Hiking Recommendations

When I find something I like, I love to share it with people! Take a look at the apps, books, pages, YouTube channels and other items that I have tested, currently use and continue to follow. Please remember that these are just recommendations and may not fit everyone’s likes and dislikes. They work for my needs, but might not appeal to others.

Apps and Websites

Looking to start hiking or already love it but need some resources to help plan your next adventure? Here are some websites and apps that I have found to be useful in my planning:

  • AllTrails – Used as both an app and a website, AllTrails allows you to look for trails all over the world. Search a country, state, specific area, or by trail name OR find trails in your current location via GPS. While the hike descriptions are fairly brief, the trails stats and ratings based on difficulty are fairly accurate. You can also track and record your hike via GPS and their built in topo maps, write reviews and trail conditions, and share pictures from your hike. Its an all around great tool to have, especially when information is limited in certain locations.
  • Washington Trails Association – Used both as an app and a website, WTA allows you to look for trails throughout Washington State that are located within State Parks, National Forests and National Parks. This does not account for trails within city or county parks but its a great resource for finding your next adventure. You can also use GPS with this app to record your hike and you can learn the status of each trail viz updates from the WTA and trail reports written by hikers. You can also write your own trail reports as you hike and include pictures with them. This app creates a create resource for the hiking community within Washington State.

Books

YouTube Channels

Another resource I love for hiking are videos from folks on YouTube. I know a lot of people are down on the YouTube hiker movement, but they do provide a lot of information and different takes on hiking. From watching peoples thru hikes on the AT, PCT and CDT , to day hikes, to their gear recommendations as well as tips and tricks, I have found these resources really helpful. Everyone has a different take on hiking and backpacking and I embrace each persons point of view. Maybe one day I will start a channel of my own, but for now I enjoy what others share with the world. Here are a few channels and love and recommend:

Gear