This schedule assumes a spring 2028 departure (April or May depending on destination) and works backward to build appropriate conditioning. The Pacific Northwest weather dictates scheduling—prime hiking season runs May through October, with shoulder seasons offering lower-elevation options and winter requiring creativity or indoor supplementation.
Tier 1: Day hikes, weekend conditioning
Tier 2: Multi-day backpacking, extended weekends
Tier 3: The main event, spring 2028
Training Principles
- Consistency over intensity: Regular moderate effort builds sustainable fitness better than sporadic heroics. One hike per week maintains baseline; two per week builds capacity.
- Progressive loading: Increase either distance or elevation each month, not both simultaneously. Your body adapts to gradual stress, rebels against sudden jumps.
- Terrain variety: Forest, elevation gain, coastal, scrambling—each teaches different lessons about foot placement, pacing, and what your ankles can tolerate.
- Gear testing: Every overnight trip is a systems check. Boot break-in, pack adjustment, sleep system refinement, cooking routine—iron out problems at home, not abroad.
- Recovery weeks: Schedule easier hikes or rest after multi-day trips. Accumulated fatigue without recovery leads to injury, not improvement.
- Weather training: Don't avoid bad weather entirely. Learn what rain does to your motivation and your gear while you're an hour from the car, not a week from civilization.
Establish baseline fitness, explore local trails, test initial gear choices. Focus on consistency and building weekly hiking habit.
Early March Weekend
Discovery Park Loop
2.8 mi • 300 ft gain
Shake off winter, establish spring baseline. Flat coastal walking to remember what sustained movement feels like.
Mid-March Weekend
Twin Falls Trail
3 mi • 500 ft gain
Forest walking, modest elevation. Test current footwear and pack setup for day hiking.
Late March Weekend
Wallace Falls (Lower Falls)
5.6 mi • 1,200 ft gain
Step up in both mileage and gain. Beautiful old-growth forest reward. Start building uphill stamina.
Early April Weekend
Little Si
4.7 mi • 1,300 ft gain
Classic conditioning hike. Steeper sections teach pacing on sustained climbs.
Mid-April Weekend
Rattlesnake Ledge
4 mi • 1,160 ft gain
Benchmark hike—use this regularly to gauge fitness progress. Quick elevation, good view payoff.
Late April Weekend
Ebey's Landing Loop
5.5 mi • 400 ft gain
Coastal bluffs, minimal elevation. Practice mileage without vertical punishment. Beautiful spring wildflowers.
Early May Weekend
Cougar Mountain
8 mi • 2,000 ft gain
Your current benchmark. See if spring training has made this feel easier than last fall.
Late May (Memorial Day Weekend)
Heather Lake
4.6 mi • 1,000 ft gain
Variable trail quality trains ankles for uneven terrain. Alpine lake reward. Good prep for first overnight.
Early June Weekend
Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls
7.2 mi • 2,000 ft gain
Sustained elevation gain, waterfall and alpine lake rewards. Building toward overnight capacity.
Mid-June (3-Day Weekend)
Lena Lake Overnight
6 mi RT • 1,300 ft gain
First overnight of the season. Test pack weight, sleep system, cooking routine. Gentle terrain allows focus on camp logistics.
Gear test: boots, pack fit, stove efficiency, sleeping pad comfort
Late June Weekend
Mount Pilchuck
5.4 mi • 2,300 ft gain
Your ceiling raiser. Fire lookout summit, views that justify effort. Most elevation gain to date.
July 4th Long Weekend
Hoh River to Five Mile Island
10 mi RT • minimal gain
Temperate rainforest overnight. Focus on sustained mileage with full pack. Cathedral forest feels like Scotland/Japan preview.
Use PTO for 4-day trip if needed. Test rain gear and pack covers.
Late July Weekend
Gothic Basin
9.2 mi • 2,600 ft gain
Alpine scrambling, sustained elevation. Building confidence with challenging terrain.
Early August Weekend
Snow Lake
7.2 mi • 1,800 ft gain
Alpine classic. Mid-summer fitness check.
Mid-August (3-Day Weekend)
Goat Lake Overnight
10.4 mi RT • 1,400 ft gain
Second overnight. Terrain variety—forest, creeks, alpine meadow—mirrors Scotland/Turkey landscape changes. Refine gear systems based on Lena Lake lessons.
Late August Weekend
Lake 22
5.4 mi • 1,400 ft gain
Recovery hike. Moderate effort, beautiful destination. Let the body absorb summer training.
Labor Day Weekend
Enchantments (Stuart/Colchuck Zone)
~15 mi • 2,500 ft gain over 2-3 days
Major milestone: first multi-day trip with consecutive walking days. Alpine terrain, permit-required destination. Tests consecutive-day recovery and mental stamina.
Apply for permit in spring. If unsuccessful, substitute Spider Meadow (2 nights) or similar.
Mid-September Weekend
Barclay Lake & Eagle Lake
6.4 mi • 1,500 ft gain
Post-Enchantments recovery. Moderate terrain, fall colors beginning.
Late September Weekend
Wallace Falls (Upper Falls)
8 mi • 2,000 ft gain
Extended version of spring hike. Measure progress—this should feel significantly easier than it did in March.
Early October Weekend
Heather-Maple Pass Loop
7.5 mi • 2,000 ft gain
Fall larch season. High-country loop with sustained views. Late-season conditioning.
Mid-October Weekend
Oyster Dome
6.5 mi • 1,700 ft gain
Local classic. Fall weather arrives—practice hiking in rain if it appears.
Late October Weekend
Fragrance Lake
5.4 mi • 900 ft gain
Lower elevation option as snow begins to close high country. Forest walking, likely wet—good rain gear test.
End of Year Gear Assessment
Before winter, evaluate: Boot condition and fit after 6 months of use. Pack comfort and adjustment needs. Sleep system adequacy (consider warmer bag if camping felt cold). Rain gear performance. Items that never got used vs. items you wished you'd brought. Make replacements or purchases before next season.
Monthly Weekend Hikes
Low-Elevation Rotation
Various
Maintain baseline fitness through Pacific Northwest winter. Options: Discovery Park, St. Edwards State Park, Meadowdale Beach, Carkeek Park, Lincoln Park. Supplement with indoor yoga/tai chi and daily walks. Goal is to prevent backsliding, not to build fitness.
Don't let winter break the weekly hiking habit. Even short, flat walks in rain maintain mental and physical readiness.
2026 Milestone: Completed first multi-day trip, established year-round hiking habit, tested initial gear setup. Ready to build on this foundation.
Increase frequency of multi-day trips, extend mileage, refine gear to ultralight where appropriate. Build consecutive-day endurance and mental comfort with sustained effort.
March Weekends (3-4x)
Re-establish Spring Baseline
Repeat 2026 spring progression
Discovery Park → Twin Falls → Wallace Falls → Little Si. Shake off winter, rebuild capacity. Should feel easier than last year.
Early April Weekend
Rattlesnake Mountain (Full)
11 mi • 3,800 ft gain
Extended version of Rattlesnake Ledge. Significant step up—this is your new ceiling raiser.
Mid-April Weekend
Mount Si
8 mi • 3,150 ft gain
The full version. Classic PNW conditioning hike. You're ready for this now.
Late April Weekend
Mailbox Peak (Old Trail)
5 mi • 4,000 ft gain
Brutal but short. Tests your tolerance for steep sustained climbing. Mental toughness builder.
Memorial Day Weekend (4 days with PTO)
Dosewallips to Constance Pass
~25 mi • 3,500 ft gain over 3 days
First true 3-day backpack. River valley to alpine pass. Consecutive climbing days, camp setup/breakdown routine, sustained effort. This is the tier 3 training.
Major gear test: multi-day food carry, blister management, consecutive-day recovery
Early June Weekend
Blanca Lake
8 mi • 2,700 ft gain
Post-Memorial Day recovery. Stunning destination, moderate challenge.
Mid-June Weekend
Granite Mountain Lookout
8.6 mi • 3,800 ft gain
Sustained elevation gain, fire lookout reward. Building single-day capacity.
Late June (3-day weekend)
Hidden Lake Peaks
~18 mi • 3,300 ft gain over 2 days
North Cascades overnight. Alpine terrain, wildflower meadows. Practice navigation and route-finding.
July 4th Long Weekend
Wonderland Trail Section: Longmire to Paradise to Box Canyon
~24 mi • 4,800 ft gain over 3 days
Second 3-day trip. Rainier circumnavigation section. Sustained mileage with elevation, established trail system. Major confidence builder.
Permit required. Tests your ability to maintain pace over consecutive days with real elevation.
Late July Weekend
Chain Lakes Loop
7 mi • 1,000 ft gain
Recovery hike. Heather meadows, wildflowers, gentle terrain. Let the body absorb Wonderland training.
Early August Weekend
Colchuck Lake (Day Hike)
8.5 mi • 2,300 ft gain
Stunning alpine lake. Rebuilding after recovery week.
Mid-August (4 days with PTO)
Olympic Coast: Third Beach to Oil City
~30 mi • minimal gain over 3-4 days
Coastal backpacking. Different terrain type—beach, tide pools, headland scrambles. Tests navigation, tide table reading, sustained mileage without elevation. Portugal/Kerry Way terrain preview.
Tide-dependent route. Teaches different planning skills. Bear canisters required.
Late August Weekend
Lake Ingalls
9 mi • 2,500 ft gain
Alpine larch preview, beautiful basin. Standard conditioning hike.
Labor Day Weekend (4 days with PTO)
Northern Loop Trail, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie
~35 mi • 6,500 ft gain over 4 days
Major milestone: 4 consecutive hiking days, significant total elevation and mileage. This is approaching tier 3 daily demands. Tests everything—gear, fitness, recovery, mental endurance.
Peak fitness test. Permit required. If successful, you're ready for West Highland Way/Lycian Way level effort.
Mid-September Weekend
Kendall Katwalk
11 mi • 2,700 ft gain
Post-Northern Loop recovery. PCT section, sustained but not punishing.
Late September Weekend
Larch viewing: Heather-Maple Pass or Ingalls Creek
7-9 mi • 1,800-2,500 ft gain
Fall colors, moderate effort. Celebrate successful season.
Early October Weekend
Rachel Lake & Rampart Ridge
9 mi • 2,400 ft gain
Late season conditioning. Weather may be challenging—good preparation for unpredictable conditions abroad.
October Weekends
Lower Elevation Rotation
Various 5-8 mi hikes
As snow closes high country: Tiger Mountain, Cougar Mountain, Rattlesnake Ledge, Oyster Dome. Maintain weekly habit.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Ebey's Landing or Fort Ebey
5-6 mi • minimal gain
Easy family-compatible hike. Recovery and reflection on year's progress.
Year-End Gear Review & Tier 3 Planning
By November 2027, you should have: (1) gear system tested through 4-day trip, (2) demonstrated ability to hike consecutive days with full pack, (3) experience with 30+ mile multi-day routes. Now: finalize tier 3 destination choice and book flights/accommodations. Identify any specialized gear needed (different climate rain gear, lighter pack, etc.). Make purchases in winter for spring departure.
Winter Weekends
Maintenance Hikes
4-6 mi, low elevation
Weekly hikes: St. Edwards, Meadowdale, Discovery Park, Lincoln Park rotation. Indoor yoga/tai chi 2x weekly. Daily 2-mile walks. Goal: maintain fitness gained, don't start spring 2028 from scratch.
This winter is crucial—you're maintaining peak fitness for spring departure, not building from baseline.
2027 Milestone: Completed 4-day backpacking trip with 35+ miles. Demonstrated sustained fitness over consecutive days. Gear system refined. Tier 3 destination booked.
Maintain peak fitness, complete final gear checks, taper before departure. Goal is to arrive fresh and confident, not exhausted from last-minute training.
January Weekends
Lower Elevation Conditioning
5-7 mi, moderate gain
Weekly hikes: Tiger Mountain, Cougar Mountain, Fragrance Lake. Maintain baseline without overtraining. Add weighted pack (10-15 lbs) to simulate tour conditions.
Mid-February (Presidents Day Weekend)
Wallace Falls (Upper)
8 mi • 2,000 ft gain
Fitness check. This should feel easy now—if it doesn't, increase weekly volume slightly.
Early March Weekend
Mount Si
8 mi • 3,150 ft gain
Final conditioning hike before taper. Full pack weight, tour pace. This is your dress rehearsal.
Note: Pack with actual tour gear, wear tour boots. Identify any last-minute adjustments needed.
Mid-March Weekend
Easy Recovery Hikes
3-5 mi, minimal gain
Begin taper. Light movement, no heavy effort. Let the body rest and repair before departure.
Late March Week
Daily Walks Only
2-3 mi, flat
Final week before departure: gentle daily walks, yoga, stretching. Stay loose but don't fatigue. Pack, repack, verify gear. Mental preparation.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Two weeks before: All gear tested and packed. Break-in any new items immediately or don't bring them. Verify boot condition—replace if needed. Test full pack weight on at least two hikes.
One week before: Taper begins. Light activity only. Confirm all bookings, permits, transportation. Review route maps and daily stages. Prepare any language basics needed.
Departure week: Rest. Trust the training. You've walked over 500 miles in preparation for this—your body knows what to do.
April/May 2028
Tier 3 Departure: Lycian Way / Kumano Kodō / Alta Via 1
8-12 days • Destination dependent • You're Ready
Two years of consistent hiking, tested gear, demonstrated multi-day capacity, mental familiarity with sustained effort. You've climbed over 60,000 vertical feet, walked 600+ trail miles, slept in your tent dozens of nights, and learned what your body can do when properly trained. The physical preparation is complete. Now it's about showing up, trusting the process, and walking.
Notes on This Schedule
- Weather flexibility: This calendar assumes cooperative Pacific Northwest conditions. If snow closes high-country routes late, substitute lower elevation alternatives. The principle (weekly hiking, progressive loading, multi-day trips) matters more than specific trails.
- Permit logistics: Enchantments, some Wonderland sections, and popular Olympics spots require advance permits. Apply early or have backup plans. Don't let permit failures derail the training schedule—substitute similar terrain and distance.
- Listen to your body: If you're injured or exhausted, take recovery weeks. Better to arrive at tier 3 slightly undertrained than overtrained and injured. The human body needs rest to adapt.
- Consistency over perfection: Missing a few hikes won't destroy your preparation. Missing months will. If life intervenes, get back to weekly hiking as soon as possible. The habit is protective.
- Track your progress: Keep a simple log: date, trail, distance, elevation, how you felt. Looking back over two years of entries before departure will build enormous confidence.
- The mental game: Physical fitness gets you up mountains. Mental fitness gets you through consecutive days when your feet hurt and the weather's against you. The multi-day trips teach this—pay attention to what your mind does under sustained effort.