Outdoors

Adventures in Nature and Sustainability

Exploring the Outdoors

A Journey in Adventure and Sustainability

My love for the outdoors drives not only my personal adventures but also my professional pursuits. The beauties of the natural world never cease to amaze me, and I thrive in the challenge of pushing myself to accomplish my goals.

Already in my lifetime, I have seen the effects of climate change on the lands that I love. This impact has driven me to pursue a career in energy savings to protect our planet.

Here are some of my most memorable outdoor adventures, from mountaineering to long-distance races.

Mt. Rainier: The Wonderland Trail

7 days of world class views with lifelong friends, this was truly a trip to remember. Covering 96 miles and over 28,000 feet of total elevation gain/descent through all weather conditions, this was a mental test just as much as it was physical.

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is a locally known gem nested away in northern Puget Sound. Returning here after many years brought me back to my childhood, exploring the rocky beaches and tidepools, always looking for new sea creatures to discover.

Mt. Adams

Summiting Washington’s second highest peak in a single day was a grueling battle against altitude and incline. The climb was one of the most enjoyable events in my life, further cementing my mountaineering dreams.

Solstice 15k

The Solstice 15K was a thrilling race through an old World War II Navy base, Magnuson Park, located in Seattle.

The Brothers

The Brothers is one of the most prominent peaks in the Olympic Mountains and easily identifiable from Seattle. The immaculate views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains made the 17 miles and 7,000 feet of elevation gain well worth the trip. Seeing this peak from my office building every day always makes me proud.

Mountaineering training course

My first venture into learning to lead mountaineering trips was an outstanding success. This crevasse rescue course taught me the technical rope skills required to feel comfortable with glacier rescue.

Whidby Island Half Marathon

This half marathon was a scenic test of my endurance, leading me through the hills, forests, and beaches of beautiful Whidbey Island. In my first endurance race, I was able to outperform my expectations and gave myself the itch for future races.

Cherry Blossom 5K

A picturesque run through blooming cherry blossoms, this race combined the serenity of nature with the joy of outdoor athletics.

Washington Coast

A backpacking trip with friends that showed the diversity of Washington’s beauty each day. Going between hills and rainforest to the sandy beaches, this trip had something everyone can enjoy.

Old Snowy Mountain

A prominent peak between three of Washington’s volcanos, this trip gave dreamlike views that I was able to experience, camping atop the mountain.

Eastern Washington

A solo trip during COVID, I was able to appreciate some of Washington’s lesser known beauties and further learn to love my home state.

Gothic Basin Backpacking

Nestled in the North Cascades, this trip offered immaculate alpine views.

Canoe Trip to Hudson Bay

This three week trip, paddling 500 miles through the Canadian wilderness was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of this route lived up to its name: God’s River.

British Columbia Mountaineering

Exploring the majestic mountains of British Columbia, this adventure deepened my appreciation for the beauty and power of the natural world.

Luke Johnson