Adventurous Hiking Mom on the Street: Sasha Washut

Adventurous Hiking Mom on the Street Sasha Washut is a new mom and lover of the outdoors. Whether she is hiking through the beautiful mountains of the Pacific Northwest, hanging with her husband, or loving on her new daughter she lives life to the fullest. Read on to learn more about this brave and beautiful mom who proves to us that the view is always worth the climb.

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Meet Sasha

My name is Sasha, and I live in Washington State. I’m an outdoor enthusiast who loves all things adventure. My passions include hiking, backpacking, skiing, paddle boarding, mountain biking, and running. I’m also a spin instructor and love to teach! My greatest adventure, though, is being a mom. My husband and I welcomed our first child in June, and I can’t imagine life without her. She has brought so much joy to my life, and I can’t wait to watch her grow and adventure with her.

Adventurous Hiking Beginnings

What first made you interested in large hikes, and adventure?

I actually didn’t grow up hiking and didn’t spend any time in the mountains. When I was younger, I was very involved in sports, so I spent a large amount of my time in a gym. I played basketball and volleyball- and the older I got, the more time I spent playing those sports. It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I started hiking. I was always very active but found that playing basketball and volleyball was something I couldn’t ALWAYS do. I was looking for something that was great cardio, but also fun. This is when I discovered hiking and the outdoors. The more hikes I did, the more I was hooked. Washington is absolutely beautiful, and there are so many places to hike too- I just couldn’t get enough!

What inspired you to post more of your adventures, hikes, and life on Instagram?

I started posting about my adventures around the same time that I started hiking. I wanted other people to see the beautiful places they could visit and see in Washington, too. After a while, I started getting more followers and feedback on all my adventures. I loved being able to connect to like-minded people and talk about all things adventure. Through Instagram, I also was able to meet other WA hikers, and meet up with them, and hike together. I have met so many amazing people via Instagram– some of who are my closest friends to this day.

Hiking Challenges

What are the best and the most challenging thing about hiking?

My favorite part about hiking is doing a ton of research on hikes here in Washington- finding amazing little gems that not a lot of people know about. I put a ton of time and effort into my research, and I love being rewarded by the incredible views. I also love putting in all the hard work during a hike (sweating, legs burning, heart-pumping), and then being rewarded with the gorgeous view at the end of the hike. Taking off my pack, sitting down, and admiring nature. The most challenging thing about hiking….not going to lie…is the hiking itself sometimes. There are many times where my body just plain HURTS, and I think to myself, “why the heck am I doing this!?” But then I see the views, and I’m reminded exactly why I do what I do.

Adventurous Hiking Must-Haves

What is your go-to hiking snack?

My go-to hiking snack would definitely be a PB + J sandwich! I also love a good bar- Bobo Bars are probably my favorite. I also love packing some sort of candy 🙂 And apples with peanut butter.

What sort of gear do you recommend to people who want to get started hiking, especially in the PNW area?

I always recommend the 10 essentials (you can look up hiking 10 essentials and it’ll give you the list). Other than that, I always bring hiking poles, snacks, a puffy jacket, and a water filtration system. Depending on the season: bug spray, bug net, warmer clothes, extra pair of socks, Jetboil, and some kind of freeze-dried meal. The more you hike, the more you realize things you need and things you don’t. You start to get into a routine of what you like to bring.

Hiking With a Baby on the Way

When you found out you were pregnant and when you had your baby how did you change up your hiking and exercise regimen?

When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I still wanted to hike and be adventurous. I didn’t want the fact that I was pregnant to stop me from doing things that I loved. The later in my pregnancy I got, the more I toned things down. I also picked up a new hobby when I was pregnant that was easier on my body- paddle boarding! After I had my daughter, I knew things would change a bit, but again, I didn’t want having a baby to stop me from doing things I loved. I didn’t want to lose myself and things that bring me joy.

This summer, I brought her on a few hikes with me, and it definitely looked different, but I enjoyed bringing her along. It just called for more breaks and packing more items. I also was able to get away and hike with my friends, and my husband would stay home with our daughter. These little breaks have been amazing for my mental health, and I feel it is much needed.

Adventurous Hiking Lifestyle

Where is the top place on your hiking/ adventuring bucket list?

Oh gosh, there are so many places I would love to visit to hike. New Zealand is definitely high on my bucket list!!

How do you balance having a baby, work, hiking, and other activities?

It’s definitely very hard to balance everything, but if it is worth it to me, I make time for it. Obviously, my baby is a huge priority in my life, but my mental health also has to be high on my priority list. Because if I am not well, then I can’t be the best mom I can to my daughter. Part of keeping my mental health good is making time to hike and adventure. My husband has been amazing at allowing me to take breaks every now and again to hike with my friends (and he will stay home with our daughter). It is nice to get away and hit that refresh button. I feel like I am a better mom when I can take time for myself every now and again. This doesn’t make me selfish!

What is your biggest dream and hope for your new baby girl?

Oh man, there are so many things I want for my baby girl. I dream that she will fall in love with an activity that she is passionate about and brings her joy. Whether that is the outdoors or not- I just want her to be happy and find things that bring her joy. I also hope she has a relationship with Jesus and puts Him at the center of her life. I pray she surrounds herself with amazing people that will build her up, and that she will always have room at her table for others.

Adventurous Hiking Style

Which three words best describe your style? Comfy, Simple, and Relaxed

What are your favorite places to shop? Target, H&M, TJ Maxx, Eddie Bauer

Who’s your favorite style icon? Oh gosh, I don’t know! I follow a few Influencers/Bloggers on Instagram and love their style. They are Target and Amazon bloggers, so I love seeing items they find at those stores.

What’s your best style advice? You do you!

What are 5 things you are most likely to have in your purse at all times? Chapstick, some sort of snack, pens, loose change, and wallet

What article of clothing/accessory would you not want to live without? Mom jeans + crew neck sweatshirts

What’s your best style secret? Hmmmm…I love the Tula under eye cream!

Stilettos or flats? Flats 100%!!

Adventurous Hiking Family

What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family? I love a good relaxing night at home. Making dinner as a family, sitting around the table, and just talking about our day and random things. I also love the fall because that means college football starts- I love snuggling up on the couch watching college football, eating some type of fall food (chili!).

What’s been your best family vacation? We went to the Virgin Islands, and it was an unforgettable trip! Some of the best hikes and snorkeling.

Best parenting advice: Don’t compare your parenting or life with anyone else.

What’s your go-to family dinner? My husband and I love doing salmon, with potatoes and veggies!

What’s your favorite family restaurant? We have a family-owned restaurant where I live called Kabob House. It’s the best!!

Adventurous Hiking Life

What’s your favorite show to binge-watch? Recently my husband and I watched The Office from the very beginning- loved that show!!

If you could pick anyone to star as you in a movie based on your life, who would it be? I love Jennifer Anniston!!

What’s your favorite beach read? I wish I loved to read, but I just don’t do it as much as I should!! I’d say a love story, though.

What song would you dance to when nobody’s watching? I love a good oldies song!!

What’s at the top of your travel bucket list? New Zealand!

What’s your favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day? A nice hot bath with some Epsom salt!! Seriously the best.

Adventurous Hiking Mom Vibes

Sasha inspires us to literally climb the mountains ahead of us, whether they are right out your back door or through the twists and turns of life. We love her passion for her newfound motherhood, as well as hiking. This Adventurous Hiking Mom on the Street’s style truly resonates with all of us that the views are always best when you have a good climb!

Be sure to follow Sasha on Instagram to see more of her hiking journeys and beautiful nature photos. And for more inspiring and adventurous moms, be sure to check out Family App Mom on the Street!