My roots in the Crown of the Continent go as deep as my first wobbly steps on Earth. My folks came to the heart of the Crown with hope for a better life for themselves and their children. A handful of photos of the bob Marshall Wilderness in a 1985 issue of National Geographic sparked […]
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 »
Play the OTM Backcountry Booty scavenger hunt contest and you get to explore different trails around the region and possibly win gift certificates for cool outdoor gear and other prizes from local businesses like Mountain Gear. Here’s how it works: 1. We hide a booty certificate, that’s good for whatever prizes are up for grabs,
Backcountry Booty: Little Spokane River 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 »
As the snow begins to pile up in the high country, try one of the closer peaks for some last-chance hiking before it’s time to dust off the snowshoes. With two trailheads and numerous route options, the 1,100-acre Antoine Peak Conservation Area rewards hikers with views of the surrounding valley within the first mile. Choose
Hike of the Month: Antoine Peak Conservation Area (Spokane County Parks) Read More »
Whether your family calls it a nature walk or a hike, when you’re out in nature walking with children the essential goal is the same: to enjoy the journey along the trail. Here are four essential ways to ensure it’s a pleasant experience for the whole family. 1. Use creative ways to motivate. Most kids
4 Tips for Fall Hiking with Kids Read More »
“The Columbia River is a thread of life in the Pacific Northwest. A journey down any portion opens another world of nature’s beauty, a history of man’s dependence on the river, and an exploration of yourself. Do not hesitate – start the adventure.” In the outdoor sports community, John Roskelley is the prime example of
A River’s Journey: An Epic Paddle Put to Words Read More »
My husband Young and I moved to North Idaho from Colorado six years ago, and sometimes I find myself missing that Rocky Mountain purple mountain majesty. But this summer, I discovered a place in North Central Washington that satisfied that longing: the Methow Valley. On a sunny day in June, Young and I set out
Methow Valley Road Trip: Eat, Drink, Explore, Sleep, Repeat Read More »
The North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River – a western, freestone masterpiece – is what fishy dreams are made of: crystal clear waters, old growth forests, mountains for miles, and, of course, a healthy population of brilliantly colored, native westslope cutthroat trout. Located just east of Spokane, the North Fork’s emerald waters originate deep
A Small Slice of Fly Fishing Heaven—The North Fork of the CDA River Read More »
I’ve never seen a first ascent of anything. But now, I can say I’ve seen a second ascent. More importantly, I can say I’ve nabbed the dubious honor of the first-ever failure of an ascent. “Look, see, it’s easy,” said Winter Braden, scuttling sideways on the sharp edges of the overhanging start using only his
New Climbing in North Idaho Read More »
