Pend Oreille County is a wild and beautiful corner of Washington with some of the most diverse wildlife of anywhere in the Northwest. Iconic critters like grizzly bears, wolverine, moose, wolves, and although rare, even caribou roam the scenic, rugged mountains less than two hours north of Spokane. But come this time of year, the […]
Pend Oreille Swan Festival: Witness the Winged Migration in Your Back Yard Read More »
Before winter is over, take a break from the thrills of the slopes and spend some time exploring a few great snowshoeing areas in the winter wonderland of North Idaho. While lower elevations often get more rain than snow, or little to no precipitation at all, there is always enough snow in the mountains this
North Idaho Snowshoeing Guide: Find Your Freedom in the Hills this Winter Read More »
I’ll be honest. I didn’t even know where Whitefish was when I considered going there. Somewhere on the Montana side of the border for this geographically inept traveler. I live on a scale of forestry maps, apparently. But on a Friday night, with my Outback loaded full of ski gear, almonds, and a weekend staple
Whitefish in a Weekend: One More Place I Want to Live Read More »
Snowshoeing has existed for a long time as a means for humans to get around in snow country, either out of necessity or for recreation, or occasionally both. The idea of snowshoeing for most people generally conjures up images of large wooden and leather snowshoes that are heavy, difficult to handle, and awkward to use.
Western Pleasure Snowshoe Roundup: Feb. 1, Sandpoint, Idaho Read More »
Should the rustic Ben Burr Trail in East Central Spokane be widened and paved as part of a larger, federally-funded project intended to improve cycling and walking access? The City of Spokane will be accepting public comment on the proposed Ben Burr Trail project until Friday, January 24. Learn more and submit your comments via
Locking Horns: Ben Burr Trail 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 »
This relatively easy loop hike is just over 3 miles in length and offers spectacular views of Lake Coeur d’Alene from vantage points high atop Mineral Ridge. The well-marked trail climbs through a mixed forest, including old-growth ponderosa pines bearing scars of past forest fires, gradually gaining the ridge through a series of switchbacks. Bear
Hike of the Month: Mineral Ridge Loop Read More »
Peak 7 Adventures, a faith-based non-profit organization headquartered in Spokane that takes underprivileged and at-risk youth in Washington and Oregon on outdoor recreation outings, was the recipient of a $25,000 The North Face Explorer Fund grant this past summer. Peak 7 was one of 10 organizations selected out of 500 applicants in May to produce
Peak 7 Adventures Wins $25K The North Face Grant to Get Kids Outside Read More »
OTM Tested, Holiday Approved Patagonia Activist Shoes Looking for a lightweight, super comfortable, water-resistant sneaker-style shoe that you won’t want (or need) to take off your feet as you move between home, office, crag or camp? I fell for the Patagonia Activist shoes at first sight. They remind me of a more modern, functional version
Editor’s Outdoor Gear Picks Read More »
On June 11, 2013, a police officer was on the phone getting an earful why his force had better get out to Palisades Park on the double and attend to mischief, when suddenly the line went dead. The officer assumed it was a bad connection. It took time for him to realize that it wasn’t the line
A Life Well Lived: Happy Trails, Robbi Castleberry! Read More »
