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The author's toddler and dog walking on the trail, with trees on side and a downslope on the other.

On Walking a Toddler in the Woods

Personal essay by Lisa Laughlin reflecting on how motherhood has changed how she experiences trails, hiking, and the great outdoors.
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Black bear walking across a clearing in a forest.

Why Washington’s Spring Bear Hunt Was Canceled

Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission made the controversial decision to cancel the 2022 spring bear hunt only because of a tie-vote.
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Illustration of a car attached to reindeer, like Santa's sleight, flying through the sky.

Ski Bum Advice ~ Poem: The Night Before Skiing

Seasonal parody poem by OTO's official ski bum Brad Northrup -- a former ski racer, coach, and ski industry professional.
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Person writing in a journal.

3 Steps For Healthy and Balanced Goal-Setting

Three key questions to guide self-reflection for improving wellness and to help align priorities and set goals that enhance life balance.
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Illustration of a person fatbiking on a snow covered trail.

Winter Fatbike Racing: The Pursuit of Ultra Fatness

Long-distance winter fatbike racing is grueling, but that's why some riders say they do it. Meet Inland NW bikers who embrace the challenge.
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Bikes parked at Riverside State Park's Nine Mile Falls Dam area.

Imagine Bikepacking a New “Spokane Trail”

What if Spokane had a long-distance trail encircling the city that connected parks and conservations areas using existing trails & pathways?
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Olivia Dugenet and friends approaching a high mountain pass.

A Woman’s Place Is In The Wild

Personal essay by Olivia Dugenet about how women challenge stereotypes and social expectations when they adventure in the great outdoors.
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Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant at a bear den. // Photo by Peter Houlihan, courtesy of National Geographic Live.

National Geographic Live “The Secret Life of Bears”: Jan. 26

Wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant presents "The Secret Life of Bears" for National Geographic Live in Spokane on January 26, 2022.
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Illustration of author/cyclist slurping a huckleberry milkshake while sitting on a tree stump with mountain bike, loaded with panniers and bikepacking gear, leaning against stump.

Fall Bikepacking Rambles, From Idaho to Montana

Everyday Cyclist: Justin M. Short shares shoulder season rambles about his fall bikepacking adventure in north Idaho and western Montana.
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