by Everyone that lives, visited, or spent time daydreaming about the Pacific Northwest knows it has endless beauty. From the stunning peaks of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon, the amazing beaches and rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula and the breathtaking wilderness in Idaho, beauty and outdoor recreation go hand in hand. Nature defines who we …
Seattle to Yellowstone: The Ultimate Road Trip
I love Yellowstone National Park for many reasons. I love it for the bears and wolves, the bison and pronghorn, the elk and the mountain goats. I love it for Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin and Mount Washburn. I find myself yearning for another glimpse of Tower Falls, or gazing upon the beauty of the …
The Responsibility of Hikers: A Response to “Loving Trails to Death”
In a recent post by celebrated guidebook author Craig Romano, whose books I have reviewed, he talks about how scenic areas are becoming popular, overcrowded and a destination for outdoor groups of all shapes and sizes. The article says that trails are being heavily used, and that traffic needs to be directed elsewhere. I agree to a …
Are Gray Wolves Finally Back in Western Washington?
The first official sign of wolves returning to Western Washington was reported on April 27th, 2015. For the first time in over a century, the first concrete sign of wolves west of the Cascade Mountain range was made. Sadly, the wolf was hit by a female with black fur, was hit by a car and killed on Interstate 90 …
Exploring Trails Around Mount Rainier: Bertha May Lake
We all know and love Mount Rainier, but few people outside of the hiking community take the time to explore the trails surrounding Washington State’s second-most visited National Park. In 2014, 1.3 million people visited Mount Rainier National Park, with 225,887 entering through the eastern side at the Nisqually Entrance. While the majority of those …
Climbing Mount Hood This Year? Better Bring a Gas mask.
Thanks to our historically low snowpack over the winter of 2014-15, the mountains of the Pacific Northwest are not nearly as snowy as they should be. With warmer temperatures, the peaks we know and love are struggling to regain any of the powdery goodness. While most assume that a low snowpack only hurts the skiers and …
D’Oh Canada: Vancouver Hawk is the Most Polluted Wild Bird on Earth
The most polluted wild bird in the world has been found, and it wasn’t found where most would think. In the majestic town of Vancouver British Columbia, the mountains meet the sea in one of the most beautiful settings for a city in the world. Known for being an environmentally sound region, the news of …
By the Numbers: Washington State’s National Parks Impact on Jobs and the Economy for 2014
The National Park Service is big business in Washington State, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to the towns, cities and counties surrounding America’s protected lands. From the rainforests, wild coastlines and glaciated mountains of Olympic National Park, to the lakes, waterfalls and mountains of North Cascades National Park, and the awe-inspiring …
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Men’s Cathode Hooded Jacket
Finding the right mid-layer jacket can be a tough chore, especially if you are hoping to not break the bank. For most hikers who are looking to become serious about their hobby, locating a perfect mid-later jacket can be frustrating, with thousands of companies each touting their product as the best. While many jackets are …
Dear William Shatner, Keep Your Hands off Our Water.
William Shatner announced on Friday that he is starting a Kickstarter Campaign to raise $30 billion for a water pipeline that would stretch from Seattle to Lake Mead in Nevada, which would provide water to Arizona, Nevada and California. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I recall hearing about this in the 1980s, and my parents reassure …