Lauren Danner

I’m Lauren.

In a nutshell, this is what I do: Hike. Write. Repeat.

My love affair with public lands started when I was 12 years old. My parents took me out West, part of a great American tradition of touring our national parks. In the space of three weeks, we visited Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite, Zion, and Bryce Canyon. I fell in love with the West, its mountains and big skies that are our spectacular natural heritage. When the opportunity came to move to Washington state for grad school, I took it. Ever since, I’ve lived within day-hike distance of Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks.

I grew up in the not-so-wild suburbs of New Jersey, and I didn’t know the first thing about hiking, backpacking, or camping until I met my Oregon-born husband, Mr. Adventure. When he gave me a fleece pullover and glacier glasses for my birthday, I knew we were meant to be.

My idea of an excellent day is one spent outdoors in a national park, national forest, or wilderness area. The more I explore the wilderness outside, the more I connect with my inner adventurer. I share my experiences on my blog, where I write to inspire others to explore and steward their public lands. Because as John Muir observed, going outside is really going in.

My love of national parks led me to write a book about the history of North Cascades National Park, a little-known gem here in Washington. Crown Jewel Wilderness: Creating North Cascades National Park is published by Washington State University Press and available at your local bookstore or favorite online retailer. The park turned 50 in 2018 and it was great fun to be part of the celebration.