Maddie Downie

Maddie Downie

Title: Review Editor

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, mountaineering
  • Education: MFA in Creative Writing, Western Washington University
  • Years of Writing: 8
  • Years of Gear Testing: 4+
  • Certifications: CPR, AIARE Level 1
  • Previous Publications: GearJunkie, Mount Baker Experience Magazine, various creative writing magazines


Why I Chose This Career

Writing for Switchback Travel is the perfect blend of my two favorite things: playing outside and playing with words. 


How I Began My Career

My writing experience is rooted in poetry and fiction, and I graduated in 2022 with a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Though I was raised camping, 14er-bagging, and horseback riding in Colorado, I quickly fell in love with the rugged North Cascades and dove head-first into rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and the art of PNW bushwhacking—anything that gets me to the top of those peaks.

Recent Articles