Posts By

Arthur McMahon

Arthur McMahon is an adventure travel writer and editor from Oregon. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015 was his first ever backpacking trip, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Undertaking the epic journey and publishing his first non-fiction book, Adventure and The Pacific Crest Trail, ignited his writing career and fueled his passion for outdoor recreation.

McMahon believes the best way to see the world is by exploring it on his own two feet. Walking — anywhere — is his favorite activity. He also loves traveling to far-off destinations and overlanding through remote wilderness areas.

Novelty is the key to McMahon’s heart. He most desires new vistas, challenges, and experiences. Rarely will you find him doing the same thing twice. His goal is to experience everything this life has to offer, one step at a time.

Background

Topics of expertise: hiking, backpacking, fishing, adventure travel, overlanding, off-road vehicles, running
Years of experience in these topics: 8+
Favorite topic to write about: Adventure Travel
Favorite piece of gear you’ve ever tested: Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody
Favorite travel destinations: Hawaii, Baja California, anywhere with big mountains

Education and Experience

Education: bachelor in advertising from the University of Oregon School of Journalism
Books or other publications: Adventure and The Pacific Crest Trail
Other place you write for: Backpackers.com, GoPro, and ShelterLogic

About the Writer

Location: Eugene, Oregon
Places You’ve Lived or Extensively Traveled: Oregon, Bay Area California, Pacific Crest Trail, Boston, New York
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
Find on Instagram or check out his website

Hiking the PCT

A Beginner’s Guide to Thru Hiking

Find out everything you need to know about thru-hiking with this how-to guide.

Hikes

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10 Invigorating Hikes in the East Bay Area

Fern-covered forests, mountain peaks, and even waterfalls...California's East Bay Area has a surprising number of hikes to help you escape into nature.

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11 Refreshing Swimming Holes in Oregon

These Oregon swimming holes are the perfect way to beat the heat, from leisurely lakes to jumping off waterfalls, Oregon truly is a water lover's paradise.

Oregon

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11 Awesome Waterfall Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii

When it rains on Oahu, nearly every hike becomes a waterfall hike.

Hawaii

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9 Fun and Scenic Idaho Lake Camping Destinations

From the tip of the northern panhandle to the Snake River in the south, Idaho's camping scene is home to many jaw-dropping lakes both large and small.

Idaho

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The 11 Best Oregon VRBOs for Your Next Getaway

Any trip to Oregon is likely to be a good one, but choosing the right Oregon VRBO can be the extra detail that makes your good vacation great.

Oregon

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9 Amazing Lake Camping Sites in Washington

Washington is chock full of awesome lake camping destinations — and some of them are rarely (if ever) crowded.

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The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Oregon

From the enchanting waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge to the salt flats of the Alvord Desert, you’re sure to find a scenic drive to your liking on this list.

Oregon

Pololu Valley Awini Trail

14 Life-Changing Hikes on Hawaii’s Big Island

Think Hawaii is just beaches? Think again: there are hundreds of miles of epic hiking trails on Hawaii’s Big Island through jungles, volcanic rock, and seaside cliffs.

Hawaii

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12 Spectacular Day Trips from Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is surrounded by dramatic landscapes and adorable towns that are definitely worth a day trip.

Utah

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10 Secluded Cabins in Minnesota to Get Away from it All

Whether you’re in search of outdoor thrills, a quiet fishing hole to call your own, or simply a place to rest away from the noise of the city, there’s bound to be a secluded cabin in Minnesota that right for you.

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13 Fun Things To Do in Medford, Oregon

No matter whether you’re interested in outdoor activities like hiking and fishing or indoor pursuits such as museums and live theater, you can certainly have a good time in Medford.

Oregon