It was day two on a five day rafting trip down the Main Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River when our flotilla of two loaded boats and a half-dozen people rounded a bend to a surprising sight. Until that point we had only seen a couple other rafters, a few deer, and a moose. It felt […]
There are a few outdoor adventures in the Inland Northwest that are available only a couple of times each year. Skiing two feet of fresh powder at a local ski area is one of those, and another is the opportunity to take a whitewater run down Latah Creek. Of course, when Latah does run, “whitewater”
Whitewater Run Down Latah (aka Hangman) Creek Read More »
Editor’s note: This is part one in series on training for a triathlon. When a reporter once asked mountaineer George Mallory why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, Mallory famously responded, “Because it’s there.” For many triathletes, the Ironman is their Everest, but they’ll probably use more than three words trying to explain why they
Training for a Triathlon: Why Sign Up for an Ironman in the First Place? Read More »
On a dreary February afternoon, my three-year-old son was in search of wildlife. It was nearing dusk, he was sick, and a nature walk wasn’t possible. But what we could do was watch “Wild Kratts,” an animated PBS Kids wildlife education show. We went to the show’s webpage and learned about the North American forest
Plan Your Own Wildlife Safari This Summer Read More »
Rick and Randy Evans pull into my driveway on a snowy Thursday afternoon, two dogs ejecting from their vehicles in unbridled enthusiasm for the great outdoors. “I brewed a fresh pot of coffee,” Rick says as he steps onto my front porch and sets down a thermos with a thud. I can tell it’s going
The Evans Brothers: For the Love of Coffee (and the Great Outdoors) Read More »
Ever since my first spring backpack trip to Utah with EWU’s outdoor program back in college, the month of March has meant, in most good years, that it was time for a spring break trip. From Utah to Hells Canyon and the wilds of Idaho’s Salmon River, spring trips have typically targeted low-elevation, arid regions
Best of Both Seasons Read More »
The parking lot at Warm Springs Creek trailhead was empty, unusual for a Friday afternoon, even in the depths of winter. Across Highway 12, the Lochsa River, normally tumultuous – its name Nez Perce for “rough water” – lay suspended mid-churn. Meanwhile, just downstream, improbably in the sub-zero chill that flash-froze sweat, Warm Springs Creek
Lolo to Lochsa: Winter Adventure Along the Hot Springs Highway Read More »
Hike Of the Month Sherman Peak (Kettle River Range, Northeast WA) Tackle this rigorous route for incredible views from the summit of 7,011 foot Sherman Peak. From the parking lot, look both ways before crossing Highway 20, then begin your climb through the lodgepole pine forest on Sherman’s flank. At the junction with the Sherman
Hike of the Month- Sherman Peak (Kettle River Range, Northeast WA) Read More »
<SUR·PRISE> tr.verb sur·prised, sur·pris·ing, sur·pris·es To encounter suddenly or unexpectedly; to attack or capture suddenly and without warning; to cause to feel wonder, astonishment or amazement at something unanticipated. The ache in my quads has reached a burning crescendo as I make my final turns through the soft, boot-deep snow, stopping just short of the
Hunting Pow With Selkirk Powder Company: Schweitzer’s Backcountry Surprise Read More »
Mountain as metaphor; snow as symbol. Reading good literature for après ski relaxation or while nestled at home on a long winter night is a healthy indulgence. It forces you to slow down, consider imagery. Five local writers, whose books are worthy of winter reading, share their recommendations with OTM. Unlike a summer beach book
Winter Reading List: Local Writer Recommendations Read More »
