Trans-Catalina Trail Day 1: Avalon, Black Jack Campground, Drones, Gunfire And Deer Killing

September 16, 2026

Wednesday, September 16Start: AvalonStop: Black Jack CampgroundUnceded land of the Tongva peoples11.49 miles3159’ ascent1732’ descent The alarm goes off at 5 am and I snooze it for 10 minutes while I slowly wake up. We depart at 6 am and arrive at the San Pedro Ferry Building about 7:30 am. Boarding starts about 8:35 am … More Trans-Catalina Trail Day 1: Avalon, Black Jack Campground, Drones, Gunfire And Deer Killing

Dolason Prairie Trail, Emerald Ridge Trail, Redwood Creek, Tall Trees Trail Loop

July 7, 2026

Tuesday, July 7Start/Stop: Dolason Prairie TrailheadRedwood National and State ParksUnceded land of the Yurok Tribe16.51 miles3,205′ ascent3,209′ descent Dolason Prairie Loop Overview Video As usual, I depart in the dark with the plan of getting to the trailhead about sunrise. The thick fog is hanging high in the valley with only mountain tops and a … More Dolason Prairie Trail, Emerald Ridge Trail, Redwood Creek, Tall Trees Trail Loop

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Stout Grove, Mill Creek Trail, Grove Of Titans, Boy Scout Tree Trail, Howland Hill Road Loop

June 30, 2026

Tuesday, June 30Start/Stop: Stout Memorial GroveJedediah Smith Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksDaa-naa~-yash K’vsh-chuu-dvnUnceeded land of the Tolowa Dee-ni’14.10 miles1485′ ascent1556′ descent Jedediah Smith Day 2 Overview Video Getting an early start is always rewarded. Up by 5:30 am and break camp just after 6. It’s so early that the trail runner approaching me … More Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Stout Grove, Mill Creek Trail, Grove Of Titans, Boy Scout Tree Trail, Howland Hill Road Loop

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Little Bald Hills Trail

June 29, 2026

Monday, June 29Start/Stop: Little Bald Hills TrailheadJedediah Smith Redwoods State ParkRedwood National and State ParksDaa-naa~-yash K’vsh-chuu-dvnUnceeded land of the Tolowa Dee-ni’13.53 miles2,223′ ascent2,233′ descent IF YOU PLAN TO HIKE THIS TRAIL ANYTIME JUNE THROUGH NOVEMBER, BE SURE TO KNOW WATER CONDITIONS AT THE LITTLE BALD HILLS BACKCOUNTRY CAMP. I start driving north in the dark, … More Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: Little Bald Hills Trail

Sequoia Park: Sequoia Creek Trail, Rhododendron Glen, Windstorm Meadow, Duck Pond, Melos Meadow

May 3, 2026

Sunday, May 3Start/Stop: Sequoia Creek Trail on Hodgson St.Sequoia Park – City of Eureka, CAUnceeded land of the Wiyot TribeThe region of Eureka in Wiyot language is known as Jaroujiji2.67 miles415′ ascent 363′ descentmax elevation 268′ I had seen the Sequoia Creek Trail sign several times when I was driving by on Hodgson St. When … More Sequoia Park: Sequoia Creek Trail, Rhododendron Glen, Windstorm Meadow, Duck Pond, Melos Meadow

Sharp Point – Humboldt Lagoons State Park

April 25, 2026

Saturday, April 25, 2026Start/Stop: Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Dry LagoonCalifornia Coastal Trail Humboldt Section 3Cho’ch-kwee (Dry Lagoon)Chah-Pekw O’Ket’-toh (Stone Lagoon)Unceeded land of the Yurok 3.4 miles409′ ascent411′ descentmax elevation 299′ The fog is starting to burn off so I’m happy to drive into the sun. I think a hike to Sharp Point requires a beautiful, … More Sharp Point – Humboldt Lagoons State Park

Strawberry Rock

January 18, 2026

Sunday, January 18Start/Stop: Strawberry Rock Trailhead/End of Trinidad Frontage RoadUnceded land of the Yurok3.3 miles705′ ascent695′ descentmax elevation 835′ The fog is so thick that I almost cancel my hike. But what the heck, maybe I will luck out. I hit the trailhead just about the time of the sunrise and there’s a vehicle parked … More Strawberry Rock

Reducing Pack Weight After The Big 3 – Bag Of Magic Potions

January 1, 2026

Reposted by popular demand! It’s a well-known fact that the easiest way to reduce your base weight is by scrutinizing your Big 3. Tent, Sleeping Bag, Backpack. You might have just dropped big bucks on the lightest, most badass Big 3. But then what? Are you just going to throw bulky clothes and giant tubes … More Reducing Pack Weight After The Big 3 – Bag Of Magic Potions