Get Out There

Vibrant red, black, and yellow patterned underside of a painted turtle shell.

Painted Turtles and Their Stillwater Habitats

Painted turtles preferred habitat is in slow, still water, particularly ponds and lakes -- known as lacustrine ecosystems.

Adam Gebauer August 10, 2021

Spokane Athlete Ravaged By Long-Haul COVID Maintains Hopeful Outlook

Long-haul COVID has halted the outdoor and fitness-related activities, including cycling and hiking, for a Spokane athlete and nurse.

Sarah Hauge August 10, 2021

Two bikers along a dirt trail in te Trout Creek Mountains, with snow remnants on the shady rock cliffs in the distance.

Oregon’s Big Country Route Considerations

Tips for bikepacking the rugged, remote Big Country Route in the mountainous desert terrain of southeast Oregon and northern Nevada.

Derrick Knowles August 10, 2021

Bikepack riding a gravel road on Oregon's Big Country Route, alongside sagebrush.

9 Days on Oregon’s Big Country Bikepacking Route

Travel journal about bikepacking 357 miles through the mountainous desert terrain of southeast Oregon and northern Nevada.

Derrick Knowles August 10, 2021

Illustration of a mountainn biker grinding up a mountain.

Aiming High on the Cross-Washington MTB Race

Everyday Cyclist columnist details his experience completing the 2021 Cross-Washington Mountain Bike Race (XWA).

Justin M. Short July 31, 2021

Slidewaters Water Park—Family Fun & Thrills at Lake Chelan

One of the most spectacular family water parks in the Northwest sits above stunning Lake Chelan, just a few hours’ drive from Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, ...

Out There Outdoors July 20, 2021

Swinging bridge over the Spokane River and its raging whitewater rapids at the Bowl and Pitcher area of Riverside State Park.

“Wednesdays in the Woods” Returns to Spokane’s Riverside State Park

Free event series returns to Riverside State Park, sponsored by REI Co-op, Washington State Parks, and Riverside State Park Foundation.

Out There Outdoors July 20, 2021

Sandy beach on an island in Priest Lake.

31 Ways to Explore Inland NW Lakes

OTO writers share their ideas for recreation, adventure, and simply enjoying time at any lake in the Inland Northwest.

Out There Outdoors July 19, 2021

Man standing on wind foiling board, getting towed behind power boat, on Lake Pend Oreille.

Wing Foiling on the Lake

Learn about the fringe sport of wing foiling—where riders use boards equipped with a hydrofoil and inflatable, hand-held sail called a wing.

Derrick Knowles July 19, 2021