# @doristheexplorist on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CwqXn2vS7_U
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/9283569-doristheexplorist-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/6f9fcd6482.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-01T20:10:45.000+00:00

## Caption

Where can we backpack that avoids crowds?

I start researching! Besides the internet, reading trip reports, be them on washingtontrails or alltrails and checking other’s social media posts on where ppl have been hiking lately, I check hiking guide books! There are so many hiking books out there, and thrift stores have a plethora of them to buy at discounted prices, and don’t forget the library. Hiking books have so many trails near popular spots that I had never heard of! Then I hop on a map app, like gaiagps, to see if there’s any connecting trails to the one I looked up and then I go back to the internet to research the new-to-me trail so I get more info before actually going. 

How to avoid packed parking lots?

If you pick a less popular trail, then the parking lot will probably be less busy. But if you are going to a more well known trail and you’re trying to avoid parking a mile+ down the road, id suggest heading out after work on a Friday. You get a head start, either hiking out Friday night, or camp at trailhead (as long as trailhead allows for that) and hike out Saturday morning. (As you can see this really applies to ppl who work a typical 9-5) 

How to avoid holiday traffic?

Either head out after traffic hour on Friday night or leave at the butt crack of dawn Saturday morning when most ppl are still asleep, but I mostly struggle with the traffic coming home. For me, how I would avoid that would be to come home on that Sunday and take a rest day Monday, instead of trying to come home Monday with the rest of the world who has that day off. 

Or ya know, camp in your backyard, stay home, and just avoid ppl in general lol. Just some things I do myself and don’t forget, leave no trace! Either way, cheers to a long weekend and stay safe! #labordayweekend #mirrorlake #snoqualmiepass #washingtontrails

## Stats

- **Views:** 830
- **Likes:** 88
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 6

## Tags

labordayweekend, mirrorlake, washingtontrails, snoqualmiepass

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