TrailBliss Blog

The Compass of Night is a reflection on what darkness restores. Beneath Washington’s dimming skies, it follows the quiet lessons of starlight—how awe reorders perspective, how stillness refines belonging. From Chaco’s November sky to alpine ridges where the Milky Way still breathes, it explores how walking into night becomes a way of remembering our place in the vastness.

Before trees or flowers, there was moss. Then came lichen—a quiet partnership shaping the world grain by grain. In Washington’s damp forests, they turn stone to soil, store water, and write time across bark. Their quiet persistence reveals how strength can live in patience and how impermanence is not loss, but renewal. To notice them is to see the planet breathing in miniature.

On the trail, there is always the pull to keep moving. Miles to cover, elevation to gain, summits to reach. Apps tally steps, watches blink heart rates, and a hidden voice whispers: faster, farther. Yet the moments that stay with us rarely happen in motion. They arrive when we stop.

Whether you're new to hiking or want to feel more confident on the trail, this post will walk you through how to build and maintain trail-specific fitness.

Let’s talk about how to eat smart on the trail, why certain snacks work better than others, and how to whip up trail mixes so tasty, you’ll wish you were hiking just to eat them.

Hiking challenges our bodies in all the best ways — but it can be tough on the knees. As hinge joints, our knees absorb and transfer force between the ground and the rest of the body.

Discover how mountain hikes restore body and mind—science, stillness, and 10 trails across Washington that offer true renewal.

Let’s explore the magic of hiking in Washington’s weather and celebrating the richness of each condition.

The ten books I’m sharing with you here have moved me to reflect, to reconsider, and to live fully with renewed curiosity and reverence.

Explore Washington’s winter wonderlands with confidence and safety with the right knowledge and preparation.

Snowshoes and microspikes both offers two distinct solutions for tackling winter trails. Let's take a look at both.

Here is a comprehensive list of winter hiking essentials that will help you stay warm, comfortable, and safe on the trails.

Backpacking gear as an investment. Sure, it might seem like a splurge upfront, but quality gear pays dividends in the long run.

It's essential to approach these encounters with caution, respect, and a healthy dose of awe.

Snowshoeing is the art of walking on top of deep snow without sinking, and offers a range of benefits for those seeking a winter adventure.

Winter hiking in Washington State is a magical experience that offers hikers a completely different perspective on its stunning landscapes.