Key milestones: Memorial Day 3-day trip (Dosewallips), July 4th Wonderland section, August Olympic Coast, Labor Day Northern Loop (4 days, 35+ miles). Full calendar continues same monthly patterns with increased difficulty.
Spring rebuild: Repeat 2026 progression (Discovery → Twin Falls → Wallace → Little Si → Rattlesnake). Add: Mount Si (8 mi, 3,150 ft), Mailbox Peak (5 mi, 4,000 ft). Memorial Day: Dosewallips to Constance Pass 3-day backpack.
Weekly conditioning hikes: Lake Serene, Granite Mountain (8.6 mi, 3,800 ft), Blanca Lake. Multi-day trips: Late June Hidden Lake Peaks overnight, July 4th Wonderland Trail section (3 days, ~24 mi), Mid-August Olympic Coast (3-4 days, ~30 mi).
MAJOR MILESTONE - Labor Day Northern Loop: 4 consecutive days, 35+ miles, 6,500 ft gain. This is your tier 3 fitness test. Post-recovery: Kendall Katwalk, larch viewing, October lower-elevation rotation as snow arrives.
2027 Complete: Successfully completed 4-day, 35+ mile backpacking trip. Demonstrated consecutive-day endurance and recovery. Ready for tier 3.