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
86 episodes
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
Going Deeper with Nature on the Trail with Matthew Kessi
Matthew Kessi joins Jennie to talk about the emotional and physical benefits of connecting with nature while hiking and strategies for doing that, especially during times of personal transition.
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Episode 70
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45:25
How to beat the crowds on the trail by finding your own hike
Jennie and Craig discuss strategies and tools for finding your own hike and getting away from crowds.Support the Washington State...
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Episode 69
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23:33
The Best Hiking Summer Vacations in Washington State
Jennie and Craig discuss their favorite places for vacations focused on hiking in Washington State - including places that are off the beaten track.
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Episode 68
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21:31
A Tribute to the Carbon River area of Mt Rainier National Park
Jennie and Craig pay tribute to the Carbon River area of Mt Rainier National Park, which is currently closed because the Fairfax Bridge to access it has been permanently closed.
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Episode 67
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23:03
Best Spokane area hikes with Emily Mandagie
Support the Washington State Hiking Podcast with a tip (no account or commitment needed)
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Episode 66
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28:36
Best hikes for Early Summer in Washington State
Jennie and Craig discuss their favorite hikes for early summer that are snow free early and feel like summer.Support t...
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Episode 65
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15:06
Hiking in Southwestern British Columbia with Taryn Eyton
Taryn Eyton joins Jennie and Craig to talk about her favorite trails on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia as well as trail challenges to navigate on both sides of the border.
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Episode 64
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56:55
What Impact will Federal Staff and Budget Cuts have on Washington Hiking this year with Anna Roth (Part 2)
Washington Trails Association Digital Content Manager Anna Roth joins Jennie to talk about what to expect this summer on Washington Trails and how hikers can help in part 2 of this mini series.
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Episode 63
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25:57