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  • 15 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

    January 8, 2026

    Looking for the best things to do in the San Juan Islands? Here is a complete guide on what to do in Washington’s San Juan Islands

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  • image of mount baker and bellingham below viewed from orcas island in the san juan islands

    17 Epic Things to do on Orcas Island, Washington

    March 16, 2025

    the best things to do on Orcas Island in Washington including hiking, food, and more

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  • best day hikes in the san juan islands, cattle point lighthouse viewed from Mt Finlayson

    15 Beautiful Day Hikes in the San Juan Islands, WA

    January 12, 2025

    looking for the best day hiking trails in the san juan islands? read this article for the best hiking in the san juans

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  • Ultimate 7-Day Washington Road Trip Guide

    January 12, 2025

    looking for the best one week road trip guide for washington state leaving from Seattle? From National Parks to whale watching, I’ve got you covered!

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  • Ultimate San Juan Islands Packing List (2025!)

    April 15, 2024

    The ultimate San Juan Islands packing list: what to bring for your kayaking, whale watching, and hiking trip to the San Juan Islands

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  • How to See Whales in the San Juan Islands

    January 4, 2024

    looking for how to see orcas in the san juan islands? Read this article to learn how to find orcas and whales in the San Juans

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  • Sea Kayakers on the Pacific Ocean in the San Juan Islands

    9 Best Kayaking Spots in the San Juan Islands

    August 1, 2022

    The best kayaking in the San Juan Islands to see orcas, camp, and for adventure!

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maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓
Spring on Lake Superior🌷🧊 We’ve still got ice up Spring on Lake Superior🌷🧊We’ve still got ice up in Northern Wisconsin! Andy and I did a quick little paddle out to some of our favorite caves to check out the situation👀 (note that everyone is wearing dry suits, is a local guide, and has specialized training for trips on Lake Superior including cold water self rescue practice! This isn’t a trip I would recommend anyone do, but summer is just around the corner and guiding season is almost back!)Ft the @stellarkayaks nomad LV I’m test paddling for @paddlingmagazine & my very stylish @aquabound Tetra paddle
Michigan waters >>> @retreatnorthmichigan tiny ca Michigan waters >>>@retreatnorthmichigan tiny cabins pictured (hosted!)Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventure ideas!
Great hiking in Illinois?!👀🐢 Quick notes on visit Great hiking in Illinois?!👀🐢Quick notes on visiting the Shawnee National Forest:⛺️ camping is largely first come, first serve so come with a backup plan in case you can’t snag your first choice. For campgrounds like this, arriving on a Sunday is usually a safe bet, or seeing if you can get of work early on Friday to scope it out. 🐢 turtle crossing! Drive consciously and don’t be afraid to grab a t shirt and help a turtle cross the road. 🍃 cell service is limited, and some trails may be overgrown. Hike with care and bring a way to call for help that doesn’t rely on cell service. 🌞pack out all trash, including things marketed as biodegradable for best practice in a wilderness area!Come say hi at @maddymarq for more Midwest adventures!
The Driftless Region is so underrated🤷🏼‍♀️ A quic The Driftless Region is so underrated🤷🏼‍♀️A quick look @ this adventure:⛺️reserve drive up camping on Wisconsin Ridge in advance! The best sites you can identify as above the river. Showers and trash are available!🥾best hiking trails are Sand Cave Trail, Bluff Trail, Sentinel Ridge Loop, and Sugar Maple Trail 🛶 options to canoe through river sloughs Pack out all trash, and remember to stay on designated trails & adhere to any seasonal closures :)
Spring up north♥️ Spring up north♥️
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