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Cherlyn | PNW Adventure Photographer

@alpine_explorer

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mountaineering + hiking + skiing + travel
👩‍💻 Engineer / 👩‍🍳 @vanillawhisk /
💍📸 @cherlynelizaphoto elopements
↓ blog + guides

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Northern Lights moments like these are unforgettable🌌
#northernlights #finnland🇫🇮 #unforgettable #moments #followmyaccount❤️ #followmymoments

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I’m pretty sure 90% of my climbing photos have been taken by @goatsonropes, and I got a couple more the past two weekends after luring her to California for a surprise (belated) bachelorette party! We somehow managed to keep it a secret and she thought she was just flying down to California to climb with me right up until we were pulling into the Tuolumne campsite and she recognized other people’s vans. We had an amazing time climbing Tenaya Peak and then hanging out at camp eating luxury (for the backcountry) food.

The next weekend, Lani and I climbed Matthes Crest and I got to lead some of it and climb the south summit. I’ve been on Matthes a couple times before, but once our party bailed long before either summit, and the other time we only climbed the north summit and skipped the south.

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A bachelorette party (6 months after the wedding) in which we climb overnight packs up a long alpine route, bring entirely too many vegetables, laugh a lot, do some spectacular alpine single pitch, and have to remember how to breathe as a group of sea creatures at 9000ft.
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I almost didn’t go on this trip - it felt crazy to drive all the way to California and back only a month before driving down for my fall season. But I’m so glad I decided to go. I’ve always wanted to climb in Tuolome and never seem to have time to make it down there during the season. It is so incredibly beautiful! The rock is incredible! And it’s the land of super chill slab! My favorite! Not sure I recommend climbing Tenaya with an overnight bag but that’s a different conversation… 😅
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I hope to be back someday and do more of the classic lines. We didn’t manage to actually climb Cathedral because of crowds. And I’d like to come back for Matthes crest and a few others. Thank you @goatsonropes for being a really good reason to drive to California, can we do another post wedding bachelorette party again next year?

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As spring gives way to summer, the North Cascades continue their seasonal transformation. Check out these photos that highlight the phenological changes we observed from fall through spring. Each season leaving its mark on the landscape before the next takes hold.

Now, longer days, warmer temperatures, and new growth signal the arrival of summer.

As you look at these seasonal transitions, what signs tell you that spring is ending and summer has begun where you are?

📸: @alpine_explorer

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We’ve pulled a great one from the cellar for today’s #VintageCrush selection: TRANSENDERS. Diane Russo Cheng’s scrappy short doc about a trans woman who survives and thrives in the skateboarding community despite its latent toxicity and, in turn, builds a safe space for others to join and grind with her. It’s available now on @vimeo as a Staff Pick. (Link in bio)

Presented by @Nike SB and @skatelikeagirlsea

A Film by @diane_russo

Cinematography by @madeline.kate.kann
Edited by Sophia Lou
Produced by Curator Pictures
Executive Producer Hayley Young
Producer @honnabk
Color by @elo.ichter
Sound Design by Bobb Barito
GFX by @alpine_explorer
Camera Operator Justin Brown

#shortfilm #shortdoc #pride🌈 #trans

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Got fancy while backpacking cause I was also celebrating Mother’s Day weekend!

A few tips for a successful meal:
- Precut everything and place in ziplocs so it’s easier to carry
- Make your own peanut sauce so it’s thicker and doesn’t spill. Noodle liquid will thin it out
- Use crunchy peanut butter so it’s like having fresh peanuts on top
- Use sausage for extra protein because it keeps well. You could also use precooked chicken or canned salmon
- Carry butter and salt each wrapped in plastic for an easy way to hold a small amount

Recipe:
2 sausage, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 large handfuls of greens like shanghai bok choy, cut in half or quarters
1 tablespoon butter
Salt
2 servings of dried Asian noodles

Peanut sauce: Mix all at home
1/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1. Using a large pot, melt butter (outdoor stoves are hot so watch it)

2. Add bell pepper and sausage. Stir and cook until tender and golden

3. Add the greens. Cover lid and check frequently and stir to prevent burning

4. When topping is cooked, remove from heat and place in a large personal bowl. Boil water in pot and cook noodles until soft. Use less water than you think so you don’t have to dump out the excess

5. Once noodles are cook, drain just enough water so that the noodles are still slightly in a puddle. Add toppings and peanut sauce to taste

Save this for your next backpacking trip!

Enjoy!

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If you want to change your world…
If you’re searching for real peace in life…
Then it’s time to answer the call of the mountains.

Join us on an unforgettable journey to the iconic Laila Peak—where every step brings you closer to nature, and every moment feels alive. This is more than a trip; it’s an adventure that will redefine you.

Come with us, explore the wild beauty of Karakorum, and create memories that last forever. Your adventure starts here.

Limited slots available – DM now to reserve your spot!
@incredible_karakorum_adventure

#AdventureInvite #LailaPeak #KarakorumAdventure #TrekkingPakistan #ExploreWithUs

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Happy Earth Day (a little late)

I love earth day because it’s just a great reminder of how incredible this planet is. But we shouldn’t really need the reminder, much like we don’t need Mother’s Day to celebrate our mothers. Yet it’s a necessary day just in case we lose our way.

I’m so grateful for all my couples I get to work with because with them, I am able to enjoy nature in a fuller capacity. There’s nothing like seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, the awe and wonder they experience.

Too often I get stagnant and complacent in Washington which is crazy because I live in such a beautiful state! The reminders are necessary when our brains live on auto drive, and being grateful goes a long ways.

Not only do I want to share my appreciation for the beauty of the earth, but I want to encourage us all to continually do our best at being the best stewards we can of this precious planet!

Love,
Your adventure elopement photographer, Cherlyn

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Happy Pi Day (a day late)

I’ve celebrated Pi Day (3/14) every year for over a decade because it’s the best intersection between math and baking, two of my favorite things since grade school. And honestly it’s just a great excuse to get all your friends to bake pies and share them with you.

The key to prevent a full tummy ache is to make sure you have at least one savory pie!

I made a vegetarian shepards pie and it was sooo good and helped cut the sugar

I also made a pear frangipane tart (pie) which is one of my favorite bakes now since you can add different fruits on it like figs or rhubarb.

Other pies made by friends: peach pie, apple pie, chocolate cream pie, Portuguese egg tart

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Here’s some winter mountain trivia!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🏔 At 10,781 feet I am the third highest mountain in Washington State ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🏔 I am located on the ancestral homelands of the Nooksack, Nlaka’pamux & Coast Salish peoples⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🏔️ I have the second-most thermally active crater in the Cascade Range after Mount St. Helens.

🏔️ I am a popular destination for mountaineers, backcountry skiers/snowboarders and hikers who want to get an up close view of my glaciers without having to climb to my summit.
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🏔 After Mount Rainier I have the heaviest glacier cover of the Cascade Range volcanoes; the volume of snow and ice is greater than all the other Cascades volcanoes (except Rainier) combined.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Who am I? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

📸: @alpine_explorer

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“It’s a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ~Bilbo Baggins

What adventure did you get swept off to this last weekend?

📸: @alpine_explorer

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A year in review as a Washington Elopement Photographer

It’s been such an incredible year with the most incredible people. Thank you to all my couples and clients who trusted me to document their special days and moments. It truly was an absolutely joy to be your photographer.

Here’s a few fun stats for you:
9 bespoke albums designed
17 photography sessions (elopements, family, engagement, some shown here in no particular order)
538 miles hiked (64 miles just for elopements)
754 galleries viewed
2,900 miles driven
16,895 photo downloads
19,030 miles flown
93+ outdoor trips (hiking/skiing/climbing/photographing)
plus 2 days each dabbling in wedding coordination and florals

Most popular day: Friday
Most popular winter location: Snoqualmie
Most popular summer location: Artist Point
Longest elopement hike: 14 miles (split over 2 days)

Countless times I said “just one more photo”

I think my color scheme was green, fitting for the Evergreen State

Thank you again and again for being part of my 2025 🫶

Love,
Cherlyn

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