For Roseville Parks & Recreation Supervisor Jake Hassell, adventure doesn’t end when he clocks out. With a deep passion for hiking and backpacking, Jake spends much of his free time exploring trails near and far, pushing his limits and surrounding himself in nature’s beauty.
“I’ve always been an explorer,” Jake says. “I want to see what’s over the next hill.”
.jpg "Jake - the waves")
That curiosity has taken him across some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. He hikes at least twice a month, backpacks two to three times a year on overnight excursions, and visits two national parks annually. His list of destinations includes Yellowstone, Banff, Glacier and Kauai’s stunning state parks. But his true love? The mountains.
“I definitely prefer the mountains over the beach,” he admits. “Being so close to Tahoe and Auburn, there are so many trails and hiking areas to take advantage of.”
Jake’s backpacking journey ramped up after college. His trips have taken him to some of the most challenging and rewarding trails, including the John Muir Wilderness and Zion’s infamous Angels Landing. “Angels Landing is one of my favorites,” Jake says. “The switchbacks are insane, and you need a permit to hike it. It’s one of the most dangerous hikes, but the view at the top is worth every step.”
Beyond the physical challenge, Jake enjoys the technical side of backpacking—the meticulous planning of meals, gear and weight distribution. “You have to plan out every single meal and snack so that by the end of the trip, you’re out of food,” he explains. “The attention to detail, the trial and error—it’s all part of the adventure. And no backpacking trip is ever the same. The seasons, weather and circumstances are always different. There’s a quote I love: ‘No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it is not the
same river and he is not the same man.’”
That adaptability serves Jake well in both the wilderness and his career. “Planning a trip and running a Recreation program aren’t all that different,” he says. “You can plan the same program, but each class or camp is different every time. You have to adapt to changes, just like in nature.”
Despite the challenges, Jake is committed to his goal of visiting all 50 U.S. National Parks—at his pace of two per year, he estimates it will take him 25 years. But he’s in no rush. “I lean toward enjoying the moment more than taking photos,” he says. “My priority is to be grateful for where I am.”
Whether he’s guiding a recreation program in Roseville or trekking through Desolation Wilderness, Jake’s passion for exploration shines through. And for him, the adventure is just getting started.