Summer days waver between languid and whirlwind activities, work, and weekends. Is there ever enough time for all you want to do? Slow it down. Or maybe you need to energize your schedule this year. Make summer “epic” on your own terms by using some of these ideas to create your ideal summertime calendar. […]
100 Things to Do Outside This Summer Read More »
The Blitz is a low-profile running/fitness belt made to hold essential dry goods in a water-resistant, non-bounce pouch. Its most common use is likely as a running belt, but I rode with one strapped to my waist for 130-miles bouncing along on rough mountain bike trails and mostly forgot it was there until I needed
Fitletic Blitz Running Belt Read More »
I prefer hiking in trail running shoes or light-weight hiking boots, but there are times when a more burly, waterproof hiking boot with better ankle support are a good idea. Like dodging prickly pear and sidestepping down scree piles on Hells Canyon ghost trails; slopping your way along long-neglected Bitterroot Mountain trails still holding slush
AKU Alterra GTX Hiking Boot Read More »
Documentaries and memoirs show how physical activity outdoors can be a form of therapy and recovery from trauma and difficult life periods.
How Nature Can Help Heal Mental Health Read More »
The Cadillac of Biking Trails The paved, non-motorized, mostly-flat Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes rail trail is “The Cadillac of biking trails,” says long-time Wallace resident and trail booster Rick Shaffer, who is known locally as the Prime Minister of Historic Wallace, Idaho. “It’s 72 miles of paved, non-motorized glory,” says Shaffer. “That and the
Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Read More »
Located in the Bitterroot Mountains, more than 87 percent of Shoshone County is forested, making the Silver Valley a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts any time of year. Here are a few local favorite outdoor adventures. Mountain Biking Summer in the Valley is signaled by the snow melting from the higher elevations, and Silver Mountain Resort’s
Fun Things to Do in Idaho’s Silver Valley Read More »
North Idaho’s Silver Valley, a narrow, 40-mile-long valley that stretches from 4th of July Pass east of Coeur d’Alene to Lookout Pass near the Montana state line, is thriving these days as a hub for outdoor adventure. It boasts the longest gondola in North America, two big ski resorts, the Northwest’s best bike park, world-class
Idaho’s Silver Valley—From Mining Boom to Outdoor Adventure Mecca Read More »
Enjoy one of these books with local or regional significance while out on your next summertime adventure. The Spokane River (2018) edited by Paul Lindholdt: A newly-published collection of essays and poems on the environment—with reflections from 28 contributors—including Jess Walter, Tod Marshall, Sherman Alexie, Jerry White (Spokane Riverkeeper), Beatrice Lackaff (OTO writer), and many
Explore Nature with These Outdoor Themed Book Recommendations Read More »
A scenic view, grassy knoll, trailside bench, or perhaps a certain boulder or log may conjure the thought: “That would make a great spot to read.” Here are some local walking destinations and recommended books to get started on your local summer reading tour. Herbert M. Hamblen Conservation Area: This public land area west of
6 Quiet Places Around Spokane to Read a Book Outside Read More »
Although our Spokane area is abundant with trails, there are some hidden gems of the Inland Northwest that deserve a road trip to run or hike. There’s the sage-studded Ancient Lakes area, with nearby views of the Columbia River. There’s the basalt formation known as Steamboat Rock, providing sandy trails that rise high above Banks
Inland NW Trail Runs Worth Traveling For Read More »
