West Fork Methow River Trail I used to think of this hike along the Methow River as a consolation prize. It was my bail-out destination when the high country around Hart’s Pass was snowed in. But, over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate this beguiling walk along the river in its own right.  One can meander as far as one …

Royal Robbins Men’s Wilder Zip-Off Pants These hiking pants have all the bases covered. Whether you are looking for protection from the sun, from the rain, or from bugs, the Wilder Zip-Offs deliver the goods. Royal Robbins’ UPF 40+ sun protection keeps you cool; the lightweight, stretch fabric sheds moisture and blocks wind; and the chemical-free Mosquito Protection Technology™  (MPT) …

Of all the seasons, autumn is unquestionably the glory time in the North Cascades. The high country is open for exploration, the snow mostly gone, the bugs done for the season, and the meadows are ablaze in a kaleidoscope of vibrant color. The crowds––like the insects–– have thinned, and the nights are crisp and ablaze with stars. The sense of …

The Wilderness Land Trust recently completed the transfer of 21 acres of previously private lands to public ownership within Washington’s Mount Baker Wilderness, adding them to the designated wilderness area.  Nationwide, there are over 275,000 acres of private property, known as inholdings, within designated wilderness areas. Unlike the surrounding wilderness, the acreage is not protected and can be developed with …

Hannegan Peak Few hikes in the North Cascades offer a better, more intimate view of Mt. Shuksan than the hike to Hannegan Peak. The trek up the Ruth Creek Valley is beautiful in its own right, a tonic for the winter-weary soul. After a brief, rigorous climb to Hannegan Pass, turn left on the trail to the peak, then hike …

Some years ago, I had an amazing experience. I was in Indonesia on the island of Bali, travelling with my family. We had been exploring the inspiring landscapes and culture of this incredible island, completely spellbound by the unfamiliar. We heard talk about some islands off the coast of Lombok (the next island in the Indonesian chain) known as the …

Jones Island Loop Located in the San Juan Archipelago, Jones Island is a place apart: rocky shores, sculpted cliffs, beautiful madrone forests, and impressive groves of weather-beaten Garry Oaks. From the dock on the northern shore of Jones Island, an ADA-accessible trail crosses through deep coastal forest to the southern shore and the delightfully named Raccoon Island Campground. From here, …

Was this the worst coffee I’d ever tasted?  A definite possibility. Clearly, the pot had been sitting on the burner for many hours (days? weeks?) with just enough viscous liquid in the bottom to pour two cups, one for Susan and one for me. We were sitting in a somewhat shop-worn restaurant perched above the shores of the Strait of …

The sojourn to Huntoon Point is a study in contrasts – it starts amidst the hustle and bustle of the Mt. Baker Ski Area and ends in the serene silence of Kulshan Ridge, where the icy winds blowing off the glaciers will cleanse your soul. If there’s a snowshoe trip with more scenic bang for the buck in the North …

Troubled by the increasing levels of trash along Whatcom Creek in Bellingham, Washington, Matt Bryant decided to do something about it, and Trash Club was born in 2020. Bryant brought the idea to The Hub Community Bike Shop, a Bellingham-based non-profit committed to keeping waste out of landfills by building refurbished and custom bikes with donated frames and parts. What prompted you …