All About Hiking | Expect Experience

Great Hiking Spots in Alpine Lakes Wilderness

The Cascade Range in Washington is not only breathtakingly beautiful, it is home to many of the region’s best hiking spots. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a nature area located within the Cascade Range. It also has many hiking areas within its woods and the mountains located within its boundaries.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness has a lot of forested area in it that provides paths and hiking trails. The Wenatchee National Forest is located here, as is the Snoqualmie National Forest. It is such a great hiking area because it is a very rugged area. There are lots of peaks, valleys, and other topographic variations that make for a challenging and exciting hiking area.

There are five mountainous areas in Alpine Lakes Wilderness that are excellent for hiking. Mount Daniel is one of the biggest challenges, and therefore a big goal for many hikers. It is almost 8,000 feet tall and it is known for being the highest point in the Kittitas County. However, it isn’t the highest point in Alpine Lakes Wilderness! Mount Stuart is almost 9,500 feet and it is the tallest mountain in the entire wilderness area.

The Stuart Range of mountains is also located here. It has over 10 scalable peaks for hikers and climbers. It also encompasses the Enchantment Lakes, which provide a rest spot for weary hikers. The Stuart Range runs parallel to the Wenatchee Mountains. The Wenatchee Mountain range has dozens of mountain peaks that range in difficulty level from easy to very difficult.

Also located within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area is the Chiwaukum Mountain range. It is considerably smaller than the other ranges in the area. However, it still has three peaks for explorers to try.

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area is clearly an exciting hiking area for hikers of all skill levels.

Filed Under: Adventures, All About Hiking, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee National Forest

Safety Advice for Hiking with Kids

As childhood obesity rates rise in America, many people are trying to get their children more active. One of the best ways to do that is to get them interested in hiking. Hiking is a fun family activity that can help your child stay active and interested at the same time.

However, hiking with children isn’t always easy. It requires a fair bit of planning as well as some extra precautions. The first thing to consider is whether or not your children are old enough for hiking. If it’s one of your favorite hobbies, be careful to not overestimate your children’s ability to hike. If they are younger than eight, you should wait a year or two to try hiking.

If your child is younger than thirteen, you should consider your hiking locations very carefully. There are many things that could make a trip difficult for children that you wouldn’t otherwise think about. Consider the incline and other physical limitations that could wear your child out early in the trip. Failing to take these things into consideration could make a hiking trip end prematurely. Even worse, you could have a tired, whiny child for the duration of the trip. Not only would that be unpleasant for you, but it is sure to turn your child off to hiking.

Be sure to bring lots of water for children. They dehydrate fairly quickly, and it can be very dangerous for them to stay dehydrated. Bring more water than you think they will need; it is better to carry around too much water than to leave your child dehydrated after strenuous exercise.

Have a backup plan if your child gets hurt, tired, or dehydrated. You could choose a hiking location that circles back to your car or plan a shorter hiking trip. These tips can help you foster a love of hiking in your children.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Hiking, United States

Hiking Advice for Beginners

People take up hiking for a number of reasons. It’s a fun way to get in shape, explore some of the nation’s most beautiful areas, and bond with family or friends. Unlike other hobbies, inadequately preparing for a hike can have disastrous or dangerous results. Following some basic safety tips can make for a fun, safe, and exciting hiking trip.

Before you go on your first hike, pick the location carefully. There are guides that rate different hiking trails, and you should utilize these guides. Starting with a difficult or strenuous hiking path can set you up for disaster and leave you exhausted halfway through a hike. Consider the length, terrain, and location of the first hike you pick. It’s better to pick one that is too easy than one that is too difficult.

Bring a hiking buddy, preferably someone who has experience hiking. Having a knowledgeable hiker with you can often be enough to avoid common hiking mistakes and accidents. Be sure that your hiking companion has their own maps, food, and water. This is not an optional tip! Falling or getting lost is bad when you’re in a group; it can be fatal if you are alone.

As you pack for your hike, bring plenty of food and water. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of time you will spend hiking, so bring a little bit more water than you think you will need. For snacks, bring food that will boost your energy. Some good examples are granola bars, trail mix, and nuts. To save space in your hiking equipment, put your water in water bottles that stand up straight when full and lay flat when empty.

Once you become a more experienced hiker, you’ll be ready to tackle some of the country’s more difficult hiking paths. Until then, get your feet wet with these hiking tips!

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Trail

Great Hiking Spots in the Washington Cascades

Hiking in the Washington Cascades is a great adventure for any hiker. The Washington Cascades are a chain of mountains that extend from southern Canada to northern California. They are known for their variety of beautiful and exciting hiking areas.

Annette Lake is one of the primary places that hikers enjoy in the Washington Cascades. The lake is frozen over most of the year, due to the high altitudes and the acclimation of snow. As a result, snow bridges often form over and near the lake. During the summer, however, the lake is warm and inviting. The forest and hiking trails leading up to the actual lake are surrounded by trees on all sides. This keeps the trails cool even on warmer days, and it can also make it difficult to get a good sense of direction.

If you would rather try your hand at hiking some Washington Cascades mountains, try out the North Bend Three. These summits are not for the weak at heart or the inexperienced. They make for a strenuous workout, and they are quite the physical challenge. Three peaks make up the North Bend three. The first is Granite Mountain; some say it is the easiest of the three. The second challenge is McLellan Butte. It takes a longer time to master, and it can cause fatigue in even the most experienced hikers. Finally, Mount Si is the end to the North Bend adventure.

Hiking in the Washington Cascades comes with its share of challenges. The rewards definitely outweigh the challenges, though! Hikers that brave this area can look forward to exploring uncharted territory and spending some intimate time with nature. As with all hiking trips, you should be sure to have a good map and emergency plan if you hike in this area. Hike with a hiking buddy in case of emergency.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Washington

Paying For Your Hiking Trip

If you have ever gone hiking on a destination getaway, you are aware of how much it can cost. Not everyone can afford to go hiking to their favorite destination on a regular basis but an occasional trip can be affordable. If you plan well in advance and save up a little at a time, you too can pay for that dream trip. There are several costs involved from purchasing the gear to paying for your transportation. Here are a few ways you can free up some cash.

* Save a little each month from you salary. A few hundred dollars a month will add up and before you know it, you will have ample funds for annual trip. The money saved can go towards your equipment and your stay while you are on your trip. You will have a good time knowing that you are not breaking the bank and the funds you use will not affect the cost of your living.
* If you have items lying around the house, that you have received as a gift and things you have purchased, that you have no use for, plan on selling them. There are several websites where you can sell your unwanted items so that someone who needs them can purchase them. Hold a garage sale and get rid of more items and you would be surprised at home much funds you free up. This alone can be more than what your trip will cost.
* If you have set a budget for yourself, you may notice that once all the planning is completed, your budget is just not enough. If you plan in advance and book your trips before hand, you can find great savings which will help you free up additional cash. You will still stay on budget and you do not have to compromise your trip.

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Recreation, Travel, Travelogues

Fun Activities in the Nature

In today’s world, more activities are performed indoors than outside. If you have been craving to get away from your everyday life, it will be extremely refreshing to go on trips where you are surrounded by nature. You may not have the luxuries you are used to, but it will be a whole new experience and the nature will help you relax. Though it may sound strenuous, and you prefer the relaxed type of activities, this can actually be more fun than you can imagine. Go with a couple of friends or with your closest family members and you will enjoy this type of trip a lot more. You do not have to go into extreme sports and try to conquer places you have never been to before.

One such trip can be going hiking and taking people along with you. Hike along the waterfront or even small hills and spend the night at a camp. It will be different from spending the night in the city and you will experience a whole new world of entertainment. Spend the night by a campfire catching up with friends and spend the next day on your continued hike. You will be amazed at how much you actually discover just by walking and hiking, that you don’t usually notice if you are driving. The scenery alone will be something to talk about for months to come.

This is a low cost fun activity and if everyone pitches in on the expenses, you can make this a monthly activity. It will be fun and you will enjoy the beauty of nature. For places close to you, all you have to do is look online and choose something close by. If it is near where you are located, the drive won’t be that long and it will give you something to look forward to. These simple excursions can be beneficial for you both mentally and health wise.

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Extreme sport, Hiking, Recreation

The Right Food to Take On Your Hike

Packing the right types of food for your hiking trip will help you greatly. Often those who are not aware of what to take with them, end up with items that are better suited for a picnic than hiking. The wrong foods will not only turn out to be a great weight to carry on your back, but it may end up being something you can not intake to your advantage. When packing the foods you need, be sure to keep things simple and as light as possible. You will be responsible for your own backpack so you do not want to include anything too heavy as the weight alone will exhaust you.

Water is a must when it comes to hiking and in order to prevent dehydration, you must take some form of liquid. However be sure to drink a little at a time as the body is known to slow down if you drink too much water during physically challenging activities. If possible, take certain types of dry electrolytes so that you can add that to your water to provide you with that added energy. Generally when you need an energy boost, you tend to go for coffee or other items which contain caffeine. This is not an option for hikers, but the rite type of dry food will go a long way. Dry fruits and nuts and even energy bars are good for your body and they will provide you with both energy and nutrition’s.

Try to carry items that are not perishable and dry items or small packet food is the best. Things like cheese, bread and, fresh fruits can go bad easily and after carrying them for so long, it would be a waste to have to throw them away. For other items you can take, review online or speak to an expert. You will be able to find the proper guidelines to help you pack for your trip.

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Business, Energy bar, Food, Hiking

Decisions – Decisions What Backpack to Pick for a Hike

For the casual hiker, it might seem like any backpack will do but any hard-core packer knows that the wrong pack -like the wrong shoes- can really crimp your style. Here are a few points to consider when choosing a backpack for a day trip or longer.

The Type of Trip

Will the hike take one day or several? What kind of terrain will you encounter? Both answers affects your selection. With that decision made, it is time to consider backpack-s individual features.

External Frame and Internal Frame Backpacks

External frame backpacks have the framework of the pack attached to the outside of the pack versus internal frames. This structure is more rigid than a pack with an internal frame and; therefore, allows for the hiker to heft heavier loads. The downside is that these packs are stiffer, limiting flexibility. These features make external frame hiking backpacks a great choice for beginner level hikers, or, a hiker that will be carrying a lot of weight, regardless of terrain or length of time.

Other Characteristics

In addition to different frames backpacks have different hip belts, stabilizers and harnesses, that not only affect comfort but also safety. Some packs are designed to accommodate different body types, such as people with shorter torsos, or women who might prefer a different configuration of straps.
A waterproof backpack with pockets on the outside is also useful. They are good for organizing and accessibility. Some packs also convert to a daypack, a reservoir for fluids and features designed to accommodate special gear.

Bigger isn’t Always Better

Large backpacks, around 6,000 cubic inches, are really best saved for long trips or special equipment. For a day trip, a 3,000 cubic inch pack should be sufficient. Going a little larger provides ample space for a day or two away, while 4,000 to 5,000 cubic inches should carry you through a three or four day trip.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Backpack, Hiking, Shopping, Travel

Hiking is for Everyone

: Image via Wikipedia

Hiking is one of those activities that anyone can afford and everyone will love. In a time of economic difficulty, finding activities to share with friends and family can be a bit of a task. A hiking a trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in the summer of fall will bring happiness to everyone involved. There are many things to draw individuals to the large number of trails in the woods and mountains of northern New Hampshire. Whether you are hiking with a family or on your own, the sites are amazing. White Mountain views and trails through the woods will surely leave memories of great times for all that participate. Or you can try hiking out of country with some Canada 411. This basic information will help you determine which hiking experience is best for you.

For individuals new to the world of hiking it is not difficult to find trials that offer excellent views and still allow slow progression up the trails. These are great opportunities for hikers to take some time for great photo opportunities, a chance to get intimate with nature and the great opportunity to increase the quality of health while taking in the basics of the world without all the technologies of today. Taking time to care for health and enjoy nature is vital to a higher quality of life.

Hikers should take a few precautions when going out onto the trails. Take plenty of water on the journey and keep health snacks like granola and trail mix handy for the journey. Be sure to dress in layers in the event you need to load on or take off some clothing for comfort while hiking. Make sure that comfortable shoes are worn and that loose clothing is worn. Also, never go hiking without telling someone where you will be going.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Canada, Hiking, New Hampshire, Outdoors, Recreation, Trail, United States, White Mountains (New Hampshire)

Natures Best: New Zealand

: Image via Wikipedia

The people of New Zealand take hiking and trekking very seriously. No matter what happens they will go on a hiking trip once a year without fail. It is a part of their lives. They realize the importance of hiking in their physical and professional life. The country has dedicated hiking tracks that run through some of the most beautiful locations that New Zealand has to offer. It is here that many of the worlds best movies are shot. Movies like Harry potter, Prince of Narnia and many other movies which need to include other worldly feel to their movies.

Great walks are hiking routes maintained by the government for the sole purpose of hiking. People flock to there nine routes that incorporate all the best things that New Zealand has to offer. They are quite busy throughout the year and safe. Many locations where hikers can rest are also available. This makes it easier for beginners to get used to hiking. And there couldn’t be a better place than New Zealand to begin. Great Walks have huts maintained for hikers which can be rented. But these need to be rented in advance. Hiking routes are well planned and accurately measures. Hence before beginning your tour you can choose which tour best suits your degree of fitness.

Apart from these dedicated hiking destinations, there are multiple national parks that can be hiked. These national parts have an unbelievably diverse flora and fauna which cannot be seen in any other place. Botanist’s might just find yet undiscovered plants and give them their own names. Some of the national parks here are Te Urewera National Park, Tongariro National Park, Egmont National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Paparoa National Park, Aoraki National Park and many more. There is no shortage of hiking destinations.

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Abel Tasman National Park, Egmont National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand, New Zealand Great Walks, Paparoa National Park, Tongariro National Park