Sometimes it can feel like life is too busy to get away, but every time I lace up my boots and get on to the trail, it becomes clear that it’s really all of that stuff that’s getting in the way of truly living.

Born and raised in Washington, Dan Miller grew up as the one and only member of his family who really couldn’t wait to hike up a mountain, pitch a tent, and camp somewhere new. Scouting gave him that outlet and he took every opportunity he could to explore our beautiful state, learning skills from older Scouts and adult leaders who inspired him along the way. After earning his Eagle rank at the age of 14, Dan promised to one day give back and teach others about the wonders of the outdoors, as he had been taught.

Fast forward a few years to the time when Dan’s son, a first grader at the time, came to him and said “Can I join Cub Scouts?” There began a 12-year journey of volunteering as a Scout leader that has taken Dan, his son, and dozens of other young men from countless river banks to mountain tops in Washington’s national parks, as well as to amazing destinations across the country, including diving in Florida and topping out at 12,441 feet on Baldy Mountain in New Mexico. Dan’s son, also an Eagle Scout, is one of 21 young men who achieved Scouting’s highest rank during Dan’s tenure as Scoutmaster of Troop 1565 from 2015 to 2022.

Now, as those Scouts have begun their college careers, Dan has transitioned his energy to connecting others to our national parks as a member of the Board of Directors for Washington’s National Park Fund.  

When he’s not busy with all of that, he spends his time working for Curator, a Seattle-based lifestyle public relations agency that gives consumers a reason to care about the brands they represent. He has helped lead advertising, PR, and direct marketing agencies since 1995, after graduating from the University of Washington.

Dan’s wife and daughter also enjoy hiking and camping with him… just not in the rain.