Elise is a lifelong Washingtonian who fell in love with the PNW on her very first backpacking trip at age 7. Since then, she’s gone on backpacking trips every summer and is always trying to check more day hikes off her ever-growing bucket list (especially ones that include a swim in an alpine lake). When she’s not hiking, Elise enjoys long-distance running and skiing. She loves plants, animals, sunsets and sunrises, good coffee, and exploring small towns.