It’s no wonder that snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport. As one snowshoe joke puts it, anyone can learn how to do it in 10 easy steps: Put on snowshoes and take 10 steps. Now you’re an expert! It may only take 10 steps to master, but there are several safety concerns that accompany […]
Five Favorite Inland NW Snowshoe Hikes Read More »
When choosing a fall hike, my biggest considerations are always seeing the best fall colors and finding safe trailhead access in case of changing weather conditions. That last one also suggests a third consideration: keeping myself comfortable and warm, prepared for whatever our temperamental fall season may choose to throw at me. That’s why Snow
Snow Peak Cabin: Colville National Forest Read More »
When I look at the maps of the fires that are still burning as we go to print, vivid images of pre-fire places come to mind: small, tight-knit mountain communities; out-of-the-way trailheads and campgrounds; vast expanses of pine, sage and grassland; and green, high-country forests like those that spread for miles along the Kettle Crest.
Fire on the Mountain Read More »
With hundreds of wildfires burning around the Pacific Northwest, including thousands of acres in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, the skies around Spokane look apocalyptic today. Fire fighters have died, homes have burned, communities have been evacuated, roads and huge swaths of public lands have been closed. While wildfires are a natural part of our
Inland Northwest Wildfire Resources for Outdoor Recreationists Read More »
While I love our local urban hikes, there comes a point every winter when I long for the view from the summit of some remote mountain top. However, most peaks are difficult, if not impossible, to access during the snowy winter months. That’s where the Okanogan Highlands come in, offering prepared winter visitors a chance
Hike of the Month: Fir Mountain (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest) Read More »
As a female commuter cyclist, much of my riding is in town, in a skirt, avoiding flashing oncoming traffic. When afforded the time for longer rides, skirts are graciously thrown to the wind for bike shorts. The elemental nature of a roadie seeks the yellow brick road – a practical journey, embedded with spiritual components,
Skirts to Bike Shorts: Road Cycling Northeast Washington Read More »
A serious, full-time hiker friend of mine, Dick, who also goes by the trail name “Hike On,” shows up in town every year or so to visit family and friends between long strolls in the backcountry. He has thru-hiked all three of the major American long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail back east; the Continental Divide
OTM: What inspired you to create and start publishing OTM back in 2004? JS: Outdoor activity was clearly on the rise and didn’t seem to be getting the attention it deserved. Oh, and I needed a job. OTM: Were you surprised that Spokane finally made it into Outside magazine’s top 10 outdoor town list? JS:
Interview with OTM Founder Jon Snyder on Spokane’s Future as an Outdoor Town Read More »
From a lunchtime escape to a months-long journey, we sought out the toughest, most breathtaking and the craziest rides for Northwest riders to attempt.
Epic Rides: 8 Bike Treks You Can Conquer Read More »
Nature Exploring In Eastern Washington And North Idaho Rich Leon Adventure Trail Publishing, 2009, 68 pages With my initial scan of the Table of Contents of Nature Exploring I knew this book would bring back memories. From Boy Scout camping trips in the environs of the Little Pend Orielle Wildlife Refuge to hikes in the
