Trails specifically selected with younger hikers in mind Tips for family vacation destinations Features easy-to-access “nature fixes” throughout Western Washington Author Susan Elderkin has seen her kids express wonder and glee at discovering insects and flowers, melt down in tearful defiance in the middle of a trail, and triumphantly reach a summit and view. In short, she’s a regular mom who wants to encourage other parents to get their regular kids out into nature too. While Susan is an expert hiker in her own right, it’s her children who helped her to see hiking from a kid’s point of view. The result is Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington , a fresh and wholly new guide for families looking for quality time together away from their distracting devices. Guidebook features include: 125 hikes—carefully selected and vetted by both parents and children Routes range in length from less than 2 miles (great for toddlers) to as much as 6 miles (for older kids who want to test themselves) Handy info blocks give a quick snapshot of each hike: best season, difficulty, length, high point, and elevation gain 13 “Great Getaways”—weekend or vacation destinations around the state with hiking trails and other family-fun activities Colorful icons indicate star attractions of the hike: splash zone, wildflowers, old-growth, dog-friendliness, stroller-accessibility, and more “Best of” lists make it easy for families to match hikes to their kids’ interests Driving directions, complete trail information, GPS trailhead coordinates, and color map included for each hike Tips on how to motivate kids on the trail, what’s appropriate for different ages, nature facts, and more Whether you’re looking for the best hikes to hug a really big tree; take a fun and refreshing dip; see birds, animals, or waterfalls; go on a winter day; or stuff yourself with berries, Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington has you covered.
Written by the author of the popular Hiking the Wonderland Trail Features 100% new text and photos All trails re-hiked and more than 20 new hikes added With old-growth evergreens, wildflower meadows, enchanting wildlife, raging rivers, and sparkling lakes set against a backdrop of ice flows, gaping crevasses, and crumbling sheer rock walls, the Mount Rainier National Park is a special sanctuary for locals and visitors alike. This all new second edition of Day Hiking: Mount Rainier includes short and easy hikes as well as longer and more challenging options. The guide features 80 hikes in, and just outside, the national park with detailed topo route maps and full-color photos throughout. There are charts to help hikers of all levels find the right hike for their mood and time, as well as length and elevation data, clear driving and parking instructions, and trail descriptions written in the author’s encouraging and humorous voice.
Provides water lovers with a host of fun destinations Includes swimming gems from drive-ups to hike-ins, in-city to out in the country Appeals to all ages, fitness types, and income levels—admission fees not required Finally a guidebook for swimmers! There is no shortage of guides for places to hike, climb, and paddle in Western Washington, but not much on how to find perfect places to swim. Now Swimming Holes of Washington fills that, er, hole. It’s the ultimate list for water lovers who want to find gorgeous and fun places to make a splash. Everyone from hardcore hikers to families out for a picnic and plunge will enjoy this guide to a universally loved activity. Authors Anna Katz and Shane Robinson literally dove into their research to find the best swimming holes to share. They set the bar high: cleanliness and clearness of the water is paramount, but the beauty of the surrounding area, the company (or wonderful lack thereof), and the effort involved in getting there are also taken into account. This lavishly illustrated, full-color guide includes: 70 prime swimming holes, mainly in the Cascades and Olympics, with an emphasis on natural swimming locations Description of each location, including insider’s tips, type of swimming hole, best season to go, and the features and amenities found there Directions via car, bike, public transport, and/or foot Trail maps to the more remote holes Information on swimming safety, etiquette, types of water holes, gear, and more
• Bend has approximately 300 miles of continuously linked singletrack close to town
Bend is the “Tahoe” of Oregon mountain biking, and this new guidebook will put you on the best-of-the-best of the area’s singletrack. Whether you’re a local looking for new routes, or a vacationer needing quick, well-described choices to fit your skill, fitness, and appetite for adventure, this is the book you’ll want to grab.
Guide includes: • 46 tracks in the Bend, Oregon area • 50% or more of each route on singletrack • Convenient, compact format • Most current information available, including beta on new trails and/or trail networks • Topographical route maps • Directions to trailheads, trip distance, suggested season, difficulty ratings, fitness intensity rating, route options, and trail descriptions tagged with mileage points • Pertinent information for the area, including shuttle and guiding services, bike shops, and recommended spots for post-ride food and beverage
• Engaging, full-color pocket guide to Bellingham-area trails • Useful guide for all ages, fitness abilities, and experience levels
Urban Trails: Bellingham is one of the first guidebooks in a new series to trails that are close to town. The series is aimed at those of us looking for an accessible nature outing—trails we can get to quickly, via public transportation or a short drive, that offer a quality outdoor experience without the need for special gear or major effort. These are trails perfect for families, first-time trail users, or athletes looking for a quick fix after work. Urban Trails: Bellingham focuses on the trails and parks in and around Bellingham, including the Chuckanut Mountains and Skagit Valley. Features in this guidebook include: • Trailhead directions, including public transit where available • “Know before you go” tips for park hours, events, and more • Trail distance and high point • Indication of best use for walkers, runners, and/or hikers • Estimated average hike time • Trailhead amenities • Info for families and dog owners • Sidebars on area history, nature, or special sights
• 40 principal routes and their variations, with aerial photos and route overlays • Now with full-color photos and maps • All-new beta on 9 ski and snowboard routes Many of the most accomplished US alpinists have learned their skills on Mount Rainier. And many of the rest of us dream of one day standing on its majestic summit. Whether you’re one of these dreamers or an aspiring pro, you need this book, written by Mike Gauthier, the park’s former lead climbing ranger. This new, 3rd edition is a major upgrade of the bestselling guidebook, which remains a standard for other climbing guides. New features include an expanded section on glaciers, including how to understand and traverse them, as well as new information on search-and-rescue and additional historical details. Gauthier has also added beta on all major ski routes, as this sport has become a favorite on the mountain. Mount Rainier reigns as the single resource, packed with everything you need to climb the mountain, from your first time to your fifth: tips on selecting a guide service; nearby training sites to help prepare you; detailed beta on the 40 principle climbing routes; overviews of park flora and fauna; capsule histories of ascents and accidents; overviews of the major park regions; bonus routes to several other peaks inside Mount Rainier National Park; and much more.
• More than 50 paddle routes on protected bodies of water • An easy-to-use, informative guide for trips primarily within an hour's drive of Portland • For weekend warriors, families, and others looking to float or paddle at a relaxed pace
Maine is one of the premier paddling destinations in North America. And across the Greater Portland–Southern Maine region, paddlers can find plenty of protected, flat water to play in, whether canoeing, kayaking, floating, or coasting along on an SUP. Paddling Southern Maine includes maps, photographs and suggested routes, with a strong focus on safe and responsible paddling and environmental awareness. There is an «At a Glance» chart to help you find just the outing you're looking for, and none of the trips require shuttling or portaging. The authors note the skill level and endurance needed for each trip, and there are fun outings for novices and strong, experienced paddlers, alike. Co-authors Sandy Moore and Kimberlee Bennett are long-time Maine paddlers. Sandy Moore is a former Registered Maine Guide and ACA (American Canoe- Kayak-SUP-Raft-Rescue Association) Kayak Instructor. Passionate about introducing people to the world of paddling, she believes that kayaking, SUPing, and canoeing are the perfect methods for people with a wide range of abilities to explore nature from a unique and intimate perspective. Kimberlee Bennett is an experienced kayaker who has explored and photographed numerous paddling destinations throughout Maine. She has documented many of her excursions on her blog, www.kayakinginmaine.blogspot.com. She is an educator with 19 years of experience including her role as a special education teacher and in her current position as a high school assistant principal. This is her first book.
Linnea Westerlind has visited each of Seattle’s 426 city parks, an effort which she documented on her blog, YearofSeattleParks.com—making her the absolutely perfect person to guide you to just the right park for your picnic, an outing with the kids, family reunion, or simply a fun new place to explore. Discovering Seattle’s Parks is based on Westerlind’s blog, but for this new guidebook she has revisited and further researched every single park she describes, and now includes even more detailed information and descriptions. Organized by neighborhood, such as Downtown, Queen Anne, or Northeast Seattle, the guide features full-color photos throughout and simple, illustrated maps for the largest parks with more complex trail systems. Each park’s listing includes: • Icons for key features—playgrounds, viewpoints, waterfront spots, hidden parks, and dog parks • Public transportation and parking directions • Details on the park’s history • Highlights such as public art, water features, cycling paths, and more • Color photographs that capture the park’s essence
Discovering Seattle’s Parks will keep families, walkers, dog-lovers, and kids of all ages busy with year-round exploration and fun!
• Author bikes and skis throughout the year in the Tahoe backcountry • Detailed guide to one of the nation’s seminal mountain biking locations
Northern California is known as the birthplace of mountain biking, and Tahoe is its most famous destination. The 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) circumnavigates the sparkling blue lake along the spine of the Sierra and Carson Ranges, and serves as the backbone of Tahoe’s intricate trail skeleton. Over its course, numerous other trails and roads intersect the TRT, creating endless options for loops of various lengths, point-to-point rides, and all-day epics.
Guide includes: • 50 Tracks in the Tahoe area • 50% or more of each route on singletrack • Convenient, compact format • Most current information available, including beta on new trails and/or trail networks • Topographical route maps • Directions to trailheads, trip distance, suggested season, difficulty ratings, fitness intensity rating, route options, and trail descriptions tagged with mileage points • Pertinent information for the area, including shuttle and guiding services, bike shops, and recommended spots for post-ride food and beverage
•The exploits of mountaineering’s most colorful band of adventurers The Boys of Everest by Clint Willis tells the gripping story of “Bonington’s Boys,” a band of climbers who reinvented mountaineering during the three decades after Everest’s first ascent. It is a story of tremendous courage, astonishing achievement, and heartbreaking loss. Chris Bonington’s inner circle included a dozen of mountaineering’s most legendary figures—Don Whillans, John Harlin, Dougal Haston, Doug Scott, Peter Boardman, Joe Tasker, and others—who together gave birth to a new brand of climbing. They took increasingly challenging risks on now-legendary expeditions to the world’s most fearsome peaks—and they paid an enormous price. Most of them died in the mountains, leaving behind the hardest question of all: was it worth it? “Willis's classy style turns reportage into literature . . . Bonington's Boys come across as raw, anguished souls . . . As Willis describes in his artful prose, their suffering is not just a means to an end (the summit), it is an end.” –The New York Times “A gripping adventure saga . . .” –Publishers Weekly “A death-haunted saga of the scalers of heaven . . .” –Kirkus Reviews “Mr. Willis tells a story that is gripping and poignant and even appalling . . .” –The Wall Street Journal