Central Oregon’s hip/artsy/outdoorsy vibe is best conveyed by the town of Sisters (3,180’ elev.)—a friendly destination to pursue a wide array of outdoor recreation. It’s the third point of a triangle that includes the larger cities of Bend, to the southeast, and Redmond, to the east. Bordering the 1.6 million acre Deschutes National Forest, the […]
Roadtrip: Sisters, Oregon Read More »
Outdoor Medical Emergency Handbook – First Aid For Travelers, Backpackers, Adventurers Dr. Spike Briggs & Dr. Campbell Mackenzie Firefly Books, 2010, 244 pages. This book isn’t for the family heading out to the lake or the couple heading out there for a few days of backpacking. After the Table of Contents and Introduction, there’s a
Book Reviews September 2010 Read More »
By Callae Frazier And Dale Tessin What inspires and encourages us to step away? Why do we intentionally present ourselves with physical, mental and psychological challenges in the backcountry? For some it’s the sense of adventure. Others are instilled with confidence by the experience. And many simply revel in the opportunity to spend as much
Over the years, I’ve discovered that there is no such thing as dry and warm for long, vigorous rides in bad weather. And because most high-tech fabrics start with promises of “warm and dry,” which I’ve never actually experienced, I’ve developed an aversion to most high-tech clothing. I like wool. Sometimes I’ll wrap a cheap
Everyday Cyclist: The Wonder Fabric You’ve Never Heard Of Read More »
Autumn is the season best savored perhaps by creative writers, bird watchers and carefree nature lovers. Nineteenth-century writer William Cullen Bryant referred to this season as “the year’s last, loveliest smile,” and novelist Albert Camus said, “Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower.” Crisp mornings with frost, clothed in layers for
Three Great Treks For Fall Colors Read More »
The Washington State Trails Association is doing some outreach to the Spokane area. They have some cool trail work parties coming up. Here’s the details on their upcoming Spokane meeting: Get to Know the Washington Trails Association Thursday June 25, 7-8 P.M. at REI Find out about WTA’s Hiking Trail Advocacy and Trail Maintenance Work
Have Fun Doing Trail Work This Summer Read More »
You know how it is. Five, maybe seven, even two and a half miles into a backcountry campsite, perhaps somewhere only your GPS knows. Your feet hurt, and legs ache. After pitching your tent, it’s dinner time. Those who know backpacking understand the key essentials for survival: food, water, shelter. Besides scenery, good food is
Great Backcountry Grub Read More »
Here’s the trifecta of winter outdoor mountaineering, courtesy RAA: Revelstoke Alpine Adventures Fills First Avalanche Skills Training Courses, Adds More Avalanche Training, Guided Ski Touring and Waterfall Ice Climbing REVELSTOKE, British Columbia – As the snow continues to fall and the need for avalanche safety and skills training increases, Revelstoke Alpine Adventures (RAA) announces additional
Test Your Winter Gnarliness Read More »
“The sight of Harrison Peak hovering above its namesake lake at the headwaters of the Pack River provides one of the loveliest backdrops in all of North Idaho,” according to Thad Laird. He ought to know since he wrote a Climber’s Guide to North Idaho and the Cabinet Wilderness. Make no mistake; Harrison Peak and
Harrison Lake: Great Views in the Selkirks Read More »
Everyone can have a “lake place” if you consider all the public campgrounds and backcountry alpine lakes that are available for little to no cost. Only a two-hour drive from Spokane, Priest Lake is one of mine. It provides an easy, low-cost retreat even for minimalist outdoor recreationists—you don’t need a boat to have fun.
Boatless At Priest Lake: Everyone Can Hike, Bike And Camp At The Big Lake Read More »
