Modern day life often dictates that time and money are limited, and therefore we seek out adventure on the weekends, or in short bursts of time. In order to minimize travel time and maximize destination time, many times we board a plane (or boat, or bus, or car) and rush off to a far-away wonder. […]
Highway 20 Solo: A Bike Touring Adventure along Washington’s Iconic Cycling Route Read More »
The Methow Valley, on the sunny east slope of the North Cascades, grew up in relative isolation—the paved North Cascades Highway was only completed in 1972—and seems to have developed its own pace of life. It could have been different. In the 1970s, the Aspen Ski Corporation came to the Methow to investigate an alpine
Northwest Fat Bike Meetup, Methow Valley (January 14-15) A weekend of informal group rides (Pearrygin Lake State Park Saturday and the Methow Trails system Sunday), fat bike demos and social opportunities that attracted over 100 fat bike riders last year. Reserve a rental bike early if you need one (try Methow Cycle & Sport), and
Northwest Snow/Fat Bike Events Read More »
A Day in the Life of a Cross-Country Ski Family It never fails: we drive the twisty road up to Mt. Spokane, complete the final hairpin turn, get our first glimpse of the rustic Selkirk Lodge and the kids burst with anticipation. We park, pile out of the car and manage to carry 10 pairs
Cross-Country Skiing: Inspiration, Resources and Nordic Ski Trip Ideas! Read More »
Currently we are witnessing the transition of seasons which is warmly embraced in the Pacific Northwest. Common are the blue skies, crisp mornings, bright fall foliage and lingering warm afternoons. There is a contagious excitement about harvest celebrations, seasonal sport spectating and the growing list of edibles infused with pumpkin. While the majority of local
Winter Fun and Fitness: Strategies for Skiers and other Winter Recreationists Read More »
The Methow Valley’s skiing, scenery, and extensive trail system has been getting attention in recent years well beyond the Pacific Northwest for being the nation’s largest cross-country ski area. For good reason too. 120 miles of well-groomed, peaceful Nordic trails with a growing network of fat bike and snowshoe trails nestled in the majestic North
Winthrop Winter Wonderland: Ski, Bike, Snowshoe Read More »
One-hundred fifty years ago, get-rich-quick schemers struck gold in what is now Helena in southwest Montana. More recently, the dry, fir-adorned foothills flanking Montana’s capital have produced riches for mountain bikers. Tucked in a “banana belt” on the dry east slope of the Continental Divide, about a five hour drive from Spokane, Helena sees a
Bike Helena: Montana’s Mountain Biking Capital Read More »
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to planning out a summer full of adventure here in the Inland Northwest. With recommendations for families, casual adventurers, and those in search of more hardcore challenges to push their limits, there’s a trip and a place in here for anyone who loves the outdoors. Visit someplace
With all the excitement surrounding the 2014 Winter Olympics, I can’t help but remember my own short-lived dreams to become a Winter Olympian. It was back in 2001, and I was a fifteen-year-old Nordic skier, racing at a high-school competition in the Methow Valley. I was feeling pretty cocky, and I was confident (in a
Inland NW Nordic Skiers Represent at 2014 Olympics Read More »
I remember the first time I saw a fat bike at a bike shop in Spokane about two and a half years ago. I asked about it and was told it was great for riding on sand at a beach. I looked at the price: $1,700. I picked it up and felt how heavy it
Fat Biking 101: Your Guide to Snowbiking in the Inland Northwest Read More »
