Experiencing Wilderness

Beware your expectations. Having just emerged from the Pasayten Wilderness Area in North Central Washington State – the most remote section of the entire PNT - we were reminded that expectations can be dangerous.

The Pasayten lies miles beyond exurbia, is buffered by National Forests, and home to the most diverse collection of charismatic mega-fauna we'll encounter - from mountain lions and goats, to elk and moose, ptarmigan, harriers, marmots, and more. We expected long days, scenic vistas, and complete separation from the outside world. What we got was miles and miles of quality trails, 360-degree panoramas, jagged snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and the true awareness that if anything were to happen help was days, not hours, away.

What we lacked was solitude. We saw and interacted with more people in two weeks of the Pasayten than in the previous two months combined.

What did we learn? When too many people search for solitude in breathtaking, remote landscapes, often no one achieves their goal.

View from atop Devil's Dome, Pasayten Wilderness