About
Growing up in rural New Hampshire I fell in love with the natural world. A former Boy Scout, backcountry ranger in NH’s White Mountain National Forest, and a ski bum in Vermont, the outdoors is my calling! I have traveled extensively, from Alaska to Argentina, Sicily to South Korea, seeking wild and spectacular landscapes. I rank Washington State, my home since 1989, among the most beautiful places on the planet and I have thoroughly hiked it, more than 30,000 miles worth from Cape Flattery in the NW to Puffer Butte in the SE; Cape Disappointment in the SW to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness in the NE.
I’m an avid hiker, runner, paddler, and cyclist, and have written about these passions for more than two dozen publications, including; Seattle Met, Backpacker, Paddler, Northwest Runner, Mountaineers, Washington Trails, Adventures NW, AMC Outdoors, Northwest Travel, and Outdoors NW. I am also the content provider for Hikeoftheweek.com, and author of more than twenty-five books. I am currently working on Backpacking Washington 2nd Edition (2021); and Day Hiking Central Cascades 2nd Edition (2022). Both of these titles are being published by Mountaineers Books. I am also working with Judy Bentley on Hiking Washington’s History 2nd Edition (University of Washington Press 2021).
I hold the following degrees; an AA in Forestry from White Mountains Community College (NH); and a BA in history and Masters in Education from the University of Washington. I live with my wife, son, and cat Giuseppe in Skagit County close to the North Cascades and the San Juan Islands.
My hiking assistant
My wife Heather and I were blessed in December 2014 with a new hiking partner, Giovanni. As of November 2020 this little intrepid hiker has already accompanied us on more than 250 hikes including adventures in the North Cascades, Olympic Peninsula, British Columbia, Joshua Tree National Park, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Acadia National Park.
About my office assistant, Giuseppe
Giuseppe joined me in July of 2008 to be my trusted office assistant. Scruffy Gray showed up at my deck the following winter looking for a job. They both have brought a positive and cheerful attitude to my office except when they’re napping-which is frequent-reminding me to nap as well before diving into my next project. On February 19th, 2013 I had to say goodbye to my dear Scruffers. I miss her immensely. She touched me like no other animal has ever done before. In September of 2013, Mazie a beautiful 8-year old tortoise shell Manx joined our household and has quickly taken over Scruffers’ duties. Sadly, Mazie left us for Kitty Heaven in October 2016. I miss dearly this kitty–one of the most affectionate felines I have ever had the pleasure to love. Sadly, Giuseppe passed away the end of November 2021.
Public Speaker
I love sharing with others my abundant knowledge of hiking, the trails of the Pacific Northwest, and conservation issues. I have given book talks, presentations, and slideshows to a wide array of audiences. I am available to speak to your organization, function, or work place. Please contact me at about my rates and terms and let’s plan a presentation!
Hiking Guide
When not writing about the outdoors I’m out in them. I have worked in the past as a hiking guide in the Pyrenees of France and Spain and as a backcountry ranger in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. I am available from time to time to lead hikes as part of fundraising and book events.
Hiking to Protect our Environment
I regularly lead hikes with/for various conservation organizations to help raise funds and awareness for protecting our natural heritage. Organizations that I have worked with include: