For my 2026 goals, I’m leaning more into local adventures. I’ll still travel internationally, just much less than last year. For once, I actually think I can get everything done. For this year’s goals, I put additional effort on turning “highly organized daydreaming” into actionable plans.
I made a chart mapping the best windows for each goal based on weather and my schedule. A few are already locked in, and the chart keeps the rest organized.
Skiing
This year I’m skipping any ski elevation goals. I just want to finally check off the damn objectives that’ve been stuck in my head for years.
Skiing advanced Crystal terrain - I’ll be on the Ikon pass, which covers Crystal Mountain, where I loved skiing weekdays last season. A friend who knows the mountain well opened my eyes to all the hidden tree pockets and new lines I want to explore. I’ve got a loose goal to keep pushing into new terrain. I’m probably not ready for couloirs like Sheep Lake yet, but it’s fun to dream about.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Skiing in the Dolomites (Dolomiti Superski) - While riding the Dolomites lifts with a mountain bike in Sept 2025, I kept imagining what it’d be like to ski here. Three Seattle friends are joining me for a week of exploring Dolomiti Superski, also covered by the Ikon pass. I’m just planning on having a fun time in a beautiful place.
Chair Peak ski tour (9.5mi, 4000ft) - This scenic loop on Snoqualmie Pass is the closest backcountry to Seattle and doable as a day trip. It’s within my skill level, but the real challenge will be finding partners and getting lucky with conditions. So far the start to the season has been disappointing. More beta here.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Table Mountain ski tour (6mi, 2500ft) - This loop starts from what might be the most beautiful trailhead in the state. On a clear day, it offers views of Shuksan and Baker. I’ve wanted to do it ever since my AAIRE guide pointed it out. I’ll overnight nearby to get an early start. Some beta here, GPX line.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
The Birthday Tour (5mi, 3500ft desc) - A classic ski tour near Washington Pass, best done when Highway 20 opens (mid-April to mid-May). It requires a short car shuttle or hitchhiking a 2-mile stretch of road. It’s an ideal beginner tour, and I doubt I’ll have trouble finding friends to join. Route info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining. Kellen too.
Backcountry skiing Mt Baker (13mi, 8,000ft descent) - Paul skied this in early spring before the crevasses opened and the snow stabilized. I wouldn’t do it solo, but I’d love to summit Baker again. It’ll mean starting the night before, hoping for good conditions, and staying clear-headed through the altitude challenge. More info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Backcountry skiing Mt Adams (12mi, 6,700feet desc) - I’ve hiked Adams once on a perfect July day, and now I’d like to ski it. I’ll descend the easy, crevasse-free South Rib but would consider the Southwest Chutes with a partner. The long drive might make finding a partner tough, but I’m fine going solo. I’m aiming for June, conditions permitting. Route info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested in joining, maybe.
Surfing/swimming
No more goals of swimming. That just wasn’t fun at all.
Surfing on Oahu - My last surf on Maui went better than expected, so I’m curious to try again. Leah and I will be working remotely from Oahu for two weeks, and I’ll see how much I can progress as a beginner. I might skip taking more lessons and just learn by repeatedly wiping out in ideal conditions.
Cycling (road & gravel)
I cut out bigger ideas like Tuscany and the Trans-Pyrenees to stay focused on other goals during peak activity season. I’ll still do other local bike rides as opportunities present themselves.
Cycling San Juan Islands - The islands are one of the most underrated destinations near Seattle. Driving a car onto the ferry is always a hassle and lodging gets pricey, but a family friend will let us camp on his property on Lopez Island. Biking onto the ferry and using his place as a base to explore spontaneous farm stands and quiet coastal roads in summer sounds like a dream. Routes to consider.
Mountain biking
All of these are carry-overs from last year. I’ll ride plenty more than these, but these three need actual planning.
Number 2 Canyon - Leah and I stumbled on this spot after a Methow trip, and it became one of our most memorable rides. We descended Sundance Trail during peak wildflower season, and even with stormy skies, it was gorgeous and fun. Next time, we’ll overnight in Wenatchee (hopefully with friends!) instead of forcing it into a day trip.
Gifford Pinchot Forest (Strawberry Ridge) - The rugged terrain between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams has some of the best backcountry loops around, including Strawberry Ridge. The drive is reasonable and doable as a day trip. I skipped it last year because of road closures, which might continue this season. Route info.
Angel’s Staircase (23mi, 5k ft ele) - Angel’s Staircase is of Washington’s most demanding alpine MTB loops, with the state’s highest singletrack at 8,000 ft. The route circles Martin Peak through forests, subalpine terrain, and open ridgelines. The best window is larch season (September–October). It’s a big day, but car-camping at the trailhead makes it manageable, and we could follow it up with Thompson Ridge for a stacked weekend. More info.
Backpacking & day-hiking
I want to appreciate Washington’s hiking more this year, so these trails are locked in.
Sahale Arm (12mi, 4,000ft) - Sahale Arm is an iconic alpine trail with big views and big crowds. I’ll try for a backcountry permit through the daily lottery, but if that falls through, we’ll day hike it. More info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Hidden Lake Lookout (8mi, 3,300ft) - Hidden Lake Lookout is another classic with big views. It’s close enough to Sahale that we could link them back to back as day hikes. More info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Burroughs Mountain (9mi, 2,500ft) - Burroughs is known for the easiest up-close view of Rainier. If I can’t get a timed entry in summer, I’ll arrive before 7 a.m. and overnight nearby. More info.
PCT Section K (123mi, 26,000ft) - I did Section J of the PCT in four days and it wrecked me, so I’ll pace this one slower. Section K runs Rainy Pass to Stevens and is considered one of the toughest and most pristine stretches. I’d love for Leah to join. Shuttling will be the hardest part, but friends or trail angels could solve that. More info.
NOTE: Cliff is interested.
Mountaineering
I’m still open to finding partners, but after four years in Seattle, it’s been harder than expected. Instead of waiting for the perfect rope team, I’ll hire Will Nunez to make a few dream climbs happen. These are goals I’d only do with someone far more experienced anyway.
Mt Rainier - Greg pitched me on the idea, and I think we can assemble a rope team of solid mountaineers to get this done. We’d do the Disappointment Cleaver (DC) route.
NOTE: Cliff, Richard, Alek, Ted, and Greg are interested.
Torment-Forbidden Traverse (5.6, Grade IV) - A classic West Ridge of Forbidden with a traverse from Mt. Torment. It’s a three-day climb and a perfect chance to build alpine mileage. More info.
NE Buttress Mt Slesse (5.9, 24p) - A legendary route in British Columbia: less complex than TFT but more intense. Most parties do it in two long days but an additional half day makes things more fun. If I hire a guide, I want to climb, not just get hauled. Doing both objectives this year might be a stretch, but I’ll try. More info.
Climbing
These are the three routes I’m most excited to prioritize this year. They’ve all been on the list for a while and hit the sweet spot of classic, challenging, and achievable.
Trad: West Ridge of Prusik Peak (5.7, 4 pitch) - One of the most beautiful peaks in the country, with a moderate, clean ridge climb. The real crux is the permit, which blocked me last year. With the right partner, I’d even go for an 18-hour single push. Route beta, more info.
Trad: True Grit on Vesper Peak (5.8, 5 pitch) - I had my eye on Ragged Edge, but rockfall changed it a bit. True Grit offers the same exposure and position, and it’s a solid substitute. Route beta.
Sport: Prime Rib (5.9-, 11 pitch) - A sport climbing dream for all climbers for good reason. Mid-week should help skip crowds, and shuttling to the top avoids endless rappels. With the new hostel nearby, it’s an easy Mazama trip. September feels ideal, and with the right partner, I might tack on Flyboys. Route beta.
If you’re interested in tagging along for some of these, let me know.