u/tenderfoot_trails

The end of spring quarter nears, and I have a few mentors that have really amazed me this year. Not just in their support to me, but how hard they're working as teachers, committee members, and researchers. One in particular is really grinding it out, and they support SO many students, grad & undergrad -- I just want to let them know I think they're badass with a small gift or treat. But I am self conscious about what is appropriate! I grow lots of flowers, for example, but I feel awkward giving flowers to grown men with whom I have a professional relationship, and my garden isn't giving me any tomatoes yet x). Baked goods feel insufficient. What kind of small offerings of gratitude have y'all shared in the past? Even personalized examples (it might spur my imagination) are welcome. TIA!

Hey everyone. I've been planning to take my sister on a backpacking trip this June. She is getting back into it after several years of injury recovery, so we are looking for something with minimal elevation change (a little is okay, just <2k feet a day ideally). We have had Chelan Lakeshore trail on the calendar for months, but it sounds like its in pretty rough, even dangerous shape. It's hard to tell from the photos on WTA/AllTrails but the descriptions are very discouraging. While I am comfortable with exposure and no-fall zones, I think it's a little extreme for what we had in mind! Similarly, Enchanted Valley seems to be in rough shape as well (my second thought).

I know that people ask a lot about early season trails here, but what about that awkward, not-quite-summer-ish period of mid-June? Especially with the mild winter. I was already a little skeptical about the heat & sun exposure along Chelan, but there are few other lakeshore trails that offer the same level of scenery and no need to do a back-and-out, and I could see bug pressure being high. Also, to be even *more* of a Goldlilocks (I know, I know) we have backpacked on the coast together several times.

So, I am recruiting ideas from folks who are more creative than me, because I'm feeling a bit uninspired! I think I'm just bummed we can't do Chelan and it's clouding my brain. Does anyone have favorite late-spring, early-summer trails? Willing to drive up to 6 hours. Looking for a moderate adventure, e.g., medium elevation change, medium bug pressure, some water availability. We are both experienced and comfortable with a certain level of discomfort, but I also don't want to make my sister regret coming out with me! Ha.

Areas I know less about and would love perspective:

-East of the Cascades. What are the Kettles/Selkirks like at this time? How about the Wenaha-Tucannon or Eagle Cap wilderness? I've only ever been here in high summer.

-Oregon, in general (I know WA way better)

-Northwestern Idaho