Welcome to the third day hiking a beautiful Washington high route! Molly and Carrie discuss use of WAG bags in busy, fragile alpine environments. Carrie lets loose on this trip by wearing WHITE shoes. Molly describes the remarkable glacially carved terrain. The girls get to a “trail or creek bed” section. Carrie recounts what it is like to travel through the Necklace Valley. Molly smells the unmistakable scent of death…. or is she mistaken?
Join Carrie and Molly on their 100th podcast episode! The girls navigate the boulder fields from Chetwoot Lake to Iron Cap Lake. Carrie notes her interesting backpacking clothing choice. The sisters discuss their change in pace when navigating off trail. The girls reach the crux of their route. Thunder rumbles as they race to camp through more boulder fields and steep grades while admiring Washington’s beauty.
The girls set out from Big Heart Lake to experience all the alpine lakes high route has to offer. Molly gets outside her comfort zone while traveling off trail as route finding turns into a choice between two “bad” directions. The girls rest and use a creative way to stay cool at the beautiful Chetwoot lake. They begin the “choose your own adventure” of boulder field navigation. Rachel uses her superpower to spot cairns!
Molly, Carrie, and Rachel head into the heart of the alpine lakes wilderness. The sisters reveal the 2 pound item they will spurge and bring whenever they can. Carrie and Molly discuss considerations for hiking in hot weather. The girls are delighted by many ripe huckleberries. An injury occurs. Is Rachel’s trusty tent really indestructible?
Carrie, Molly, and Rachel are going to tackle the high route through the alpine lakes wildness in Washington! Hear about their planning considerations as they prepare for this gorgeous and challenging route. Before hitting the trail, the friends spend a night in an Airbnb and experience a series of strange events. Molly experiences a “mini spiral.” The girls think the trip may be in peril when they smell smoke.
We did it!!! Hike with Carrie and Molly as they complete their circumnavigation of Glacier Peak. Before making it back to the trailhead, they must scout for a spot to cross the Napeequa River. They experience less than pleasant conditions as they ascend Boulder Pass. The sisters decide to modify their itinerary. They hike on through the heat of the day, picking huckleberries and recapping Netflix shows. They talk post-trail routine when in the Washington Cascades and provide final thoughts on this long-awaited backpacking trip.
Carrie and Molly drop into the Napeequa Valley— and run into something unexpected. They must keep their eyes out for certain landmarks, allowing them to continue their path into this rarely visited and stunning location. Hear about the sights as they journey along the Napeequa and search for a crossing. For those who are willing to work for it, the Glacier Peak Wilderness does not disappoint!
Carrie and Molly begin the day with energy, as they enjoy swapping stories with a PCT hiker. The describe the vast beauty of the terrain east of Glacier Peak and provide ideas to explore there yourself. Have you seen Helmet Butte? Check out social media channels to see if you can spot the iconic butte! The sisters provide details on the scenery awaiting those who climb along Liberty Cap. Molly’s old fear of heights resurfaces. A concerning event happens while crossing a boulder field. The sisters climb a steep snow field and gain High Pass!
Carrie and Molly traverse wildflower meadows and befriend marmots as they continue north on the Pacific Crest Trail. They discuss differences in trail conditions based on weather and clamber through downed trees. Molly talks about one of her favorite spots along the trail and the sisters consider the best campsite based on the rodents in FarOut reviews. They encounter a discouraged hiker. Molly feels someone or something might be watching and chooses her method of self defense.
Carrie and Molly continue their trek through the Glacier Peak Wilderness, taking a pit stop at one of their favorite spots along the Pacific Crest trail. They make a decision on carrying water and descend through thickets and blow down on their way to Milk Creek. They encounter hiker who finds himself in a complex situation. They discuss PCT trail conditions this season in the Glacier Peak wilderness. Carrie reveals her “crazy girl delulu dream.” The sisters make an exciting discovery at camp.
Carrie and Molly embark on a big day traveling through the glacier peak wilderness on the pacific crest trail. They cross Kennedy creek’s glacial flow, muse over suspicions about Travis Decker, and meet challenges along the trail. The sisters discuss mindset during big climbs. Fire creek pass brings beautiful views and the sisters discuss the rugged terrain in this area of Washington.
Welcome back to the Glacier Peak Wilderness! The morning dawns bringing hope, uncertainty, and plenty of mosquitos. Learn one reason Carrie and Molly continue to share a tent, as well as a cat hole hack. As the girls hike, the trail brings many beautiful vistas, as well as a few specific physical challenges. Are you team downhill? Listen on to learn Molly and Carrie’s opinion. Carrie makes an unfortunate realization regarding mileage. Molly reads a message she wrote herself during a challenging time. Have you ever wished for a trampoline at the bottom of your doom spiral? Enjoy another day (up and downs included) on this dream hike!
The girls prepare to plunge into the unknown! After some uncertainty, they make it to the White River trailhead and experience the beauty only steps away. They offer their best tips for dealing with a brushy trail and sacrifice their bodies to mosquitoes. They relate the thing they were surprised to see in the valley. They talk about the profile of the trail and discuss the feeling of reaching the maintained Pacific Crest Trail after being on a trail you “find with your feet.” They offer a lesson all PCT hikers and recreators should be aware of when in the glacier peak wilderness. They comically consider the reason a campsite is called “reflection pond.” Join us on this majestic journey in some of the best backcountry in Washington!
Welcome to the Washington Cascades! Carrie and Molly are so excited to bring you along on their next adventure—the long awaited Glacier Peak circumnavigation! This episode lays the foundation for the entire epic hike around Washington’s most remote volcano. The girls provide a preview of the upcoming route, highlighting the distinct challenges they are about to encounter. They discuss considerations for what time of year to complete the circumnavigation and why they had to change their start date at the last minute.
The girl’s first trip to the Glacier Peak wilderness in 2021 was one of their most formative experiences as they built their backpacking skillset. They are thrilled to bring you back to one of their favorite places on earth.
The sisters are excited to discuss one of their favorite topics in backpacking — developing resilience and mental toughness. They discuss how unpleasant experiences on trail shape their ability to take on challenges off trail. They talk about different anxiety experienced before getting on trail and reveal their biggest fear as beginner backpackers, and how this has changed with years of hiking. They discuss dealing with challenges in the moment and the sense of accomplishment which translates to daily life. Stay to the end to learn what mindset advice Carrie and Molly would give their “beginner backpacker” selves.
Carrie and Molly discuss the one important item they did not originally bring backpacking., why reading instructions is important, their first experience using a bear can and the unique experience of sighting an unknown mammal. They give a strange, yet important tip for keeping gear safe. Hear how they plan their trips, the things to remember to check for, what weather resources they use, and other planning considerations. They discuss the hygiene items they bring and talk about their belief in the “hike your own hike” mantra. Tune in for fun and helpful stories alike!
Carrie and Molly delve into their experiences as new backpackers. They discuss their biggest barriers when transitioning from day hikers to backpackers. The girls talk about the five items they purchased to begin backpacking and the root of Molly’s biggest backpacking fear. They discuss how they prepared for their first backpacking trip and what pushed them to take that first trip. They discuss food storage, tips for new backpackers, and how they moved past one of their biggest backpacking fears.
The sisters reflect on their takeaways from their time in The Winds. They decide to tackle some additional off-trail travel and contemplate an oddly named pass. They discuss the surprising creatures that live in boulder fields and which became a big part of their off-trail experience in the winds. They finally get the perfect opportunity for a swim. They take candy from a stranger and learn about a new flavor combination which leads to a tasty trail snack! Once they leave the Winds, they add a bonus adventure in true Molly and Carrie fashion.
Molly and Carrie journey to the Cirque of the Towers. They discuss the best tent for The Winds, why you should always check behind your cat hole, the campsite element that makes them think twice, how they keep from fantasizing about food and what makes a pass go from intimidating to doable. Cross Texas Pass with them, swim in Lonesome lake, go off trail, admire Pingora Peak and wonder at the loudmouthed little Pikas.
Carrie and Molly are excited to be back, bringing you stories from their fifth day in the Wind River Range! You’ll hear a ballad which Carrie deems an instant classic, inspiring your very own theme song for the Winds. Revel in the incredible granite peaks for a phenomenal alpineglow while camping at Shadow Lake. Then, without surprise, the rain is back! Bringing lightning, thunder, and hail.
Mark your calendars so you can be sure to join the HIGHLANDER giveaway running May 8-15 to embark on your own adventure in Big Bear, California coming June 17-21, 2025. Check out our social media accounts (find us at 2 Sisters on Adventures) starting May 8th to enter!