A kid-friendly way to experience wilderness is by visiting a national park. Harley and Abby McAllister of Spokane Valley travel extensively to national parks with their four sons, ages four through 15. Last year, they compiled their research and experiences to publish two guidebooks, “Yellowstone National Park with Kids” and the other about Utah’s five […]
Trip-Planning Strategies for the National Parks Read More »
There is a common misconception that hydration is only about how much water you drink. While water is a key part of hydration, the true equation is water + electrolytes = hydration. In the midst of this outdoor season, it’s a good time to take a fresh look at your hydration strategy. Electrolytes are mineral
The Hydration Equation Read More »
The main access to Mount Spokane State Park is undergoing major reconstruction this summer and will be closed to public motor vehicle access through October 7. While inconvenient, park advocates note that the closure is both necessary and timely, as it needs to happen before weather prohibits road work when the winter season hits. “We
Mt. Spokane Road Under Construction Read More »
This Booty has been found. Congratulations to the winner! Play the OTM Backcountry Booty treasure hunt contest and you get to explore different trails around the region and possibly win gift certificates for cool outdoor gear and other prizes. Here’s how it works along with a few rules you need to follow to play: We
Backcountry Booty: Avista Stand Up Paddleboard Package (Hidden 8.17.16; Found 8.27.16) Read More »
New and significant resource damage to the Enchantment Lakes basin recently spurred the creation of a new group, Friends of Enchantments, to help protect the fragile, iconic landscape in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. The Friends of Enchantments formed after several long-time backpackers in the area were stunned in the fall of 2015
New Group Forms in Response to Alpine Lakes Wilderness Resource Damage Read More »
I hiked up the steep trail to the top of a volcanic canyon in northern Chile to fetch water, which flowed through a slim canal to the village 10 kilometers downstream. The buzz of altitude and midday desert sun slowed me down, and it was so dry that my sweat evaporated before it could cool
Four Traits Climbers Develop in the Northwest That Can Come in Handy Across the Globe Read More »
The Conservation Futures Program, which seeks to acquire and preserve Spokane County’s open spaces and recreation areas, accepts property nominations every 5-6 years in order for property to be considered for acquisition by Spokane County. 38 nominations were received in 2016. A public meeting was then held earlier this summer to take comment on the
Conservation Futures Preliminary Ranking Read More »
The Inland Northwest is nothing if not rich in water — Priest Lake, Pend Oreille, Coeur d’Alene, the Kootenay — and they rely on the tributaries running from the mountains to feed them. The health of mountain streams has direct consequences on whatever and whoever plays in the runoff. Stream health can make or break
Exploring Local Creeks Sustainably Read More »
Many people struggle to wrap their minds around the logistics of bike commuting to work — and it often boils down to dealing with sweat. Commuting by bike makes your entire day better. It wakes up your brain, gets your metabolism going, and helps you focus all day. But the fact remains that it’s awkward
