Although ‘Magnet’ might imply this area attracts lots of people, it’s quite the opposite. Even on a huge weekend (e.g., Labor Day) you’re likely to be alone on this airy but scenic hike near Blewett Pass.
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The Columbia Gorge offers some of the best windsurfing in the world, but Stuart Freed thinks Lake Wenatchee rivals it. At the ‘Lake’ you won’t contend with crowds, barges, or toxins in the water. Instead you get beautiful green water under your fin, spectacular mountain views in your eyes, and strong steady winds in your face.
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Lake Wenatchee is a little-known kiteboarding gem. An hour from Wenatchee, it offers clear water, strong winds, and gorgeous scenery. The kiting is particularly good in June and July, but spring and fall are also good. Kim Anderson and Zach Lodato spill the beans.
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 With a handful of all-star repair items, you can fix almost everything that breaks down in the backcountry. Here's what you need and how to use it.
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 Charlie Hickenbottom writes about scrambling up Big Chiwaukum, the highest peak in the Chiwaukum Range. The climb is rarely done yet offers great views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
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 Mark Shaffer and Marc Dilley recently tried out a new climbing sport wall in Tumwater Canyon called Chameleon Wall. The area has yet to see many visitors. Here's Dilley's report about the access and the rock climbing.
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This article connects to our Living to 100 post. It’s an interesting story debating the possible benefits of getting outdoors, of unplugging from the normal routine, of relaxing. We can accomplish these goals easily in Central Washington ...
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 When I wrote the Love of Tarps article, I lied. I said Love of Tarps 2 featuring, quick-and-dirty methods to pitch a tarp anywhere was “coming soon.” Two years later I've finally written the companion piece.
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Mountain Home Ridge was purchased by the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust to help maintain wildlife habitat and open space on the ridge system immediately south of Leavenworth. The property connects to Forest Service lands to the north and south and provides some nice walks and mountain bike rides.
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Three old men storm Argonaut Peak and are, likely, the oldest group to reach the golden fleece of the summit in recent years. Charlie Hickenbottom reports on how he, Roger Gerwin, and Rod Yate (ages 58 to 69) hobbled to the summit.
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 Ten of us gathered to climb on Wednesday night at Crack du Jour. This more-recently-developed crag offers excellent one-pitch climbs on quality granite. The ratings of many climbs, however, seemed off-kilter. Here's our take on what the ratings should be.
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This route with its mixture of paved, gravel, and dirt roads is best done on a mountain bike or cross bike. The loop exposes you to regional extremes-- rivers and deserts, industry and agriculture, paved urban trails and dirt county roads. The climb up Rock Island Grade is a grunt (you’ll appreciate a triple chain ring) while the descent of Badger Mountain Road is a screamer.
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One of the few trails open to mountain bikes and closed to dirt bikes, this trail doesn't get heavy and is well maintained. The long ascent is mostly ridable and rewarded with fantastic views of the Cascades and a stellar descent. Local rider, Ray Birks, submitted this turn-by-turn update.
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 Tom and Juli Janisch hike Poet Ridge above the Littlle Wenatchee River and leave their footprints on the faces of some of America’s most prestigious poets -- Poe, Longfellow, and Bryant. You can do the same on a day or multi-day trip.
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 The 800-vertical-foot granite cliffs of Snow Creek Wall are home to a handful of Washington's most famous rock climbs including Orbit (5.8+), Outer Space (5.9), Iconoclast (5.10c), Hyperspace (5.10d) and Psychopath (5.11a). Here's our take on the routes most worthy of your time ... and the details needed to do them.
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 The Tieton River is unusual: In September, a dam release from the Rimrock Reservoir (for salmon runs) raises the river to exciting paddling levels. By autumn this becomes the closest place to find rip-roaring whitewater.
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