Lake. People on the trail told me that it was twice as pretty as Jade Lake. I didn't believe it until I saw it and it's true!

[@wanderingwashington]

Omg yes, I have plans to get up to Pea Soup this next year. it looks incredible!

[@melanieworthington4110]

Thank you for sharing this information. I LOVE Mt. St. Helens !!! And I love Washington state! I’m from Pennsylvania. I drove across the country to see it and climb it!

[@wanderingwashington]

It is a mountain that is worth the trip! So glad you got over here to see it

[@melanieworthington4110]

My favorite adventure in 2022 was my first 300 miles of the Appalachian Trail. I plan to section hike the rest❤️

[@tylerdurden5005]

I'm really surprised Hidden Lake was your first fire lookout. You should checkout Mt pilchuck. It's supper easy and really rewarding. It's always been my favorite hike in Washington. I've hiked it many times in my life, and I love it.

[@halleneguo1677]

Thanks for sharing! How were you able to stay at the fire lookout for hidden lake? Did you just show up first and claim the spot that day? Thanks!

[@wanderingwashington]

I just did Hidden lake as a day hike, but I was fortunate to get to explore the lookout by myself. The lookout is a first come first serve basis, so if I had wanted to stay I would have been able to claim the spot. I'm not an expert on fire lookout etiquette, but usually that's how it works.

[@Lonelywolfofficial]

What specific time of the month do the larchs turn in the enchantments? I'm sure it varies a bit year by year.

[@wanderingwashington]

Typically the standard time is the first two weeks of October for alpine larches. The biggest determining factor is when they turn is temperature. If things get cold quickly near the end of September it's more likely they'll turn sooner. If it's a warm fall(like we had in 2022) the change will likely happen a little later and will be more gradual. The Enchantments are typically the first to turn, because they are at such a high elevation. I hiked on October 12th. The first 2 weeks of October are a pretty safe bet to see at least some golden larches.

[@Lonelywolfofficial]

@@wanderingwashington thank you so much for the info! That will help me plan a good hike for next year in time to see the larches near their peak.

[@jessebooth2371]

Is it rude to bring a well behaved dog with you if it says no dogs? I just don’t see what the big deal is if your dog is well trained. I only say this because I would like to experience some hikes but my dog is always with me.

[@wanderingwashington]

I appreciate how politely you asked this question. To answer your question yes it's rude and in violation of wilderness/national park rules. Often places that do not allow dogs have good reason, often it is to protect wildlife. Even a well-behaved dog can be an issue. It is for the dog's safety as well, for example it isn't uncommon for mountain goats to charge them. Often the no dogs rule is in places to protect fragile high alpine environments and it's important to respect those guidelines. There are fines and penalties for bringing dogs into certain wilderness trails/NPs Also there are people who choose trails that don't allow dogs because they have a fear of dogs and would like to not worry about encountering one on trail. I totally get wanting to have your dog with you. Luckily a lot of incredible places in national forests and wilderness areas are dog friendly. I highly recommend a lot of places along the PCT because the pct is pet friendly the entire way and the day hiking options along there alone are incredible. Thank you for asking, and happy hiking with your furry friend