25 Unplugged family vacation ideas

When planning your next family vacation, do you daydream about a mythical place when cell service drops to zero and the front desk staff has no WiFi code to give? Such places exist, and they’re ripe for family adventure! From budget-friendly to bucket list-worthy, these diverse getaways all guarantee time away from screens…for both your kids and you. Western states: Experience the Wild and … [Read more...]

Hiking Safety: How to keep kids safe in the outdoors

A ramble through the woods, a stroll across a mountain meadow, or a strenuous alpine hike with the reward of a breathtaking vista – it all sounds idyllic until something goes wrong. As a former search and rescue volunteer and EMT, hiking safety is very important to me. I’ve participated in too many wilderness searches that could have been avoided with a few precautions, a little know-how, and the … [Read more...]

What to do on Mt. Hood in summer: a three day itinerary

Mt. Hood Oregon is a winter playground, but it's an amazing outdoor destination in the summer months as well. Located just an hour from Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest offers stunning mountain vistas for hikers, backpackers, campers, and kayakers. The central 'town' is Government Camp, which is a smaller community of outdoor-focused shops and dining, but the actual towns of Welches and … [Read more...]