What would you do if you came face to face with a grizzly bear? You may have just a second to react—like 0.7 seconds if the bear is 30 feet away and charges. Bears are often around in the forest, whether you know it or not, according to Chuck Bartlebaugh, Director of Be Bear Aware. […]
What to do if You Encounter a Bear Read More »
To escape the crowds and noise on Independence Day this year, I headed up to Mt. Spokane State Park that evening. I picked up two burritos at Atilanos on the way up—one for me and one for my dog, Grouper. At the trailhead just above the ranger station, I loaded Grouper’s pack with his carne
Wild Encounters on Familiar Trails Read More »
Fall is hunting season, so if you’re hiking in the backcountry or densely-forested areas be sure to wear bright colors. This makes you easily distinguishable to anyone who might be hunting in the area. This time of year the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared. In addition to the usual water, snacks, and sunscreen,
Tips for Fall Hiking in the Northwest Read More »
When French-Canadian fur trappers first surveyed the mountain range straddling the Idaho-Montana border, they dubbed it the Cabinet Mountains, for the shelves of rock that loomed over the rivers below. In the intervening 200 years, the hiking technology used to cross the Cabinets may have changed, but little else has. The Cabinet Mountains are commonly
5 Day Hikes in the Cabinet Mountains Read More »
Keep your dog on a leash to avoid conflicts with other trail users, pets, and wildlife. Keep vaccinations current, and ensure your dog has the one for preventing Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease acquired from contaminated soil and water. Carry a first-aid kit with dog-specific supplies. Assemble your own using lists available online from Humane Society
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Washington’s conservation community was understandably concerned when rumors began to circulate this spring that U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would be visiting the North Cascades to make an announcement about the proposed restoration of grizzly bears. Zinke hasn’t exactly been a champion for nature since he ceremoniously arrived at his first day of work on
Grizzlies Back on Track in the North Cascades Read More »
Spokane Bike Swap & Expo (April 14): Find a new bike for your kid (or yourself) at the region’s largest bike consignment sale—Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Spokanebikeswap.com Washington State Parks Free Admission Days (select dates, April-Sept): No Discover Pass required on April 14 (Spring Day), April 22 (Earth Day), June
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Learn How to Recreate Safely Alongside Inland Northwest Wildlife at the Expo on Feb 25 On Sunday, February 25, you can join District Wildlife Biologist Annemarie Prince and her colleague Trent Roussin from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) for some pointers on staying safe when you’re adventuring in the outdoors this year.
Books are one of my few obsessions. Re-reading a great book feels like returning home as I revisit that author’s ideas, insights, experiences, encouragement, or advice. These books inspire me in my resolve to better help my outdoor family be the best version of us—determined adventurers; curious explorers; fun-loving recreationists; caring, informed, and compassionate conservationists.
4 Books for Outdoor Families Read More »
Our annual gift guide leans heavily towards things and experiences you can buy here locally from a real person at a real shop. We include gift ideas for the gear geeks that are inevitably on your list, as well as a wide range of cool and unique items for the less outdoorsy people you’ll no
Inland NW Local Holiday Gift Guide Read More »
