Destinations
12 Close-To-Home Warm Weather Adventures
When you don’t have time for a full out-of-town trip or you just need a quick adventure fix, try a variation on one of these local gems recommended by OTO publisher Derrick Knowles.
32 Spring & Summer Inland NW Trip Ideas
Inland Northwest trip ideas for North Idaho and Washington: including the Silver Valley, Lake Pend Oreille, Salmon River Canyons (ID); and Kettle River Country, Pend Oreille River, and Lake Roosevelt (WA).
Shredding the Kootenays In the COVID-Era
Pandemic Deep Thoughts by Powder Matt from the Canada’s Kootenay Powder Highway in British Columbia.
Meet Powder Matt: Border Closures Deliver Locals-only Shred Fest In the Kootenays
With the international border closed for non-essential travel, we asked self-proclaimed ski bum “Powder Matt,” from Kimberley, B.C., to share about the pandemic skiing life along B.C.’s Powder Highway.
Hiking Kamiak Butte in Whitman County, Wash.
Kamiak Butte (3,641′ elevation) is the second tallest point in Whitman County and a designated National Natural Landmark. One of four county parks, the butte can have some of the earliest spring wildflowers in March and April, although early season visitors should also be prepared for potentially snowy and icy conditions in shady spots as well as higher on the trail system.
Remapping a Lost Thru-Hike in Northeast Oregon
The Blue Mountains Trail, a work in progress for decades, has evolved into a 566-mile point-to-point long-distance trail with a spiral shape connecting its two ends, Wallowa Lake State Park near Joseph and John Day.
New Schweitzer Hotel to Open for 2021/22 Ski Season
Since breaking ground in the spring of 2019, Schweitzer Mountain Resort has been working to complete a new hotel project in the village. The 66,580 square foot, 31-unit hotel complex will be a ski-in, ski-out property that will provide essential arrival services and slopeside accommodations for Schweitzer’s year-round guests.
Lake Chelan Winter Fest
Every January, Chelan hosts 4-day Winterfest with ice sculptures, food tasting specials, bonfires, and fireworks.
4 Small Ski Hills of Washington State
Small ski hills provide an affordable family-friendly ski recreation opportunity. Learn about four of them still operating in Washington State.
Soul of Skiing: Community Ski Hills
Echo Valley Ski Hill (3,000′ elevation) near Lake Chelan is one of the few remaining small ski areas still operating in Washington State.