Journey Through the Trails

—————-—

Amanda shares her journey from a childhood in New Jersey to becoming an avid hiker in Northern California. Overcoming personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, she rediscovered her passion for the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amanda reflects on her favourite trails, memorable wildlife encounters, and the positive impact hiking has on her mental well-being. As she sets ambitious goals for the future, including a 100-mile thru-hike, she emphasises the importance of community and encourages others to explore local trails and embrace nature's beauty.

Background

—————

Hi, I’m Amanda. I’m 26 years old and was raised in New Jersey alongside my twin brother and my younger brother, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. A lot of my childhood was spent going to autism awareness events and fundraisers in our community. I was also super into Girl Scouts and absolutely loved going to Girl Scout camp for a number of summers..

Winters were for building snowmen in the front yard and snow tubing down hills at our local parks. Summers meant backyard pool days or trips to the Jersey Shore—swimming in the ocean by day and grabbing soft serve on the boardwalk by night.

One of my favorite childhood memories was going up to Pine Plains in upstate New York, hiking to the fire tower on Mount Stissing, and hiking along the NY/Massachusetts border to see Bash Bish Falls. That kind of adventure always stuck with me.

When I was 10, my mom passed away suddenly at the age of 40. It was profoundly life-altering. As I got older, I found comfort in watching home videos from her old camcorder and cameras, and it sparked a love for photography and video-making. I’d record little home videos of our vacations and pool days—just wanting to capture the moments that felt joyful and full.

Between the ages of 14-21 I worked a lot of back-to-back jobs during the summers, so I didn’t get to travel as much as I wanted. But even then, I’d sneak away to the beach on weeknights—sitting in traffic just to dip my feet in the ocean or catch the sunset. Or I’d plan little day trips with my cousin to go up to the Poconos and see the mountains. I went to undergrad in Southeast Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia and right after graduating in 2021, I moved across the country to Northern California.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into hiking?

—————

I had always enjoyed hiking as a kid—especially trips to upstate New York and the occasional week at Girl Scout sleepaway camp. But I didn’t hike much in high school or early undergrad because I was constantly busy with work or studying.

Then COVID hit, and so much of life was canceled. That unexpected pause gave me the chance to step back and ask: what do I actually enjoy doing outside of school or work? I remember having this itch to go to the Adirondacks, so my roommates and I planned a weekend trip. We hiked through all the fall colors, and it was a really memorable fun trip.. After that, I realized I wanted to make more time for that kind of experience.

When I turned 22, all I wanted for my birthday was a pair of hiking boots—and I was determined to put some serious miles on them. A week after graduation, I moved to California and was super excited, but I quickly felt this kind of post-grad depression. My life up until that point had been so structured: semesters, deadlines, jobs. Suddenly, there was no roadmap. I had a great remote job, but I didn’t know many people in the area, and the world was still reeling from the pandemic. It felt very isolating.

I remember feeling like the fish in Finding Nemo at the end of the movie—floating in the plastic bags in the ocean, saying, “Now what?”

Around that time, I picked up this journal at a local bookstore called What’s Your Story? I started journaling a little each day, hoping I’d find myself again. One of the prompts asked about your happiest memories growing up, and every time, I found myself writing about being outdoors—camping, seeing the mountains, and hiking.

One day, sitting in my little office, it hit me: getting outside was it. That was the common thread. So, toward the end of that summer and into early fall, I made a conscious effort to go outside more.

I’ll never forget my first solo hike. I reached the summit, looked out over the reservoir, and just felt it—that deep reminder that I’m capable of hard things. Moving cross-country had been hard, starting over was hard. But I did it. That moment on the summit was the first time in months that I felt truly present. I hiked back to my car at sunset with a sense of clarity and pride I hadn’t felt in awhile.

From there, it was like a positive snowball effect. That November, I went hiking almost every weekend exploring my local trails.. In January, I signed up for my first backpacking trip with a group of women I’d never met. We camped near the ocean on New Year’s Day, and I felt so connected. I visited my first National Park (Grand Canyon),, and met hikers from all different "hikes of life." I signed up for the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge and summited six of the tallest peaks in the area.

And I’ve kind of just been living that way since. No regrets—just following that sense of adventure and exploring wherever it leads me.

Can you describe for us what the terrain in Northern California is like? hiking in Northern California specifically?

—————

It definitely varies based on altitude and location; for instance the Lake Tahoe region is a lot more dry and rocky, whereas the coastal regions tend to have much softer terrain in the redwood forests and are much more lush, and then the areas between the San Francisco Bay Area and the central valley have endless rolling hills and peaks that are great for day hikes.

But the diversity is one of my favorite things about the area, you can experience so many different aspects of nature without having to drive too far. Whether it’s frolicking amongst the California Poppies and wildflowers in the Bay Area, feeling small underneath all the coastal redwoods, or peak bagging the larger mountains, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had.

What are some of your favourite hiking trails in Northern California? Why do you love them?

—————

I love this question, and there’s so many so I’ll try to keep it short. But for starters I think my -

#1 will always be the Steep Ravine and Matt Davis Trail up to Mount Tamalpais. Located in the Marin Headlands/Mount Tamalpais State Park, the trail is roughly 15-16 miles long and 3,500ft in elevation gain. I’ve had the privilege of hiking this complete trail twice. It’s one of my favorite because it’s a true “sea to summit” type of hike that has it all: lush ferns, redwoods, banana slugs, a waterfall, a ladder, a fire tower lookout at the summit, and endless stunning views of the pacific ocean in the last few miles coming down along the Matt Davis trail. I love to say “It’s a good day but it’s a long day” when describing that one to friends.

#2 Would have to be the Steven’s Trail in Colfax, CA. About an hour outside of Sacramento the Steven’s Trail is a part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is a 7-8 mile out-and-back trail, it used to be a toll road for miners that needed to get from the mining town of Iowa Hill to the railroad town of Colfax during the Gold Rush. Though I’ve only done this hike once I think about it often as I think it’s one of the best spring time hikes. Similar to Mt. Tamalpais it has a little bit of everything. There’s a waterfall, a rocky waterfall trail crossing with a chain, panoramic views of the North Fork of American River, endless wildflowers, and plenty of big rocks next to the river to sit and have a PB&J at halfway through the hike.

#3 Burney Falls + Middle McCloud Falls.
Though these are technically 2 different trails I like to count them as one since they’re only about 35 minutes down the road from one another and can both easily be done within the same day. Located in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, the Burney Falls Loop is only 1.1 miles long. However, it’s one of my favorites because it’s one of the first hikes/areas I centered a trip around going to. I had visited it in the fall with a friend from the East Coast and it was absolutely stunning with all of the fall colors, it truly felt like something out of a movie. The 129 foot waterfall flows at 100 million gallons per day and gets its meltwater from the porous volcanic rock from the surrounding mountains.

The misty basin at the bottom of the falls just feels ethereal, and the loop trail takes you towards the top of the falls/river with a pretty bridge crossing. After hiking the loop, the waterfalls continue 35 minutes down the road at Middle McCloud Falls. A steep little hike down and you can dip your toes into the cool crisp water of the falls. Or if you’re feeling brave you can take a cold plunge and jump into the water in the summer months. It was some of the coldest water I’ve jumped into but so worth the while.

Have you completed any long-distance hikes? If so, which ones and what was that experience like?

—————

In 2023 and 2024, I completed two tiny “thru-hikes”. My first trail was the Trans Catalina Trail, a roughly 40-mile journey across Catalina Island that I completed with my partner in about three and a half days. This trail was an ideal introduction to thru-hiking and I would even consider it “luxury backpacking” since almost every campsite along the trail had potable water, bathrooms, and trash receptacles.

Additionally, the elevation gain was pretty minimal in comparison to most larger thru-hikes or long distance trails, since it was an island you’re hiking from sea level and not having to deal with higher altitude conditions.

In 2024, after a friend had secured some permits last minute, I spontaneously hiked the Lost Coast Trail in the King Range National Conservation Area. This uninhabited coastline was about a 30-mile coastal trek that encapsulated the rugged nature of the Pacific Northwest landscape.

Though one would think hiking along the ocean wouldn’t be that challenging, the trail presented minor challenges such as: the tide-dependent "impassable zones" meaning you need to time out your hike along the trail only during low tide otherwise it was impassable, the presence of bears, sections of extremely rocky terrain, and rapidly changing weather conditions such as strong wind or in the winter months heavy rain.

It was such a unique experience and I got to see so many starfish and fall asleep each night to the sound of the ocean waves and sea lions.Both trails were excellent for aspiring thru-hikers, offering manageable distances and unique environmental experiences.

Can you share a memorable encounter with wildlife during one of your hikes?

—————

During my trek on the Trans Catalina Trail, I experienced some truly remarkable wildlife encounters with the island's bison population. These Bison have an interesting history - they were originally brought to the island for a western film production in the 1920s and essentially became permanent residents when the movie project was abandoned, and now the island is home to roughly 150 of them.

On the first day of our hike, we had a close encounter that required some careful navigation. We spotted a bison drinking from a stream in a valley, which meant rerouting the remainder of that segment of the hike to respect the bison’s space. It was a good reminder of how we're visitors within their environment and not the other way around.

The next day after setting up camp at the Shark Harbor campground and heading uphill to refill on water we saw a bison investigating our tent area. Despite having our food securely stored, the proximity of the bison made us uneasy enough to carry our entire tent to the Little Harbor campground to be closer to other hikers we had made friends with on trail.

These two little encounters were fun and slightly anxiety inducing experiences that were a great reminder to give the wildlife their space and respect their home.

What has been the most challenging hike you've ever done, and what did you learn from that experience?

—————

I’m going to give a bit of a two-parter here, because I’ve had a couple of challenging hikes—but for different reasons—and I learned something valuable from each of them.

The first one that comes to mind is the Mount Sizer Loop at Henry W. Coe State Park, just outside of Morgan Hill, California. On paper, it’s about 16 miles and around 4,000 feet of elevation gain, and it’s what some hikers call a “W hike”—because if you look at the elevation map, it looks like a giant “W.” You start by going steeply downhill, then steeply uphill, then down again... and then end the day with another intense climb.

When I saw that elevation profile ahead of time, I thought, “Wow, what a fun challenge.” And it was! But it was also brutal. There are portions where you’re gaining 1,000 to 1,100 feet of elevation in less than a mile. By mile 13, you hit another 1,400-foot climb after going downhill for 3 miles, and I was really feeling it—physically and mentally. The final miles were these endless rolling hills, and it was a little draining.

That hike was also my first time doing more than a 10-mile day. On top of the terrain, Henry W Coe is home to many ticks, mountain lions, and limited water access—so you have to carry 3–4 liters minimum. This hike definitely taught me that so much of hiking is mental. My body was capable of doing the miles, but morale had dipped near the end, and I had to really push through mentally. It also reminded me to stay alert and prepared for conditions like wildlife and water scarcity.

The other hike that challenged me in a completely different way was my first real Sierra backpacking trip—to one of the many stunning alpine lakes in Inyo National Forest. It was about 9-10 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain to get to camp, but what really made it tough was the exposure and altitude,. I had just flown in from a trip on the East Coast and wasn’t well acclimated—plus, I wasn’t super well hydrated beforehand.

I ended up experiencing heat exhaustion and altitude sickness for the first time. By the time we reached camp, I was so out of it that I sat down against a rock and thought I saw a bear in the distance—which turned out to just be another rock. I chugged a Nalgene of electrolytes too fast and ended up throwing it up, and honestly, it was kind of scary.

That hike taught me how important it is to prep properly for high elevation—pre-hydration, pacing, shade, sun protection, all of it. After that trip, I invested in a sun hoodie, became a lot more mindful of my water intake, and eventually got a Diamox prescription to help with future high-altitude hikes.

So yeah—Henry W Coe taught me about mental stamina. Inyo taught me about physical preparation. Both were incredibly humbling and formative in their own way.

Have you ever faced any major obstacles while hiking, such as weather changes or injuries? How did you handle them?
—————

Yes—definitely. One that stands out was the first time I attempted to summit Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
We were heading down the Sub Dome section of the trail when we started to see clouds rolling in from the distance. For context, I had only been living in California for about a year at that point and was still getting used to hiking in the Sierras and higher altitude conditions. One thing I had learned early on is how quickly the weather can change, and how dangerous it can be to stay above tree line during storms—especially with the risk of lightning.

The second my friends and I spotted the clouds, we knew we had to hustle. We made our way below tree line as fast as we could, and not long after, it started pouring—then hailing—for a solid two miles on our way back toward Little Yosemite Valley. I basically trail-ran the last stretch to the backpacker’s camp because I knew there was an awning over the bathroom area where we could shelter for a bit.

I remember being super anxious about the hikers still descending the cables—because that’s the absolute worst place to be in weather like that. Thankfully, to my understanding, everyone made it down safely.

The whole experience was a really valuable reminder of how important it is to come prepared for anything. I was so relieved I had packed my rain jacket and extra layers that day.

After all that—starting the hike at 3 a.m., dealing with the storm, and finally getting back on track—we took a long lunch break at the top of Nevada Falls. I pulled out my Jetboil and made some packaged Idahoan mashed potatoes.

But sitting on top of the waterfall in the sun, eating what I called “mountain potato” after that wild morning was such a fond memory.

How do you prepare for a hike? What gear do you consider essential?

—————

It really depends on the hike, but I always start with the basics: the 10 Essentials. That includes things like navigation, sun protection, extra layers, a first aid kit, food and water, and tools like a headlamp or multitool. I like to be ready for both expected and unexpected conditions.

That said, I’ve personalized my list a bit over time. I use AllTrails+ for offline maps and navigation—which has been super helpful in areas with no cell service—and I always carry a portable charger as a backup. I’m actually an AllTrails ambassador right now, so if you're curious, you can get 30% off AllTrails+ with my link!

Some gear I never skip:

Sunscreen + sunglasses (Goodr is my go-to brand)

A sun hoodie and windbreaker or puffy layer if it’s colder or we’re hitting a windy summit

First aid kit with the basics + extras like Advil, Benadryl, and Imodium

Snacks—think Chomps sticks, dried fruit, trail mix, and yes… the occasional Nerds Gummy Cluster or sweet treat.

For longer hikes, I also pack a water filtration system (I use one from Katadyn), which has come in really handy—especially when backpacking or day hiking on trails without potable water refills.

Other extras I love? A hat or bandana for sun protection (don’t forget your scalp!) and my film camera—a little nod to my grandma, who used to develop film in the Kodak Lab while managing a Rite Aid. It’s one of my favorite “luxury” items to bring on trail to capture memories.

So I do try to be as prepared as possible—because being comfortable and safe on trail just makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.

Do you have any tips for beginners who want to start hiking in Northern California?

—————

Start local. Some of the best trails are right in your own backyard—open space preserves, regional parks, or even urban trails you can explore after work. I learned about so many hikes in my area just by scrolling through the AllTrails app with filters for things like waterfalls, wildflowers, or short loop trails. I also joined a few local Facebook hiking groups, which was a great way to see real-time trail reports and tips from folks nearby.

A lot of people want to jump into big bucket-list hikes right away, but don’t underestimate the beauty (and convenience) of your local trails. Starting close to home builds confidence and stamina—and helps you appreciate what’s already around you.

I'd also recommend checking out lnt.org to learn the Leave No Trace principles. Things like not leaving behind citrus peels (yes, even those take years to decompose), yielding to uphill hikers, and generally being respectful of the land and those who share it with you. I’m a big believer in the idea that “the outdoors is for all”, but we all have a responsibility to protect and respect these spaces, too.

And if you’re just starting to build up your gear collection—don’t break the bank. Some of my first gear came from Costco and Facebook Marketplace. I hiked 300 miles on a $30 pair of trekking poles from Costco, no shame in the budget game! Get outside with what you have and add to your setup as you go.

What’s the most breathtaking view you’ve encountered on the trail?
—————

Oh, this might be the hardest question of the bunch! I’ve been so lucky to experience so many stunning views over the years—from alpine lake sunrises to coastal overlooks to fields bursting with wildflowers. But if I had to pick just one, I think it would be a moment from Yosemite National Park in spring 2023.

I was descending from Upper Yosemite Falls with a friend on a late Sunday afternoon, rushing to get off trail before the rain rolled in. The clouds were starting to turn moody in the distance, and as we came around one of the switchbacks, we stopped at a little overlook. From there, you could see the bottom of Upper Yosemite Falls and straight out to Half Dome—and with the late afternoon sun hitting just right, a rainbow had formed in the mist of the waterfall. The falls were roaring from that year’s heavy snowpack, and the contrast of the dark clouds, the vibrant rainbow, and Half Dome in the distance… it just stopped me in my tracks.

It was one of those moments that made me feel so small in the best way—like the world was reminding me how beautiful and powerful it really is. That view stayed as my phone background for a long time.

How does hiking affect your mental and emotional well-being?

—————

I always feel better after a hike—no matter how tired I was that morning or how early I had to get up. There's actual research that shows spending just 20 minutes outside a day can improve your mental health and regulate your circadian rhythm. For me, I definitely sleep better after a long day on trail.

When I first got into hiking, it was during a tough transition—moving during the pandemic and feeling isolated in a new place. Getting outside gave me space to clear my head and reconnect with myself. Big landscapes have a way of putting things into perspective. They make my worries feel smaller—not in an invalidating way, but in a grounding one. It reminds me that I’m part of something bigger than work deadlines or thought spirals.

I’d taken a break from therapy during that time (and while I don’t think hiking replaces therapy), being outside has significantly improved my overall mental health. Preparing for hikes has helped me build better habits—staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and being more intentional with my time—because I want to feel good on trail. In a lot of ways, setting hiking goals has kept me grounded and helped shape a lifestyle that supports my well-being.

Are there any hiking trails or locations outside of Northern California that are on your bucket list?

—————

Perfect timing for this question—next month, I’m heading to Peru to hike the Salkantay and Inca Trails all the way to Machu Picchu! The portion I’m hiking with friends is roughly 22 miles with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain, and it’ll take us up to around 15,000 feet—by far the highest altitude I’ve ever experienced, so I’m both excited and nervous in the best way.

Other big bucket list trails? I’d love to attempt the Tour du Mont Blanc. It’s a 100-mile trek that loops through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps—often starting in Chamonix. If you book everything well enough in advance, you can actually stay in mountain refugios along the way, which feels like the dream: fresh French baguette in hand, stunning alpine views, and a warm bed each night? It’s been a little dream of mine for years now and I hope to make it a reality someday.

I’m also hoping to hike the W Trek in Patagonia (Argentina), and if I’m lucky enough to pull a permit, the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier—also known as Mount Tahoma. Other dream destinations include the South Island of New Zealand and Iceland. They’re places with such breathtaking diversity—glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic rock, and mountains—and getting to experience those landscapes would be an absolute privilege.

What are your hiking goals for the next few years?

—————

One of my biggest goals is to attempt—and hopefully complete—a 100-mile thru-hike. I know that might not sound as bold as the longer treks like the PCT, AT, or Colorado Trail, but realistically, I’m not in a place where I can put my life on pause for months at a time. I have nothing but admiration for those who do, though—it’s such an incredible feat.

As part of my personal “30 before 30” bucket list, I included two hiking-related goals: completing a 100-mile thru-hike (like the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Wonderland Trail) and hiking 1,000 miles before I turn 30. So far, I’ve logged over 600 miles, so I feel like I’m on track to make that happen if I keep up the pace. Both goals feel challenging but achievable, and they give me something exciting to work toward over the next couple of years.

Have you met any interesting people while hiking? Can you share a story about one of those encounters?

—————

Yes! One story that really sticks with me is from my third-ever backpacking trip back in 2022. It all started on a whim—someone named Joy had posted in the “Girls Who Hike NorCal” Facebook group that she was planning to backpack in the Tahoe National Forest that weekend and was looking for a buddy. I’d never met her before, but I commented and said, “I’m in.”

Next thing I knew, I was waking up at 5 a.m. on a Saturday, driving into San Francisco to carpool with her. We road-tripped out toward Truckee and hiked a backcountry route along the PCT to this beautiful alpine lake. That evening, we sat on the rocks eating our backpacking meals, watching the sunset, and she shared stories about her solo trips—domestic and international—and all the mountains she’d summited on her own. I was in total awe. That conversation really stuck with me—it reminded me just how capable we as women are in the outdoors, and it gave me a confidence boost to try more things solo.

(If you're reading this, Joy—thank you.)

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing community I’ve found through the No Worries Amigo hiking club here in the Bay Area, led by the incredible Jeff Ganz. I joined about a year ago, and I’m continually inspired by the space he’s created—centered around mental health, connection, and access to the outdoors. From sunset hikes to park cleanups, the group has introduced me to thru-hikers, casual hikers, yoga instructors, and even mental health advocates who’ve come to share resources and encouragement. It’s a powerful reminder that the outdoors isn’t just about the views—it’s about the people you meet along the way, as well.

Amanda

Journey Through the Trails

To continue following our explorer Amanda’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram:

@its_amandame

TikTok:

@itsamandamae

Business Email:

amstreimer@gmail.com

Help support The Roamers Trail by following us on social media

Amanda

Journey Through the Trails

To continue following our explorer Amanda’s journey or simply want to reach out and say Hi, you can connect with them on the following accounts:

Instagram:

@its_amandame

TikTok:

@itsamandamae

Business Email:

amstreimer@gmail.com

Help support The Roamers Trail by following us on social media

Luke Vandenberg

Christie Brown