Our Stories

Michelle Olsen: NCNST Long Distance Hiker

Posted on July 1, 2026July 1, 2026 by Kate Lemon

Michelle Olsen

Wisconsin
(Previously received the central patch + North Dakota, Minnesota, the Mackinac Bridge, and 1000 Miles.)

One magical day in December 2023, we did a memorable hike through the Porcupine Lake Wilderness in the Chequamegon National Forest. It was a sunny day in the 20s so the weather conditions were perfect for winter hiking.

There was just enough snow to give us clues about life in the forest. We saw otter tracks and slides in the snow, several multi-level double-dammed beaver ponds, grouse that we flushed, coyote and fox tracks. The last mile or so we felt surrounded by wolves with fresh tracks on the trail, scat, and territorial markings. At one point, we heard a pack that we believed was feasting on a carcass. It was eerie but it really made us feel alive and part of the world around us! The rewards of hiking were very clear that day!

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