Ski boots planted firmly into the side of a snowy cliff, I test the rope by slowly easing my weight back into the harness, a completely foreign feeling to me especially in full ski gear with my skis strapped to my pack. My fear of heights makes it difficult to focus. Trusting that my partner […]
Skiing Like a Lady at Alpine Finishing School Read More »
Escape the hustle and spend time at an alpine lake, deep in the wilderness, where moonrise, sunset and sunrise reveal new depths of beauty. With grit and legwork, many backcountry lakes can be reached in 2-5 hours as a day hike or overnight backpacking trip. Here are some ideas to get you started. Heart Lake:
Find Peace and Quiet at an Alpine Lake Read More »
By Ryan Stemkoski Cover photo courtesy of Nicole Aguado Their first trip together was a life-changing experience. Nicole and Lydia had never met before they climbed into Lydia’s old van with her daughter Naomi and headed east, deep into the Montana forest, chasing what would quickly become a truly epic and unforgettable adventure. There was
How Spokane/North Idaho Hikers Became a Gateway to Adventure and Community Read More »
Get a fall ride in on the Route of the Hiawatha before it closes for the 2025 season Sept. 21 // Photo courtesy of Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area Idaho’s Silver Valley is a fall adventure hub, where crisp mountain air and golden leaves set the stage for everything from biking iconic rail trails
Fall Adventures in Idaho’s Silver Valley Read More »
How ground reaction forces impact your hikes, runs, and joints By Trey Nichols Imagine that you’ve got a pea-sized pebble in your shoe as you’re out on a walk or a hike. Not real comfortable, is it? Now imagine that you’re running or stepping off a big rock with your pack on with that same
Your Body vs. the Trail Read More »
The conservation story of the lands burned by the Great Fire of 1910 By Bri Loveall Cover photo courtesy of The Great Burn Conservation Alliance Last spring, my family and I made our first camping trip of the season to the Lolo National Forest. At our campsite, bearberry grew in thick, low-growing clumps. A well-worn
Cover photo by Jennifer Piper Courtesy of Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce Wallowa County in the northeast corner of Oregon is a wonderland of wild and rugged landscapes with hundreds of miles of trails. Expansive prairie, canyon and ranchland views can be traversed by some of the most scenic back road drives in the Northwest.
Worth the Journey: Northeast Oregon’s “Alps” Read More »
By Joel Sattgast Cover photo courtesy Joel Sattgast Since returning to the Northwest three years ago, I’ve been gently preparing my daughters physically, mentally, and emotionally to ensure they were ready to handle their first overnight backpacking trip. Recently, our family has tackled family camping trips in primitive areas, countless hikes, bike rides, runs, and
Lessons From an Inaugural Dad-Daughter Backpacking Trip Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Myk Crawford Ready to run, bike, paddle, swim and have some new adventures in the upcoming race season? The 2024 calendar is packed with chances to test your mettle individually or as a team in outdoor races, runs and rides. Some dates are still TBA, and a few races have shuttered.
Inland NW Race, Ride & Event Guide Read More »
I nearly always backpack solo. The adventure and admiration of nature largely replaces any need for social interaction. But I often find myself wishing for someone to banter with after setting up camp in the evening. Pegging a reason for this is difficult. But usually by the time darkness falls and I crawl into my
Backpacking Alone: The Highs and Lows Hiking 5 Days Solo in the Cascade Wilds Read More »
