Half Dome Hiking Opens Sat.
(Above photo by David Iliff. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0) Low snowpack has led to an earlier day hiking season at Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, the park announced. The cables to the summit of Half Dome will be in place this Saturday, May 2 and...
Bear Fears Close ONP Camping
Because black bears have approached hikers and eaten human food there recently, the Enchanted Valley area of Olympic National Park has been close to camping for 30 days, the park announced on April 24. “Bears that eat human food come to consider people as a...
$26M for NPS Projects
Above photo: B. Monginoux /Landscape-Photo.net (Creative Commons license) An ambitious project to rehabilitate and restore the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park is among 106 initiatives, representing an investment of $26 million, announced by the National Park Service to help parks prepare...
The 10 Essentials for Hiking
If you just want the list, skip the guilt trip that follows this sentence. I already know what you’re thinking: “Hey, I’m just taking a stroll through the local park. I’m not taking no essentials. What could happen?” How about this: You’re “strolling” and get...
The Outdoors Needs Us (2)
Part I: Click Here. by Glenn Nelson In a way, my in-laws are lucky to have been post-Civil-Rights-era immigrants, distanced from the albatross of a dark history in this country. They more easily embrace the notion of national parks as a singularly inspiring hunk of...
The Outdoors Needs Us
Although I was a Boy Scout and had parents who took me fishing and camping since I was old enough to remember, I still understand why a person of color might regard national parks with a good bit of trepidation. While many outdoorspeople worry in...
Path to a Long, Happy Life
Being outdoors – and I don’t just mean stepping out your front door – is a cure-all drug that can prolong your life, make you healthier, happier and even more creative. And most people of color in America have not had access to this drug...
North Cascades National Park
North CascadesNational Park State: Washington Est: Oct., 1968 HQ: Sedro Woolley Acreage: 504,780.94 Visitors (2014): 23,865 Trail Mileage: 394 Wilderness: 93 percent Don’t Miss: Gorge Creek Falls, Diablo Lake Overlook, North Cascades Highway. On the Way: Cascadian Farms, Visitor Center in Newhalem (west), Mazama Store...
Bubble Rock (ME)
Get your Sisyphus impersonations ready. You will be hit with the irresistible urge to take photos of yourself and companions appearing to be pushing a big boulder uphill. Then rest up from the endless task in front of fabulous views. The Bubble Rock Download Highlights:...
Alberta Falls (CO)
The hike is not overly taxing, and delivers on wildlife and scenery, not to mention the payoff waterfalls. The drive along Bear Lake Road, also scenic and host to abundant wildlife, is a large part of the experience. The Alberta Falls Download Highlights: Forested, including...
Thunder Knob (WA)
Pinch me. A hike with major mountain views without a major climb. Awesome overhead vista of Diablo Lake with Davis Peak and crab-claw-looking McMillan Spires to the side. And, get this, real benches – on the trail as well as the summit. A perfect hike?...
