Solo Backpacking to the Loneliest Lake in Olympic National Park!

[@lh3540]

one thing i've noticed is that when you're really alone in the woods all of your personal sounds become amplified. I've completely freaked myself out over my own windbreaker hood rustling, or plants I've bonked behind me. Everything sounds so much louder without the noise floor of cars and other people.

[@miatapony16]

I love how open Miranda is about her bouts of anxiety. As a generally anxious person, it’s reassuring to see that it’s normal to experience especially while doing activities you love. Always look forward to your videos Miranda! ❤

[@lskazalski]

True bravery is being scared to death - and doing it anyway.

[@jumpingjbug]

I have been hiking, camping, and backpacking solo for several years, due to a past job that forced me to give up my weekends, and hiking with my hiking buddy. Being on trail by yourself can start to feel a bit lonely. Several years ago, added a 'trip' journal in my pack and in the evening, after I'm settled into my tent, I take time to write about my day. I include notes at the end of what music I listened to, what I had for dinner, the location/number of my campsite, and any gear that might need to be replaced, discarded, or added at the end of my daily log. When home, the wilderness permit, tags, etc. are paperclipped to the starting page as momentous. Keeping a journal really has helped me combat the loneliness and, at times, any feelings of depression or sadness while out alone. Reading back through my journal entries is something that always makes me smile. My Mom and several of my friends would like me to publish my notes, and musings, from my many adventures.

[@thisbeem2714]

Go for it. Folks will be interested.

[@OnceIHadAPony]

I would like to see or hear about that please!

[@Paul_Klimb]

Miranda, if you ever do this again. I would want to see you only use a GoPro. Honestly, I just want to see you more comfortable and not have to carry so much camera gear. It's your personality and energy that makes the videos great, not the video resolution.

[@ireniamachin4085]

Agreed

[@TaliaCastilleja]

Maybe it's just me but unless you know her personally, this comment sounds a tad overly familiar and...pedantic.

[@xXPOGGERS123Xx]

@@TaliaCastillejayou don’t have to personally know someone to care about their well being and happiness.

[@2910Alison]

Solo backpacking is the absolute best. Maybe I'm just a solitary person, but I find I remember solo trips way better than trips with other people "buffering" you from the experience simply by being there and talking to you. Every little detail, every moment is so much more intense alone. And you really grow in your skills route-finding, pacing, planning etc.

[@overwatchxrescue]

Interesting way of putting it. Agreed.

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

The ability to handle solitude and/or silence is a spiritual skill which isn't much valued in today's America. While I'm happily married now, spending quality time alone when I was younger taught me things about myself I couldn't have learned in any other way.

[@charliemcdowell5231]

Agreed, solo trips are my favorite.

[@joanndelahunt2666]

Enjoyed the video very much. My age is against me for a solo hike but I felt I was hiking with you! Thanks for the experience

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

I love the addition about "semi solo" hiking. When we go day hiking with my in laws that's something we practice regularly. We park the car and hike the same trails - but different routes and at different paces (I typically go the farthest and the fastest - my husband and his dad hike together in the middle - and his mom goes on shorter/easier routes at a slower pace) we meet back up at the car at a predetermined time. It's AWESOME!

[@Taylor-Hanson]

That was one of my favorite videos of yours. You were so vulnerable on camera it was awesome. You didn't hide your auditory hallucinations and that took guts. Well done Miranda. Looking forward to another solo backpacking/vlog style video of yours.

[@j_as_in_j]

I could not have said it better myself. This video took courage and you have so much of that, so much strength. I haven’t had a chance to read the rest of the comments but I’d love to see more of this “raw” side ❤❤

[@dustyc324]

😂what is this being vulnerable crap? you watch too many scripted dating shows. life is not a contest of being a victim or who has been hurt the most or the most vulnerable.😂 lame. she hiked a marked trail like she's done many times, has experience and knows how to set up a camp. congrats on the success she's having. Stop being so soft and vulnerable bud, grow up a little.

[@Literallyjustmint]

Hang on is she schizo?

[@Taylor-Hanson]

@@Literallyjustmint Having auditory hallucinations during a stressful moment in time doesn't make anyone schizo. Having them for more than six months regularly does. The auditory hallucinations are a result of high amounts of stress. This is what the brain sometimes does to cope with a very stressful reality. I do not believe she's schizo. She's never shared that she is to my knowledge. Even if she is, she's very high functioning and no less of an an amazing person.

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

Not hiding your deeper feelings reminds me of one of my all time favorite KZbinrs, Brene Brown. Vulnerability, especially vulnerability in public, takes so much emotional courage that it could even make you something of a star. That's what made Brene Brown into so much of a star that she's practically a shining light.

[@ThatOneDudeNick]

It's always interesting to see different people's personalities and comfort levels. I only hike and camp solo, so when I go with people I quickly get burned out talking and matching pace the same way a social hiker like Miranda starts to get lonely after a while when solo. It's cool that people can get so many different things out of hiking.

[@JamiesCaniacManiac]

As a 90% solo backpacker this is my favorite video gosh darn… I do known & unknown trails & often have to start or go on weekdays, also a trip minimum 2/3 night every month. It gets sooo lonely @ times, my garmin mini2 Is my fav. Just checking weather, trail and checking/sending a quick message is a God send. My last 3 trips I literally didn’t see a soul while on trail, luckily this Friday my wife’s uncle is going with me.

[@thecma3]

"Closest I've ever been" is such a great mentality to find strength and perseverance!

[@DarusEifler]

Here in a lot of the Midwest most hiking involves elevation gains in the hundreds of feet not in the thousands. After watching your video I'll never complain about going up hill again (I'm lying, I'll complain every time). Thanks for taking me along on your hike.

[@annielapointe5595]

Hi Miranda, I've been a viewer for a long time. I've just come back from a long solo day hike an hour ago where I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, much like you did. I can't tell you how much it means to watch this video and to feel less lonely, less like it was my fault I didn't have a perfect solo experience. Thank you for sharing your experience. You are truly a real, amazing and empowering for women hikers, campers, and backpackers.

[@kat.p.b.5193]

Miranda, always good to see what you are up to! I am solely a solo hiker, soulfully... mostly out of necessity but I would like to say: even though it can be rewarding, even though some may really prefer it, it does not need to be a hiking goal. I find many people are miserable and come out the other side with some pride in suffering. That's cool but know what you want to accomplish out there and do not push yourself to do something you may regret in the name of personal strength. Miranda, you are awesome because you are always open to explore aspects of the 'outside' for the sake of understanding- and then you share it with us, so valuable. There is a lot of misconception on what it means to be a lone wolf: it can be lonely, know that. Personally, I am a little jealous of those that are attached to a hiking community😸

[@kat.p.b.5193]

...i guess that is why i like the virtual hiking community so much 😻 happy trails everybody!

[@LaoSoftware]

I'm also a solo hiker. None of my friends are interested in hiking, camping, or fishing. They like eating, sleeping, and playing video games.

[@kat.p.b.5193]

@@LaoSoftware tell them they can do all those things once at camp 😸

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

This is the best backpacking channel on KZbin by such a massive margin. She’s just amazing. So open. So honest. Her parents must be so proud.

[@lebeaud71]

I experienced this once; hike alone to get to a summit lake and experience a moment of incredible fulfillment in front of the beauty of this lake. It’s the most beautiful moment of all my hikes. Thanks to you for that.

[@stacir.atwater9498]

So exciting to see "our" epic bridge in your video! My husband and I helped the WTA build that bridge two years ago :)

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

!!!! No way!!! HUGE thank you to you and the WTA for building that amazing bridge!!

[@kathywilson3159]

Thanks for doing that it’s a lovely bridge.

[@IntenseAngler]

Congrats on your solo backpacking adventure Miranda. There's nothing quite like being out there on your own 👍 Thanks for keeping it real as well. Happy Trails.....

[@frodoadventure1]

The rollercoaster of emotions and hours of inner monologue is why I solo adventure at times. Sometimes I need it, other times I want nothing more than an adventure with friends. Thank you for taking us along on your journey and showing your battle with mud and your own inner monologue. Happy trails!

[@mazzky1093]

Thank you so much for this one, I'm a mostly solo backpacker and its such an emotional rollercoaster. I love it but it can be so challenging. It was helpful to see that I'm not the only person who goes from anxiety to elation in the span of an hour. Also, I've done a good bit of solo backpacking in ONF/ONP. For whatever reason, it feels more...lonesome? than over in the Cascades. Edit: Also, 35 lbs on that trail?! Woof.

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

If you enjoyed Upper Lena, then you'd be even more ecstatic in Royal Basin. It's a little more popular, but so worth it. From the campsites at Royal Lake, it's easy to find the unofficial one mile way trail to the upper basin. That upper basin has no real trails, but it's so easy and inviting to explore that it's the closest I've come to heaven on earth.

[@adventureswithcrohns9778]

I love Rainer as much as the next person but as an aspiring hiker with no one to hike with, I definitely appreciate the solo! Last summer I cycled self supported across Canada but still seem to struggle with the idea of a solo hike. I'm 42 now and would love to attempt a thru hike of the PCT for my 50th birthday so I have some time to overcome the anxiety of hiking solo. Videos like this help big time! Great job and I'd love to see more!

[@GenX_outdoors]

This was probably your best, most “real” video yet. Loved it. ❤

[@vanessap9047]

Guuuurl🎉Guuuurl! I'm struggling to find the words to say for fear of it not encompassing the many feelings I experienced with you that were brought out in this episode. I have been a viewer for a long while while you were with the "R" company. I have grown to love your channel even more as you evolve! THANK YOU so much for sharing and your advice by solo trips is uniquely sound. Also you have been SUPER inspiring for me a single mom with two young boys (my boys of whome also love it when you burrrrp in your episodes thank you for that) Thank you so much for being you and i am suuuper excited for MORE WA content....also a WA resident myself, keep up the awesomesauce!

[@jamesmcgurk7367]

When I solo hike the part that makes me most anxious isn't the wilderness, but coming back to the trailhead and having a flat tire or not having the car start!

[@Rudy2k5]

Thanks for sharing your moment of vulnerability with us. I love hiking and camping and I used to hike a lot with my girlfriend and we recently broke up and my friends don't really like camping so I'm trying to get used to hike and camp alone and it's not easy... I also feel lonely but I see that I'm not alone whose struggling with that feeling. I'm the kind of person that always want to share this kind of activities with people, discovering a new places, struggling together through bad weather, making memories. I need to learn to be there for me, with me. Thanks for sharing Miranda :)

[@thisbeem2714]

I wonder if one isn’t filming it is even lonelier. I mean, I have never just talked to a camera, but it seems like it is a little bit like having someone to talk to.

[@sharrison3974]

Thanks for filming this for us and finding a whole new use for an umbrella at the start of the trail there!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Oh heck yeah!! Surprisingly effective. Draws some attention to you, but hey, at least your covered! 😅

[@musingwithreba9667]

Umbrellas, not just for rain anymore! 😊

[@bethlayton7496]

I'd love to see a video on swimming and hiking/backpacking. I know there are rules about where you can and can't swim. I love swimming and I see a beautiful lake like in this video and I immediately want to swim in it.

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

You can swim in lakes in the Olympics, but they're guaranteed to be cold. On a very hot day, I might cool off with a dip. But I'd rather get myself wet in one of those fairly inviting (but still cold) streams than in a lake.

[@tjeremypope]

I don't know you but want to tell you how inspiring you are. You are always challenging yourself to go outside your comfort zone and have a smile on your face. I hope someday to travel to the Pacific Northwest and travel in your shoes. I pray my daughters find adventure like you do and overcome their adversities as well. One last thing, I love your humor and your sense of wonder about everything.

[@YetiGirl]

I have suffered from anxiety my whole life, and there have been times that I have let it convince me that I can't do things like this. Showing people that you are still doing these things and sharing the anxiety that you're working through while doing it is so incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for sharing yourself with the world. Thank you so much for being you.

[@Jorgew01]

I technically always solo hike, well my dog is with me.. i really enjoy the peace and quiet. Sitting alone in the evening by the fire is pure bliss.

[@equanimity4lifelonglearnin216]

❤ awesome! We can’t have the high of finding the campsite/lake without struggling through the challenges of thinking it’s just around the next bend and being with our thoughts!

[@TanboerOfficial]

When you in outdoors, please keep yourself warm!!

[@wazthatme]

Thats what I love about solo hikes. You really have to okay with yourself cuz you will have the lowest of lows but after it passes you are just reminded of how great life is.

[@tamarablanke6358]

This is probably one of the most helpful backpacking videos I've ever watched. I did a solo trip in Glacier NP and felt all the feels you talked about, but I've never heard anyone talk through those feelings before, so I kind of felt crazy.

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

If you can talk about it successfully, as Miranda does and as you're doing here, it stops being crazy. If you keep those feelings bottled up inside, they might seem crazy. But when Miranda shares them, she goes from crazy to downright charming.

[@melvasaiel]

Thank you for talking about anxiety and mini meltdowns. It's something I've noticed when I go camping either solo or as the only adult (sometimes I take my niece). As dusk starts to set in, I'll get really down feeling. Not necessarily anxiety or fear, just a general sense of deep unhappiness and "I want to go home". I can FEEL it coming on, but can't stop it. Once I recognized that this is a "thing", I can at least remind myself that it will pass. Once it's completely dark, and I'm cozy in my tent with a book, then the feeling goes away.

[@davidstair9657]

Solo myself. Little cute cozy lights will be a good addition! The mental is sometimes overwhelming when you are suddenly struck with absolute silence or too many stars.

[@charlykatbat4468]

I'm somebody who prefers hiking alone-ish (I always have my dog with me, so not fully alone). But seeing you struggle so much with being lonely I just wanted to run out on the trail and give you a big hug, walk a few yards with you and just let you know you're not alone alone. Oh and of course give you a high five and a cookie, those always make life better 😁

[@HaxNotice]

I just went backpacking for the first time a few days ago, solo too! I also hiked to a lake and was the only one there. It was so peaceful. I love your content, it has helped prepare me for even more adventures!

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

That's what makes the Olympics so much more appealing than the Cascades near Seattle and Tacoma. There are quite a few popular lakes in the Olympics, such as Lower Lena Lake that Miranda saw on her way to Upper Lena. But it's so easy to get away from the crowds, as Miranda did at Upper Lena, if you prefer a more solitary experience.

[@backpacker3421]

I've been solo packing for over 30 years. I highly recommend any hiker give it a try. To do it safely though - make sure you have a reasonable amount of experience, a solid grounding in backcountry first aid, and these days make sure you carry an emergency beacon like the InReach. If you have all of that, you are almost as safe as you would be in a group, and as long as you enjoy solitude, it is one of the most rewarding nature experiences you can have, IMO.

[@jenellsaphid]

Being alone with yourself is one of the hardest things someone can experience in my opinion. It's all there - the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you just have to recognize and work through whatever comes. I think everyone should be alone every so often. Thanks for a great video.

[@BiKEnBiTES]

I'm usually alone but can't hike / camp alone 😔 shopping and stuff is a go though 😅

[@AmandaCash-sr7or]

I hike alone, sometimes by choice and sometimes not, and I definitely understand the anxiety. Seeing you be so open and real about how you feel as you go along is honestly wonderful and super helpful to those of us who experience the same things but feel like we shouldn’t.

[@mariatassoni3781]

I always appreciate your honesty, and have so much respect for you. Keep it in!

[@MariekaJackson]

Thank you for doing this and showing your less than favorable moments. I started semi-solo backpacking five months ago and the whirlwind of emotions is real. Though, my semi-solo backpacking is a bit different...I have friends who have 250 acres that borders an even larger wilderness preserve. They have been SO gracious to let me come to their property and 'crash in their woods' as I work out fears and mental fucks of being alone in nature at night.

[@peterrouleau5992]

Giddy up there Girl, you can do anything. Why? You are amazing and you encourage others to be amazing❤

[@rjensen2586]

Solo is my favorite. Sometimes its nice to have company, but there's just something about calling all the shots and truly hiking my own hike. ❤

[@rjensen2586]

I have learned however, that the biggest things I need to work on when I'm out there are: overcoming loneliness, making sure I bring food I actually want to eat and getting it into my body, and not over-exerting myself to the point of dehydration or exhaustion.

[@cheeri0h]

I have the same feeling when hiking a longer trail... I get quite lonely and a bit sad. I envy the folks who can solo hike/backpack.

[@christimartin8512]

Thank you for sharing your entire experience, Miranda, not just the good parts, of solo backpacking, along with all of the breathtaking scenery. I have been considering a solo hike myself, but I was still a little hesitant, until I saw how you handled it. Now I am inspired! In late October, if the weather permits, I am planning to try a solo trip into the Pecos Wilderness, of NM!

[@rachaelhoffman-dachelet2763]

Loved how vulnerable and honest this video is. I have found I don’t love solo backpacking, though I am planning to hike the Camino de Santiago solo next year. Given how much you do outside it was really nice to hear you be honest about being tired, and it taking longer than you thought, etc. like, oh, right, even younger much fitter people than me get tired and run out of gas. It’s normal! Good reminders.

[@TheArtisanbard]

Love the bear song and your bridge enthusiasm! I don’t know what it is about bridges but feel the same, and wow the moss on the boulders. Beautiful scenery.

[@mandyrunonvegemite]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who freaks out and has meltdowns on trail❤

[@andiwinter18]

Poking a hole in an expensive tent would have triggered my anxiety. Everything can be fixed, but hard to see it in the moment. Very brave to call it! There’s always another time. Rainer is a great friend and happy he supports you!

[@nenaserafim1774]

Really appreciate your honest take on what it's like solo backpacking overnight. I love going out by myself on day hikes but I've never done an overnighter. You captured the challenges and wins so well, it's inspired me to try it this year, even if I do feel a bit anxious about the idea. Would love to see more solo hikes from you, you filmed it so well!

[@gretat1087]

This was awesome. I’m sorry you struggled a bit with anxiety and loneliness, but thank you for being so honest and vulnerable with us. I’m new to solo backpacking and I love it but it does have its challenges. I hope you’ll consider doing more solo trips in the future!

[@HywelOwen]

I love anyone who uses the word 'golly' in conversation.

[@dropintoyoga]

Miranda is the bomb, always honest and entertaining. And just beautiful watching this amazing team work together to create such inspiring and beautiful content. All the thanks.

[@kevchard5214]

The power of solitude!!!!! Everyone needs to spend time alone in the woods to prioritize your thought and get to know yourself instead of only knowing who everyone wants you to be.. Solo backpacking is the best way to do this.

[@mfarley252]

I really appreciate you showing your struggles and anxiety. It makes the rest of us feel like it is okay to feel those things, too! You’re amazing! Thanks for sharing your hike!

[@davegiles4219]

Another great video. Every one of these you do, we all fall a little more in love with you because you show us the vulnerable, funny, precious Miranda. You're a superstar. Thank you for being real...and please keep showing the world what a wonderful human you are.

[@katieh2552]

What a great video!! I actually went on my first solo backpacking trip last week for an overnight and had an AWESOME time. I wanted you to know that I’ve been watching your videos for a year and a half and you’ve taught me and inspired me SO MUCH!! So thank you!!!

[@pamlavallee9051]

What a great video, Miranda!! Always love how vulnerable and real you are.

[@ahilaryb]

You're so real for this...glad you had a good time 😊 Solo backpacking is how I finally learned how to properly self-soothe. Has done wonders for my coping skills in general!

[@thisbeem2714]

❤❤❤ well done!

[@wavemaker54]

Very nice video. I did a solo backpacking trip in the Olympics back in 1999 and this brought back so many memories of that trip. Only met one other person and a bear on the hike, and some animals sniffing around the tent at night. Thanks for sharing this.

[@chase-mode]

I could probably watch 1000000 Miranda solo backpacking videos. Favorite video so far.

[@davegaultier5283]

Just finished my first “solo” backpacking trip. My wife and our older dog went for the first day and a half. The younger dog and I completed the week (hence the “solo”). It was a very different experience without her along but the dog & I had a great experience. Only saw 3 people in four days on trail. By the 5th day we had reached the busiest loop trail in our state & saw several groups of people for the last day and a half. We are looking forward to more dad n dog time on trail when the wife can’t go. I still prefer to travel with my entire pack though but no know I can enjoy myself when she cannot get away.

[@martinhernandez6506]

Good evening Miranda, your a very brave & lovely young lady ! Really loved how honest & open you are ! It’s great that you talked yourself through all the little inner fears ! So that you were able to track your desired destination & enjoy Natures beauty ! Great work, stay true to yourself & keep smiling !

[@KerryMaePhotography]

I'm so happy I found your channel! I've been solo camping 2x now, but at a campground with lots of people around. I've been excited but nervous to camp alone in a more secluded area. I wasn't sure about what to do with food either. At the campground, keeping my cooler in the car seemed to be okay, but I was worried about what to do when I'm alone. I'd love to see more solo videos! It's inspiring to see a female backpacker out there and providing more relatable tips. 🧡

[@becca6451]

I love your videos. Thank you for showing your emotions happy and sad. As someone with health problems including depression and anxiety, it helped me to see it's normal to be apprehensive or sad on a solo hike even for someone as experienced as you.

[@LupisJBM13]

You are just such an amazing person!!!

[@jasminehonore5640]

Miranda, loved this video so much! While watching I realized I have never backpacked or even camped without someone with me (usually my husband at least) and I'm close to 40 years old lol! In fact your video inspired me so much , I paused it and booked a camp site for next weekend just for me. I am super excited, nervous, and everything in between. Just thought I would let you know that your videos truly are inspiring. Thank you again!

[@danielleanderson9588]

I completely relate to the anxiety and loneliness! I just spent 4 days hiking the Ice Age Trail solo, and I was really anxious and homesick. I felt more connected to my loved ones by taking videos and journaling my experiences. Even so I almost went home, and it's nice to know that it is normal to feel that way. Thank you Miranda ❤

[@ericneff9908]

Good for you managing to film that climb up the lake! I solo backpack alot and I can relate to the mental game. The thought of filming while suffering causes me a touch of admiration.

[@Sparker408]

😊 Where just so different. Backpacking with others would make me sad and emotional, but that's okay. Big thanks for putting yourself out there. Enjoyed the video 🐾

[@rediscoveringwyoming9814]

As I grow older, finding people to hike with is hard. Walking alone may be challenging, but it can be done. Thanks for your delightful video showing the joys of hiking alone.

[@michaelcrawford9425]

Just recently did my first solo. Did a 50.1 miler. It was very nice! I'm a pretty fast hiker, so it was great not worrying about going to fast or hard for the others I'm with. It can get a little lonely around camp sometimes though.

[@thecma3]

Solo trips definitely scratch an itch for me. I find a lot of my usual trip partners like to be occupied the whole time -- we chat nonstop or they bring cards or we plan side trips to fill out the day. That can be fun, but I often find myself wanting some alone time or quiet reflection, too, and going solo fulfills that to the max. (Plus, tents are better when there's nobody else to smell and nobody else who can smell you.)

[@jamesleyda365]

The Olympics are badass! The forests of the Olympics are my favorite in ALL of America, so so beautiful🤘

[@butlerdawgs78]

11:42 . I mostly day hike, but we've all been there on the trail getting in our own heads. Doubting our ability, getting worked up and rushing to beat daylight, weather, or a timeline. Glad to hear it's not just me!

[@juliarose399]

I really appreciate the vulnerability and truthfulness in this video. This is why I love you! There’s sunshine and rainbows and there’s also clouds and moldy poop, and you acknowledge them both! Love from Canada ❤️❤️

[@PedroNord]

My loneliest lake in the Olympics is Cream Lake. It’s about halfway around the Bailey Traverse between the High Divide and Mount Olympus. Cheers and have fun !!

[@russelljackman1413]

That was a great video! Thank you, Miranda! It made me happy to see you at your normal, joyful self, in spite of being alone. I completely understand the melancholy you experienced (I've been there), and I was happy to see that after you immersed yourself in your sadness, you were able to "pull up" take a deep breath, and carry on. I have had numerous experiences like that while solo camping. It is easy to get overwhelmed with, not only the lack of companionship, but with the awesome grandeur that surrounds you. When people ask me if I ever get lonely, I always tell them that , "I am alone, but NEVER alone!" I always have the companionship of our Heavenly Father to guide me and inspire me, and comfort me. Mostly, I just get emotional from the wonderous beauty that I witness, but yes, I often long for the companionship of another human being with whom I can share that beauty. I hope your trek back out was a happier one, Miranda! It was a gorgeous area, for sure! You are a beautiful human being, with a beautiful Spirit, Miranda! I am so happy to have discovered your channel. You have brought me (and countless others) so much Joy! Thank you for that! May God bless and keep you, always! With lots of love, Russ

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

When you spend quality time alone with the Heavenly Father, it still counts as solitude. Thanks for reminding me that I need to treasure those times enough to push myself to experience more of them.

[@sumnerland22]

It's a quota area at Upper Lena. It can be pretty busy up there. You picked a quieter day later in the season. That upper section is brutal, had some flashbacks there. This is one of the toughest ones, especially that last mile. So difficult when you are real tired. Your best video so far

[@shayzoo2]

I had a feeling this would be a little hard for you. You seem to be a very chatty, funny person and people like that need other people to bounce off of. But I’m glad you were able to settle and enjoy the peace finally. Love your channel and how honest you are about the good and the bad. Keep it up!! Thanks for sharing.

[@thisbeem2714]

I can’t imagine doing steep trails without trekking poles. I’m amazed at folks who go without. I am not ashamed anymore, but I used to be.

[@lskazalski]

Trekking poles are a necessity for me.

[@thisbeem2714]

@@lskazalski yeah. I was once embarrassed about my need for them, not so anymore.

[@WildMiranda]

Love this video!! One of my favourite’s!❤

[@kristalann1973]

Hey there new subscriber here!! I’m weirdly giggling watching this and I now know I need a pee shield lol I hike and backpack alone 99% of the time and I understand your anxiety and feelings going solo but there is something so satisfying enjoying solitude in the forest. This was a beautiful journey to a gorgeous lake…hope you get out alone again soon Miranda🌲💚🌲

[@j2043]

The thing I love most about backpacking is that I plan where I am going to hike, what I’m going to eat, and about where I’m going to sleep. Once I hit the trail, a have very few decisions to make for the rest of the trip. Solo backpacking helps me make even fewer decisions as no one is asking me my opinion on anything.

[@hollydrouillard5115]

I just love your videos and that you keep it very real.

[@bunkertons]

I appreciate the mid-hike cry. Sometimes it feels good to just let it all out. Glad you had fun, in the end!❤

[@sarae1437]

I so appreciate how thorough your videos are because I'm gonna backpack for the first time in spring and peeing outdoors is an intimidating thought but you just make it funny!

[@AndyAdventuring]

The Seven Lakes Loop in ONP is fantastic. Camping at Deer Lake and day hiking up to Bogachiel Peak would be wonderful.

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

I hiked up to Lower Lena Lake this summer. I encountered a man with MS fighting his way up the trail at about .5 mph. And some college students dragging a giant cooler up the trail. Ya never know who you might meet out there!😊

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

I've seen people dragging small (probably inflatable) boats up to Lower Lena. Upper Lena feels like wilderness, but Lower Lena -- definitely not!

[@rodoutdoors]

Great video. Solo backpacking is what I do as a necessity. I don't know any other backpackers and my time is mostly limited to overnighters in my area. I'm just used to it now. I've found a nice routine of editing my solo trips right after I get back. Along with recharging gadgets, cleaning gear, drying out the tent, etc. It's fun to swap gear depending on what I feel like doing. Instead of like golf or other hobbies, I go backpacking. I feel at peace out there.

[@Wild.Dynamics]

I love how honest and open you are about going solo, I still have yet to get the guts to go on my own but I can day hike new places and regular places without issue. My biggest fear that's stopping me from going on a solo trip is sleeping by myself in the woods. You rocked it!

[@JustMe-vn5pq]

When I was younger and super fit, I hiked to Upper Lena as a long day hike. However, going all the way up there with the additional burden of a 35 pound pack? I'm not sure I could have done it in a single day, even back then. I wouldn't have even tried. Instead, I would have spent the first night at Lower Lena and then started the second day from there.

[@northwestwalking]

I can’t tell you just how much I enjoyed this video. Your openness and honesty was quite refreshing. You managed to capture everything that we love and fear about solo backpacking

[@radmamadread]

Yay! Thank you for sharing so much of yourself in this video! I too have anxiety and love to hike alone. I almost always have tears-of sadness, of worry, of joy, and of renewal. I’m planning five solo backpacking trips for my 50th birthday year, and you are always an inspiration!

[@shelbyfawn1337]

this vulnerability is why I love this channel. thanks for bringing us with.

[@leahkronick1646]

Oh my gosh I loved this video so much! I just finished about a 3 week solo backpacking trip and can very much relate to a lot of the emotions and anxiety that are represented here. Thank you, Miranda for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences with us!

[@rodneyferree9766]

Well done Miranda! Great to see you going outside your comfort zone for a new experience.

[@a.toddmoore7262]

Miranda, this is hands down, the BEST video you have ever put out!

[@sarahcrump8]

Thank you for sharing your anxieties and loneliness. I love solo backpacking but it's really hard for me because I have intense anxiety sometimes and get really lonely at camp. One trip I needed to turn around because my anxiety made me super nauseous. Glad to know I'm not alone and that it's a normal thing to feel! Love your channel :)

[@lindasmal5051]

I think I'm the same as you when it comes to solo hiking. I like to share my feelings and the beauty of nature with someone while I'm hiking. And when I'm doing it on my own, it just isn't the same. Plus i feel safer knowing someone is nearby in case something happens.