Happy and Hiking for 2026: 52 Hikes in a Year

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! Mine was filled with love, great food, and the perfect Christmas Day spent on the river. And now! It’s the New Year! So while I still plan to share facts, news, and the whatnots about the environment, I’m going to do so in tandem with a personal goal: 52 hikes in a year!

Christmas Rafting on the Sandy River in Oregon! Dry suited up!

2026 Goal: 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks

My New Year's goal is to have at least 52 hiking days this year. Here are my personal parameters:

• 4-8 hikes per month

• Plan it out; the where, when, and how

• 1 day = 1 hike (for example, a three-day backpacking trip = three hikes)

• Push myself; aim for higher elevation and mileage (fitness goal)

• Go for new hikes (some repeats can be acceptable)

My Why

I’m challenging myself to do this because I want to dive deeper into the beauty and life of where I choose to live: the Pacific Northwest. It is such a privilege to live here. I moved out west to experience this beauty, and I have! This year, I want to elevate that and explore even more.

This life is a blessing.

This place a sanctuary.

This is my why. 

Hike No. 1: Cape Horn Trail Loop

My Word of the Year:

“Experience” 

My Phrase of the Year:

Hike the Mountain. 

I mean this literally and metaphorically. I find that when I feel good in my body and my soul, I navigate the world with much more grace. I like this phrase because it will encourage me to do hard things, whether that be an uncomfortable confrontation, standing up for my beliefs, scaling a mountain, or facing hard choices… all the complexities of life! I want to dance with this life in strength. I might not always want to hike the (metaphorical) mountain, but darn it, I’m going to hike it! 

I’ll share my hiking updates throughout the year with you in the form of blogs and videos. I made my first one on TikTok because I’m “hip,” so the kids say (they don't say that). Anyway! I’ll keep you updated! 

As always, thank you for reading! And please, please, please, share your thoughts, comments, and your goals with me! This is a community activity! If you’re also doing 52 hikes this year, reach out! I want to know your strategies, ambitions, and your why. Happy hiking, y’all!