10 Tips for Winter Camping in Colorado

The hardest thing about living in Portland in the spring and summer is that, on any given weekend, there are almost always too many outdoor pursuits competing for your time. Waterfalls and wildflowers are popular in the Columbia River Gorge, the sun comes out often enough to defy the "rainy" stereotype, and outdoor athletes routinely try to decide among any number of events each weekend. So we’ve done the handiwork. As the temperatures rise and Portland’s outdoor calendar fills up, here are 10 of the most essential activities for enjoying another beautiful spring and summer in Portland. 1. Hike along Eagle Creek Eagle Creek is one of the most popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, and it’s easy to see why: Novice hikers can take in the killer views at Punchbowl Falls (just two miles in), veteran hikers can push on toward the impressive Tunnel Falls, and dedicated backpackers can trek toward the serene Wahtum Lake. Dozens of waterfalls feed into Eagle Creek along the way; dense, old-growth forest shade the trail at times; and numerous other side trails and viewpoints offer impressive canyon views. 2. Go for a trail run in Forest Park Reuland and other trail runners love the array of Seattle-area trails, like those in Forest Park. Mike Rohrig Don’t tell anyone, but Forest Park isn’t really the largest in-city park in the country. Still, its 5,000 acres and 80 miles of well-maintained trails offer the unlikely combination of lush forests and scenic city views for novices and experts alike. Some of the park’s most popular trails include Balch Creek Canyon , the Leif Erickson and Wildwood Trails , and the North Wildwood Trail . 3. Ride in the World Naked Bike Ride The World Naked Bike Ride will take place on June 27, 2015. Sam Beebe We get it: “Keep Portland Weird” is really only something tourists say, but still: There’s more than a little local pride in the World Naked Bike Ride , which hosted more than 8,000 cyclists in various states of undress in 2013 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). If you haven’t done it yet, you probably wish you had. 4. Climb Mount Hood Mount Hood, the tallest peak in Oregon, is popular with climbers and hikers. Rachel Sandwick Mount Hood is both the highest and most iconic peak in Oregon. Fitness, not technical skill, is the most important consideration when tackling Mount Hood, and there’s no better time to train than with peak climbing season coming over the next few months. Several guide companies will take climbers of all skill levels to the summit, and the Mazamas lead climbs throughout the climbing season. And if you’re not up for climbing Mount Hood, make sure to stop by Timberline Lodge and go hiking on one of the numerous nearby trails. 5. Ride the STP The STP Ride attracts thousands of cyclists each year. Gene Bisbee Every summer, 10,000 cyclists make the one- or two-day trip between Seattle and Portland as part of the annual STP ride. The ride offers a mix of scenic valleys, thick forests, and rolling farmland over the course of more than 200 miles. 6. Paddle along the Willamette Water Trail The Willamette River offers numerous paddling opportunities throughout Portland. Jeff Jones With rising temperatures and later sunsets, motor boats are about to take over the Willamette River. Take a break and enjoy its natural beauty from the middle of a kayak. The Willamette Water Trail snakes through many of the state’s largest cities, offering a mix of scenic beauty and urban charm. 7. Do the Providence Bridge Pedal The Providence Bridge Pedal affords cyclists the rare opportunity to ride across the Fremont Bridge. Ryan Harvey The Providence Bridge Pedal has long given cyclists the chance to pedal across the Willamette River bridges for which Portland is famous (we are known as Bridgetown, after all). Novice cyclists appreciate the Bridge Pedal’s easy-going routes, while more dedicated riders can tackle the 11-bridge route or 37-mile Fremont Express route. 8. Run the Hood to Coast Relay or Walk the Portland to Coast Relay A post-relay party awaits runners and walkers in Seaside after the Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast events. Chris Yunker Teams are always looking for stray members as the relays get closer, so don’t miss your chance to participate in the most popular endurance events in the Portland area. Join thousands of runners or walkers starting from either Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood or downtown Portland. The starting lines might differ, but both relays end on the beach at Seaside. 9. Hike Dog Mountain Dog Mountain is one of the most popular (and strenuous) hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. Bill Automata Despite its considerable elevation gain—nearly 3,000 feet in roughly three miles— Dog Mountain remains one of the most popular, iconic hikes in the Columbia Gorge. Backpackers and veteran hikers use it as an early-season conditioning hike, casual hikers appreciate the wildflowers that bloom in May and June, and just about everyone who reaches the summit gasps at the picturesque views of the Gorge. 10. Run the Portland Marathon The Portland Marathon is one of the most popular running events in the region. Eddie Coyote As many as 10,000 runners take part in the Portland Marathon every year, making it one of the most popular such runs in the Portland metro area. The run is also one of the best ways to see Portland in all of its scenic beauty. It starts and ends in downtown Portland; in between, it passes along the beautiful Willamette River, through quiet Northwest Portland, and across the iconic St. Johns Bridge. Written by Matt Wastradowski for RootsRated.

We all have different variations of how we define “camping.” Here are five common ways to camp, and the best type of place to use each method in Central Texas. The below are rated in terms of difficulty and experience. If you are new to camping, start with glamping and then proceed up the numeric ladder. Or start where you feel comfortable, it's up to you! 1. Glamping Glamping in a teepee m01229 Don't want the ruggedness of really getting back to nature? Try glamping! Glamping means glamorous camping. Choose a  teepee , cabin,  yurt ,  railcar , or a permanent A-frame tent where (maybe) breakfast is served and the restrooms are nicer than the ones at home. Check out  Glamping Hub Texas for more options. There is a larger price tag associated with glamping because amenities such as food are often included. 2. Car Camping With car camping, you get the benefits of having a portable storage unit (your car) while still being outside. For your sleeping environment, you can either purchase a low-cost tent or sleep in your car or RV. You can always sleep in your tent and run back to your car once it starts getting too cold/hot/stormy/balmy/mosquitoey or when other campers start getting too loud. Most state and national parks have plenty of designated sites for car camping. Sites will vary by cost and whether or not they include potable water, electricity, and a restroom or latrine. Great places to car camp in central Texas include Pedernales, Garner, Inks Lake State Parks, plus Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples State Natural Area. But reserve early since parks book up quickly, sometimes up to six months out. 3. Outfitters Leaving the car camping world catapults you into the backpacking world. This enables you be mobile and explore more wilderness areas where less people are camping. Backpacking shows you nature scenes that you thought only possible in calendars and magazines. Outfitters typically provide gear, cook the food, and plan the route of your trip. This is a phenomenal, low cost way to test if you truly enjoy backpacking. Locals to Central Texas can try Backwoods Austin. 4. Backpacking with a tent, hammock, or tarp Tent camping at Big Bend Patrick Denker You have now crossed the threshold for "this is a serious hobby" and "yes, I would spend my vacation doing this."  Welcome ! Now that you are backpacking, you should consider weight as your top priority. Your 6-pound tent for car camping wasn't a big deal when you had a car to store it in. But when you have to carry that tent for 50 miles over the course 5 days (or longer!), then you start carefully analyzing each item that goes in your pack and and considering ways to shed needless weight. Since sleep systems are often some of the bulkier items, researching and investing in higher-end shelters is important. You can easily find tents, hammocks, and tarps that weight less than 2 pounds packed. You may also forego the tent altogether and just use the rain fly and footprint ("fast fly" system). Keep in mind though that there are tradeoffs for ultralightweight ("UL"). A UL shelter may not keep you dry in the rain and it might not block the wind from all angles in a bad windstorm. It's about finding the system that works best for you. 5. Cowboy Camping Texas heaven Gino Grasshopper, you are now what the sages call " hardcore ". Cowboy camping means sleeping under the stars without a shelter. Some long-distance hikers, such as those trekking the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, try to save weight by not carrying a tent. Cowboy camping works well when the weather is nice. Try cowboy camping in the spring when it is not too hot or cold and check the rain forecast. If you cowboy camp on a new moon and a clear night, you will get a perfect view of breathtaking stars without the light from the moon obstructing your view. When it's raining, you will probably get wet, unless you have a backup shelter or can find shelter under a tree or lean-to (see #4 Hammocks and Shelters).  I recommend cowboy camping if you are a backpacker with several long hikes under your belt. However you choose to camp in Central Texas, just do it. We have such prime open land, big skies, and beautiful waterways, and they're all worth experiencing. Your soul will thank you. Written by Christine Hersh for RootsRated.

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats.” - Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows I first read those words when I was young, much too young to comprehend their whimsicality. Wind in the Willows was a staple in my family, but the river life was not. Drawn more to mountains and dirt, we were not raised as “water people.” But there they were, these famous words, scrawled inside my old and distorted journal. I had hastily added them two years prior, before my first trip through the Grand Canyon, down the Colorado River. And now, as we slept on the banks of the river at the Lee’s Ferry put-in after a long day of rigging rafts, toying with oar rights, and making last-minute beer runs, I flipped through my entries from my first trip down the abyss. On the eve of such an anticipated return to the river—a few of us even had a “redemption rapid” or two that we were eager to conquer more smoothly on a second go-round—the water was calm, the sky was clear, and the cold front was settling in. Not long after dark, the November frost had already begun to gather on our strewn out sleeping bags, foreboding for a cold three weeks. Peaceful mornings along the Colorado River. Brian Bates But no one cared about the cold. Because, simply said, there is nothing better than messing around in boats. If one is to spend three weeks confined to a single landscape, it’s tough to find one that’s better than the Grand Canyon. Camp life is slow and loose when pressed so close against a water so quick and untiring. Juniper smolders in the stoked light of the fire as the eddy lines dance and the river boils swirl and bubble nearby. There is a stillness to this canyon that is unrivaled; it is not a cathedral but a monastery; not remote, but entirely removed; and nothing seems colored, only forcefully stained. And rarely does anything on the Colorado River ever dry. The skin on your hands will painfully crack, you will find sand in your hair for months after your trip, and you will be forced to test your restraint and discipline as you ration both your supply of dry socks and of beer. But they will be the most perfect days of your life. The Gear Boats in a row. Brian Bates Obviously, gear is dependent on the season. The warmer, summer seasons, require a little less foresight. You will spend little time (if any) wrapped in a puffy down coat, and a pair of chacos and hiking shoes might be all you need. But in the winter, a dry suit is the most important piece of gear you can bring. Of the 21 days we spent on the river, perhaps only a small handful were spent on the boats without our drysuits worn. Even on the more relaxing days, it is best to start the day with the suit halfway on, tied around your waist, just in case you need to fully don the protection in a non-threatening yet substantially splashy rapid. Realistically, the average Colorado River Grand Canyon permit recipient does not own the large and seemingly endless assortment of essential gear, or at least enough of said gear for an entire group. That is where outfitters, such as our go-to company Moenkopi Riverworks, prove invaluable. For reasonable prices, outfitters can supply a group with rentals of anything and everything: from rafts to entire kitchen set-ups, groovers (toilets) to coolers, dry bags, and any small piece of equipment a boat could need. For an extra price, most outfitters will go as far as planning and packing every meal, organized by day with easy-to-follow instructions and menus. While experienced trippers may opt to pack their own food, we can vouch that not having the stress of planning, purchasing, and packing group food for three weeks is well worth it. The Rapids Scouting rapids along the Colorado River. Brian Bates They say a good run in Lava Rapid, perhaps the most destructive and terribly fantastic rapid in the canyon stretch, only takes twenty seconds. Similarly, it is a rough estimate that rapids only make up 10% of your time on the river, if that. But they are without a doubt at the front of everyone’s mind every morning at coffee and every night at the fire. Other large rapids, such as Granite (mile 94), Hermit (mile 95.5), and Crystal (mile 99) are separated by short moments of both relief looking backwards and anxiety looking forward, if all goes well. Big-water days, however, are the magnetism of the river. There are unlimited reasons to journey down the Grand Canyon, but it is undeniable that the hydraulics in this stretch are unrivaled by any other river in the American West. You can plan, study, and scout as much as you want, but once you dip your oars into the current and pull out of the eddy, anything can happen. The Roaring Twenties whip you into shape in just the second day. Hance Rapid can have you pinballing down the endless stretch of waves. A failure to get far enough right in Bedrock will either pin you to rock mid-rapid, or send you through the washing machine on the left. Horn Creek Rapid can quickly turn into a ride on a rollercoaster-gone-wrong, and not straddling the gap properly between the wall and crashing holes in Upset will...well...it’s in the name. But the best stretch of big-water is the aforementioned Granite/Hermit/Crystal stretch: three of the five toughest rapids, all in a 5 mile stretch: you better wake up rowdy. Which is exactly how it went. Without scouting, simply relying on a brash cocktail of memory, a last-ditch guide book examination, and frantic shouting from boat to boat over the roar of the rapid, we hit the Granite/Hermit/Crystal stretch with full force. Bunched tightly in single-file order, each oarsman would periodically pop quickly to their feet and strain their neck: ground hogs on rubber boats peering down a smooth tongue into the chaos. Without warning, each raft would surge ahead of the group as it suddenly caught the top of the rapid and accelerate into the mess, either rowing furiously to follow the line or squaring up to the crashing waves. The boaters behind, in their natural state, would pop up to their feet again, watch their buddy navigate the rapid, make mental notes, and then find themselves swept into the wave train. No other day, and no other rapids—save for Lava—have such power to remind us that, while this river may be restrained upstream by the famous Glen Canyon Dam, it is still a surging, pounding, untameable beast. The Layover Days Descending into the abyss. Brian Bates And so while much is made—and rightly so—of the messing around in boats, it is the days off of the boats and removed from the river that make a Grand Canyon river trip remarkable. Just as you would not venture down the river without a guidebook to the rapids, it is equally worth it to invest in a thick guide book to all of the hiking and slot canyon rappelling to be found on dry land along the way. Three (or even four) weeks is an awfully long time to enjoy the Grand Canyon, and there is plenty of exploration to be found, shore-side naps to be snoozed, and books to be enjoyed while the world outside the canyon hurls on at a much faster clip, unnoticed and unminded to the boaters at the bottom. For climbers, there is an astounding amount of slot-canyons to explore and rappel. A favorite is the canyon at mile 44, President Harding Camp. The wash, while looking unmanageable from below, includes 7 rappels totalling over 650 feet of combined drop on the rope. Never explore a slot canyon without consulting the guidebook first, and never commit to dropping down even short rappels without the right gear and time to assume you won’t be able to retrace your steps backwards. One of the many extraordinary hikes is found while camping at either Racetrack Camp (around mile 134) or directly beneath the ensuing rapid. Start early and plan on a long trek with lots of uphill: once you start venturing up Tapeats Creek, you won’t want to turn back. Eventually you can veer left and follow Thunder River, up to Thunder River Springs, where the waterfall flows directly from a spring hidden deep inside the towering canyon walls. Turn around, or complete the loop through Surprise Valley and enjoy the famous “Patio” above Deer Creek. It is this writer’s belief to push for early mornings and longer efforts on the river. The more mileage you row on flat water days, the more layover days you are allowed at camp. More layover days means a more complete immersion into the river, the canyon, and the treasured life that defines this slow escape down the rabbit hole. Messing Around in Boats Rest day exploration along the Colorado River. Brian Bates With the ever-looming threat of development in the Grand Canyon and along the Colorado River, one of the most unspoiled stretches of the American West grows more and more treasured with age. Such wilderness is hard to find nowadays, and the raw immersion into a completely self-sufficient wilderness should be preserved (visit American Rivers to learn more). Because the experience is not just in the simple sight seeing of the canyon and river, it is in the actual doing of the thing: the actual rowing of the oars a couple hundred miles, the waking up at 6:30 for coffee and the falling asleep under the stars when it is dark at 8, the transformation of putting yourself out there where few others have been, where there are no crowds, where places are hard to get to. Because messing around in boats in these places is worth doing. Written by Brian Bates for RootsRated.

The Shenandoah Valley is one of the East Coast's best kept secrets, providing outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities to hike, paddle, and bike—and it's just a short drive away from Washington, D.C. You can get a bird's eye view of the valley, enjoy a hiking trip, or tap into your inner foodie at a local eatery. It isn't a stretch to say that the Shenandoah Valley puts adventure in the palm of your hand, and these 10 adventures are the perfect way to have a good time outside. 1. Take a Hike in Shenandoah National Park Just last year, the skies were clear enough for a visitor to spot the Washington Monument at night from Shenandoah National Park. That's a rare occurrence, but on average, you can see sites roughly 60 miles away. See what you can spot from one of Shenandoah National Park's epic hikes: Mary's Rock, Stony Man, Hawksbill, Bearfence, and Blackrock—just a few to keep on your list. 2. Backpack a Stretch of the Appalachian Trail Tackle a portion of the Appalachian trail in the Shenandoah Valley. Compass Points Media Shenandoah National Park alone has 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail within its borders, but the trail meanders through much of the Shenandoah Valley. This is one of the most scenic sections of the trail, and you can tackle a portion of it either in the park or outside of it. The area also has six AT Communities: Waynesboro, Berryville, Buena Vista, Front Royal, Harrisonburg, and Luray. These towns across the country are designed as such by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, marking them as good friends and neighbors to the trail. Trail users can expect to find excellent support in these towns, including special events, promotions, transportation options, and amenities for those making the long trek across the country. But even if you're not up for a multi-day (let alone multi-month) trek, day hikes are a great way to experience a taste of what it's like for the thru-hikers making the trip from Georgia to Maine. 3. Take a Mini-Vacation in the Shenandoah Valley. Campgrounds, cabins, and bed and breakfasts dot Shenandoah Valley, creating many opportunities for a weekend getaway. Looking for a more unique setting for your overnight adventure? How about a yurt or a treehouse? You'll find a multitude of overnight spots to serve as your base for exploring the area. 4. Marvel at the Natural Bridge and Luray Caverns The extensive Luray Caverns is one of the area’s natural wonders. sgplewka Nature can do marvelous things. Plan to be awestruck by two examples that have been bringing in tourists for centuries: the Natural Bridge, which was carved out by Cedar Creek and stands more than 200 feet high, and Luray Caverns, deep beneath the earth with room after room filled with towering rock formations and crystal clear pools. 5. Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon. You don't have to head too far west to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. You'll get a new and rare perspective on the Shenandoah Valley—from mountains to farms—as you soar high above the land and take in a 360-degree look at the beauty below. 6. Explore Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway Cruise along Skyline Drive for incredible views. Shahid Durrani Since the first section of Skyline Drive opened in 1934, people have been taking road trips to enjoy views from 75 overlooks along 105 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the longest road planned as a single unit, stretches nearly 500 miles further south and winds through even more mountains. Together, these two roads are an iconic drive—whether you go for a day or for the entire length. 7. Sip Locally at Virginia's Wineries and Breweries There's something to be said for a day at the vineyard. Virginia's ever-growing wine, beer, and cider scene provide numerous options for a day with friends, and a chance to try some of the more interesting and inventive offerings that you might not otherwise find at stores back home. Check out the your options in the valley along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, the Shenandoah Spirits Trail, and the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. 8. Paddle on the Shenandoah River The Shenandoah River is one of the top paddling destinations in the eastern United States. Virginia State Parks The Shenandoah River's South Fork is considered one of the top canoeing rivers in the eastern United States. With smooth stretches and some class II whitewater, there's something for both beginners and more experienced canoeists. Looking for a more relaxed outing? You can rent tubes and enjoy a leisurely float along the river. 9. Ride the Virginia Mountain Biking Trail Running from Strasburg to Damascus, this 480-mile bike trail connects the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountain Ranges. This rugged and adventurous route is a challenge for the experienced mountain biker—whether you tackle it in its entirety or explore sections of the trail over time. 10. Discover the Tuscarora Trail This 252-mile trail is an official bypass route of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches through much of the Shenandoah Valley and is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. With new sections recently re-routed just outside of Winchester and a healthy number of AT-quality shelters and campsites throughout, you've got a golden opportunity to experience ridgeline hiking and gorgeous mountain views without the crowds that can sometimes be found on the AT. Written by Jen Adach for RootsRated Media in partnership with Staunton.