If there’s one thing Washington’s Mt. Baker is famous for, it’s snow. In 2006, Baker set the world record for annual snowfall with nearly 96 feet of powder. Every winter, the mountain’s northeastern slopes are alive with powderhounds seeking out first tracks both inbounds and out. The best way to experience this iconic PNW volcano is to snowshoe or ski tour up to Artist and Huntoon Points for an overnight adventure.
Day one of my solo trip in New Zealand began with touching down at 8am on Christchurch. I’d found a climbing partner on Mountain Project before I left but the weather wasn’t quite cooperating. My new friend picked me up from the airport and we headed to Godley Head to a hike a little loop he’d found in a guidebook somewhere. We hoped that it would clear up enough for us to head to a crag and get some routes in.
A few years ago I stumbled across something called Twitter chats, specifically #hikerchat. From there, numerous adventure friend relationships spawned across the country. I’m so lucky to call Lee, the founder of the illustrious Washington Hikers & Climbers Facebook group, one of my good friends. He knows the best spots in Washington and is always happy to hike with the biggest smile on his face. This time around we headed out to Mt. Baker to check out one of his favorite spectacular spots, just off the beaten path.
This past weekend I was in Salt Lake City for a hot second on a little reunion trip with my best friend from college. When in Utah, I always hit up the guys from Teton Sports because they know the coolest spots. We couldn’t get an extra long hike in but when the mountains are so close, it’s easy to get outside. Shawn took us up to Silver Lake (8,740’) in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Truth be told, I’d never heard of Oboz Footwear until Outdoor Retailer. When I find brands that I like, especially in footwear, I tend to stick to what I know works. Oboz sent over the Emerald Peak hiking shoe to help me round out my collection of boots.