For years I ignored the lonely Blue Mountains in favor of forever heading north for hiking and backpacking fun. Fortunately, I recently came to my senses: the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness in the Blues is no farther than many of my favorite trails to the north, and since some of the trails are at lower elevation, they […]
Wenaha River Trail (Blue Mountains, Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness) Read More »
The Northwest has hundreds of lakes ranging from tiny alpine tarns to giant pools that sprawl for miles through the mountains. The region’s many diverse lakes each have their own unique feel and personality. While public land and access is limited at some, others like Priest Lake, nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, are a near
The Best of Priest Lake: Hikes, Resorts, Paddling, Fishing, and More Read More »
Back before the Internet, it was more difficult to break out into new outdoor sports than it is today, especially technical ones like climbing that usually require someone to show you the ropes. The local outdoors community coalesced around clubs like the Spokane Mountaineers and Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club, where people who were into
See You at Spokatopia Read More »
GSI Outdoors started out making cookware and dining products that adapt the comforts of home to active outdoor lifestyles at the campsite, base camp and anywhere in between. The business initially began in San Diego, but the headquarters has been in Spokane Valley since 1995. Over the past 20 years, GSI has become the leader
Spokane-based GSI Outdoors Expands Read More »
One time, and one time only, I ate one of those Mountain House dehydrated meals. I had been misled into believing that real outdoors people must not only have nerves of steel, but guts of steel, and thus such food was a mandatory accessory to proving expedition toughness. As camping and mountaineering season approaches, it
Eating Well in the Woods: Healthy Camp Food Tips Read More »
A lackluster Northwest winter is rapidly turning to spring, which means the time to hike is now. With hundreds of trail miles waiting to be explored on our local public lands, there is no excuse to stay indoors. When checking out Spokane County’s Conservation Futures properties; state parks; or our surrounding state, BLM and National
Find New Hiking Trails and Camaraderie with Local Hiking Groups Read More »
“The Columbia River is a thread of life in the Pacific Northwest. A journey down any portion opens another world of nature’s beauty, a history of man’s dependence on the river, and an exploration of yourself. Do not hesitate – start the adventure.” In the outdoor sports community, John Roskelley is the prime example of
A River’s Journey: An Epic Paddle Put to Words Read More »
Getting bored with grilled hamburgers and s’mores every time you go camping? While there is nothing wrong with this traditional, all-American campsite meal, perhaps you’re ready for some different ideas. If you’re backpacking, it’s tempting to be satisfied with store-bought, freeze-dried meals or ramen noodles – simple, easy, little mess. Yet, you shouldn’t submit to
Better Eating in the Backcountry Read More »
During the artists’ reception for the 2008 Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Plein Air Paintout, Aaron Johnson and Jared Shear approached organizer Neil Wimberley with a few words: “We want to paint in the back country.” Neil pointed at me and said, “Talk to him.” They did, and the Extreme Plein Air was hatched. The Paintout, parent
Wild Art: The Scotchman Peaks Extreme Plein Air Expedition Read More »
If you hike or ride a bike or horse on the many miles of trails in the Inland Northwest, then you are the perfect candidate for a Washington Trails Association volunteer trail project. Trail building and maintenance is fun and rewarding, and most volunteers leave with a new appreciation for the effort that goes into
Washington Trails Association: From Hiking Journal to Trail Heroes Read More »
