Mike Lanza, BACKPACKER Northwest Editor

Some things are so inevitable there's no sense disputing them: death, taxes, and the unrivaled beauty of the Sierra.

Hike this trail to find peace, stress relief and a tonic to cure your daily routine.

Find spectacular views and deep solitude on this weekend hike.

Don't miss your chance to take the best dayhike on the CDT.

You won't want to miss this breathtaking 8-mile dayhike.

Like crowded campsites and easy trails? Then by all means avoid this deafeningly quiet expanse of rugged, wildlife-rich mountains and forest in Washington's North Cascades.

Pick your poison with three epic adventures in Yellowstone: camping, canoeing, and ski touring

Write your own ticket to new adventures with these 10 territory-expanding skills.

Idaho is full of surprises--whitewater in the country's deepest canyon, endless climbing at City of Rocks, and high, wild scrambles in the Sawtooths.

Push yourself on any of these challenging hikes

Is there a sense that's more powerful? We'll let you be the judge.