For the last backpacking trip of 2026, I scored permits to visit two of the most popular backcountry camps at Mt. Rainier National Park. My Dad and I hiked from White River to Box Canyon via Summerland, Indian Bar, and Cowlitz Divide.

All the details on the food I brought for 20 days of solo hiking in the sierras on the John Muir Trail. My goal was 2,900 calories a day.

The complete list of what I brought on my 21 day backpacking trip in the Sierras (partial JMT + side quests) and thoughts on what worked and what I would change! This was my longest continuous backpacking trip ever, and also my first trip in the Sierras! I was unsure about what conditions I would encounter. Would it freeze at night, as it can easily do when hiking above 10,00 feet even in the middle of summer? How often would it be rainy or thundery? With a wide range of po

October 11, 2026. Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Exploring the top section of the Cream Cellar Road - the next day we hiked the lower section - read that here. The light drizzle of rain slowly ratchets up to an absolute downpour, and I laugh as a gust of wind drives the droplets noisily against my raincoat’s hood. At my feet, the rain is both coming down and bouncing back up, and the spray is swept over the curve of the golden hued slickrock. My Dad and I are d

The equipment I used during 42 days of backpacking in the mountains of Washington and California.

A three day backpacking trip to explore and paint the southwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park

Three day solo backpack to observe, witness, and paint the melting Easton Glacier in the North Cascades. And film an Adventure Art Academy class!

Today brought me from one spectacular lake to another as I detoured from the John Muir Trail and hiked to Ediza Lake.

4 | Twelve spectacular hours on trail hiking from my camp below Donohue pass to Island Pass and Thousand Island Lake.

3 | Time to head uphill after a relaxing day in the valley following Lyell Creek up rocky trails and into an amazing basin full of wildflowers. Day three on trail was amazing!

2 | Time to put the backpack on and hike into Lyell Canyon, a land of meadows, pine trees, river, and storm clouds.

1 - The Sierras backpacking adventure begins with a few days to acclimate and paint in Yosemite.

A coveted permit, a terrible weather forecast, and an amazing plan B in the Enchantments.

Exploring the lowland lakes and ponds of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mt. Defiance near Snoqualmie Pass, May 21-23, 2026.

First backpacking trip of the season! In early May I wandered to the Washington Coast for a few days of painting and time by the ocean.

After 34 miles traversing an icefield, 60+ days hiking in the Cascades, and 45+ lb loads, I can confidently say this is the best pack I've ever used. It is the “unicorn” pack that I didn’t know existed but always wanted; ultralight yet able to comfortably carry heavy loads.

My current go-to sun hoody from Zpacks/ Evolved Supply Co! The lightest of my UPF 40+ wool sun hoodies with excellent features like the zipper and a soft feel.

Tips on the process, companies, and strategies I use to create colorful and intricate embroidered patches.

A list of current artist in residence programs that are land-focused or held on public lands across the United States. From National Parks to state parks, there are many amazing programs out there!

Each year I try out a few new outdoor equipment items. Here's my favorites from the 2025 hiking season!

A detailed list of all the colors in my watercolor adventure palette. Listed by frequency of use and position in the palette.

My go-to boot for nearly four years. Exceptionally well made with great grip on any surface. Durable and robust so they handled off-trail travel and a heavy pack with ease.

Creativity is like the tide. Every time it goes out, no matter how far, it always, eventually, returns. Reflections on inspiration,...

Notes and behind-the-scenes insights on the thoughts, materials, and processes that I use to turn a small field sketch into a much larger painting!

The Catalyst was my go-to pack for three years. Lightweight, durable, and able to carry surprisingly heavy loads comfortably, it is a trusty ultralight pack.

Complete list of all the gear and art equipment I carried on my backpacking trips this year!

I've had the privilege of attending 18 art residencies around the world. This article shares my thoughts on choosing residencies, tips for applying, and many other things to think about when exploring these awesome opportunities.

With each step, another piece of petrified wood comes into view, and every shard is a unique tapestry of color, pattern, and fractured stone. This story shares the unexpected color mixes I came to love for this unique place.

Painting outside has unique challenges that led me to gather a lightweight collection of tools that make it easy and fun to create outdoors.

Exploring my favorite colors for painting the desert southwest landscapes of Utah.

This small drawing is called a thumbnail sketch, and it is one of the most powerful tools we have to learn about a landscape and set our...

Sometimes we don’t have time to make a full painting. Instead, try creating short, small, and fun studies of changes you see in a landscape.

In-depth 4+ year review! The best tent I’ve ever owned. Lightweight, all-season, and insanely durable solo tent I plan to use for the rest of my life.

A synthetic insulation layer that became my favorite jacket. I got this jacket three years ago, and since then it has gone on nearly every adventure, from hiking in France to backpacking in the North Cascades. After 16 months of testing, the results are in. This is the best midlayer insulation jacket I have owned. So good that it has gone on every hike, backpacking trip, and international adventure since I got it. Four year+ update: This jacket is now called the Proton Hoody.