In this episode of Outdoorsy, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mikayla—an outdoor educator, artist, former park ranger, and all-around adventurer who brings a wealth of knowledge to the table when it comes to making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
We touched on so many important topics, from beginner tips to rethinking the idea of what it means to be "outdoorsy." If you’ve ever felt like the outdoor community wasn’t for you, this episode is for you. Let’s dive into some key takeaways from our chat!
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The Outdoors are For Everyone
Mikayla started off by sharing how her relationship with the outdoors has evolved over time. Like many of us, she grew up camping and hiking with her family but really deepened her connection after getting into outdoor education and conservation.
One of the biggest myths about the outdoors is that you need fancy gear or tons of experience to "count."
"Despite what you see online, you don't need the fancy gear or the fancy gadgets to get outside. I grew up getting outdoors in my t-shirt and sneakers... Going to the neighborhood park was considered an outdoor adventure, and it still is."
So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment or the right equipment to get outside, just know—it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Building Community & Finding Belonging
Another theme we kept coming back to was belonging. Mikayla is big on community, whether it’s finding people to hike with through Facebook groups or joining a local outdoor organization.
She had some great advice for beginners: if you’re nervous about getting out there on your own, don’t be afraid to find a buddy. She suggested starting small with something as simple as grabbing coffee with a potential hiking partner first to feel them out.
I think this is such an important reminder for anyone feeling anxious about heading outdoors for the first time. Community is everything, and it’s okay to seek support, whether you’re going on a solo adventure or with a group of strangers-turned-friends. There’s a space for everyone.
Redefining Outdoorsy & Inclusivity in the Outdoors
Mikayla and I spent a lot of time talking about inclusivity, something that’s at the heart of the Outdoorsy podcast. One of the most common barriers for people getting into the outdoors is feeling like they don’t belong. Maybe you don’t see yourself represented in the outdoor industry or feel intimidated by the idea of hiking or camping. I get it—it’s tough to feel like you’re entering a space that wasn’t designed for you.
But Mikayla emphasized that we all need to redefine what it means to be outdoorsy. For her, being outdoorsy is simply about appreciating and enjoying nature, in whatever form that takes.
"To me, outdoorsy is simply enjoying and appreciating the outdoors. I don’t think it has to be complicated."
You don’t need to scale mountains every weekend or go on multi-day backpacking trips to "count." It's not a competition. Whether you’re reading a book in a city park or birdwatching in your backyard, you’re outdoorsy. And if you’ve got specific needs—whether that’s finding accessible trails or needing adaptive equipment—there are ways to make the outdoors work for you. Mikayla reminded us that urban parks and green spaces are just as valid an outdoor experience as visiting a national park.
Outdoor Education & Learning
One thing I really admire about Mikayla is her dedication to education. She’s worked as a park ranger and an outdoor educator, so she knows firsthand how important it is to make sure people feel informed and empowered when they head outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just starting, learning is part of the process.
For beginners, she recommends starting small—maybe with a short, easy trail or even just spending time at a local park. No one expects you to be an expert right away, and we all make mistakes. What’s most important is that you keep learning and trying.
"No one’s perfect, and you’re bound to make mistakes when you’re starting out... Accidents do happen. Learn from that. Don’t do it again."
If you’re looking for structured learning, Mikayla suggests checking out classes offered by organizations like REI. She took a beginner class on climbing 14ers (those 14,000-foot mountains), which helped her prepare and build confidence. There are also tons of online resources and local groups that can help you get started—whether that’s with hiking, camping, or just learning about local wildlife.
Volunteering & Giving Back
Another way to feel connected to the outdoors, especially if you’re new, is through volunteering. Mikayla shared her own experiences volunteering with trail-building organizations and local park services. It’s a great way to not only give back to the places you love but also learn more about stewardship and meet people with similar interests.
Plus, volunteering is an excellent way to get involved without the pressure of doing it all on your own. You can find opportunities with local groups like Washington Trails Association or state parks, and it’s a low-stakes way to build community and grow your confidence in the outdoors.
Be Mindful of Your Impact
While we want to encourage everyone to get outside, it’s also important to think about how we interact with nature. Social media has made it easier than ever to find beautiful outdoor spots, but it’s also had some negative consequences. Mikayla pointed out that many national parks and outdoor spaces are underfunded and understaffed, making it hard to handle the huge surge in visitors.
Her advice? Be respectful, follow the rules (they’re there for a reason!), and think twice before posting locations that might not be equipped to handle a lot of visitors. It’s all about balancing enjoyment of the outdoors with respect for the land and the people who care for it.
You Belong in the Outdoors
At the end of the day, the message from Mikayla’s episode is clear: everyone belongs in the outdoors. Whether you’re just starting out, have accessibility needs, or don’t see yourself fitting into the traditional "outdoorsy" mold, there’s a place for you. The outdoors should be a welcoming space for all, and it’s up to us to foster that sense of inclusion and belonging.
So if you’ve been hesitant to get outside, remember—there’s no right or wrong way to be outdoorsy. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, reading a book by the lake, or volunteering at a local park, you belong out there.
Let’s keep redefining what it means to be outdoorsy, and remember to make space for everyone.
Thanks for tuning in, and I can’t wait to see you out there (maybe even in a neighborhood park). And don’t forget—rest is productive, too. 🏞️
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Together, we can redefine what it means to be outdoorsy—one empowered step at a time.
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