We've been wanting to backpack on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) long before it was cool. This summer, my 16-year-old and I finally set out, tackling almost 70 miles of the PCT in Central Oregon. We built up to this trip with years of family backpacking, including several 3-4 night trips, starting when my son was just a toddler. How did we fare? We had one of our best backpacking trips … [Read more...]
Oboz Sundog review: hiking shoes that please the teen
May 15, 2015 By
I have a 13-year-old who loves hiking, but hates hiking boots. We've tried just about everything, from rugged backpacking boots that I hoped would look 'cool' to very simple Columbia low-cut hiking shoes that practically slid onto his feet. It didn't matter: he always preferred to hike in his Keen sandals. I'm a huge fan of Keens for outdoor adventure and travel: we believe about 80% of all … [Read more...]
Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast (with teens to toddlers)
May 11, 2015 By
You don’t have to be a through-hiker with a backcountry permit and backpacking equipment to experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.Yes, the further you hike, the more you’ll see, but it’s entirely possible to hike just half a day and see enough to be wowed. The Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles one-way along the stunning and steep Na Pali Coast, and provides the only means of traveling this section of … [Read more...]
How to plan a multi-night PCT hike with kids
April 20, 2015 By
If you backpack with kids, your family will eventually become interested in tackling an iconic backpacking route such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Unless you have a lot of time and stamina, you probably aren't ready to through-hike the PCT, but a shorter PCT hike with kids is absolutely possible. Planning a PCT backpacking trip is complicated, so we turned to the experts before planning … [Read more...]
Leave No Trace principles every family needs to know
April 6, 2015 By
With Earth Day coming up later this month, April is the perfect time to talk about caring for our public lands. My kids have heard the Leave No Trace mantra since early childhood, but it's always good to brush up on best practices for preserving the wilderness we love. This season, Leave No Trace launches a multi-year, Leave No Trace in Every Park campaign. Subaru/Leave No Trace … [Read more...]
Guide to Whidbey Island State Parks
November 10, 2014 By
Whidbey Island, Washington is known for its picturesque coastline and pastoral setting. It's true that Whidbey, located north of Seattle, offers abundant farm stands and a healthy agri-tourism trade, but many families --including mine!-- had no idea how many beautiful, exciting state parks fill this small island! We recommend coming to stay at least three days in order to experience most of … [Read more...]
Shenandoah National Park: Nicholson Hollow hike
September 8, 2014 By
Shenandoah National Park is massive, and popular Skyline Drive necessities many hours in and out of the car. Everyone knows Old Rag Mountain offers one of the best day hikes on the East Coast, but it takes most of a day and is very strenuous...not the right fit for every itinerary or every family. However, few people know about the much shorter, much more kid-friendly hike of Nicholson Hollow, … [Read more...]
Exploring Fort Whoop Up and Old Man River, Alberta
July 14, 2014 By
Lethbridge, Alberta is an interesting town located in the Old Man River. South of Calgary, Lethbridge is Alberta prairie country (called the Badlands of Canada, actually) and home to a great deal of Wild West history. You’ll want to focus your attention on the River Valley area, which is essentially an urban wilderness near the heart of town. This area features rolling coulees (or hill … [Read more...]
Bouldering with kids: Mill Creek and Avenue of the Boulders OR
November 25, 2013 By
When I say 'bouldering' I don't exactly mean the sport catching on among the outdoorsy type from Colorado to New Mexico. I mean 'clambering' or maybe 'scrambling', as we really weren't climbing high enough to need mats or helmets. However, I have learned that if you tell kids they're going bouldering, they hike much faster! Any way I can add some excitement to a nature walk or hike, I do so! Tip: … [Read more...]
Exploring Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Alaska
September 9, 2013 By
Part of the Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier is one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers. Located just outside Juneau Alaska, Mendenhall can be driven to by tour bus or private vehicle, or can be explored from above via float plane or helicopter. While some helo tours do include a landing on the glacier, visitors arriving by car or bus will have access only to view Mendenhall and … [Read more...]
