The crisp, refreshing air, the bright-blue sky and the seemingly endless number of trees are all reasons why Washington State University soccer player Bridget Rieken loves the Pacific Northwest.

When talking about Rieken, it is hard not to mention all of her accomplishments on the field. Rieken started in 16 games her freshman year, was named to the Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll her sophomore year and she was named to the All-Pac-12 Third Team her junior year.

Being a soccer player at the collegiate level is no easy task. In addition to the team's weekly games, they have two hours of practice each morning, team meetings, travel and class to attend. Rieken hikes to unwind and take a break from all of her responsibilities as a student-athlete.

"Even in Pullman there are not very many hikes, but the ones that there are, I have done them all," Rieken said.

Rieken first got into hiking as a child when her family took her on camping trips. Those trips got her used to being out in nature and from then on, she was hooked. Rieken grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 90 miles north of Pullman.

"I am just so used to always being outside," Rieken said . "I'll take any chance I can get to do literally anything out there."

Rieken said she likes to do most of her hiking in Idaho. Priest Lake and Farragut State Park are a couple of her favorite places to hike. Occasionally, she likes to go on lengthy backpacking trips for a mental reset.

"I don't get to hike as much as I would like to, obviously with soccer and school, but I try to go at least once a week,"she said.

In addition to soccer, Rieken participated in track and basketball in high school, but she only played them as a way to get outside and stay in shape for soccer. Rieken said hiking and backpacking is a great way for her to stay in shape during the offseason.