Cover photo courtesy of Derrick Knowles Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis puts on this annual gathering of backcountry ski touring enthusiasts, including those interested in Altai Skis’ Hok ski that some have described as a “ski-shoe” that combines elements of a backcountry ski and snowshoe. This year’s weekend event (Feb. 7-8, pending final Forest Service approval) is […]
The story of a rider’s life-threatening injury and reconciliation with wildness in the Northeast Washington backcountry By Eric Deady Cover photo courtesy of Kyle Lucas There is often a peaceful resolve that settles into a person when confronted with the certainty of death in the backcountry. It’s a very unique abandonment of fear, and an
A Near-death MTB Ride in the Northeast Washington Backcountry Read More »
Cover photo by Nils Larsen Courtesy of Altai Skis Situated at the foot of the Kettle Range mountains near the Canadian border, 30 minutes northeast from Republic, Wash., Altai Skis sponsors this annual gathering of ski touring enthusiasts in Ferry County. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, Feb. 8. Altai Skis sells backcountry skis that
Altai Skis Backcountry Ski and Hok Festival, Feb. 8 Read More »
When my brother and I finally carved out a weekend last summer to meet at an alpine lake in the Cascades, stargazing became a goal for our hike. Imagine what the night sky will look like up there, we mused, the wilderness area being far from the lights of even the nearest town, Twisp. We
An Enlightening Backcountry Encounter Read More »
In 2022, America’s national parks had over 213 million visitors. Closer to home, Glacier National Park had over 2.9 million visitors. That popularity has led to a reservation system for bringing cars into the park. Given that popularity, how might we enjoy what national parks afford without finding ourselves cheek by jowl with fellow travelers?
The Road Less Traveled to Waterton Lakes Read More »
Before you leave home for your next Northwest outdoor adventure or camping trip, be sure to check the latest conditions for your road travel route and final destination, including any forest, campground, park, and trail closures. Also, create a safety plan for worse-case scenarios, like wildfire evacuation. Here are resources to help you be prepared
Travel & Safety in Northwest Wildfire Country Read More »
By Blair Libby A pair of bald eagles moved from ponderosa, to fir, to possibly a spruce, which rose up from corners of the lake as trout lookout towers. After a few explosive wing flaps during liftoff, they would glide, bodies as still as the glassy water that mirrored them. I followed their flight path on the water’s
Backcountry Lakes of the Pacific Northwest Trail Read More »
Ready to play Out There Outdoors’ Backcountry Booty treasure hunt contest? Read on for our contest rules and details. Then get out there and find the booty! Backcountry Booty Prize: For this mid-winter Booty we are giving away a Full Weekend Pass to the Coldsmoke Powder Festival at Whitewater Ski Area near Nelson, B.C. February
Southeast British Columbia Winter Destinations Winter adventure doesn’t stop at the U.S./Canada border; in fact, opportunities to ski and ride, wander, and explore hip mountain towns only get bigger, better, and less crowded once you cross the 49th parallel. Out There’s 2nd annual B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide comes at a time when the
B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide Read More »
If you’re traveling alone in the backcountry, you might want to consider bringing along a GPS-enabled satellite messaging device. Such devices can let authorities know if you are in trouble and can provide them with GPS coordinates of your location. Even if you’re out of cell reception, you should be able to communicate via satellite.
Backcountry Safety: Satellite Messaging Devices Read More »
