5 Backpacking Skills to Master in the New Year

Hiking back to the parking lot from Bullet Cave on the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin caving enthusiast Phil Kearney gets philosophical when asked why he likes caving: "Outside of deep-sea diving and high-altitude mountaineering, caving is the closest that we mere mortals can come to visiting another world." I’m sure many would agree. While Austin, TX can’t claim to have any of its caves on the cover of National Geographic, our city and surrounding areas offer up plenty of surreal experiences for those who like to crawl under the earth in search of rarely seen spaces. Austin caver Phil Kearney exits Bullet cave. Dave Brown Millions of years ago, the place we now call Austin was underwater, and what was then home to beds of coral and mollusks became limestone bedrock and karst, tunneled throughout with ancient underground waterways and other passages. These passages – many of which have surfaced at the Balcones Fault line, which today is followed partially by Barton Creek – became caves, and although surely thousands remain undiscovered, a handful have been mapped by the experts. Most of these caves are either secret or too difficult to access by anyone else, but a few are available for public wandering, and of them, some of the most easily accessible ones lie just minutes from downtown, along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The easiest to reach is still not known to everyone, but it’s not too sacred to talk about. It’s Bullet Cave, just a ten minute hike from the parking lot at the Highway 360 entrance to the Greenbelt. It’s not difficult or very long, but it's a great initial exposure to caving in Austin and it gets you into near total darkness. Only thing is that it’s just about a 40-foot crawl through a narrow, two-foot-high tube into a standing-height room. At the back of that room is another, narrower loop passage that leads back another 20 feet or so. Author Dave Brown exits Bullet cave's cliff-face opening Dave Brown Also in the Greenbelt is Backdoor Cave. And other caves around the city include Whirlpool and Maple Run, among others. To find out exactly where the entrance to Bullet Cave is and to learn about the others and possibly schedule a guided visit, contact the same people who can show you every other must-see cave in the Austin area – the  Underground Texas (UT) Grotto organization. They can also hook you up with a visit to the one Greenbelt cave that’s a hallmark site for every Texas caver, Airmen’s Cave. For good reason, Airmen’s was restricted for public use (but not banned, thanks in large part to UT Grotto) a couple years ago. It was getting abused and needed protection, and too many people were not caving responsibly in this precious cavern, so it’s now gated. At about 2.5 miles long, it’s been hailed as one of the longest caves in Texas, and harbors such scenes as the Aggie Art Gallery with its anonymous clay sculptures scattered throughout, the Crystal Room and other highlights. This cave is only open occasionally, so contact UT Grotto to schedule a visit, including beginner’s instruction. Aggie Art Gallery in Airmen's cave. Patrick Lewis In the meantime, while you’re waiting for Airmen’s to open, wander around the Greenbelt, especially around the cliffs on the southeast side of the Horseshoe Bend area of the creek, and see if you can find the Bullet. I won’t give away the exact location here (although you can probably find it elsewhere on the Web) because exploring is what caving is all about. And like caver Phil Kearney says, “I love just getting out to these hidden, otherworldly spots, exploring, and appreciating the utterly natural state of things in caves.” Take your time to enjoy all the nature around you... above you and below you.

These are the kind of articles that keep me up at night. Whittling down a list of Colorado’s best day hikes to a mere twenty is a daunting task. There are literally hundreds of hikes that would fit the bill, and none of them would be wrong. If that comes off like a big, fat, humblebrag, well it is. The wealth of quality hiking adventures in Colorado is nearly limitless. Some hikes offer instant glory right from the parking lot (such as Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks) while others take liberty with the definition of “day” hike, (such as the 16+ miles to Storm King Peak in the Grenadier Range, possible to knock out in a single day by strong hikers). What makes a hike great is in the eye of beholder, but this collection of adventures is a worthy compilation that showcases the best natural settings in Colorado: towering mountains, crystal-clear alpine lakes, jagged rock faces, expansive views, and good wildlife sighting potential. A personal preference for longer days out (between 4 - 8 hours) is reflected in many of these adventures. With that in mind, these hikes offer a variety of wilderness environments across the state and range from simple on-trail walks to difficult—yet non-technical—scrambling (assuming the seasonal conditions are free of ice and snow). Please feel free to add some of your own favorites not listed here in the comments! 1. Longs Peak - Keyhole Route Difficulty: Hard The Keyhole Route before transitioning to the class 3 scrambling on Longs Peak. Note the shelter at the base of the notch Katie Dills Let’s get the obvious out of the way. At 14,255 feet, Longs Peak is the 13th highest mountain in the state and one of the most visited peaks with a notoriously elusive summit. The National Park Service estimates about 15,000 people attempt to get to the top of Longs each year, with only 50% of them actually reaching the highest point. The 15-mile roundtrip, 5,000+ feet of elevation gain, thrilling exposure, and unpredictable weather add up to create a mountain whose mood can welcome or thwart even the most experienced hikers. Passing through the Keyhole itself is like shifting worlds into a mountainous kingdom hidden from sight during the 5.5 mile approach through forests and boulder fields. The trail is well-marked and can be crowded on summer weekends, but Longs nevertheless delivers on the promise of incredible views and worthy terrain. 2. Mount Bierstadt Difficulty: Moderate Mount Bierstadt’s welcoming slopes as seen from Guanella Pass. Patricia Henschen A common mistake many aspiring Colorado hikers make is to target Longs Peak before they have the fitness or experience to stack the odds of a successful summit in their favor. Here’s where Mount Bierstadt comes into play. The popular 14,060’ peak off of Guanella Pass near Georgetown is an accommodating 6-mile round trip along a well-maintained trail. It’s a great starter mountain for those hoping to hike all of Colorado’s 58 14,000’ summits (the eponymous 14ers). More experienced hikers can test their mettle on Sawtooth Ridge, a 1-mile stretch of Class 3 rock that connects the summit of Bierstadt with the shoulder of 13,842’ Mount Spaulding and eventually 14,264’ Mount Evans. The typical descent back to Guanella Pass involves bushwhacking through moose-infested swampland, where 7-foot tall willows create a natural garden maze. 3. The Base of Lizard Head Peak via Lizard Head Pass Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Lizard Head is the throat of an extinct volcano. Jim Good Lizard Head Peak is one of the toughest 13,000’ mountains in Colorado to summit, thanks to the chossy, loose, 400’ vertical tower that requires 5.8-graded climbing on poor rock to reach its highest point. Thankfully, this hike follows a good trail 3.5 miles one-way to the base of the tower—no climbing required. The adventure begins atop the paved Lizard Head Pass, about 15 minutes from the town of Telluride. Though it’s a 7-mile out-and-back, the trail starts off nearly flat as it wanders through alternating alpine meadows and pockets of pine forest. As views open up, the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains unveils itself, including the impressive profiles of the Wilson Massif. Standing at the base of the crumbling tower (an extinct volcanic pipe) makes the fact that it was originally climbed in 1920 even more impressive. 4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison Difficulty: Moderate to Hard The imposing rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Matthew Macpherson Black Canyon of the Gunnison, an oft-overlooked national park, flips the script by bringing you down rather than up. Oh, and the “trails” are more like suggested scrambles rather than fully developed hiking paths. The easiest of these is the Class 3 Gunnison Route, a vague idea of a trail that has an 80-foot section with a handheld chain for support. It drops down 1,800’ in one mile, so what it lacks in total distance it makes up for in thrilling scrambling. Rivers flow deep along the canyon floor, a shadowy place where the towering walls feel like the entrance to the netherworld. Wandering the canyon base is so marvelously unique for Colorado, it deserves a visit for adventurous hikers who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty on the way down. 5. Bison Peak Difficulty: Easy but Long A hiker in the midst of the incredible rock towers on Bison Peak. James Dziezynski At 12,431 feet, Bison Peak is a collection of spectacular rock towers built up from a flower-festooned alpine meadow. The Class 1 hiking trail is 11 miles out-and-back starting near the Tarryall Reservoir in the Tarryall Mountains. The gradual hike up to treeline tends to go quickly, and it can get hot and dry in the summer—bring extra water! Cresting treeline opens up views of the wobbly, blocky, stone towers, some of which are over 150’ tall and seemingly transported from the Moab desert. Thankfully, the summit is a half-mile hike off the main trail across grassy meadows with a few easy hills or rock scrambles to the top. Once a bit of a secret, this unique peak has gained popularity in recent years, but is nonetheless rarely ever crowded. 6. Star Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park Difficulty: Easy Great Sand Dunes National Park. NPS/Patrick Myers While most of the hikes in this list ascend mountains, it would be folly to ignore the fun, open-ended hiking at Great Sand Dunes National Park (especially from October-May, when the park is much cooler than in the summer). Star Dune is the largest of them all, standing at about 700 feet. In the early spring when the rivers run through the fine sand basin, the landscape transforms into a living, breathing desert in a compact package. Above the dunes stand the Sangre de Cristo Peaks, many towering over 13,000’. Wandering among the dunes can be as long or as short as you like it to be—consider it your own personal sandbox. 7. Lion Lakes at Rocky Mountain National Park Difficulty: Moderate The Lion Lakes are a chain of small pools in a pristine basin. Mount Alice looms in the background. James Dziezynski The Lion Lakes are a chain of high alpine pools in the cirque between 13,310’ Mount Alice and 13,579’ Chiefs Head Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Accessed by the less-crowded Wild Basin Trailhead, this 12 mile out-and-back is mostly on the shared Thunder Lake Trail (itself a fine destination) before eventually splitting off and fading into one of Colorado’s most exquisite backcountry basins. Though the trail eventually fades out, navigation is relatively easy: follow the lakes and connecting streams and waterfalls up to the next tier. Wildflowers abound and the pristine meadows have all the elegant natural charm of Rocky Mountain National Park’s best settings—minus the crowds. Don’t let the high mileage fool you, most of the trail is smooth, flat, and easy to cruise. 8. Pyramid Peak Difficulty: Hard Pyramid Peak’s famous Green Gully. James Dziezynski Pyramid Peak (14,018’) near Aspen is the most difficult day hike on this list—even more so than Longs Peak. While most hikers tackle the Class 3 (or Class 4, in some opinions) without any technical gear, it’s not unheard of to bring along a rope and harnesses. With good route finding, however, the standard route will stay at a tricky but solid Class 3. Most hikers start in the blackness of early morning (3 am is a reasonable start time), chugging up a steep headwall to an exciting scramble to the top (roughly a mile). Mountain goats are regular spectators, and the rock is solid for Elk Range terrain, especially in contrast to the neighboring Maroon Bells. Views from the flat summit look out over the aforementioned Maroon Bells and several other impressive Elk Range Peaks. The round trip is about 8.2 miles, but even strong hikers should give this one 8-10 hours. And bring a helmet! 9. Boulder’s Guardians of the Flatirons Difficulty: Moderate A walk above the Flatirons is a great way to have a true mountain adventure right from the city of Boulder. Michael W Murphy The trio of peaks that stand over Boulder’s iconic Flatirons make for an excellent day hike, which can be done as a loop or a point to point (approximately 12 or 10 miles respectively). Hikers can start at several different trailheads, all within the civilized confines of the city of Boulder. A popular route starts at Gregory Canyon Trailhead near Chautauqua and begins by ascending 3.2 miles to 8,150’ Green Mountain. Next, drop down to the Green-Bear Trail to the West Ridge of Bear Peak and ascend to the 8,460’ summit, where exposed, iron-rich rock offers the best 360 degree views along the traverse. On a clear day, one can see from Denver to Longs Peak to Pikes Peak. The highest and least-visited of the mountains is 8,549’ South Boulder Peak, whose boulder-adorned summit has great views to the west but is obstructed by trees to the east. Return via the Mesa Trail at the foot of the mountains back to Gregory Canyon or make it a point-to-point by leaving a second vehicle at the South Mesa Trailhead. Editor's Note: Parts of the Mesa Trail/Bear Canyon will be closed for trail work on weekdays May-September 2017. The trails will be open on weekends. 10. San Luis Peak Difficulty: Moderate San Luis is one of the best walk-up 14ers, especially in early summer when many small streams run and wildflowers are in full bloom. James Dziezynski 14,014’ San Luis Peak is a nice, long day hike (13.5 miles from the Stewart Creek Trailhead) through one of Colorado’s most vibrant basins. The gradually ascending trail is mellow, Class 1 terrain that starts in a piney forest, passes ponds and pools, and eventually opens up to large meadows with trickling streams, dense beds of colorful flowers, and wide-open views. It’s rarely crowded, despite being one of the 14ers, and the rocky trail at the top is welcoming and easy to follow. Views are understandably incredible, partially due to the relatively remote location of this San Juan mountain Very little manmade evidence is seen from the summit. It’s not technical, it’s not burly, but it sure is lovely. 11. Lost Man Lake Difficulty: Moderate Lost Man Lake with UN 13,001—Colorado’s lowest official 13er—in the background. Fredlyfish4 The trailhead for Lost Man Pass / Lost Man Lake is one mile west of the summit of Independence Pass. It’s easy to find, but note that the road is usually only open from late May to early October when snows close it down. This hike is roughly 7 miles out-and-back (depending on how much wandering you do around the lake itself) and follows the Lost Man Loop Trail through a rocky, rugged, basin. The chunky glacial rock debris is offset by serene lakes on the south side of Lost Man Pass, most notably Independence Lake. Keep hiking up Lost Man Pass up to 12,850’, where the dark, inky waters of Lost Man Lake reveal themselves on the north side. It’s a great place to have a mountain picnic or a chilly dip. Peak baggers have a lot of options in the area, including 13,301’ Geissler Mountain’s rolling ridges and 13,711’ Twining Peak. 12. Mount Elbert Difficulty: Moderate Summit views from Mount Elbert. Michael W Murphy Colorado’s highest peak (and the highest in the entire Rocky Mountain Chain) stands at 14,433’ but luckily it’s a friendly hike via its standard route, the Mount Elbert Trail. This 9 mile out-and-back follows a solid trail from forest to treeline, where hikers get acquainted with the thin air and the possible heartbreak of a pair of false summits. Fear not, the actual summit is not far past the second false summit, and the wide, flat apex has a collection of wide shelters. There is very little exposure along the way, though the views of the town of Leadville and the Sawatch Range are mighty impressive. Worth noting: Colorado’s second highest peak, 14,420’ Mount Massive is just across the street from the Mount Elbert Trailhead. The duo make a nice two-pack punch for an ambitious weekend. 13. Mica Basin Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Mica Lake and the Mica Lake Basin as seen from “Middle Agnes” with one of the two Little Agnes Peaks in the distance. James Dziezynski The roughly 3.8 mile hike (7.6 mile round trip) to Mica Lake starts from the Slavonia Trailhead near Steamboat Springs and is a wonderful introduction to the Park Range. The Zirkel Wilderness is one of the lushest mountain regions in Colorado thanks to its northern location and relatively low elevation. The same storms that keep the rivers flowing provide the ski area’s legendary winter powder. As a result, the area is rich with flowers, flora, and colorful grasses and willows. Mica Lake is a small, greenish blue pool that is a favorite with canines. Nearby summits can be hiked or scrambled up including Little Agnes Peak, a second Little Agnes Peak, Big Agnes Peak, and a scenic point between them not officially named but locally known as “Middle Agnes Peak”. Mica Basin is one of the best autumn day hikes thanks to the variety of colorful foliage. 14. Argentine Pass Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Argentine Pass as seen from Mount Wilcox. If you look closely, there is a Jeep cruising up in the middle section of the road. Grays Peak (l), Torreys Peak (middle) and Mount Edwards (r) stand tall beyond the saddle. James Dziezynski Argentine Pass connects two basins, one accessed from Guanella Pass near Georgetown and a second accessed from the tiny mountain town of Montezuma near Keystone Resort. Both access points require a little 4x4 action to reach (stock SUVs should do fine either way). The eastern approach from Guanella has a parking area at the mining ghost town of Waldorf, where a battered building that once housed the post office still stands. From here, a walk up to the 13,207’ pass is roughly 2 miles one-way up a 4x4 road (dedicated 4x4 vehicles can drive to the top of the pass). From the the Montezuma side, hikers take a 2.5 mile trail up from the less-developed Horseshoe Basin to the pass. From the top of the pass, peak baggers can carry on to grab 13,738’ Argentine Peak to the South or 13,850’ Mount Edwards to the north. An ambitious point-to-point with two cars offers a chance to grab the nearby 14ers, Grays and Torreys Peaks, with a descent to the popular Stevens Gulch Trailhead. 15. Peak 6 via the Colorado Trail Difficulty: Easy to Moderate The Colorado Trail below Peak 6 with Crystal Peak and Pacific Peak on the horizon. James Dziezynski The Tenmile Range is home to the Breckenridge Ski Area, but this lesser-known hike begins from the overflow parking area of Copper Mountain at the Colorado Trail trailhead. This beautiful section of the Colorado Trail ascends through a shady forest before emerging from treeline in roughly 3 miles to vast, open, mountain meadows and stellar views of Copper Mountain to the west and the town of Breckenridge to the east. It is easy to get off trail and walk along the gently rounded hills to gain the ridge between Peaks 6 and 5 and take in the views—the Gore Range to the far west is notable. This is a great trail for a more casual day with friends and dogs, as it never gets too steep and the rewards are well worth the 7 mile round trip. Ambitious hikers can traverse along the ridge north or south if they want more summits or if they want to explore the Breck Ski hills in the offseason. Strong hikers who want a unique point-to-point can traverse past Peak 10 to Crystal Peak and descend all the way to Mayflower Gulch parking area—an adventure that snags 6 named mountains! 16. The Devil’s Causeway Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult The Devil's Causeway is a section of rock only a few feet wide elevated 1,500 feet from the ground. Robin Carroccia If the Spinner of All Lies has affixed his name to a geological feature, you know it’s going to be interesting. The Devil’s Causeway sits in the Flattop Wilderness, an isolated patch of mountains that are accessed from the town of Yampa between I-70 and Steamboat Springs. The hike itself is a nice, 6 mile round trip starting from the East Fork Trail. The namesake feature is a non-technical but heady 50-foot stretch of rock that narrows to 3 feet wide and has drops of 60-80 feet off either side. Depending on your reaction to exposure, this is either a neat walk along a solid spine of rock or a belly-crawling, sphincter-clenching ordeal—or maybe somewhere in between. Even if you opt out of the traverse, a visit to the Flattops is worth the time, as it’s one of Colorado’s less-known mountain areas, and the rock walls and tabled-off summits are quite spectacular. 17. Ice Lakes Basin Difficulty: Moderate One of the upper feeder lakes and old cabin above Ice Lakes Basin, seen from Golden Horn. James Dziezynski Silverton is known for spectacular mountain scenery, and Ice Lakes Basin out of South Mineral Campground offers a snapshot of what makes the San Juan range in southwest Colorado so special. This 7-mile round trip follows a steep but steady trail through the forest to a series of shimmering, blue alpine lakes, including Island Lake. Creeks cascade through the green valleys and roll over rounded rock walls, painting them a mixture of green, black, and grey. The imposing “sinking ship” profile of 13,780’ Golden Horn dominates the skyline—from the perspective of the lakes, it’s hard to believe this cracked and crumbling peak is only a Class 2 scramble! Nearby Pilot Knob, 13,738’, is a shattered comb of rock that is rarely climbed (and usually just by mountaineers knocking off Colorado’s 200 highest mountains; Pilot Knob is the 131st highest). There are also smatterings of mine and cabin ruins at the upper lakes, a testament to the area’s mining history. 18. Sharkstooth Trail Difficulty: Moderate Sharkstooth Trail is a great day hike in a region of Colorado many overlook. jmangum2 The La Plata Mountains can be found in southern Colorado and are normally accessed from the small town of Mancos. The Sharkstooth Trail is an excellent way to tour this lonely chain of distinct peaks. Starting from the Sharkstooth Trailhead, a hike up to 12,000’ Sharkstooth Pass and back (4 miles round trip) may satisfy your mountain cravings. From the start you’ll see the remarkable alternating red and white stripes of 13,232’ Hesperus Mountain, one of the four sacred Navajo mountains. Approaching Sharkstooth Pass, the namesake 12,462’ Sharkstooth Peak juts out from an ocean of talus rock, but the trail remains easy to follow with good footing. Those looking for a bigger day can traverse the basin on the east side of the pass 2.7 miles to the next pass, where the Colorado/Highline Trail continues to the north above Cumberland Basin. 19. Rattlesnake Arches - McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Difficulty: Moderate The incredible, airy arches at McInnis are one of the most photogenic areas of Colorado. John Strother The Colorado Plateau in Mesa County is home to McInnis Canyons, an area many Coloradans have no idea exists. This spectacular desert playground has the second highest concentration of natural sandstone arches in the world—only nearby Arches National Park has more. There is a lot of open terrain to explore, but a tour on the Rattlesnake Arches Trail (starting from Black Ridge Road) is the best way to take it all in. The arches here resemble prehistoric fossils, pockmarked and elegantly curved. A full out-and-back is about 7 miles, though most hikers detour and explore the many formations along the trails. Crowds are low and the landscape is incredible, so take your time as you walk among these natural wonders. 20. James Peak Difficulty: Moderate James Peak’s approach above St. Marys Glacier. James Dziezynski Finally, we come to the tastefully named James Peak. This 13,301’ summit is a nice walk-up that is 8 miles round trip as an out-and-back. The appeal of the mountain isn’t just its proximity to the Denver/Boulder metro area—its standard route also ascends one of Colorado’s last remaining glaciers, the St. Marys Glacier. The glacier (which has been downgraded as a “semi-permanent snowfield”) is safe for foot travel, as it lacks deep crevasses. A tiny ski area once operated year-round on the glacier from 1930-1986, and the remains of the ski lift can be seen on the way up to the trailhead parking. Above the glacier, the approach to James crosses a long, flat section before ascending up a Class 2 trail along the rounded slopes. Views from the top look out into the Winter Park ski area to the west, the Indian Peaks to the north, and the Front Range to the south.

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.

Yes, winter in Chicago can be tough. But that doesn’t mean you should spend your time indoors waiting for the thaw. You may have to wear a few more layers, but you’ll find the winter is a lot more fun when you embrace it. You don’t even need to hop a plane to the Rockies. Here are seven outdoor activities that will put a smile on your face during the cold and gray days of winter in Chicago. 1. Sledding Rotary Hill in Naperville is a popular spot for sledding in the suburbs. Naperville Park District Yes, Chicago is known for its flatness. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options when it comes to winter fun, especially with the kids. In the city, Cricket Hill sticks out among the soccer fields near Montrose Beach , offering a short but fun ride. Soldier Field also has a surprisingly large man-made hill that’s very good for sledding—a lot of dirt was moved when the stadium was renovated. A longer option for older kids (and parents) is at Caldwell Woods, 6200 W. Devon Ave., on the northwest side. While the site once featured a toboggan run—removed along with all the others in the Cook County Forest Preserve system for safety reasons—the hill is still good for sledding. Plus you’ll find a warming center, fire pit, and indoor bathrooms. Dan Ryan Woods offers another long hill, which operates under the lights until 9 p.m. In the suburbs, Rotary Hill in downtown Naperville is a popular spot just south of the Riverwalk and within walking distance of lots of great places to eat. 2. Tubing The tubing hill at Villa Olivia can be fun for all ages. Matt Gronlund Unlike the free-for-all of sledding, tubing offers a bit more structure. Many ski resorts have added the sport as a cheaper option for families with younger kids who aren’t necessarily interested in learning how to ski or snowboard. At a resort you’ll also get a lift up the hill, which allows for a lot more runs with a lot less effort—and especially nice for parents who otherwise have to carry the sled and the kid back up the hill. In addition to its ski and snowboard amenities, Villa Olivia features a tubing hill with two runs and a magic carpet, a lift that resembles the moving walkway at an airport. It’s by far the easiest way to get your kids and their tubes back up the hill. Participants age 6 and over pay $20 for a two-hour window to ride (tube included). Wilmot Mountain, located just across the border in Wisconsin, features a giant tubing park apart from the ski area with 20 tubing lanes on the 1,000-foot hill. An enclosed conveyor belt takes riders back to the top in style and comfort. Hours are Monday through Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $15-$35 a person, depending on when and how long you ride. If you’re willing to walk back up the hill yourself, the Blackwell Forest Preserve offers an excellent tubing hill. You must rent the tubes from the forest preserve (for $5), but once you have the tub you can ride the 800-foot hill as many times as you like. 3. Fat-Tire Biking Fat bikes come with big, knobby tires to better grip the snow and ice. Jereme Rauckman At one time, cycling actually had an off season in Chicago. Or at least most cyclists took their bikes inside, hooked them up to trainers, and enjoyed their Netflix subscription. But more and more cyclists are discovering that it’s quite enjoyable to ride in cold and snowy conditions—if they’ve got a fat-tire bike. These off-road cruisers with their behemoth tires may look like something out of a cartoon, but they work. The tires, often more than four inches wide (more than double standard mountain bike tires), permit riders to take on all kinds of harsh conditions. The added tire size and lower air pressure allow the bike to “float” higher above the snow or sand and produce a great deal of grip. More and more Chicago-area cyclists are discovering the sport, and the bikes are now available in most bike stores. 4. Luge The Luge track in Muskegon is one of the few places in the United States to try the sport. Muskegon Winter Sports Complex It may not be the state-of-the art track that you remember from Olympics, but the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex on the other side of the lake in Muskegon, Mich., is one of only three luge tracks in the United States. It’s smaller than the Olympic-level tracks, but that’s a good thing, making it accessible to the public. The 850-foot track consists of six curves and two starting areas. The public starts from about three-quarters of the way down the track and can reach speeds up to 30 mph. The track is designed for beginners and safe for those with no previous sliding experience. All equipment is provided, including the sled (one of four Austrian or Latvian luges), a sanitized helmet and forearm pads. Coaches will spend about 15 minutes before the run teaching you the technique, and then you’re free to sled as many runs as possible in your two-and-half-hour group session. The cost is $45 on the weekend, $40 on Friday nights. 5. Ice Skating Skating at Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue. Hourann Bosci Lots of park districts and forest preserves offer ice skating in the winter. But you can get a unique outdoor winter experience at two ice-skating options downtown. The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is unlike your typical oval rink. Instead it’s an iced path that winds around the park, offering excellent views of the city. It’s free to skate on the ribbon, and you can rent skates for $12. If you want a more traditional skating experience, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is on Michigan Avenue, right underneath the Cloud Gate Sculpture, better known as the Bean. It’s also free with the same price for rentals. 6. Snowshoeing at the Morton Arboretum The Morton Arboretum in the snow. Bill Carrier In the suburbs, the Morton Arboretum in Lisle features 1,700 acres to explore, and the vast majority of people simply do it by car. Which is a shame. Because the 16 miles of trails here are fantastic, offering a huge variety of flora to explore. The hilly landscape can be a challenge, especially if the snow is deep, so choose a route that’s in your comfort zone. Snowshoe rentals are available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $12 for two hours, $16 for all day, with a $2 discount for members. Children are $8/$12, with a similar discount. You do have to pay for an entry to the arboretum, but the costs are less in the winter. See the full pricing here . 7. Learn to Cross-Country Ski Cross-country skiing at Camp Sagawau. Cook County Forest Preserve For a city that has a long winter and lots of snow—at least some winters—it’s surprising that there aren't more facilities like Camp Sagawau around. This Cook County Forest Preserve facility is located southwest of the city (near the Palos Trail System ) and offers a great introduction to cross-country skiing. It’s also one of the few places to learn skate skiing, for those who are interested in trying the aerobic-intensive sport. The facility offers rentals, lessons, and groomed trails to help anyone get started. For those more experienced skiers, the trail system includes a 1.3K trail that will offer a bit of a challenge. But Camp Sagawau is really about getting started in the sport and having a place where anyone can rent equipment and enjoy some time on skis. The area features just under 3 miles of groomed trails at the facility, which serves as a nature center in the snow-free months. Written by Jeff Banowetz for RootsRated.