My kids were toddlers when I pitched the idea of an “Outdoor Family” story to Out There’s publishers. That was nearly 10 years ago, and the precursor to this Out There Kids column, which aims to inspire and motivate families to explore the great outdoors, especially with young children. It was easier then, in retrospect, […]
5 Ideas to Motivate Teens to Love the Outdoors Read More »
The first guidebook in my personal collection was a copy of Rich Landers’ 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest, purchased circa 2001, when hiking and backpacking were brand new sports to me. That initial copy was from a late printing of the 1987 book, and when the second edition came out in 2003 I wasted
Summer Picks from “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” Read More »
“An unspoiled river is a very rare thing in this Nation today.” – Former President Lyndon B. Johnson upon signing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 1968 It’s been almost two decades since I made North Idaho my home, and, from day one, I noticed people speaking fondly of the St. Joe River and the
A Whitewater Adventure on North Idaho’s St. Joe River Read More »
When you think of adventures in British Columbia, particularly the Kootenays, kayaking, swimming, tubing, or just kicking back on a beach might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet B.C. offers up amazing water-based activities for locals and visitors alike. Nelson and Kootenay Lake This bustling outdoor-centric mountain town also sports a
Water Adventures in the Alpine Read More »
Could this be the summer when your kid is ready for sleepaway camp? With the surge of interest in overnight programs, don’t delay registering. Last summer, many Inland Northwest camp sessions quickly filled. My kids say camp is their favorite thing about summer. If you’re not quite sure about joining the club of camp-parents, here
Get Ready for Summer Camp Read More »
When a rare sunny day arrives in early spring, many a hiker pines to be outdoors; however, trails can still be snow-covered or muddy. If the mountains are your sacred spot, you’re still many weeks away from snow-free hiking. The solution? Do an outing to the Columbia Basin in Central Washington. Snow is gone
Hiking the Columbia Basin Read More »
Ready to run, bike, paddle, swim, and have some new adventures in the upcoming race season? After a couple of lower-profile years, the spring and summer calendar is packed with chances to test your mettle individually or as a team in a host of outdoor races, runs, and rides. Some dates are still TBA, and
Inland NW Race, Ride & Event Guide 2023 Read More »
Tips for getting outside and making the most of the cold, snowy months By Carol Corbin I live in the Inland Northwest . . . and I don’t ski. I think there are about five of us non-skiers in the region. We’re like unicorns. Or Yeti, if Yeti hated being cold and was averse to
How to Survive Winter if you Don’t Ski Read More »
I recently stumbled upon a folder on my computer where I used to stash ambitious lists of trips I’d hoped to pull off in the coming year. One of them, a tally of adventures I optimistically believed I had a chance of accomplishing in 2011, caught my eye. Especially since in 2011 I had a
The Year of Big Ideas Read More »
Guidebook author James P. Johnson shares about his harrowing close encounters with bears while hiking in the wilds of Washington State.
Close Encounters With Bears Read More »
