Review of Bushman Kobuk Cotton Safari Shirt for Men

Enjoying the outdoor lifestyle in the Pacific Northwest is special for many reasons. The scenery is top notch; the climate and setting give you that "into the wild" feeling; and being surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, animal and flora, is a wonderful way to connect with nature. Getting outdoors, away from the urbanization of the world, is nothing less than amazing. However, if you're not properly prepared, that amazing feeling can quickly change to a miserable one. Wearing the right type of clothing plays a huge role in how much you're enjoying hiking, camping, and exploring. Read on to see how the Bushman Kobuk Cotton Safari Shirt kept me enjoying the trail on a cloudy, damp, and thick-brushed hike.

ReviewPacific North WanderersAugust 2, 2016Pacific Northwest, WashingtonComment

A Foggy Hike to Glacier View

To the west of Mt. Rainier lies Glacier View, a 5,450' peak which normally provides wonderful views of some of Rainier's magnificent glaciers. During our hike the weather was cloudy with fog, which prevented us from seeing much of anything in the distance. Upon reaching our destination, however, we were more than satisfied. It appeared as though we were on a ship, sailing through a sky of mist.

Eocene Period Fossils at Racehorse Creek Landslide

About a month ago we set out in search of fossils at Racehorse Creek Landslide in the Mount Baker foothills area. Although we were on the wrong path, and didn't make it to the actual landslide location, we still managed to find a pile of recently fallen rock with some good leaf fossils scattered about it. We'll make our way to the landslide one day, but for now we'd like to share a little info about this area and what we found.

Hiking to Lake Christine in Glacier View Wilderness

When is summer going to arrive in the Pacific Northwest? That's a question we keep asking ourselves. Earlier this week we were once again met with rain, clouds, and chilly temperatures during our hike. We were hoping for views of Mt. Rainier's glaciers but the majority of our journey through Glacier View Wilderness left us with seeing no more than the tops of nearby trees. This certainly didn't stop us, and shouldn't stop you, from trekking to the beautiful Lake Christine.

HikingPacific North WanderersJuly 14, 2016Pacific Northwest, National Forest, Lake, WashingtonComment

Review of Men's Liberator Convertible Pant by KÜHL

I received a pair of the Liberator Convertible Pant for Men by KUHL a few months ago and I’ve been putting them to good use. I’ve worn them while trail hiking, cave exploring, and working around the house. They’ve proven to be a very versatile pant which works great in just about all situations.

ReviewPacific North WanderersJuly 12, 2016Pacific Northwest Comment

A Star-Spangled Hike to Summit Lake

In the Clearwater Wilderness, at 5,400 feet high, lies a pristine, calm, and dark blue alpine lake. Reaching this magical area in the early summer months will have you hiking your way through forest, switchbacks, and trail junctions, as well as passing other lakes, fields of avalanche and glacier lilies, and if you're lucky, wildlife. During our visit we were accompanied by clouds hanging right around the treeline. However, we've seen photos of a nearly-cloudless day there and the views are amazing. Nevertheless, our trip was a great one and the clouds that day simply give us another excuse to revisit soon.

HikingPacific North WanderersJuly 7, 2016Pacific Northwest, National Forest, Lake, WashingtonComment

Exploring Ape Cave

A 13,042' long lava tube lies beneath the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, south of Mt. Saint Helens. It was created by a rare eruption that sent fluid basaltic lava flowing down the southern flank of the volcano for months, if not a year. The top of this lava flow hardened, forming the ground today that rests atop the cave, while the lava was free to remain flowing under it. This is the third longest lava tube in North America, and the longest in the country, which was created during an eruption roughly 2,000 years ago.

Review of Rob Keller MD's Glutathione Rapid Boost (GRB)

We recently were given the opportunity to review Glutathione Rapid Boost (GRB), a nutritional supplement drink mix by Rob Keller MD. We are on the go a lot and a little boost is a welcome bonus.

ReviewPacific North WanderersJune 28, 2016Pacific NorthwestComment

Fort Columbia Historical State Park

One of many coastal defense sites in the United States is situated at the Columbia River estuary in Chinook, Washington. It is well intact with 12 historical fort buildings, including the officer's house, artillery batteries, and two coastal artillery guns. The site is one of the many associated to the Lewis and Clark National and State-Historical Parks in Washington and Oregon. Construction of the 643 acre original fort lasted between 1896 and 1903, with additional construction during World War II. The fort was fully manned and operational for approximately 18 years before being transferred to the state in 1950. Today the park provides three miles of trails, a museum, wildlife viewing opportunities, and two historic vacation houses for overnight stays.

Snoqualmie Tunnel

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.3 mile abandoned train tunnel which was built from 1912 - 1914 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) for part of the Chicago to Seattle line. The last train to pass through the tunnel was on March 15, 1980. After that, Washington State acquired the right-of-way for recreational use. Now part of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail rails-to-trails project, this tunnel provides no light, is roughly 20 degrees cooler than the outside, and leaks water throughout. Sounds like a great place for a first date!

Hiking High Rock Lookout in the Pacific Northwest

High Rock is a 5,685' prominent peak located on Sawtooth Ridge which provides beautiful, unobstructed, 360 degree views as far as the eye can see. Located on the rock is an old fire lookout, one of only three remaining in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which was built in 1929. The north face of the rock has a 600' sheer drop, without any protection from falling. Explore this area, but do so carefully.

The Campaign to Save Mount Grant

We talked a bit about Mount Grant in a previous story of ours, Visiting San Juan Island. It is just one of the many attractions to see and experience on this magical islet. We're going to go a little more in-depth with this article, specifically about Mount Grant, the San Juan Preservation Trust, and the campaign to save the Mount Grant Preserve.

ArticlesPacific North WanderersJune 7, 2016Pacific Northwest, WashingtonComment

Bridges of the Pacific Northwest

Do you like heights? What about bridges? Does the thought of the tallest bridges in the state of Washington get you excited? If your answer is yes to any of those questions, read on. If your answer is no to all questions, still, read on, only so you know where not to go! Hoffstadt Creek Bridge, High Steel Bridge, and Vance Creek Bridge are the three tallest in the state. They each provide thrilling views, impressive feats of engineering, and terrifying photo opportunities. The hype is real, jump for joy, just don’t fall!

Sky View Observatory

Located on the 73rd floor of Columbia Center, at a height of 902' with 360 degree views of Seattle and the surrounding areas, is Sky View Observatory. On a clear day one can see as far as the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and much more. The vehicles on the downtown streets below, the ships in the Puget Sound, and the Seattle Great Wheel all look like miniature toys moving in slow motion from this vantage point. You're on the top of the world here, at least, that's how it feels.

Visiting San Juan Island

Sometimes you need a place to get away. San Juan Island is the perfect escape! It's a beautiful rocky island surrounded by the swirling waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sightseeing, wildlife, shopping or just lazing about are all perfectly acceptable options. It's your time, use it the way you choose!

Afterglow Vista

This past weekend we set out by ferry to San Juan Island to explore something that we'd recently heard about on the Lore podcast. That is the John S. McMillin Memorial Mausoleum, commonly known as Afterglow Vista. This mausoleum is hidden on a hill by trees, only accessible by walking a trail which goes through a nearby graveyard. Once you come to the monument you're awe struck by the size, beauty, design, and all of its masonic symbolism. Sitting on one of the six limestone chairs may make you feel uneasy if you know what lies within them. This memorial is astonishing with all of its history, symbology, and secrets.

Getting Healthy a Mile High At a Time

It took a summer of working in the Sierras, a little over a mile high to get me healthy again. That was against Doctor’s orders also. He felt being a mile high would hurt my breathing and then cause havoc to my heart. Little did he know.

ArticlesMark John CliffordMay 10, 2016Guest PostComment

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Gold! Gold! Gold! Gold! was printed across Seattle newspaper headlines on July 17, 1897. This was the start to the Klondike Gold Rush as dreamers came from all over the country attempting to strike it rich in the Yukon gold fields near Dawson City. Of the estimated 100,000 prospects that set out on this journey, only 4,000 found gold and a mere few hundred became rich from it. The rush here lasted only a few years until gold was next discovered in Nome, Alaska. Pioneer Square in Seattle is home to one of the four units of the National Park Service's Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park. The other three units are located in Skagway, Alaska.

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