Some people are born adventurers, and Emily Schrick is one of them. Her love for hiking began during her college years in the Pacific Northwest, where the sight of Mount Rainier inspired her to explore the incredible beauty of the outdoors. Since then, Emily’s journey has taken her from multi-day backpacking trips in the Sierra Nevada to hiking international trails in South America and Europe, with a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail as a crowning achievement.
Emily’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether she’s tackling a 32-mile day on the trail, planning routes with GaiaGPS, or savoring breakfast in a trail town where the mayor is a Golden Retriever, Emily embodies the spirit of adventure. In this blog, she shares her most memorable hikes, favorite destinations, and tips for getting started, plus how she uses Sierra Stick to stay comfortable and moisturized in the great outdoors.
Get ready to be inspired by Emily’s tales from the trail and her advice for finding your own path to adventure!
What inspired you to start hiking?
I started hiking while I was attending college in the Pacific Northwest. I was able to see Mt. Rainier on every clear day from campus and seeing that mountain so regularly inspired me to get outside and explore awesome places. Sadly, I didn’t get to visit the national park until the week I moved away! But I credit the mountain for igniting my sense of wonder.
Do you prefer day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips?
I prefer multi-day backpacking trips! I love being able to carry everything I need into the backcountry and really feel like I’m getting away from everything.
What’s the most challenging hike you’ve done?
Probably my thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. It was more mentally grueling than physically challenging, and to this day I’m still amazed with my grit in actually doing the entire trail.
How do you choose your next hiking destination?
Such a hard question because my hiking bucket list is so long! In reality, I choose by convenience, but it really depends on the season of life I’m in. For the last few summers, I’ve been staying close to home and hiking a lot in my home range: the Sierra Nevada. The list of hikes I want to do there is literally endless, so I just pick one where there’s permit availability, and go!
What’s the longest distance you’ve hiked in one day?
My longest day on trail was 32 miles in southern Oregon on the PCT!
Do you prefer hiking alone or with a group?
I’d say I prefer hiking alone because I like being able to pace myself on my own terms, but I love being at camp and relaxing with friends.
Do you use any apps or tools to plan your hikes?
Yes, all the time! I always map out my routes for my backpacking trips on GaiaGPS. And I’ll use AllTrails to research popular hikes in an area and check for recent trail conditions reports.
Have you ever done any international hiking?
Yes, I have! I’ve been hiking in Canada, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. And I’m super excited to add Iceland, Corsica, and Italy to that list this fall!
What’s a hiking destination on your bucket list?
Right now, the South Island of New Zealand is at the top of my list. But I still really want to go back to Washington and hike in the Cascades, especially in the Pasayten Wilderness.
How do you stay motivated during tough hikes?
I tell myself that the payoff will be awesome – the view, the feeling of making it to the top of the peak or the next campsite. I don’t let myself feel bad about pace, and remind myself that I have all day to hike and to just put one foot in front of the other. If you just think of a hard hike in terms of multiple small steps, you’ll get there!
What’s your favorite season for hiking and why?
Summer is simply the best (minus mosquitoes). I love the long days, the warmer weather, wildflowers, and the possibility of jumping into an alpine lake.
Do you have any tips for beginners?
To just start! You don’t need all the fancy gear to get hiking. In most cases, your current gym shoes and clothing are going to be fine for day hikes! Just make sure you’re packing the ten essentials to stay safe. If you want to get started backpacking, I highly recommend taking a class with REI if you have one near you. As a former REI class instructor, I can guarantee that we love having students and all we want to do is make you feel confident outside!
What’s the best trail town you’ve visited?
One of my favorite towns on the PCT was Idyllwild. It’s such a cute community and the Red Kettle was one of the best breakfasts I had on trail! Plus, the mayor of Idyllwild is a Golden Retriever – how much better could the town get?!
How do you stay safe while hiking in remote areas?
I always leave a trip plan with my mom, and with guidelines about when I’m expected to have cell service and be in contact with her after a hike. I also take my Garmin inReach on all of my trips in case I get into serious trouble. When hiking though, I stay alert. I continually check my maps to make sure I’m in the right place, I keep an eye on the sky and watch out for changing weather, and I make noise occasionally, especially in wooded and brushy areas, to alert wildlife to my presence. I also make sure to take care of myself: stay hydrated, eat often to prevent “hanger”, keep applying sunscreen to exposed skin, and Sierra Stick to my lips to keep them from getting chapped and painful
Emily Schrick’s passion for the outdoors is truly inspiring, from her unforgettable thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail to her international adventures and favorite trails in the Sierra Nevada. Her story reminds us that with a little grit and curiosity, the possibilities for adventure are endless.
If you’re eager to learn more about Emily’s hiking experiences, check out her blog at backcountryemily.com, where she shares detailed trip reports, gear guides, and tips to help you plan your own epic adventures. Happy hiking!