All articles
Everything we've published — guides, gear reviews, recipes, and field notes from the outdoors.
How to plan a camping trip with kids and pets: choosing a kid- and pet-friendly campsite, packing checklists for both, mealtime and safety tips, activity ideas, and staying flexible when things don't go as planned.
The SR 165 Fairfax Bridge closure cuts access to Mount Rainier's Carbon River and Mowich Lake trailheads. Covers which hikes are blocked, detours through the White River and Nisqually entrances, and how the closure hits Carbonado and Wilkeson.
Five camp meals to master on cast iron — bacon-and-eggs, one-skillet potatoes, campfire quesadillas, cornbread, and cobbler — with heat management basics that prevent every common failure.
How the 2026 Central Cascades wilderness permit system works for the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters areas: day-use vs. overnight permits, Recreation.gov release windows, fees and exemptions, plus top hikes and seasonal trail conditions.
How to find and confidently identify chanterelles in Washington — habitat, look-alikes to know, harvest rules, and the first-timer mistakes to avoid.
How to pick a camping hammock: single vs. double sizing, fabric denier and length, accessories like straps, underquilts, tarps, and bug nets, hammock tents vs. modular sleep systems, and setup tips like the 30-degree hang rule.
How to choose hiking boots by matching them to your terrain, pack weight, and climate—lightweight shoes vs. midweight boots vs. mountaineering boots—plus fit checks for toe room, heel lock, and width, and how leather and synthetic materials compare.
A rundown of mountain bike protective gear—helmets (full-face vs. half-shell), goggles vs. sunglasses, gloves, body armor, footwear, and clothing—with fit pointers and when heavier protection makes sense for downhill versus trail riding.
How to pick a sleeping bag and pad as a system: temperature and ISO/EN ratings, down vs. synthetic insulation, bag shapes, pad types, and R-values, plus why your bag's rating only works when your pad's R-value matches the season.
Why October and November chum runs deserve more attention — where they stack up, what gear catches them, and honest expectations for eating quality.
A practical guide to catching coho in rivers — twitching jig technique, spinner presentations, water selection, and the gear that covers both.
Duck boats carry heavy loads into cold water before dawn. Here are the life jacket, weight, float plan, and hypothermia rules that keep waterfowl parties safe.