Trapper Creek Wilderness Backpacking Trip
The low elevation forested canyons of Trapper Creek Wilderness provide an easy getaway for relaxing backpacking trips.
Your Guide to Hiking, Backpacking & Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Forest Park – Linnton Loop Hike
This loop hike in Forest Park starts at the Linnton trailhead and follows numerous trails, including parts of the Wildwood Trail.
Forest Park – Maple & Wildwood Loop Hike
This hike in Forest Park starts at the NW Saltzman Road trailhead and loops via the Maple and Wildwood trails.
Roaring River Wilderness – Mount Mitchell Hike
Mount Mitchell has great views from its rocky summit, stretching from the Mount Jefferson to Mount Hood.
Central Oregon Badlands Wilderness Hike
While camping at Smith Rock State Park over the weekend, two friends and I explored the Oregon Badlands Wilderness on a day hike. This was our first time visiting here, and we didn't know what to expect other than it would be hot.
Recipe: Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bars
These soft energy bars are full of nutty flavor and have plenty of protein to support physical activity.
Recipe: Mango Ginger Rice Crispy Bars
Loaded with the flavors of ginger and mango, these rice crispy bars are a crunchy alternative to boring trail bars.
Recipe: Sesame Oat Bars
Making your own protein bars is economical – and easy if you use a silicone bar pan! These bars contain peanut butter combined with whole oats and sesame seeds.
Recipe: Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is one of my favorite Italian meals that I make at home. I adapted the recipe using dehydrated ingredients and used homemade chicken meatballs instead of using freeze-dried chicken.
Recipe: Fall Harvest Stuffing
This backpacking stuffing recipe – with winter squash, mushrooms and sausage – is like having Thanksgiving in the backcountry.
Mountain Lake Backpacking Trips in Oregon & Washington
These backpacking trips to mountain lakes range from short and easy trips for relaxing – to tough and challenging treks with stunning scenery.
Dehydrating Ingredients for Making Your Own Backpacking Meals
Not only is dehydrating your own ingredients a great way to save money on backpacking food, it’s also a good method for controlling the quality of the items used in meals – as well as being able to tailor the taste of meals to your preferences.
How to Choose a Backpacking Campsite
Finding a suitable campsite can make the difference between getting a good night’s sleep, or tossing and turning most of the night. Where you set up camp also can have impacts on the natural environment, so it’s good to be aware of a few guidelines.
Backpacking Destinations in Oregon & Washington
View the backpacking destinations in Oregon & Washington listed on this website based on location, difficulty rating, and best season.
Coastal Backpacking Locations
Backpacking at the coast can be challenging – with traverses over headlands, muddy trails, and needing to be mindful of tides. But there's nothing that compares to backcountry camping in these coastal locations.
Spring Backpacking Destinations
In the spring when higher elevations are still snow-covered, these backpacking locations are great for early season trips.
Recipe: Ginger Almond Berry Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is easy enough to make, but doesn't keep me fueled for very long, so I make my own oatmeal mix with almonds, chia seeds and coconut milk powder for protein.
Recipe: Mac & Cheese with Pulled Pork
Macaroni and cheese is a classic backpacking meal. In this version, pulled pork takes it a couple of notches on the flavor spectrum.
Recipe: Strawberry Pecan Granola
Looking for a fuss-free breakfast for camping and backpacking trips? This no-cook meal uses only four ingredients and is super easy to prepare. Just add cold water, stir and enjoy!
Recipe: Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs rehydrate well and they taste much better than using freeze-dried chicken in backpacking recipes.
Recipe: Salmon Chowder
This backpacking recipe for Salmon Chowder uses canned salmon and shredded potatoes that you dehydrate at home, and adds instant mashed potatoes for a thick and creamy chowder.
Review: Meat Shredz Pulled Pork
Do you need a quick source of protein for hiking and backpacking? Meat Shredz Pulled Pork is a new favorite of mine on the trail. I like it so much that I created a new recipe for backpacking.
Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
The Pacific Northwest is known for having a plethora of waterfalls. These hikes – located within two hours of Portland – are best done in the winter through spring when the water levels are higher, although any time of year is a good time to hike to a waterfall.
Best Hikes at Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama (12,000 ft.) exploded about 7,700 years ago, leaving a caldera that eventually filled in and formed the lake. These four hikes feature the best of the park's unique scenery.