Hiking at Denny Creek in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Hey guys, I thought it was about time to introduce myself! I’m Sophie, one of four SCA (Student Conservation Association) interns doing outreach this summer at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park! I’m a born and raised Seattleite but I will be returning to school in the fall for my junior year at UCLA. At UCLA I’m a member of the Hiking Club and Student Wellness Commission’s Health, Nutrition and Fitness Committee. Ever since I was a kid I’ve had a passion for the outdoors. My family and I have a tradition of going hiking together every summer. In college I go hiking almost every weekend with the Hiking Club at UCLA. During my junior year in high school I took my love of the outdoors to the next level by working with a Northwest Youth Corps back-country trail crew for five weeks in the Cascades. That meant five weeks of solely a diet of beans and rice and only one opportunity to shower. At the end of the trip we were rewarded with a steak dinner and copious amounts of ice cream. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.

Bumping Lake

During my time with Northwest Youth Corps I was able to help build a bridge and a series of turnpikes. I loved being able work on technical projects. We spent two weeks in Glacier Peak Wilderness on the trail to Little Giant Pass and three weeks at Bumping Lake which is east of Mount Rainier in Yakima County. Both areas were incredibly beautiful and swimming in Bumping Lake was my activity after a long day of trail work.

Fortunately in college I’ve also been able to pursue my interest in conservation and I am majoring in Geography & Environmental Studies and minoring in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Technologies. I hope to continue my education at graduate school after I finish undergrad at UCLA.