Find Yourself: Everything You'll Need for Your Life-Changing Adventure to the Pacific Northwest
Do you ever get the feeling that you don't quite know who you are yet? Maybe you need a voyage of discovery. A journey like no other that will help you to find yourself. Many people like to get away from their regular lives for a time and do something completely different. Trying to figure out who you are on the road can be hard, and that's why you need a really specific kind of trip.
Well, have we got the perfect choice for you! What you need is a life detox. You’ve got to have an adventure and experience that is unlike any you’ve ever had before. And the way you achieve this is by heading somewhere full of beauty, wonder, magic, and mystery. We’re talking, of course, about the Pacific Northwest, one of the great vestiges of natural beauty left in our nation. Here is a list of everything you’ll need for a life-changing adventure in the PNW.
First Things First
The first thing you have to do is plan your journey to this little slice of paradise. If you’re an indigenous American you’ll no doubt know the way. You may even have been here before! For those who might be coming to us from a distant land, you will need to sort out your travel requirements before you arrive. That means ensuring you have a valid and up to date passport. You also may need to apply for an ESTA, and realize problems you may have with the application. You can find out more information by heading online and finding out as much as possible before you get started.
Guide Books/Maps
It’s also a good idea to stock up on maps and guide books to help you through your time here. You’re going to be encountering some very beautiful, but very remote terrain. Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy and experience the Pacific Northwest, but you need some idea of where you’re going to and what you’re doing. And these will give you a hand at familiarizing yourself with the area.
Local Guide
We would also champion the idea of hiring a local guide for your hiking adventure. You’ll be spending a lot of time out in the great wide open. And you might be hiking rather treacherous trails. So, you need to have someone with you who knows the ropes, so to speak. Having an expert guide to help you and look after you is imperative to make sure you enjoy your experience.
A Buddy
A life-changing adventure is not necessarily one that you have to experience alone. In fact, this wonderful corner of Americana is often best enjoyed with a buddy. By having a friend along for the ride, you can change your lives together. It will increase your safety and give you an outlet through which to have the adventure of your life. A buddy is the perfect companion for your PNW adventure.
Supplies
Of course, you can't take a journey or adventure of this significance without stocking up. You have to make sure you have all the supplies necessary for a hiking odyssey along the trails of the Pacific Northwest. Washington and Oregon are two of the most beautiful and breath-taking states in the country. But, to enjoy them fully you have to make sure you have all the necessary supplies with you.
Hiking Boots
Speaking of supplies, the number one thing at the top of your list should be a pair of hiking boots. Now, these need to be sturdy, and the best quality they can possibly be. Your hiking boots are the tools through which you will make the most of your hiking adventure. Make sure you do some research and choose the best kind of hiking boots before your trip.
Knowledge of a Few Trails
You’re likely to want to hike a few trails while you're here. Let’s be honest; the Pacific Northwest isn't the sort of place you visit just for a weekend! Spend some real time here and make the most of the surroundings. In order to do this, it’s helpful if you have knowledge of a few of the trails around the area. The big one is the Pacific Northwest Trail that sprawls for 1200 miles through three different states. And this is just one of the trails you can experience!
Camping Experience
When you embark on a hiking adventure, you’re going to need to understand that you can't check into The Ritz at the end of each day! And, why would you want to? You’re face to face with some of the most perfect and mesmerizing scenery in the world. And you get to enjoy a more stripped down and hands-on hiking experience. This involves camping your way around the hiking trails. So, some experience of camping is likely to help you before you go! Try to plan a warm up camping trip to get you in the right mood or mindset before you leave on your trip.
Hydrate
It’s also crucial to make sure you keep yourself hydrated, and many people overlook this. When you’re hiking out in the wilderness, it could be some time before you come across any water. You need to stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up, and to stay safe. And the way to do this is to make sure you have plenty of water with you, and that you drink plenty as well.
Be Safe
Finally, you must remember that safety is paramount on these sorts of trips, especially if you are alone. You don't want to wind up in a position where you get injured while you’re out on your own, or you encounter dangerous situations. So it’s always best to get a feel for an area and become friendly with other hikers as well.
So, now you’ve reached the end you are ready to dive into your PNW adventure. The excitement and anticipation are no doubt palpable. This will be an adventure and experience to change your life, and you will never feel the same again. An unforgettable and profound experience. And, if you really want to capture these moments forever, don't forget to pack your camera!
*This post was written in collaboration with an anonymous contributor.