We summited Prusik Peak on the most perfect day in The Enchantments this season, with temperatures in the mid-60s, light breezes, cobalt skies and only a few threads of clouds. The official start of summer still lingered three weeks away, but this low snowpack year had offered us an unusually early season of rock climbing. […]
Climbing with Anna 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 »
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 »
When I found a shriveled up piece of last year’s fruit in my backcountry ski pack that had petrified and attached itself to my climbing skins, I could have taken that sign as a bad omen for the ski season ahead. That early December night, the snow we had been counting on turned to rain
Winter Adventure is All Around Us Read More »
Like most outdoor fitness activities, there is a dizzying array of gear available for both the classic and skate styles of Nordic (cross-country) skiing. Waxable or no-wax skis. At least three unique binding and boot systems. Poles that range in price from $20 to $1,000. This volume of options isn’t remarkable in our day of
A Brief History of Skinny Skis: The Evolution of Cross-Country Ski Gear Read More »
On those grey winter days in Spokane, find a dose of vitamin D by heading for Mount Spokane State Park. When everything is obscured by cloud and fog below, the park’s summits are generally bathed in light. Print a copy of the snowshoe trail map, pack your thirteen essentials, and head for the hill to
Hike of the Month: Mount Kit Carson (Mount Spokane State Park) Read More »
Cool, creative outdoor oriented gifts are sure to make certain people on your holiday shopping list smile (tip: you can also leave these pages open with items circled for your significant other or send a copy home to your parents). These gift ideas from local retailers and local outdoor gear companies right here in the
Play Local, Shop Local: Inland NW Outdoor Gift Guide Read More »
Last February (2013), Adventure Cycling released the maps for a new bike packing backcountry experience, the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. There are two maps. One covers the main route, which is a 518-mile loop of mostly dirt and gravel roads. The second map covers four single track sections that will take you to
Fat Tires and Hot Pools: Riding the Idaho Hot Springs Loop Read More »
Four of the best fall hikes in Idaho’s Silver Valley, including Upper & Lower Stevens Lake, Lone Lake, St. Regis Lakes, and Crystal Lake.
Best Fall Hikes in Idaho’s Silver Valley Read More »
David Lund is not a machine, but for 49 consecutive hours he ran 205 miles. That’s nearly eight continuous marathons. Whereas most runners participate in the Spokane-to-Sandpoint Relay Race as a team, on August 14, Lund elected to do the entire race solo. In fact, when he completed the race entry form, under team name
I Think I’m Alone Now: Spokane to Sandpoint SOLO! Read More »
