Two Overnights to Three Thru-Hikes | Melanie "Poppi" | PCT, Colorado Trail & Arizona Trail Hiker
Two Overnights to Three Thru-Hikes | Melanie "Poppi" | PCT, Colorado Trail & Arizona Trail Hiker  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Aug 25 2025
Description: Send us Fan Mail🎙️ From First Steps to Thousands of Miles with Melanie 🌲🥾Melanie — known on trail as Poppi — joins us this episode. A Portland-based hiker with a master's in nutrition, she's completed the Pacific Crest Trail, Colorado Trail, and Arizona Trail, which is remarkable considering she'd only done two single overnights before setting out on the PCT in 2023.Melanie talks through her flip-flop PCT year, when heavy Sierra snow sent her north instead — a decision that ended up dodging every wildfire, giving her a nearly empty Sierra, and closing out her hike with a 2 a.m. climb to a stunning sunrise on Mount Whitney with ten strangers in frosted sleeping bags. She shares how her nutrition background shapes her resupply strategy (real macronutrients, whole foods, and the protein coffee ritual she stops for every single day), plus stacking Fourteeners on the Colorado Trail, unexpected snow and storms on the AZT, and the mindset she keeps returning to: the storm always passes and nothing is permanent. We also get into the origin of her trail name, hiking with her Aussie Butters and the dog treat business she runs, her "summer of loops" around Rainier and St. Helens, an eye on the CDT and mountaineering, her advice for anyone intimidated by a thru-hike, and a full round of season "this or that" questions.If you've ever dreamed of a thru-hike but felt intimidated, Melanie's story proves that courage, community, and curiosity can carry you farther than you think.Episode Links:Melanie on InstagramPNWoofs Dog BarkeryThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.