Solo Backpacking to the Loneliest Lake in Olympic National Park!

*This video is sponsored by LMNT! Try LMNT (it’s the greatest) by clicking here: drinklmnt.com/mirandagoesoutside
I backpacked alone to one of the most remote lakes in Olympic National Park! I have had so many requests to do a video about solo backpacking, and so in this video I left the crew behind and headed out on a solo overnight at Upper Lena Lake! To access this lonely lake deep in the wilderness of Washington State you must hike for seven grueling miles up a mostly steep, muddy and narrow trail. This was the hardest hiking I have EVER done, and I definitely struggled with the brutal climb to the lake as well loneliness when I got there. Watch the video to see if my first ever solo backpacking trip on this channel was a success, or if the intense hike and extreme isolation were too much to bear.
Intro: 00:00
My solo backpacking trip begins: 0:41
Switchbacks, boulders, bridges, berries and mushrooms: 1:58
Arrival at Lower Lena Lake and filtering water: 4:50
Why I love LMNT electrolytes (sponsor): 6:14
The hike to Upper Lena Lake begins: 7:11
Struggling on the hike to Upper Lena Lake: 8:54
Arriving at Upper Lena Lake: 13:18
Setting up camp: 14:09
Making dinner, thoughts on being alone: 15:07
Going to bed, feeling lonely: 16:58
Morning at camp: 19:30
Making breakfast: 20:10
The gear I brought on this trip, packing up camp: 21:16
My camera gear: 22:18
Review of the Nemo Dragonfly OSMO 2p Tent: 23:49
Thoughts on solo backpacking: 25:45
Outro: 26:55
Backpacking gear in this video -
REI Flash 55 Pack: bit.ly/48oXTgG
NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2p Tent: bit.ly/458zxoO
Big Agnes mtnGLO Lights:
Soto WindMaster Stove: bit.ly/3PRDYQ0
Snow Peak Titanium Trek 700 Cook Pot/Mug: bit.ly/40zzdO8
Garmin InReach Mini: bit.ly/3t7AjF2
Thinlight Foam Pad by Gossamer Gear:
NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/3m0bibF
BearVault Jaunt Canister: bit.ly/3RbR4ch
Sit Pads by Garage Grown Gear: bit.ly/3LlQ8hx
CNOC Vecto Water Container (2L): bit.ly/3LgVgDv
CNOC Vesica Collapsible Water Bottle (1L): bit.ly/44GRABT
Sawyer Cleaning Coupling Adapter: amzn.to/3PyN8kg
Altra Timp 4 Trail Runners: bit.ly/3JYQfy4
Ultra Gam Ankle Gaiters: bit.ly/3Rbu7px
Silver Shadow Umbrella by Six Moon Designs: bit.ly/44I3Ulr
Pack Liner by Six Moon Designs:
Torrid APEX Jacket by Enlightened Equipment (Women’s): bit.ly/3sKwRjs
Torrid APEX Jacket (Men’s):
Dyneema Trail Pouches by Hartford Gear Co: bit.ly/3Z8A0Wp
Ultralight Trowel by BoglerCo: bit.ly/3PuYAxy
P-CAP by Parapack: bit.ly/3Evzx7h
Revelation Quilt (850fp) by Enlightened Equipment: bit.ly/463MErR
Torrid Hood by Enlightened Equipment: bit.ly/3Pw41Mx
Goodr Sunglasses: bit.ly/3pPnxJx
Outdoor Voices RekTrek Zip-Off Pants: bit.ly/3P5Eys9
Shop ALL My Favorite Backpacking and Hiking Gear: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/bl...
Camera gear in this video -
Sony ZV-E1 Vlogging Camera: amzn.to/46in9TK
GoPro: amzn.to/3rtRJv1
Joby GorillaPod Tripod: amzn.to/3ZyjqPR
Shoulder Strap Camera Clip by Peak Designs: amzn.to/464rj27
Nocs Woven Camera Strap: bit.ly/3ZqXJkV
Anker Portable Charger: amzn.to/3t6wxMa
DJI Lav Mics: amzn.to/48uHHdG
The above links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to purchase something from these links I may earn a small commission. This money goes straight back into making content, and allows me to keep making videos for all of you!
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me on Patreon! 💚 If you'd like to become a Patron and support my channel, click here: / mirandagoesoutside
Miranda Goes Outside stickers, hats and t-shirts are now for sale! Get yours here: www.mirandagoesoutside.com/
LMNT is the biggest supporter of my channel and I am thrilled to get to continue to partner with them and spread the love for my favorite electrolyte drink mix! To find out more about LMNT, click here: drinklmnt.com/
The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Sr. Editor and Videographer: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Editor: Katie Van Fleet
Dog: Tucker
This video was filmed by Miranda Webster and edited by Abby Hagan!
Follow me on IG @MirandaGoesOutside: / mirandagoesoutside
Find past Miranda in the Wild videos on REI Co-op's KZbin channel here: / @rei
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Solo Backpacking to the Loneliest Lake in Olympic National Park! #solobackpacking #alone #backpacking #hiking #camping #outdoors #travel #adventure #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild

[@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! ❤

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@IndianaRebel]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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! 😊

[@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.

[@Jennifer-vw1yb]

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.

[@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!

[@dgmckim]

"mother f*er, UGH, more up?" is a phrase i relate to BIG TIME

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.....

[@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.

[@HywelOwen]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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🌲💚🌲

[@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!

[@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 🐾

[@emzaru]

Ok. Just noticed the “Fudge the meanies” stamp on the full screen. I want stickers, hats and a shirt made with it. I’ll buy!

[@rosaliedeklerk8750]

I’m a solo backpacker and I think it would be awesome to hike with you and you’re team, y’all are so fun! But I also love to spend time alone, especially in nature. Love your videos! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@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.

[@AndyAdventuring]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@JesiErin]

Love this show, gosh darn! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@maynardsantos3056]

Exactly what I needed to see! thank you!

[@robynwelsh2845]

I always LOVE your videos !!!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

YAY thank 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.

[@cristinao3710]

This was great! Good job Miranda! 🎉

[@chase-mode]

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

[@shananiekamp3218]

That is such a beautiful trail!

[@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.

[@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.

[@sdstarr01]

I hiked to upper Lena Lake a long time ago. That trail was hard without the mud, I can’t imagine how tough it would be with mud and slippery rocks and roots!

[@swimteamlifestyle7337]

So happy for you!!! ❤❤❤

[@marlynhoksbergen3274]

Awesome video. You are one amazing young woman. Thank you for all the great knowledge you give us!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

You are so welcome, and thank you!! 🤗 thrilled to share this with all of you.

[@peterfagley772]

Great hike, glad you enjoyed the solo experience, nice to have just your thoughts sometimes. Please do more of these!

[@groemer9913]

Thanks for sharing! Beautiful !

[@donnajess]

I loved watching your solo-hiking adventure! More please! ❤

[@pyronymph-868]

Thank you for sharing your solo experience with us! I hope to do some solo backpacking next year.

[@lindacastro6625]

Thank you for sharing not only your hike, but also the way it felt to be alone. It was a beautiful trail, and the lakes were truly spectacular. Keep doing you!❤

[@cougellie]

This was great Miranda! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself ❤

[@kmannewyork]

Thank You! I truly enjoyed this.

[@amb97vb]

I’ve always wanted to do a solo backpacking trip but I’ve been nervous to do so. But this video has given me the courage to try!

[@leroydorenberg295]

really love your adventures, thanks for sharing! :)

[@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!

[@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.

[@larryhunter8245]

Great job on the video Miranda!!

[@stevenmaus5390]

Love your enthusiasm. Keep it up. Great channel.

[@oyahfftlisawsome]

This is such a fun vlog and the views looked amazing

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

It was SO gorgeous for sure!

[@ViannapaVandretur-ib6mv]

Loved this Hike! ❤ Love All Your Hikes, but this one was realy special! More solo Hikes please! 😀🙏 Love from Denmark 😊

[@user-mg3vm1dh9s]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Solo back country backpacking is not always easy, but it always a formative event.

[@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!

[@maryalice6375]

Hoping to try some solo backpacking next year when it warms back up in the PNW. Love your content! ❤

[@eyeseajujubee]

I’ve always been super excited about bridges on trails too! They’re so cool! Thanks for sharing your adventures outdoors with us! Electrolytes help me recover and move 😄

[@doubled5037]

Great energy! Thanks for sharing

[@heidif482]

I really enjoyed this video! Definitely do more of these solo trip!

[@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

[@shelbyfawn1337]

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

[@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!

[@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 ❤

[@berniebroering7438]

Miranda, great job videoing a solo trek. With all of the other treks you have "filmed" this one rounds out your repertoire of backpacking styles. Thank you for being real right up to the belch ;). Cheers!

[@pamlavallee9051]

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

[@Kayjen35]

What a good Trip! Thanks for sharing.

[@toddiverson1546]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@shellyheimann3692]

You’re the best, Miranda! Thanks ❤

[@JaredHikes]

That was epic! Keep on trekkin', Sunshine!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

Thank you Jared!! 🥰

[@dougbeale4847]

Worth the wait and all the hard work!!

[@vanomadcyclist3474]

Wonderful video!! I love all your suggestions and how you embraced the solo adventure. I am a big van of solo adventures and glad that you filmed this one. 😊

[@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.)

[@chrisdowswell]

Great video! I appreciate your vulnerability and openess about loneliness.... when someone with your caliber of experience is open like that, it makes things feel more do-able for everyone. Great job!

[@overwatchxrescue]

Solo hiking can definitely be very enjoyable! Great video.

[@jeffreycarman2185]

Thanks for the video. I like your videos, whether their travel logs or whatever, just good energy. Thanks again.

[@alyshasvibes]

Loved this, happy you loved your solo 💕

[@wildeescape]

OMG! You're at 100k! Congrats and well deserved!

[@elanapeterson3665]

This is my favorite so far on your new channel! Just focus on the breathtakingly beautiful scenery around you!

[@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 :)

[@keiajinfilms]

Omg! This was a really helpful video. ❤ I’m scared shitless of solo hiking, camping, etc. Furthest I’ve gone is about 4 miles round trip and talk to myself A LOT on the trail. Thank you MUCH for a realistic portrayal of the emotional rollercoaster. It is soooo worth it, but sometimes the mental game is so much harder than any of the physical strength needed.

[@AngelsSKisses]

I love this lake. I have backpacked and camped at lower lake, and then we day hiked up to upper lake.