Living as close as we do to British Columbia and the unthinkably uncrowded Kootenay region, with its lifetime’s worth of outdoor adventure potential, dramatic scenery and idyllic, enlightened mountain towns, there’s no excuse for not having a current passport or an enhanced, Canadian-border-crossing approved Washington State driver’s license. Border crossings are a breeze these days, […]
Off-the-Beaten-Path BC Adventure Towns Read More »
“It was just a mess. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong.” That’s how Dustin Semb with Eastern Washington University’s EPIC Adventures outdoor program describes one of his most memorable experiences whitewater kayaking. Semb had driven up to Canada for the weekend to meet up with friend and long-time Spokane area kayaker Steve Bailey
I’m driving westbound on I-90 into the heart of eastern Washington’s channeled scablands, and it’s hard to envision trout fishing. Nothing here resembles the traditional “trouty” waters I grew up with. Basalt outcrops throughout the arid plains represent the only topography here in a treeless landscape that seems to have no business supporting aquatic life.
A Desert Oasis for Early Season Anglers Read More »
There are two kinds of people: those who enjoy soaking in their own and others’ grime in hot tubs, and those who don’t. I love a hot shower, but baths – chlorinated or bubbled or otherwise – just aren’t my thing. But give me a hike, a set of hand-scrawled instructions, and an outdoor puddle
Hot Spring Hopping Around Idaho and Oregon Read More »
For years, friends have been telling us, “You should go to Nelson for your next vacation!” and “You would LOVE Nelson! It’s so like you guys.” Instead, my husband Young and I visited Missoula (easier), Portland (foodier) and Seattle (for friends, family and work) and a lot of other places in between. But when the
Kaslo, B.C. and Kootenay Lake Paddling Read More »
Have you ever noticed the crowds at the local beaches? The noise of Jet Skis; whining, crying and yelling kids; and the endless boat traffic? Well, I have a story about the most spectacular lake, and an adventure that is sure to please if you’re looking to get away from all that. The lake is
Escaping the Lake Crowds at Leigh Lake Read More »
A sprawling complex of beautiful, historic buildings and surprisingly bustling streets nestled into the steep mountain hillsides of north Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains, Wallace Idaho is a momentary neck-craning distraction for most Interstate 90 travelers driving through the Silver Valley. Too bad for them, since this authentic, resilient community has successfully tapped a gold mine balance
Exploring Wallace, Idaho’s Mining Heritage Read More »
When I found a shriveled up piece of last year’s fruit in my backcountry ski pack that had petrified and attached itself to my climbing skins, I could have taken that sign as a bad omen for the ski season ahead. That early December night, the snow we had been counting on turned to rain
Winter Adventure is All Around Us Read More »
Fernie became my new favorite word for several weeks this summer. I really couldn’t stop talking about it, to the eventual annoyance of my wife who had to endure the brunt of my endless ranting and raving. I had always thought Fernie was too far away, but the real barrier was the fact that I
Fernie, BC – Adventure in the Canadian Rockies is Closer Than You Think Read More »
Begin this hike just off the pavement at the rustic Thirteen Mile campground at the southern edge of the Colville National Forest. There’s no chance for a warm-up on this one, as the trail wastes no time in ascending a rocky gorge along a tumbling creek. Watch for seasonal waterfalls on the surrounding cliffs, and
Hike of The Month: Thirteen Mile Trail #23 (Kettle River Range, Wash.) Read More »
