Rachel Shoemaker

Hey y'all, Rachel aka "Dobby" here! I use she/her pronouns and hail from Western NC. I called NH home for a bit as well, which is where my adventures in backpacking began. In 2018, I hiked all the 4,000-footers in the Northeast (NE67) and in 2020, I started hiking the PCT but ended up having to pause that journey for the time being. I joined a friend over on the Colorado Trail instead, which was an excellent decision (would recommend). I returned to the PCT in 2022, and was finally able to fulfill my dream (but probably won't ever stop dreaming about it). I'm in Vermont now, studying at VLGS to become an environmental attorney. When I'm not buried in books or glued to my computer screen, you can find me out on the trails with my furry best friend, Lily. Happy adventuring and thanks for following along! :)

Posts

Hypothermic PCT Hiker Rescued in Deschutes National Forest

Hypothermic PCT Hiker Rescued in Deschutes National Forest

PCT hiker Hassan Falsafi, 57, of Weaverville, CA was rescued in the Diamond Peaks Wilderness area of Deschutes National Forest, OR by Douglas County

Oct 27, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Final Adventures in Washington – Part 3/3

Final Adventures in Washington – Part 3/3

"So let me get this straight. You want to get to Canada...by paddling all the way across Ross Lake?" Judging by the tone of their voice, I didn't

Oct 21, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Do You Really Need Rain Pants for Backpacking?

Do You Really Need Rain Pants for Backpacking?

When I set out to hike the Colorado Trail in July of 2020, I was mentally prepared for big climbs and stunning views. But I wasn't ready for monsoon

Oct 20, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Important Changes to the 2023 PCT Long-distance Permit Application

Important Changes to the 2023 PCT Long-distance Permit Application

Are you planning to hike 500 or more continuous miles on the PCT in 2023? The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) has made some changes to the PCT

Oct 17, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
18 Stunning Fall Foliage Hiking Photos to Brighten up Your Day

18 Stunning Fall Foliage Hiking Photos to Brighten up Your Day

"I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."—Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables. I couldn't have said it better, Lucy.

Oct 17, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
8 Reasons I Chose the PCT Over the AT for My First Big Thru-Hike

8 Reasons I Chose the PCT Over the AT for My First Big Thru-Hike

"You're from the East Coast? Why the PCT and not the AT, then?" I should've seen this one coming, I know. But the first time I was asked this

Oct 12, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Adventures (and Misadventures) in Washington – Part 2/3

Adventures (and Misadventures) in Washington – Part 2/3

Let's see, where did we last leave off? Right---the magical Alpine Lakes Wilderness... Not caught up? Read Part 1 of the adventure

Oct 5, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
9 AT Thru-Hikers Share Their Top Advice

9 AT Thru-Hikers Share Their Top Advice

We polled our '22 AT Bloggers to see what they learned over the course of their journey from Georgia to Maine. Read on to see what these nine

Oct 5, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
8 PCT Thru-Hikers Share Their Top Advice

8 PCT Thru-Hikers Share Their Top Advice

As it turns out, walking over 2,600 miles can give someone more than enough time to think about—well, a lot of things! Our PCT Class of 2022 Bloggers

Sep 29, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker
Adventures in Washington – Part 1/3

Adventures in Washington – Part 1/3

“I can’t believe this is happening!!!” is a phrase I shouted more than once as I walked - or waltzed, rather - across the long-awaited Bridge of the

Sep 27, 2022 : Rachel Shoemaker