I recently saw a hoodie with this slogan “Hike Your Own Hike” and it spoke to me. On a weekly basis I sit in front of a computer for 40-60 hours a week. My exercise regimen is nothing more than a daily 20 – 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. When we go on one of our ‘outdoor adventures’ I look at the list of hikes Scott has in store for us, and I think “I can’t do these hikes!”.

We started our most recent trip in Leavenworth, WA which is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle. The first trail on the list is a popular one and offers the choice of two alpine lakes, Lake Stuart and Colchuck Lake.  It’s become a popular Instagram spot and tends to be really busy so we knew we would need to get up early to get a parking spot. This was the road leading to the parking lot when we got back around 2pm. Signs clearly state no parking on one side of the road and people obviously do not care.

From this trailhead you hike about 2.5 miles and then have a choice to go to Colchuck or Stuart which is deemed a little easier and shorter. Colchuck has been on my to-do list. It also happens to be one of those trails classified as strenuous and is about 9 miles round trip with 2300 feet of elevation gain. Those stats around this area are not uncommon but again…I am in no way in hiking shape. That being said, we made the decision to do Colchuck Lake and I’m so glad we did.  It was a great hike. This is the view as we approached the boulder field.

We got the the lake just in time to score a spot on a boulder with a view. We stretched our legs and fought off all the chipmunks trying to sneak a bite of our lunch. I had read that this hike is ‘too popular’ these days with lots of people not respecting nature. Luckily while we were at the lake we didn’t encounter a lot of that type of behavior.

 

Scott decided he also wanted to do Stuart Lake so we parted ways and he took off for an extra 4 miles while I took my time and had a lovely leisurely hike down. On the way down I passed a lot of people starting the hike up. People of all walks of life, all levels of fitness. Whether it’s social media influences or real-life interactions on the trails its easy to feel like there is a “type” of person that is a hiker. As I got back to the car, my legs were toast and my back was starting to tighten up. It was a great reminder that the only way you’ll know if you can do something is to try. Start your hikes early in the morning and bring the essentials (water, food, layers, etc.). Take your time, “hike your own hike” and go see some amazingly beautiful sights!