Adventure: Mothers Make It Happen

For many hikers, mothers (or grandmothers, aunts, cousins or godmothers) played a key role in our love for the natural world.

Whether they first pointed out a bird's nest in the backyard, made camping cozy or led us up our first major summits, mothers have shown us the joys of being outdoors. In a million different ways both big and small, mothers make adventures happen.

Diana DeLeon with her daughter and dog enjoying a cozy morning with family at Lake Crescent.

So, in honor of Mother's Day, we bring you four stories of mothers leading the way outside. Have your own story? Share it with us in the comments below.

Hiking with Kids: It's All About the Cupcakes

Hiking-obsessed mom and WTA magazine editor Jessi Loerch gets her reluctant 6-year-old out on trail. And, amazingly, everyone has fun.

Hazel (center) poses for a photo with her parents and her friend, Keeley. Photo by Janna Stults.

Christina Benton: Mama on a Mission

Two winters ago, Christina Benton, who writes the blog Nomadic Mama of 3, took to the road with her three kids for a 64-day trek across the country. Her goals: to share America's National Parks with her children and to raise awareness about the park service's lack of visitors who look like her family.

Photo courtesy Christina Benton.

The Wonderland Trail: Mission Accomplished

Completing the Wonderland Trail as a family was a goal that Colleen Ponto set in 1997 when her youngest of three children was born. After 10 years, her family of five finally achieved it.

The Ponto family has explored the Wonderland Trail for the last ten years, seeking to complete it in its entirety, but making many memories along the way. Photos courtesy Colleen Ponto.

Hiking with a New Baby

Last year, Youth Programs Director Krista Dooley and her husband welcomed a new baby into their family. She shares what it was like to recuperate from birth, and how hiking has changed for her and her husband now that they're sharing the trail with a third little hiker.

Krista Dooley with AJ on Mount Walker. Photo courtesy Krista Dooley.