Jess Dales

Jess Dales is an American outdoor content creator, travel photographer, and adventure blogger best known under her online brand and blog persona, Jess Wandering. Recognized for her landscape photography, destination guides, and practical outdoor tutorials, she has built a substantial audience by capturing imagery of remote wilderness settings. Based out of Seattle, Washington, Dales regularly documents her backpacking expeditions, alpine hikes, and international travels for an audience of outdoor enthusiasts.

Background and Education

Born in Utah, Dales relocated with her family to Seattle, Washington, around the age of five, spending her childhood exploring the natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Prior to pursuing a creative career in digital media, she followed a traditional professional trajectory, attending law school and earning a Juris Doctor degree. Dales initially worked as a corporate attorney in an office environment. However, seeking a creative outlet and a deeper connection to nature, she transitioned away from legal practice following a law firm layoff, deciding instead to pursue landscape photography and travel writing as a full-time career.

Career and Content Creation

Dales established her blog, JessWandering.com, as a central hub for detailed travel guides, hiking itineraries, gear recommendations, and personal travel essays. Her content highlights immersive outdoor experiences, alpine wilderness exploration, and sustainable travel practices. Over her career, she has collaborated with major tourism boards, outdoor equipment brands, and photography companies. Notably, she became a member of the Sony Alpha Imaging Collective, showcasing commercial and landscape imagery created with professional equipment. She also frequently collaborates on remote photographic projects with fellow adventure photographer Quin Schrock.

Online Influence and Brand Presence

Through her Instagram platform, @jess.wandering, Dales has cultivated a dedicated following of more than 900,000 users. Her digital presence blends vibrant visual storytelling with extended captions that offer travel advice, reflections on career shifts, and insights into remote navigation. By documenting destinations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, Dales has established herself as a prominent voice in the outdoor and travel influencer industry.