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hello stranger midwest adventure

  • 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 wilderness systems pungo at sunset in Big Island Lakes Wilderness

    Ultimate Kayaking Packing List (by a Kayak Guide!)

    April 2, 2024

    Planning a kayaking trip? For what to pack for kayaking, how to pack, and more, read this article!

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  • Best Places to Kayak near Seattle (by a Kayak Guide!)

    February 24, 2024

    Looking for the best places to sea kayak near Seattle? Here are all the best places to have an overnight sea kayaking adventure near Seattle!

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  • How to Sea Kayak the Gulf Islands, British Columbia

    February 23, 2024

    Read this article for how to kayak Gulf Islands, BC! Campsites, beaches, sunsest spots, and more!

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  • kayaker explores the sea caves of sand island in the apostle islands national lakeshore, a four hour drive from Minneapolis

    15 Helpful Hacks for Kayak Camping (by a Kayak Guide!)

    October 15, 2023

    tips for beginner kayak camping including how to pack a kayak, the best kayak camping gear, planning overnight kayak trips, and more!

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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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