This summer, I am joining “Hiking Club 4.0”, an exclusive outdoors club consisting of my three siblings and I. The “4.0” stands for the four of us (brilliant, I know), and the plan is to go on a hike together each week, beginning with easier local hikes and saving the sweatiest for the end of the summer. Based on the handy-dandy demographic stats from the Gonzaga website, the majority of GU students hail from Washington, followed by California, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. While I will not be able to travel to all of these states this summer, I’m hoping to check off the top hikes for each state at some point during my Gonzaga career – hopefully with the members of Hiking Club 4.0. Check out how cool they are!
1. Washington: Mt. Pilchuck
The look-out is so worth it. Leave early to catch the sunrise!
2. California: Sandstone Peak in Malibu
Mountains, coastline, plants, rocks – what more could you ask for?
3. Oregon: Neahkahnie Mountain
I’ve never been here, but I love the name and the photos are beautiful!
4. Colorado: Four Pass Loop
Wildflowers, alpine lakes, and waterfalls, all at the cost of a “moderately difficult” ascent (experiences may vary…).
5. Idaho: Sawtooth Lake
Waterfalls and intermittent “mellow hills”: two of my almost-favorite-things, slightly surpassed by “nonexistent hills.” Also, the name reminded me of the Ice Age movies… but those are sabertooths.
Regardless of where you live, get hiking this summer!