PUBLIC LANDS -- The new vehicle access pass approved by the Washington Legislature went on sale today, and 17 were purchased in the first hour, officals report -- although it appears it was mostly state officials doing the purchasing to make sure the web system…
MOUNTAINEERING -- A search for an ailing climber left high on Washington’s Mount Rainier was suspended late Tuesday due to strong winds and evidence that he likely fell 2,000 feet, the Associated Press reports. National Park spokeswoman Lisa Lombard told The News Tribune of Tacoma…
TRAILS– Efforts to maintain and develop some of the region’s standout trails will be presented at the annual “state of our trails” program organized by the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition Thursday, 6 p.m., at Mountain Gear Corporate Headquarters, 6021 E. Mansfield in Spokane Valley. (See…
SKIING -- Owners of 49 Degrees North have announced plans for another major expansion, with a double chair on Angel Peak and construction of a mid-mountain lodge in time for the 2012-2013 ski and snowboard season. Continue on to read detals from the media release…
SKIING -- Members of the Stevens Peak Backcountry Coalition are scheduled to meet in Wallace today with snowmobiling representatives. They plan to discuss ways to prevent conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users of the winter backcountry around the mountain and winter powder haven near the…
LIVING HISTORY -- Flint and steel firemaking, open-fire cooking, flintlock shooting and even a cannon salute will generate smoke and cheers at Riverside State Park this weekend. The annual Fur Trade Encampment will return the Spokane House Interpretive site to the 1810-1825 period when traders,…
DOGS -- The portable dog crates hunters use to transport their canine companions to the field also are excellent tools for house-breaking pups and new dogs and quickly bringing them into the family -- so you can get a full night's sleep! The following training…
WILD LANDS -- A workshop on controlling weeds on private lands with biological agents is set for June 23 at Mirabeau Park in Spokane Valley offered Spokane County-WSU Extension. Cost is $20. Preregistration required. Read on for details.
WILDLIFE -- Bonner County logged 770 complaints about bears last year -- 740 more than any other county in Idaho. Question is: Does North Idaho have a bear problem, or a problem with human habits in bear country? Explore the issue while sipping a brew…
TRAILS -- It's bad enough that a small group of people -- they call themselves the Doo Crew -- must step up to deal with the proliferation of dog poop along the South Hill bluff trails. But now these volunteers have to deal with the…
Rich Landers writes and photographs stories and columns for a wide range of outdoors coverage, including Outdoors feature sections on Sunday and Thursday.