I’m standing in a snowdrift on Spokane Street in downtown Rossland, British Columbia. As is typical of streets in old mining towns in the mountains, Spokane Street is incredibly steep, and today it’s been made skate-rink slick for the upcoming bobsled competition, the centerpiece of the Rossland Winter Carnival. Next to me, two women discuss, […]
Celebrate Winter at the Rossland Winter Carnival Read More »
The Rich History of Rope Tows, Tramways and Ski Lifts on Mt. Spokane The first rope tow was invented in 1908 in Germany’s Black Forest by Robert Winterhalder. It wasn’t until 1933 that Alec Foster installed the first rope tow in North America at Shawbridge near Montreal. In 1934 Bob and Betty Royce built their
Artifacts: Ski Lift Origins Read More »
Backcountry roads can be the necessary evil of adventure: every recreationist has his or her story of harrowing, white-knuckled mountain driving or late-night tire repair far from the nearest Les Schwab. But sometimes it’s ok to embrace the backcountry drive, not as a means of getting to the destination but as the destination itself. On
7 Wild Places — Epic Backcountry Drives & Adventures Along the Way Read More »
Panhandle National Forest offers family-friendly camping and river tubing away from the more popular, crowded Inland Northwest recreation hubs.
Family Camping & Tubing On the Coeur d’Alene River Read More »
I consider myself a pretty strong rider. But, despite their best efforts, the trio of Canadian cyclists who have volunteered to show me the highlights of road biking in the West Kootenay region of southern B.C. area are casually kicking my ass. The small alpine community of Rossland is one of the highest-elevation towns in
The West Kootenays on Two Wheels Read More »
Let me be your concierge for a Northeast Washington hiking weekend this summer that includes hiking Thirteen Mile Trail, an overnight car-camping stay at Swan Lake and a visit to the frontier-like town of Republic, Wash. You will make lifelong memories. Swan Lake Campground From Republic, drive Route 21 south for approximately seven miles to
Northeast Washington Hiking/Camping Road Trip Read More »
Adventure is one of those words that can mean very different things to different people. What would your “ultimate summer adventure” look like? Hopefully we’ve at least touched on a few local outing and travel ideas that fit your definition. Is a weekend of camping at Swan Lake in northeast Washington’s Ferry County with a
The Ultimate Summer Adventure Read More »
The Trail Running Film Festival is a collection of the latest and greatest films showcasing the challenges, beauty and community inherent in the world of trail running. This is the second year the film festival has visited Spokane, although the presenter, Rainshadow Running, has been hosting the best trail races in the Northwest for more
Trail Running Film Fest at the Garland Theater (March 31) Read More »
If the cooler nights, fading morning light, and brilliant leaves aren’t enough, the hundreds of ski swap signs blanketed across Spokane is a sure sign that we are rapidly approaching winter. If you’re one who looks forward to the snowy season, soon fall checklists will turn into pre-season ski rituals. Whether you annually tune your
Ski Better and Avoid Injury with the Proper Ski Conditioning Read More »
Summer craziness has come to an end. I’ve been enjoying local brews and fine weather on the decks of several local breweries. But now, it’s time to settle onto a comfy bar stool and experience the seasonal sudsy goodness. For this brewery tour I headed off to two North Idaho brewery destinations: Wallace to the
One for the Road: North Idaho Brewery Road Trip Read More »
