Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA), the deepest canyon in North America, plunges nearly 8,000 feet from He Devil in Idaho’s Seven Devils Range to the Snake River. Already popular as a jet boating, rafting, and backpacking paradise, it may surprise you to learn there are also miles of gated roads and abandoned ranches in […]
Bikepacking Hell’s Canyon Read More »
Last September, Senator Maria Cantwell cosponsored the Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (S. 1842), a bipartisan bill that stretched across several western states. The bill includes a wildfire funding fix that would secure badly-needed funding for fire suppression and would allow funding to flow to wildfires in a manner similar to other federally declared disasters, freeing
Senator Cantwell Prioritizes Wildfire Disaster Relief Read More »
For cooler temps, big views, and separation from the constant summer buzz in town, Kettle Crest Trail in northeast Washington.
Mountain Biking the Kettle Crest – NE Washington Read More »
As the school year came to a close, my family and I were sitting around the dinner table discussing plans for the summer. Hanging out at the lake, a trip to Seattle, and our annual pilgrimage to Silverwood were all planned out. Out of the blue, my better half said, “You boys should go do
Passing the Torch Read More »
Those midsummer blood-red sunsets in Spokane carry bittersweet beauty — they’re usually a sign of high levels of fine smoke or dust particles. During those times, and throughout the summer, experts recommend checking the air quality when planning an outdoor workout. Skipping workouts during the hot summer months isn’t the answer. Poor air quality can
Getting Cardio When the Air Quality is Bad Read More »
Riding the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from New Mexico to Canada The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route offers up to 200,000 feet of elevation gain over a distance of 2,745 miles. It roughly follows the Continental Divide, crossing it back and forth about 30 times, from Banff, Alberta, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. When
Three Amigos Take on the Continental Divide Read More »
Last August I spent five days riding my bike on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail and Columbia Plateau Trails from North Bend to Spokane. The dry eastern portion was the most interesting to me. It was the most challenging due to the heat and lack of shade but the most rewarding for the awesome silence
With a nice mix of both fancy and rugged activities – from wine tasting and outdoor art shows to hiking and mountain biking – I’ve never been disappointed by Leavenworth. Only a 3-hour drive from Spokane, this Bavarian village-themed town in central Washington is a great choice for a family-friendly destination or a couples-getaway. As
Hiking Leavenworth: Central Cascades Trails for All Ages Read More »
This month of transition between summer and fall is the perfect time to plan a visit to Grassy Top in the Colville National Forest (assuming there are no wildfires burning nearby). One could potentially find lingering wildflowers or enjoy a few last huckleberries, but shorter days bring cooler temperatures and changing colors to this high-country
Grassy Top Mountain (Selkirk Mountains, NE Washington) Read More »
Backcountry roads can be the necessary evil of adventure: every recreationist has his or her story of harrowing, white-knuckled mountain driving or late-night tire repair far from the nearest Les Schwab. But sometimes it’s ok to embrace the backcountry drive, not as a means of getting to the destination but as the destination itself. On
7 Wild Places — Epic Backcountry Drives & Adventures Along the Way Read More »
