Alone in Wonderland: Longing for Connection and Adventure in the Shadow of Mount Rainier ― A Memoir

A woman leaves behind the expectations of conventional life to walk solo into the wild ― and discovers far more than just the miles ahead.

When Christine Reed first stumbled across a long-distance hiking blog at her office desk, she never imagined it would change her life. With little outdoor experience and no real plan, she decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. That single decision sparked a journey of thousands of miles and countless transformations.

Years later, newly single and questioning everything she thought she knew about herself and her relationships, Christine sets out to hike the 93-mile Wonderland Trail around Mt. Rainier. Alone. Battling rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and the emotional weight of her past, she reclaims her identity as a woman capable of doing hard things and learns that sometimes, solitude is the only place we truly hear our own voice.

Alone in Wonderland is more than a backpacking memoir. It's a raw, relatable story of independence, vulnerability, and the healing power of wild places. With honesty and humour, Christine explores what it means to define yourself on your own terms and reminds us that sometimes, the person you’ve been looking for has been with you all along.

Perfect for fans of Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, Carrot Quinn’s Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart, and anyone who’s ever wanted to pack a bag, walk into the woods, and see what happens.

Christine Reed is a long-distance backpacker, climber, and trail runner whose writing blends adventure with emotional honesty. Her outdoor journey began on a whim―and quickly became a way of life. She has since hiked the Appalachian Trail, the Colorado Trail, and the Wonderland Trail, accumulating thousands of miles on foot and countless lessons along the way. Her “Rugged Outdoors Woman” persona, once just a tongue-in-cheek hashtag, has evolved into a symbol of her commitment to living boldly and authentically. Christine’s work resonates with readers seeking stories of independence, resilience, and breaking free from expectations. When she’s not on the trail, she’s often traveling in her van, speaking at events, or working on her next book. She lives in New Mexico, USA.