We’re Ben and Katie, high school sweethearts turned full-time bloggers, and full-on lovers of the outdoors!
We’re both from Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you’re never been, here are two things you need to know about Minnesota:
- We have more than 10,000 lakes, and we are very proud of it. Some of them are clean enough to drink from.
- It gets cold in the wintertime. Like, really cold. If you don’t like seeing your breath and having your boogers freeze, don’t visit Minnesota in the winter. (You’re welcome!)
Katie was raised camping and fishing on the many lakes of Minnesota. Ben, on the other hand, grew up playing organized sports like football, basketball and track, and his introduction to the outdoor world came a bit later in life.
And while we always liked to consider ourselves “outdoorsy”, it took us moving to the mountains of Washington state to realize…
…we felt like total outsiders in the outdoor community.
There was all this lingo we didn’t understand, and sometimes it felt like a competition where everyone was trying to prove they were the most adventurous.
Over the next several years, we became kind of obsessed with all things outdoorsy.
We are still very much in the learning process. And we have so many skills we want to work on and adventures on our ginormous dream list.
Wherever you are on your outdoor journey, we’re here for you. We’re here to provide inspiration, tips we’ve learned by making mistakes, and helpful information to get you outdoors. To show you you’re not alone is feeling new or confused or overwhelmed.
Remember this: Everybody starts somewhere.
Expert skiers have fallen many times. Every climber has their first ascent. Each backcountry camper has a first time.
After a pretty traditional start to adulthood (i.e. graduating university with loads of student loans and starting jobs in the so-called “real world”), we had a crazy idea…
What if we took a break for a while and traveled?
And that’s just what we did. Over the next 6 years, we taught English in South Korea, hiked to Everest Base Camp, trekked to remote villages, volunteered on organic farms, worked at a ski resort, built our own campervan and lived in it for three months.
We saw the most epic sunrises and sunsets. Connected with people from all around the world. Lived with little. Spent countless hours outside.
Hiked in remote places without another soul for miles. Learned more about ourselves and this world than we ever thought possible. And fell deeply in love with life, the outdoors, and this earth that we’ve been so privileged to explore.
But after a handful of years of being nomadic, we found ourselves craving a home.
Psst! If you are curious about our international travels, check out our website, Two Wandering Soles, for the full story.
Long story short, we ended up moving to central Oregon, where we can be found working on our computers from coffee shops and getting out to explore this new on the weekends when we’re not traveling abroad.
And so, Go Wander Wild was created. A place for us to share what we’ve learned, to inspire and be inspired.
We’re obsessed with camping and hiking and learning new outdoor skills. And while our love for outdoor adventuring started as a hobby for just the two of us, we now have a young daughter who we bring on many of our outdoor adventures these days!
Based in: Bend, Oregon
Favorite PNW hike: Colchuck Lake and the Enchantments
Favorite things:
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Hiking to hot springs
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Our recipe for “grown up” mac ’n cheese backpacking meals
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Backcountry sunsets with no other people around
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Playing Monopoly Deal by the light of our headlamps in our tent
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Swimming in alpine lakes
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“Zero days” where we hike somewhere, hang our hammock, and relax with a beer
Ask us about:
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Backcountry camping
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DIY-ing backcountry camping meals
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Hiking
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Campervanning
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Snowshoeing
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Snowboarding
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Wilderness First Aid certifications (NOLS)
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Outdoor adventures with baby and toddler
Ben & Katie’s recent articles
Breitenbush Hot Springs: How to Get There & What to Expect
Offering far more than several geothermal pools, remote Breitenbush Hot Springs is a full-blown wellness retreat with an incredible story. We put this guide together so you know exactly what to expect, from how to get there to what’s included, lodging options, tips from our personal experience, and more.
20 Incredible Oregon Waterfall Hikes
With so many mountain ranges and forests, not to mention all that rain, it’s no surprise there are dozens of spectacular Oregon waterfall hikes. We've rounded up a list showcasing the full variety, from coastal falls to 600-foot drops and secluded swimming holes. Explore them all, and get ready to [...]
17 Incredible Oregon Waterfalls to Chase
Consider visiting some of the top Oregon waterfalls, which come along with unlimited opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, camping, and other fun outdoor activities. Many waterfalls in Oregon are located along the coast and in easily-accessible state parks, making it a great option no matter how much time you have.
Antelope Canyon Hike: Arizona Trail Guide
It may be one of the world’s most photographed places, but there’s a LOT to know before tackling Arizona’s famed Antelope Canyon hike. From which canyon to visit (Upper or Lower) to choosing a tour operator, we break down all the important details in this trail guide.
15 Best Hikes in Arizona for All Levels & Abilities
With everything from hidden caves to slot canyons and hot springs in the middle of the desert, Arizona is full of natural wonders. We put together this guide to the best hikes in Arizona, including trail stats, to help you do some epic hiking.
Havasu Falls Hike: Havasupai, Arizona Trail Guide
The Havasu Falls hike in Arizona ranks among the top backpacking experiences in North America, and perhaps the world! The hike requires a lot of pre-planning, which is why we've compiled the ultimate trail guide with all the essential information to ensure a successful and enjoyable hike!
Boynton Canyon Trail & Subway Cave: Sedona Hiking Guide
Home to the famous ‘secret’ Subway Cave and an especially unique energy vortex, it’s no surprise the Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. We put together this trail guide with everything you need to know, including how to find the hidden cave.
15 Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona for All Levels
With stunning red rock scenery and gorgeous weather much of the year, nearly ALL Sedona hikes are fantastic. This trail guide highlights the best hikes in Sedona, Arizona for all levels of difficulty.
15 Best Hikes at Joshua Tree National Park, California
Joshua Tree National Park is a renowned climbing and astronomy destination, but it’s also home to some fantastic hiking trails. With features including slot canyons, long-abandoned mines, and boulders you can scramble, the best hikes in Joshua Tree are unique and memorable.