u/MattSChan

What's going on gang!

In 2 weeks I'll be flying out to WA for about 6 days for some backpacking. My OG goal was to try some of the nicest backpacking trails with dramatic mountain views like Cascade Pass in NCNP, but understand that the PNW, especially the high mountainous areas like the North Cascades will most likely be snowed out and alot of areas inaccessable.

With that said, what are your recommendations for some trails with mountainous views that are currently/likely to be accessible by the last week of May? Ideally, I'd love a primitive tentsite with these views.

In terms of distance/duration, I'm flexible with anything 10-30 miles and 2-3 days of backpacking. I have snow travel experience with snowshoes, spikes, crampons, etc., in addition to basic self arrest skills with an ice axe.

Right now, judging by a few reports I've read on WTA's site, I've been considering a few trails to glacier views in Olympic NP, but would love to hear statewide recommendations from the locals!

Any/all recommendations are appreciateed, thank you!

What's good Mountain Gang! I'm exactly 2 weeks out from flying out to WA to tackle the Dissapointment Cleaver route with RMI guides for their 4 day trip. My question for yall is what should I be doing training wise to best prepare myself in these last weeks leading up to the trip?

To give context, I've been training feverishly since January, utilizing my own plan inspired by principles outlined in TFNA, including long hiking days, strength training sessions, both max and specific, as well as some cross training in the form of long runs. I basically spent the whole winter here in the northeast up and down NH 48ers, and even took a trip out to CO to tackle some 14ers and get used to my body at altitude. With that said, I feel like I've built myself a decent aerobic base and in fairly good shape for this trip. I want to say I'm in the best shape of my life rn.

About two weeks ago, I had what I'm pretty sure was a minor case of piriformis syndrome. I decided to take 1.5 weeks off, only doing small rehab exercises which seemed to help. Today, that glute pain is almost entirely gone, and this week I've eased myself back to my regular routine, trying not to cause further exacerbation.

With that said, in terms of training, what do yall recommend I do with these 2 remaining weeks? Just keep up my regular routine? How much should I focus on strength vs cardio? My understanding is that 2 weeks isn't going to do much aerobics wise so my plan was just to maintain it for now while also lifting to help with mobility.

Also, given my situation with taking a whole week off, is a taper even neccesary at this point? What do u recommend I be doing the week out from the trip?

All advice is appreciated, thank you!