The Washington State Hiking Podcast
Welcome to the The Washington State Hiking Podcast with your host, Jennie Thwing Flaming. Along with part time co-host and guidebook author Craig Romano, she provides practical and timely seasonal hiking advice for hikers, trail runners and potential hikers of all skill and ability levels that is practical, accurate, fun and inclusive. We cover hikes near Seattle and Tacoma as well as hikes all across Washington from the rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the Shrub Steppe of Eastern Washington.
Jennie is a middle aged, plus sized, frequently solo slow hiker and a born and raised Washingtonian and has enjoyed Washington's trails her entire life. Craig is a trail runner and ultra marathoner who also loves the mellow walk close to home. Originally from New Hampshire, he has made his home in Washington for more than 30 years. He the author of more than 20 guidebooks covering trails across Washington State and beyond.
Episodes
94 episodes
Lessoned learned from three days lost in Olympic National Forest with Stephanie Lincoln
Stephanie Lincoln, former US Army Veteran and all around bad ass (and Washington State Hiking Podcast listener!) sits down with Jennie to share about what she learned and how's she's changed as a hiker since being a missing person for three day...
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Episode 92
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48:39
Best Holiday Hikes for 2025
Jennie shares some favorite hikes for holiday time - either to find great options for short, dark wet days or sharing the best of Washington with visitors as well as why it's worth it to get out and hike during the busy holiday season.
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Episode 91
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19:16
Should hikers be charged for Search and Rescue?
Jennie and Craig discuss the idea of charging hikers for Search and Rescue and whether or not it's a good idea and things to consider along the way.
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Episode 90
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47:15
Bainbridge Island Hikes
Jennie and Craig share their favorite hikes on Bainbridge Island and why it's such a terrific and underrated hiking destination.
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Episode 89
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23:38
What do you want from us in 2026 + Best November hikes
Jennie and Craig want your ideas for the podcast in 2026+ what to know about November hiking in Washington state and some of Jennie's favorite hikes for November
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Episode 88
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18:54
Hiking Washington's National Wildlife Refuges
Jennie and Craig discuss the many National Wildlife Refuges in Washington and why they are such wonderful and underrated hiking spots.
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Episode 87
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15:10
Learning about Indigenous Culture and History while hiking in Washington
Jennie and Craig talk about learning about Native Land while hiking in Washington as well as some of their favorite places to start learning.Indigenous Wa...
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Episode 86
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33:25
Should the Enchantments be closed?
Jennie and Craig discuss the hot topic of whether or not the Enchantments should be closed to hikers.
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Episode 85
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32:32
Doing a 100 Mile Trail Run for the First time at Age 64
Jennie interviews Craig about his experience this summer doing a 100 mile ultra trail run for the first time at age 64 - why he did it, how he prepared, and his advice for anyone wanting to take on a new challenge in midlife or later in life.&n...
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Episode 84
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47:17
Bonus - How did it go at Cutthroat Pass?
In this quick bonus episode Jennie shares how things went on the hike to Cutthroat Pass that we talked about in this week's episode.
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4:29
This Weekend's Larch dilemma
Jennie shares her last minute dilemma for a planned larch hike on Highway 20 this weekend and Craig joins in with his thoughts. Support the Washi...
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Episode 83
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36:49
Uncrowded Golden Larch Hikes
Jennie shares four golden larch hikes that aren't crowded for alpine and western larches. Happy Larch March season!Support the Washington State Hiking...
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Episode 82
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17:01
Hiking and Goats
Jennie and Craig discuss places to see goats while hiking in Washington as well as some basics about goats and goat safety.Suppor...
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Episode 81
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11:57
Best hikes for Fall 2025 around Washington State
Jennie and Craig discuss their favorite fall hikes for this year and this season all around Washington.Support the Washington Sta...
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Episode 80
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26:13
Preparing for and getting weather information for Washington hikes
Jennie and Craig discuss how to prepare for varied weather, where to find good information including without cell service and how to stay safe all year on the trail.
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Episode 79
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20:27
3 Amazing September Hikes in the Cascade Mountains
Jennie shares her top three September hikes in Washington's Cascade Mountains.Support the Washington State Hiking Podcast with a tip (n...
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Episode 78
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11:36
Fueling your hike - What to eat while hiking
Jennie and Craig discuss what they eat on hikes (spoiler alert - they eat different things!) and what to think about when deciding what food and how much to bring with you on your hike.
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Episode 77
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44:30
Best Hikes in Washington’s Selkirk Mountains
Craig shares his favorite hikes in Northeast Washington’s solitude filled Selkirk MountainsSupport the Washington State Hiking Po...
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Episode 76
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17:27
Best swimming lakes for late summer
Jennie and Craig discuss their favorite hikes to swimming lakes in WashingtonSupport the Washington State Hiking Podcast with a t...
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Episode 75
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17:02
What parking passes do I need for Washington State hiking?
Jennie and Craig talk about the sometimes confusing system of parking passes across Washington State and how to figure out which pass you need for what hike.
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Episode 74
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18:45
The Best Alpine Wildflower hikes in Washington State
Jennie and Craig discuss their favorite alpine wildflower hikes across Washington for peak alpine wildflower season in Late July and early August.
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Episode 73
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20:15
The Best Peak Summer hikes in Washington
Jennie and Craig talk about their favorite hikes for mid summer across Washington State.Support the Washington State Hiking Podca...
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Episode 72
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14:57
Best summer hiking vacations near Washington in Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia
Jennie and Craig talk about their favorite summer hiking destinations in our neighbors - Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.Suppo...
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Episode 71
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24:28