Montana Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/montana/ Live Bravely Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:15:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Montana Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/montana/ 32 32 Bouncing Back From Heart Attacks, With Chef and Angler Ranga Perera /podcast/ranga-perera-fly-fishing-chef-montana/ Wed, 21 May 2025 14:05:12 +0000 /?post_type=podcast&p=2704547 Ranga Perera is a sought after personal chef and fly fishing companion in Bozeman, Montana, who lives with disarming joy and optimism in the face of tragedy and an eery brush with death

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In and around his home of Bozeman, Montana, Ranga Perera is highly sought after as a fly fishing pal and even more highly sought after as a personal chef. There鈥檚 nothing unusual about that combination, until you learn that his family came to the States in 1991 from Sri Lanka after a happy childhood was disrupted by a violent civil war. Less than a year after emigrating, Ranga鈥檚 father passed away and the event haunted him until his own brush with death years later. And yet Ranga lives life without a trace of cynicism or resentment, but rather with childlike wonder and excitement. How does he do it? Through fishing and cooking.

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Is Conservation Only for the One Percent? /culture/opinion/conservation-easements-wealthy/ Mon, 05 May 2025 20:22:03 +0000 /?p=2702595 Is Conservation Only for the One Percent?

Our ethics columnist helps a biologist reckon with the double-edged sword caused by land protection rules in the American West

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Is Conservation Only for the One Percent?

Dear Sundog,

I鈥檓 a biologist and land conservationist who has spent the last two decades working with farmers and ranchers to keep their land and way of life intact. I walk their property looking for habitats that might harbor rare plants and threatened wildlife. If the property meets certain ecological criteria, the owner can place the land under 鈥conservation easement,鈥 basically a legal agreement ensuring they will not develop or subdivide the land.

This makes their ranch or farm less valuable on the real estate market; in exchange they get a considerable break on property taxes. I鈥檝e always thought that : habitat for the more-than-human organisms is legally protected into perpetuity, the community retains the working landscapes that give it character and beauty (鈥渃ows not condos鈥), and families are able to continue ranching and farming, rather than having to sell to developers.

But lately the dynamics have changed. I鈥檓 starting to doubt the ethics of conservation鈥攁nd my own role in making it happen. Nowadays many of the landowners making easements are not multi-generational working families, but extremely wealthy out-of-staters with vacation homes and hobby farms. My work still protects critical habitat for plants and animals, but now I no longer feel like I am preserving a traditional way of life and culture of the west鈥攂ut bringing about its demise. What should I do? 鈥擟onserving Our Ground

Dear COG,

You鈥檝e tapped into such a timely and widespread issue. As the economy appears to be more controlled by a select few than ever, the rest of us face the hard ethical choice between participating鈥攚hich makes us feel complicit鈥攁nd opting out, for which the financial sacrifice is significant. For decades ; now it feels like collaborating with the dark side. And what an astonishing turn of events: to sense that the movement to preserve a healthy natural world for all of us has morphed into a cynical ploy by the elite.

Yale professor Justin Farrell astutely studies this phenomenon in Jackson, Wyoming and at the Yellowstone Club in Montana, in his alarming book

Farrell notes that for the investor class, conserving land isn鈥檛 simple philanthropy, it also allows them to increase their wealth. First, they get a hefty tax break by placing easements on the vast tracts of land of their trophy homes; next, the easement prevents the construction of more homes, exacerbating a housing scarcity which inflates their own property value; and lastly, as the pandemic and climate change incited a real estate bonanza in places with solitude and plentiful clean water, investments in land have appreciated even more sharply than most stocks, funds, or bonds.

To add insult to locals, these hedge fund dweebs cosplaying Yellowstone’s John Dutton in Wranglers and Carhartt coats on their private movie sets can now claim鈥攚ith some truth鈥攖o be saviors of the grizzly bear and the peregrine falcon.

But here鈥檚 the hard part: the work of conservation easements is supremely important. Study after study shows that . Threatened species from bears to wolverines to wolves need large continuous stretches of land, free from roads, houses and people. These animals don鈥檛 care if they are roaming through national parks or family ranches. As much as we may dislike massive private landholdings, they are scientifically better for other species than subdivided (affordable) ranchettes.

All political successes lay in the ability to build alliances. The beauty of conservation easements, COG, is that they allow a nature-lover such as yourself into partnership with old-time ranchers who might not give a hoot about the spotted owl, but simply want to keep the family land intact. But as you say, those roles and alliances are shifting. As just one example, look at the case chronicled in the new nonfiction book The Crazies: The Cattlemen, the Wind Prospector, and a War Out West by Amy Gamerman, in which a cash-poor Montana rancher who doesn鈥檛 believe in climate change sets out to build a wind farm on his property, only to be sued for marring the view by his billionaire neighbors鈥攐ne of whom made his fortune in fracking in less pristine places, all of whom claim the mantle of protecting the environment.

Here鈥檚 another case: for years, green liberals bought Teslas, likely not because they admired company co-founder Elon Musk, but because in an electric vehicle they saw the chance to do good for the planet. Musk played the savior, claiming at one point that he鈥檇 done more for the environment than any other human in history.

It turned out to be a deal with the devil. Once EVs made him the world鈥檚 richest man, Musk used his treasure to dive into American politics, and has now helped to gut the Environmental Protection Agency, end climate research, and eradicate programs that include the phrase 鈥渆nvironmental justice.鈥 He has crippled the agencies that might regulate his own businesses鈥 ecological practices. The one-time green hero instead joins an environmental rogue鈥檚 gallery of fellow easy-to-hate villains: the skipper of the Exxon Valdez, James Watt, and Kelcy Warren, who built the Dakota Access Pipeline over the objections of the Standing Rock Sioux.

The takeaway here is not something simple like 鈥渄on鈥檛 trust the rich.鈥 Rather it鈥檚 that saving the planet is most likely to happen in a democracy than any other form of government, and consolidating more wealth among the one percent is bad for democracy. When we see the laudable conservation effort of tycoons like Ted Turner, it鈥檚 tempting to cede the movement to the oligarchs; after all they can conserve more land more quickly than the impossibly complex process of government managing its holdings. But if these oligarchs鈥攐r their heirs鈥攕hould like Musk gain enough power to be above the law, their green veneers may quickly erode.

As for your own complicity, COG, I wouldn鈥檛 advise quitting your job over it. The work you鈥檙e doing is important for saving wildlife, and to put it bluntly, these societal economic changes are not your fault, and reversing them is simply above your pay grade. Wresting power from corrupt and entrenched barons will take鈥攏ow just as every other time it has been attempted鈥攁 national grassroots political movement rising in concert with some elected trustbusting brawler in the mold of a Roosevelt: take your pick between the Republican Teddy or the Democrat Franklin. Keep doing the good work.


Got a question of your own? Send it to听sundogsalmanac@hotmail.com

(Photo: Mark Sundeen)

(Photo: Mark Sundeen)

Mark Sundeen recently published his fifth book: Delusions + Grandeur: Dreamers of the New West.

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The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/small-adventure-towns/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 08:00:15 +0000 /?p=2700021 The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S.

These tiny hamlets, with less than 6,000 locals, provide the perfect blend of quaint vibes and outdoor fun

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The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S.

Bigger is not always better. While we spend plenty of time oohing and ahhing over larger mountain towns like Boulder or Chattanooga, there are dozens of smaller hamlets with fewer than 6,000 full-time residents that offer the right combo of amenities and quick access to some of the best spots for outdoor recreation in the country. Here are my favorite small adventure towns across the United States, from minuscule hiking and climbing outposts to bustling ski towns.

Bethel, Maine

Autumn leaves decorate the valley below the Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel, Maine
Autumn leaves decorate the valley below the Sunday River Ski Resort in Bethel, Maine. (Photo: Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld/Getty)

Population: 2,730

Why I Love It

Bethel is the kind of town that makes you consider relocating. Tucked into Western Maine鈥檚 Lakes and Mountains region, the village itself is super walkable with an eclectic array of restaurants, while being surrounded by public land, from the peaks that make up the expansive White Mountain National Forest to the less-intimidating Community Forest trails accessed directly from town.

The slow-moving Androscoggin River passes through the village (prime tubing in the summer) and an ever-growing is attracting more and more mountain bikers.

Oh, and Bethel is flanked by two ski resorts. is the larger of the two, with more than 2,000 feet of vertical and 750 acres of terrain (not to mention a couple of heated lifts), while is the mom-and-pop ski hill we all wish we had in our backyard, with $39 lift tickets every day, a friendly uphill policy, and a solid mix of terrain to keep it interesting.

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Most people come to Bethel to ski Sunday River. If you鈥檙e looking for a challenge, head to Oz, a zone loaded with steep double black runs, or take Lollapalooza to Blind Ambition, an expansive gladed run on the edge of Jordan Bowl. Bring your mountain bike during the summer. Mt. Abram has lift-served terrain, but you can hit a number of trails directly from the edge of town. is a fun, flowy three-mile loop in the center of the Bethel Village Trails on the south side of the village.

Where to Eat

has a genius cocktail menu, as well as a seafood chowder that hits just right on a cold winter night. If you鈥檙e looking for something more casual, Steam Mill Brewing has burgers and a rotating New England IPA on tap.

Where to Stay

The will put you on the southern edge of the village, within walking distance of restaurants, and direct access to some of the town鈥檚 most loved mountain bike trails (from $126 per night).

Book Bethel Resort

Stowe, Vermont

Vermont's Stowe offers some of the most intense skiing in the east and a European-style village to stay in after.
Vermont’s Stowe offers some of the most intense skiing in the east and a European-style village to stay in after. (Photo: Greg Petrics/Stowe)

Population: 5,230 or 745

Why I Love It

Quite simply, Stowe is the East Coast鈥檚 best ski town, especially this winter as Stowe Mountain Resort has enjoyed 329 inches of snow (and counting) at the time I鈥檓 writing this article, and then you have the New England charm of the village itself, with its steeples, covered bridges, and brick federal architectural style. And all of this sits in the shadow of the massive Mount Mansfield State Forest and Smugglers鈥 Notch State Park.

Not cool enough yet? How about an aggressive and progressive local population that鈥檚 worked to preserve more than for public use while building out a growing system of singletrack and nordic trails that can be accessed straight from town. Is Stowe still a sleepy hamlet tucked into the hills? Yes and no. The village still feels small, but it can be expensive, and it can get crowded, but that鈥檚 the proverbial price you pay for being the best ski town on the East Coast.

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In the winter, you鈥檙e obviously skiing Stowe, which is one of the East鈥檚 best resorts, with more than 2,000 vertical feet of drop, and 653 skiable acres split between two mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.When the snow melts, combine a slice of the and the for an eight-mile loop that climbs the 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield via a 2,000-foot climb that includes some ladders and scrambling before reaching the treeless summit, where you can see the surrounding Green Mountains and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Mountain bikers should pedal the Stowe Recreation Trail, a six-mile paved path along the What River, to access , Stowe鈥檚 signature trail network with 12 miles of purpose-built singletrack. Make sure you hit the mile-long Florence, considered by many the best flow trail in the northeast. And listen, everyone should make a point to visit Stowe during fall, when the weather is crisp and the hardwoods are popping off in a barrage of reds, yellows, and golds.

Where to Eat

is incredibly hip, incredibly good, and incredibly crowded, but get on the waitlist and when it鈥檚 your chance, order the Vermont cheddar fritters and their smash burger and listen to the DJ spinning from a wall of vinyl. And if you鈥檙e in Vermont, you have to stop by the and pick up a four pack of the beer that put the brewery on the map, Heady Topper.

Where to Stay

Stowe has resorts attached to the ski hill and quaint bed and breakfasts, but check out the new cabins and lodge rooms at a few miles outside of town, with direct access to Stowe鈥檚 Recreation Path. The lodge has its own bar, pool, and hot tub and a grassy lawn overlooking the West Branch of the Little River (from $151 per night).

Book Outbound Stowe

Silverton, Colorado

Snow in Downtown Silverton, Colorado on of the best small adventure towns
A dusting of snow in downtown Silverton, Colorado, where you can peruse the shops and restaurants to re-fuel after a day of heli-skiing in the San Juan Mountains. (Photo: David Toussaint/Getty)

Population: 713

Why I Love It

Sitting at 9,300 feet in elevation, Silverton is a former gold and silver mining town that has found new life as a basecamp for outdoor adventure, thanks to the surrounding San Juan Mountains鈥攁 hotbed of skiing in the winter and alpine adventure in the summer. If you鈥檙e standing in downtown Silverton, you鈥檙e within and 15 miles of seven of Colorado鈥檚 14,000-foot summits.

The entire town is a National Historic Landmark with buildings erected in the late 1800s that still retain their Wild West vibe. Greene Street, the main road through the heart of town, is the only paved street in the municipality. I鈥檝e visited Silverton during the winter, on my way to ski the backcountry terrain in the San Juan mountains, but I鈥檓 dying to get back in the summer and early fall to check out the growing network of mountain bike trails and see the aspens surrounding town turn gold.

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Experience the best of the San Juans in summer by hiking the , located in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. The eight-mile out and back passes through meadows packed with wildflowers before delivering you to a trio of high-alpine lakes that are known to house rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The hike tops out at 12,000 feet in elevation, but you can climb higher by picking up the Continental Divide Trail above the lakes.

The local bike club, the Silverton Singletrack Society, is in the process of building out 30 miles of singletrack in a system called that you can pedal to from town. The first six-mile loop has just opened, offering a steep climb before releasing you to a 1,000-foot, flowy descent.

If you have the skillset, I highly recommend skiing , which is like no other ski 鈥渞esort鈥 in the country. A single chairlift rises from a warming hut, from the top you can skin out to a cornucopia of backcountry lines, all of which demand expert-level skiing. If that鈥檚 not enough terrain, Silverton Mountain also offers heli-bumps from the top of the chairlift.

Where to Eat

has great IPAs as well as a full menu, from cauliflower tacos to pizzas loaded with sausage and bacon.

Where to Stay

The has 15 modern rooms in a multi-story building that once housed a gas station, ballroom, and lodge hall. The hotel sits in the heart of downtown and every booking comes with a $10 drink credit in the lobby bar (private rooms from $176 per night; bunks in the 10-bed bunk room from $75 per night).

Book Wyman Hotel

Highlands, North Carolina

Springtime at Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River on scenic drive between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina.
Springtime at Dry Falls on the Cullasaja River on the scenic drive between Franklin and Highlands, North Carolina. (Photo: Dee/Getty)

Population: 1,110听

Why I Love It

Highlands, which is one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Mississippi (elevation: 4,118 feet), has been a mountain escape since the late 1800s, originally attracting wealthy travelers who flocked to the village for its clean air and pristine surroundings.

People today show up for the same reasons, and Highlands has grown into a cultural hub of the mountains, with a surprisingly robust art and culinary scene given its small footprint. Main Street is bustling with shops, galleries and restaurants, while the surrounding Nantahala National Forest offers fast access to hiking trails, mountain lakes, and waterfalls.

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Hiking Whiteside Mountain, a 4,903-foot peak named after the sheer, granite face that rises to its summit, is the must-do adventure close to town. The two-mile forms a loop that delivers you to the edge of this 700-foot cliff, one of the tallest in the eastern U.S.

You can actually drive your car behind Bridal Veil Falls, just outside of town, but for a more adventurous waterfall, head to Bust Your Butt Falls, a swimming hole just off Highway 64 on the Cullasaja River with a jumping rock and natural water slide at the base of the falls.

Where to Eat

You can鈥檛 turn around without stumbling into another fancy (and pricey) restaurant in Highlands, but I like for its to-go sandwiches and snacks that hit the spot on big hikes.

Where to Stay

Highlands has no shortage of high-end hotels and resorts, but I like the new , a 14-room motel that was recently renovated into a boutique stay where each room has its own typewriter and turntable with record collection (from $189 per night).

Book Outpost Inn

Kanab, Utah

man hiking along navajo trail in bryce canyon national park
Bryce Canyon National Park, near Kanab, Utah, famously has the most hoodoos in the world, with 12 amphitheaters featuring these bizarre rock formations (Photo: Ed Freeman/Getty)

Population: 5,200听

Why I Love It

You can鈥檛 beat Kanab鈥檚 location. Tucked into the desert of southern Utah, just north of the Arizona border, Kanab sits within striking distance of some of the Southwest鈥檚 most iconic landscapes. Bryce Canyon National Park is an hour north, Zion National Park is 45 minutes west. If you鈥檙e looking to take a dip, Lake Powell is an hour east, and drive two hours south and you鈥檒l hit the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The town itself is steeped in Hollywood history, as more than 200 Westerns were filmed in the canyons around town. Kanab itself has a bit of a Moab vibe (think adobe buildings and streets sprawling through the desert floor) but it鈥檚 far sleepier than its gateway cousin. And the food scene? Surprisingly impressive.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

So many parks, so little time. For something unique, head to where you can sand-board the 75-foot tall dunes, made of grains of quartz coated with iron oxide, giving them a pink hew. You can rent sand boards or sleds from the at the park ($25 per board).

Hike Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, considered the longest slot canyon in America. The is the fastest way into the gorge, a 3.4-mile round trip that delivers you to the canyon. From there, you can explore up or down the canyon to your heart鈥檚 content. The gulch is in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You鈥檒l need a for the day hike.

Buckskin Gulch is more than 12 miles long, and 200 feet deep at its low point. The walls are never wider than 20 feet during its entire length.

Where to Eat

Kanab is a legitimate foodie destination with a handful of restaurants that punch above the weight of a town this size. If you鈥檙e looking for a memorable dinner, head to , where the menu revolves around a series of small plates, from foraged local mushrooms to chili-rubbed beef sourced just across the border in Arizona.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of hotels around town, but spend the night at , a glamping resort with geodesic domes that have king beds, their own kitchenette, and massive windows overlooking the red rock cliffs (from $170 per night).

Book White Camel

Patagonia, Arizona

Motorcycles frame the historic downtown core of Patagonia, Arizona
Motorcycles frame the historic downtown core of Patagonia, Arizona. Pop into Patagonia Lumber Company for a cup of Joe in the morning before you start your day’s adventure.听(Photo: Matt Gush/Getty)

Population: 789

Why I Love It

Start in Tucson, then head an hour south (almost to the Mexican border) and you鈥檒l find tiny Patagonia, a former mining town that鈥檚 just starting to transition into a bonafide adventure town. This one-street village is surrounded by 10,000-foot peaks, and sits within striking distance of two state parks鈥擯atagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek. But the real draw here is the myriad of gravel roads that extend from main street into the surrounding hills, traversing an endless sea of desert grassland.

You鈥檒l hear both Spanish and English spoken throughout town, which also sports the tell-tale signs of a modern mountain outpost (like at the coffee bar with weekend food trucks), but is still hanging onto its blue-collar roots (and rooms are still relatively cheap).

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

The 800-mile long Arizona National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the state, can be found just outside of town. Head south for a meandering hike through rolling grasslands, or north and you鈥檒l tackle the Santa Rita Mountains, where steep climbs and granite peaks await.

But you鈥檙e probably here for the gravel riding, too. The options are endless, and the terrain is rolling instead of grueling, so plan for big-mile days. Start with the 30-mile Alto Ghost Town ride, which climbs through a series of canyons on its way to the ruins of a former mining camp. The undulating grasslands turn gold in the fall but form mesmerizing, shimmering waves regardless of when you ride through them. has rentals (from $125 per day).

Where to Eat

The has build-your-own pizzas, margaritas, and classy oil portraits of The King, while brews coffee in the morning, beer in the afternoon, and hosts rotating food trucks on weekends.

Where to Stay

Grab a spot in the nine-room hotel, which sits on main street within walking distance of everything, and has dedicated bike storage (from $125 per night).

Mazama, Washington

A kayaker plays in a hole on the Methow River, near Mazama, Washington and North Cascade National Park
A kayaker plays in a hole on the Methow River, near Mazama, Washington and North Cascade National Park. (Photo: Michael Hanson/Getty)

Population 200听

Why I Love It

There鈥檚 small, and then there鈥檚 Mazama, a hamlet in central Washington鈥檚 Methow Valley that has less than 200 year-round residents and a 鈥渄owntown鈥 that鈥檚 nothing more than a handful of businesses situated around a junction where two roads meet. But Mazama has everything you need鈥攆ood, beer, supplies, and a place to sleep.

More importantly, the town is surrounded by the , the largest network of nordic ski trails in the country (120 miles), all of which were created and maintained by a non-profit, also called . During the summer, there鈥檚 whitewater rafting on the Methow River, and trad and sport climbing on the Goat Wall, a 1,500-foot tall cliff overlooking the valley. Need more? Mazama is a gateway to North Cascades National Park, which has more glaciers than any park in the lower 48, and also happens to be one of the least visited parks in the country, with under 17,000 visitors last year.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

State Road 20, a.k.a. North Cascades Highway, closes from Mazama into the park during the winter, but come summer, the two-lane offers a beautiful 90-minute drive west over Washington Pass. The of the park offers the easiest access to Mazama. There, you鈥檒l find three reservoirs of differing shades of milky blue. Grab a canoe ($75 a day) from and explore the lake, which is surrounded by steep, green mountains. Or hike the 3.5-mile to a prominent point overlooking Diablo Lake.

If you make the trek during winter, cross country skiing is the ticket. There are 120 miles of nordic trails throughout the valley, all of which are groomed nightly. Crazy right? Mazama has its own trailhead, where you can kick and glide along the 11-mile , which has minimal gain but big-valley views.

Where to Eat

There aren鈥檛 a lot of options, but the has to-go sandwiches and snacks and is the best example of what a modern general store can be. The has a taproom and patio with views of Goat Peak, not to mention craft beer, rice bowls, and even sushi.

Where to Stay

The has lodge rooms within walking distance of the Public House (from $182 per night).

Book Inn at Mazama

Fayetteville, West Virginia

A climber works on solving the cruxy roof of Great White Shark (5.12c) at Bubba City in the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia
A climber works on solving the cruxy roof of Great White Shark (5.12c) at Bubba City in the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. (Photo: Harrison Shull/Getty)

Population 2,900听

Why I Love It

In the 1800s, the New River Gorge area attracted lumberjacks and coal miners, as the river canyon was rich in both resources. Now, it attracts hikers, boaters, and climbers, and the New River Gorge has become one of America鈥檚 newest national parks.

The small town of Fayetteville has stood witness to it all, evolving into a world-class gateway community with a historic downtown square, and just enough in the way of restaurants and shops to keep visitors and locals satiated. Fayetteville still retains that sleepy, small town vibe, but just beyond the city鈥檚 borders lies some of the best outdoor recreation in the East, starting with the whitewater rafting and world-class climbing inside the New River Gorge. There鈥檚 also mellow paddling on Summersville Lake, mountain biking on the Arrowhead Trails, a hand-carved system built by Boy Scouts, and more whitewater action on the nearby Gauley River.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Most people show up to raft the , which runs for 53 miles through the heart of the 1,000-foot deep canyon. The river is typically broken down into two day-long runs. The Upper New is more family friendly, with 13 miles of class I-III rapids, while the Lower New has big hits that reach class IV plus.

The whitewater is exciting, but the climbing is actually better, with more than 1,500 established routes along the sandstone walls that loom over the river below. And that doesn鈥檛 even include the growing number of bouldering problems found in the gorge. The climbing isn鈥檛 easy (grades top out at ) but will put you on the right route if you鈥檙e looking for a guide (starting at $130 per person).

Where to Eat

Fayetteville鈥檚 downtown square sports a handful of restaurants. Operating out of a former church just off the square, has been the town鈥檚 go-to for breakfast and lunch for decades. If you ride a couple of hot laps on the flowy , make sure to stop by the for a cold beer and a brat (or taco) served al-fresco in their beer garden.

Where to Stay

The New River Gorge supports several adventure outposts, where you can find cheap campsites or luxury cabins. I like , which has options spread across a 350-acre campus with its own restaurants, a pool, and a stunning view of the gorge itself (covered platform tent sites start at $49 per night).

Book 国产吃瓜黑料s on the Gorge

McCall, Idaho

The sparkling lights of the small adventure town of McCall, Idaho, reflect across the calm waters of Payette Lake at sunset
The sparkling lights of the small adventure town of McCall, Idaho, reflect across the calm waters of Payette Lake at sunset. (Photo: Anna Gorin/Getty)

Population: 4,066听

Why I Love It

The obvious draw to McCall is the skiing. The small town sits in the Cuddy and Salmon River Mountains of Idaho, collecting 300 inches of snow a year, with quick access to three ski resorts, Tamarack Resort, Brundage Mountain, and the aptly named Little Ski Hill, which has night skiing and just a T-bar for a lift.

But then you also have Payette Lake, a 5,000-acre beauty surrounded by green peaks and full of trout that have been beckoning anglers since the 1800s. Not to mention, whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork and Main Fork of the Salmon, and a growing portfolio of mountain bike trails, as well as ample hiking trails in Payette National Forest and Ponderosa State Park. Begin stacking all of these attributes up and it becomes obvious that the draw to McCall is鈥everything.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Many will argue that has the best powder in Idaho, so skiers should head there during a winter visit. The mountain has almost 2,000 acres of front-side terrain to explore, but it鈥檚 the 18,000 acres of backcountry that you can access via the resort鈥檚 that are the real gem here (starting at $575).

Bring your bike in the summer as McCall is rapidly becoming a , earning a Silver Ride Center designation from IMBA, with a diverse suite of trails that鈥檚 rapidly approaching 500 miles large. Head straight for , a golf course resort that鈥檚 gone all-in on mountain biking with 17 miles of fast, flowy descents, some of which are packed with wooden features, all accessed via easy-to-climb fire roads or shuttle ($30 per rider).

Where to Eat

McCall is a bustling adventure town with plenty of options for a good meal, but has award-winning lagers to go along with their fried wild salmon and chips.

Where to Stay

takes modern Scandinavian-inspired design and puts it into a 1970s-era motel built with local timber. And the rooms walk out onto an expansive lawn with games and fire pits (from $131 per night).

Book Scandia Inn

Bigfork, Montana

Two paddleboarders peruse Woods Bay, in Bigfork, Montana, on a sunny, summer day
Two paddleboarders peruse Woods Bay, in Bigfork, Montana, on a sunny, summer day. (Photo: constantgardener/Getty)

Population: 5,249听

Why I Love It

At first glance, Bigfork is a lake town, sitting on the edge of the massive Flathead Lake, which has 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. And it has plenty of kayaking and fishing for those that are water inclined. But it鈥檚 also a hiking town, with quick access to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, the Flathead National Forest, and numerous state parks.

Want a little adrenaline? Bigfork is also the basecamp for whitewater adventures on the Middle Fork and North Fork of the Flathead River. Oh, and Bigfork is just an hour from the West Glacier entrance to Glacier National Park. So is Bigfork a lake town? Yes, but it鈥檚 also so much more.

Signature 国产吃瓜黑料s

Head to the of Flathead National Forest, a 15,000-acre tract within the Bob Marshall Wilderness featuring more than 20 alpine lakes. Hike a 6.6-mile loop combining the (#717) and the Picnic Lakes Trail to the rocky summit of the 7,000-foot Mount Aeneas, where you鈥檒l find views of the Jewel Basin lakes below, and the ridges of Glacier National Park on the horizon. You鈥檒l occasionally find mountain goats on the summit too. Bring a flyrod and try to land one of the cutthroat or rainbow trout that thrive in the Picnic Lakes on the back end of the loop.

Flathead Lake has six state parks that protect its shoreline and the islands in the middle of the water. Paddle two miles across the lake from the boat launch in Dayton, Montana, to , a 2,165-acre state park in the middle of the lake that鈥檚 only accessible by boat. Instead of cars, you鈥檒l see feral horses and bighorn sheep. has kayak and paddleboard rentals (starting at $40).

Where to Eat

has views of the lake, 16 beers on tap, and a large pub-food menu that includes a burger topped with jalape帽o poppers. So, yeah. Yum.

Where to Stay

is an all-inclusive dude ranch on 2,000 acres running along the shores of Flathead Lake. You鈥檒l get access to the property鈥檚 15-mile private mountain bike trail system, canoes, hikes, and horseback rides to backcountry breakfast (starting at $5,103 a week). If you鈥檙e looking for less of a financial commitment, has cabins and Airstreams, all of which come with private access to the lake (from $210 per night).

Book Hotels in Bigfork

The author wearing a blue flannel and a ball cap, with the green Appalachians in the background
The author, Graham Averill, at home in his corner of southern Appalachia (Photo: Courtesy of Graham Averill)

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He鈥檚 been lucky enough to live in a few of America鈥檚 most fun (and expensive) adventure towns, and recently wrote about the country鈥檚 best mountain towns. He also recently wrote about the best national parks for spring break trips.听

The post The Top 9 Small 国产吃瓜黑料 Towns in the U.S. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Where the Wild Hats Are: The Viral Account Documenting Bozeman鈥檚 Top Airport Accessory /culture/bozeman-airport-cowboy-hats/ Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:06:24 +0000 /?p=2699416 Where the Wild Hats Are: The Viral Account Documenting Bozeman鈥檚 Top Airport Accessory

Meet our new favorite Instagram account: a celebration of the travelers who bring their best to Bozeman's Airport.

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Where the Wild Hats Are: The Viral Account Documenting Bozeman鈥檚 Top Airport Accessory

These days, nobody seems to dream about becoming a superhero anymore; instead, everybody wants to be a cowboy. Thanks to pop-culture phenomena like the hit TV show Yellowstone and Beyonc茅’s latest country album, cowboy culture has hit the mainstream in a big way. For many folks, the trend represents not just the ranching lifestyle but a celebration of freedom from the mundane. The allure of those ideals has some people rethinking their vacations. Over the past few years, we’ve seen more folks saying goodbye to all-inclusive beaches and saying hello to guided hikes and whiskey tastings in the American West. The result is an influx of tourists to places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana. But while plenty of people are packing their boots and bandanas for their Western vacays, we鈥檙e impressed most impressed by travelers’ dedication to the crown jewel of the aesthetic: the cowboy hat.

On that note, please meet our new favorite Instagram account: . This is a space committed to capturing the sojourners who are determined to travel in headwear that鈥攚hile perhaps practical for herding cattle across the prairie鈥攊s decidedly impractical for air travel. Such wardrobe choices often leave locals scoffing. “People treat traveling to Bozeman like they鈥檙e headed to an amusement park for their own kind of Yellowstone-themed Halloween party,鈥 one anonymous Montanan told 国产吃瓜黑料. “If听you鈥檙e gonna pretend to play cowboy in a place where plenty of people still make their living running beef, you鈥檙e gonna get a little guff for it.鈥 Hence, the Bozeman Airport Cowboys Instagram account.

We’re not necessarily knocking the trend: it certainly seems nice to escape reality by pretending to be a cowboy while staying at a Hilton Inn with a nice view. And we fully believe that a good Stetson has the power to transport us from the bleak reality of the everyday to a place where we can dare to dream bigger. So consider this an ode to all you Bozeman Airport Cowboys out there. You do you. And in the meantime, we hope you enjoy this snapshot of Bozeman鈥檚 daily arrivals.

Introducing the Instagram Famous Cowboy Hats:

Let the wedding bells ring. This cowboy is getting hitched and has the hat to match in matrimony.

 

 

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Protect the rim of the hat at all costs.

 

 

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Forget the luggage, we鈥檙e carrying on a cowboy hat.

 

 

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This globetrotter has a hat to match every outfit he packed for his trip.

 

 

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John Dutton? Is that you?

 

 

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Today鈥檚 cowboy hats come in all shapes and sizes鈥揺ven hot pink with fur.

 

 

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Cowboy hats are an accessory for every season. We鈥檒l be sure to see a few hat-and-fur-coat combos at the Big Sky apr猫s.

 

 

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What’s better than a cowboy hat? A cat in a backpack,听plus a cowboy hat!

 

 

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While we鈥檙e not sure these patrons understand听what it really takes to be a cowboy, they do embody the resilience and drive of what it takes to travel with an accessory as delicate as the cowboy hat.

 

 

 

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Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/cross-country-road-trips/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:59:03 +0000 /?p=2696751 Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now

From a music-centric journey across the northern U.S. to a national park-studded road trip through the heartland, we鈥檝e got itineraries to get you started with plenty of space for your own adventures.

The post Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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Three Epic Cross-Country Road Trips to Start Planning Now

No adventure compares to driving across the United States. I鈥檒l never forget my first coast-to-coast drive. It was two friends and me, post college, in a beat-up Subaru loaded with everything I owned. We took the long way home, starting in the farmlands of Vermont and making out-of-the-way pitstops for hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains听of Tennessee, dining at legendary barbecue spots across Mississippi, and listening to live music in New Orleans. We drove west, climbed the highest peak in Texas, ate green chile in New Mexico, and stared into the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Most nights, we slept in a tent and dreamed of where the next day would take us. When we finally crossed the California state line toward our final destination, I remember feeling like I wanted to stay on the road forever.

The author (riding shotgun) on her first cross-country road trip 鈥 a mission from Vermont to California with college friends. (Photo: Megan Michelson)

The cross-country road trip is an American rite, a true pilgrimage where you can plan only so much; the rest will unfold wherever the road goes. These three epic journeys have starting and ending points, as well as some spots that may be worth pulling over for along the way, but what you make of the trip鈥攁nd what you ultimately take away from it鈥攊s up to you.

We鈥檝e picked three routes on major highways that cross the country (for a Southwest specific guide, explore our seven best road trips of that region), but along the way, we鈥檝e provided suggestions for detours and byways that get you off the beaten path and out of your car to stretch your legs, experience local culture, and see the sights you鈥檒l be talking about all the way to your next stop. You鈥檒l pull over for things like meteor craters, giant art installations, and donuts. With visits to roadside national monuments, waterfalls, and hot springs鈥攁nd with stays at unique hotels, campsites, and cabins along the way, these road trips aren鈥檛 just a long drive, they鈥檙e an incredible adventure waiting to happen.

The Music Lover鈥檚 Journey: Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington

Route: Interstate 90

Distance: 3,051 miles

This northern route across the U.S. follows Interstate 90 from east to west, passing by major cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But you鈥檒l also touch on some of the country鈥檚 coolest wild spaces, like the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, the Black Hills of South Dakota, and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Inspire your road trip playlist by checking out the outdoor music venues and festivals throughout this route.

Pitstop: The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Hop on Interstate 90 in Boston and point it west. Your first stop is the Berkshires, a mountainous region filled with charming small towns 120 miles west of Boston. Go for a hike in , then pick up a tangleberry pie or farm-fresh apples from market in Great Barrington. In Stockbridge, the is worth a stop to learn more about American painter Norman Rockwell, who lived in the area, or check the performance calendar at , home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for major touring acts in this pastoral outdoor music venue. It鈥檚 worth the 30-mile detour off the highway to North Adams to post up for a night or two at (from $194), a revamped motor lodge that hosts guided hikes, live music, and pop-up dinners.

Must See: Niagara Falls, New York

Peel off the highway in Buffalo, New York, for a visit to , America鈥檚 oldest state park and home to its three namesake waterfalls. Grab a yellow poncho and a ticket ($14) to view the falls from below at the observation decks.

The Hinterland Music Festival occurs every August in St. Charles, Iowa.
The Hinterland Music Festival occurs every August in St. Charles, Iowa. (Photo: Alyssa Leicht)

Pitstop: Saint Charles, Iowa

Take a detour to visit Saint Charles, Iowa, home to the four-day held each August on a 350-acre plot of grassland. This year鈥檚 headliners include Tyler, the Creator, Kacey Musgraves, and Lana Del Ray. You can camp on site during the festival and hop a free shuttle into nearby Des Moines. If you can鈥檛 make the show, Des Moines still delivers, with 800 miles of trails to explore on foot or bike, including the paved 25-mile , a converted rail-trail with an iconic bridge that鈥檚 lit up at night over the Des Moines River valley. rents bikes.

Pitstop: Black Hills, South Dakota

There鈥檚 tons to see in the Black Hills of South Dakota, including famous highlights like and , as well as lesser known gems like the third longest caves in the world at or the annual buffalo roundup each September in . Grab donuts for the road from , a famed roadside attraction. Stay in a canvas tent among ponderosa pines at (from $179), outside the town of Keystone.

Stretch Your Legs: Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

It鈥檚 not far off I-90 to reach , a geologic monolith with deep roots to indigenous cultures in the northern plains and the country鈥檚 first national monument. Parking and trails can be crowded here, so skip the main lot and hike the 1.5-mile instead鈥攊t鈥檚 less busy and still has good views of the tower.

The Lark Hotel is a Bozeman staple.
The Lark Hotel is a Bozeman staple. (Photo: Courtesty of The Lark Hotel)

Pitstop: Bozeman, Montana

Post up at the (from $189) in downtown Bozeman, which has on the property. Stroll Main Street, then take a walk up through Burke Park, a few blocks away, for a nice view of town. It鈥檚 about an hour and 20 minutes drive to reach the north entrance to , known for its geysers and 2.2 million acres of wilderness. If you鈥檙e on the road for music, the in nearby Big Sky takes place in early August.

Pitstop: Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho

Home to Lake Coeur d鈥橝lene as well as dozens of smaller lakes, you鈥檒l want to stop in Coeur d鈥橝lene, Idaho, for a swim or a paddle. rents kayaks and paddleboards. on the southern end of Lake Pend Oreille has cabins and campsites (from $48), a , and access to 45 miles of trails for biking and hiking.

Must See: The Gorge Amphitheater, Washington听

Music听breaks up the drive, and there鈥檚 no better place to see live music outdoors in this part of the country than the in Quincy, Washington. There鈥檚 on-site camping during shows and an upcoming lineup that includes Billy Strings and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

Stretch Your Legs: Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

Hike to stunning alpine lakes on Snoqualmie Pass, just an hour outside of Seattle on I-90. You鈥檒l need a $5 to access most of the hikes in this area. The 2-mile follows the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. For a more stout climb, the 8.5-mile roundtrip hike to in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a real gem.

Final Stop: Seattle, Washington

Celebrate the end of an epic journey by watching the sunset over the Olympic Mountains and dipping your toes into Puget Sound from Seattle鈥檚 . Stay in the heart of downtown at the (from $189) and you can browse fresh produce and maker鈥檚 stalls outside your door. The 10-mile paved sits right along the waterfront. Want more live music to cap off your trip? The is downtown Seattle鈥檚 coolest music venue.

The Best National Parks Road Trip: San Francisco, California, to Washington, D.C.

Route: Interstate 80 and Interstate 70

Distance: 2,915 miles

Travel across the heartland of the U.S. on this iconic route along I-80 and I-70, passing through stunning western mountain ranges like California鈥檚 Sierra Nevada, Nevada鈥檚 Ruby Mountains, Utah鈥檚 Wasatch, and Colorado鈥檚 Rockies. You鈥檒l visit the great national parks across southern Utah听and hit cities like Denver, Colorado; Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, before landing in the country鈥檚 capital.

There are worse ways to spend an afternoon than paddling on Lake Tahoe.
There are worse ways to spend an afternoon than paddling on Lake Tahoe. (Photo: Courtesy of Go North Tahoe)

Pitstop: Lake Tahoe, California

Depart San Francisco on Interstate 80 heading east, leaving the shores of the Pacific Ocean to begin a steady climb toward the mountains of the Sierra Nevada range.听, in the roadside town of Auburn, has good burgers and homemade pies for the road. Lake Tahoe is your first stop, a short but worthy departure from the highway. Stay at the new听 (from $138), which opens in March, and you鈥檒l be steps from the lake. Rent bikes at听 to pedal the world-class singletrack along the听 or grab a paddleboard from听. Don鈥檛 miss dinner at the newly opened, featuring eclectic dishes and locally-sourced ingredients.

Pitstop: Ruby Mountains, Nevada

There鈥檚 not much on Interstate 80 as you cross Nevada between Reno and Salt Lake City鈥攅xcept for the Ruby Mountains, which spike straight up from the desert floor of the Great Basin. In the winter,听 offers heli-ski access to 200,000 acres of rugged terrain. In the summer, there鈥檚听. Stay at Ruby Mountain Heli鈥檚听 or one of their two mountainside yurts (from $190).

Must See: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

For a national park detour, consider visiting听, which has one of the darkest skies in the world for stargazing. Near the entrance to the park, the听 make for a great overnight stop and snack resupply station.

FIery Furance Arches National Park_MeganMichelson
Dan Abrams enjoys the moment in Arches National Park. (Photo: Megan Michelson)

Pitstop: Moab, Utah

In Salt Lake City, you鈥檒l say goodbye to Interstate 80 and head south to meet up with Interstate 70, but not before spending time to explore the Mighty Five national parks that made southern Utah famous: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. You could spend weeks here鈥攐r just a couple of days. Be sure to book a self-guided or ranger-led hike in the slot canyons of the in Arches National Park and get a permit to hike the exposed rocky cliffside of in Zion National Park. (from $129) makes for a great base camp, or there鈥檚 .

Rafters, Colorado River, Glenwood Canyon
The inimitable Glenwood Canyon is ideal for rafting the Colorado River or cruising along a bike path. (Photo: Courtesy of Visit GlenwoodSprings)

Stretch Your Legs: Glenwood Canyon, Colorado

Get back on I-70 and make your way into Colorado, where scenic Glenwood Canyon makes for a stunning drive along the Colorado River. The paved parallels the highway for over 16 miles, making for an easy biking or running destination. Afterward, stay for a soak in the . A new 16-suite boutique hotel called Hotel 1888 is opening near the hot springs this summer.

Pitstop: Breckenridge, Colorado

Spend the night at (from $320), which opened in early 2025 at the base of Peak 9 at, home to skiing and snowboarding in the winter and biking and hiking come summer. Stroll the charming Main Street of downtown Breck and don鈥檛 miss a visit to the , a 15-foot-tall wooden art installation now located on the town鈥檚 Trollstigen Trail.

Must See: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

It鈥檚 not exactly on the way, but this adventure clearly detours for national parks, so make the trek north to Rocky Mountain National Park, a quiet, snowy paradise in the winter and a fishing and backpacking mecca in the warmer months. The short hikes to and Cub Lake are popular among families. For experienced mountain travelers, Longs Peak is the park鈥檚 most famous 14er鈥擟olorado Mountain School leads guided treks to the peak. Stay overnight in Denver before you head into the plains: (from $189), the country鈥檚 first carbon positive hotel, opened in Denver鈥檚 Civic Center Park late last year.

Stretch Your Legs: Monument Rocks, Kansas

There鈥檚 a on an 80-foot easel鈥攐ne of three in the world鈥攙isible from the highway in the town of Goodland, Kansas. Then, pull over for 50-foot-high fossil rock outcroppings and limestone spires on the Kansas prairie at , which is on private land that鈥檚 open to the public south of Oakley, Kansas, right off I-70. 国产吃瓜黑料 of Topeka, you can visit the , a former school site that commemorates the historic end of racial segregation in public schools.

Pitstop: St. Louis, Missouri

Next stop on your national park tour? The of St. Louis. You can ride a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch, walk the palatial grounds beneath the architectural wonder, or admire the arch from a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The (from $149) is housed in a historic shoe company building and has a rooftop pool and restaurant overlooking the city. is a public market with a food hall, retail shops, and live music, and don鈥檛 miss brunch amid a plant nursery at the city鈥檚 .

Pitstop: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio听

Ohio has but one national park and it鈥檚 worth the detour to visit: has paddling along the Cuyahoga River, 20 miles of multi-use pathways along the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and 125 miles of hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands. There鈥檚 no camping within the national park but has tent camping (from $40) nearby or the (from $200) is within the park and on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Final Stop: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland

End your national parks tour of the U.S. with a visit to the . The C&O Canal follows the Potomac River for 184 miles from Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, D.C. It makes for a great walk or bike ride. Pitch a tent at one of the free hiker or biker campsites or pull your car up to one of a handful of drive-in sites (from $10). Or you can stay in a (from $175) along the canal.

The History Buff鈥檚 Tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, California, to Charlottesville, Virginia

Route: Interstate 40

Distance: 2,696 miles

This pilgrimage sticks to one highway only for most of the way: Interstate 40, which starts in the Mojave Desert of California and crosses the southern portion of the U.S., over the Rocky Mountains and through the Great Plains and the Appalachian Mountains. It traverses Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Much of the western route parallels the historic U.S. Route 66, so it feels like a throwback to another era, a perfect journey for those who love learning about our nation鈥檚 past.

Mojave Desert
The Mojave Desert is home to great mountain climbing and access to Joshua Tree National Park. (Photo: Megan Michelson)

Pitstop: Mojave National Preserve, California

You can watch a drive-in movie, visit a ghost town, or hike through lava tubes in . You can鈥檛 miss a visit to , an hour away, for stellar stargazing, rock climbing, and 300 miles of hiking trails. Stay in an adobe bungalow at the centrally located (from $195), which has an on-site farm, restaurant, and picnic lunches to go.

Stretch Your Legs: Lake Havasu, Arizona

will deliver you a kayak or paddleboard to explore the waters of the , once a major tributary on the lower Colorado River and one of the last ecologically functioning river habitats in the southwest.

Pitstop: Flagstaff, Arizona

Post up at the (from $109) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and then go explore the sights around Flagstaff, including , an hour and a half north. The 3-mile , along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, makes for a mellow stroll. The on Route 66 in Flagstaff used to be a historic taxidermy shop and is now a popular bar for country music and line dancing.


Must See: Meteor Crater National Landmark

Yep, you鈥檙e pulling off the highway to see this: The most preserved meteorite impact site on earth is right off I-40 near Winslow, Arizona. For a $29 admission at the , you can sign up for a guided hike of the crater鈥檚 rim.

Stretch Your Legs: Continental Divide Trail; Grants, New Mexico

You鈥檙e passing from one side of the Continental Divide to the other: Might as well get out of the car and go for a trail run or hike along the Continental Divide Trail, which crosses Interstate 40 near the town of Grants, New Mexico.

Pitstop: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take a detour off I-40 in Albuquerque to spend a night or two in Santa Fe, the highest elevation capital city in the U.S., which sits at 7,000 feet in the high desert. Splurge on a night at (from $645), a full-service retreat in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos. For art and history buffs, the and the are well worth a visit.

Must See: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas

You鈥檝e already seen the actual Grand Canyon, so now it鈥檚 time to see the Grand Canyon of Texas, in , 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The park has camping and cabins, an 800-foot-deep canyon, mountain bike trails, and an outdoor stage where actors perform a Texas musical.

Pitstop: Hot Springs, Arkansas

You鈥檒l come to Hot Springs for the historic bathhouses and modern-day spa resorts. At , you can soak in one of two original bathhouses. Want to learn about some of the country鈥檚 most infamous criminals? , in downtown Hot Springs, has exhibits on Al Capone and Owen Madden. The (from $169) is housed in a centrally located historic building. Don鈥檛 miss: is the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water for its beers.

Must See: Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

If you鈥檙e into geologic history, add a visit to Arkansas鈥 , where you can dig for minerals and gems in a 37-acre field on an eroded volcanic crater. (And yes, notable diamonds have been discovered here.)

Pitstop: Nashville, Tennessee

From the music scene to the foodie paradise, you might never want to leave Nashville. Stay in one of eight suites in a 19th century mansion at (from $306), where wood-fired pizzas are served in the backyard. The currently has exhibits on Luke Combs and Rosanne Cash. Go for a walk or run in or take a guided bike tour of the city鈥檚 murals and street art with .

Pitstop: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you can hike to waterfalls like Mouse Creek Falls or Mingo Falls, fish for brook trout, or bike the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May through September. The coolest place in the park to sleep? The (from $189), located atop Mount Le Conte and accessible only via foot. Open from March through November, the lodge requires at least a five-mile hike to reach. Bookings for this year are mostly snatched up already, but you can get on the waitlist or plan ahead for next year.

Blue Ridge Parkway drive Appalachia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. (Photo: William A. Bake )

Final Stop: Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina

Your trip finale comes in the form of ditching Interstate 40 in exchange for a meandering drive along the , a 469-mile stretch through the Appalachian Mountains and one of the most scenic roadways in America. You鈥檒l stop to see Whitewater Falls, the east coast鈥檚 tallest waterfall at 411 feet, and the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness. Stay nearby at (from $175), which opened in the mountain town of Highlands in 2024 with a supper club and Nordic spa. They鈥檒l also book you outdoor excursions, ranging from rock climbing to fly fishing.

Megan Michelson is an 国产吃瓜黑料 contributing editor who loves long drives, even when her two children are whining in the backseat. She has recently written about Airbnb treehouses, the most beautiful long walks in the world, and the 10 vacations that will help you live longer.听

The author seated in a camp chair with an open book next to her daughter at a California campsite
The author at a campsite along one of her many familyroad trips. (Photo: Courtesy Megan Michelson)

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9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/treehouse-vacation-rentals/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:30 +0000 /?p=2695171 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays

From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna to a sleek cabin with volcano views, these imaginative, forested forts go way beyond your best childhood dreams

The post 9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

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9 Sublime Treehouses for Ridiculously Cool Vacation Stays

I always wanted a treehouse growing up. Who didn鈥檛? There鈥檚 something magical about the idea of a tiny cabin, vaulted above the ground and surrounded by strong trees, where you could peek out the window and find yourself at eye level with birds and branches. I envisioned sleepovers in the backyard with friends and secret meetings where my siblings and I could look out over the neighborhood or watch squirrels scramble up close by.

While I never got that treehouse as a kid, I can rent one for the night now if I want. From a lookout tower with a wood-fired sauna in Idaho to a sleek cabin with volcano views in Washington to an architect-designed treehouse on a pond in New York, these nine grown-up-worthy treehouse vacation rentals鈥攚hich are all built to avoid harming the woods around them鈥攚ill help fulfill your wildest childhood dreams.

Destinations Newsletter

Want more of 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 Travel stories?

Score Views of Mount Adams From This Modern Treehouse in the Columbia River Gorge

Location: White Salmon, Washington

The Klickitat Treehouse in White Salmon Washington
The Klickitat Treehouse, near White Salmon, Washington, provides stunning views of Mount Adams and ample access to the Columbia River Gorge’s epic trails and restaurant scene. (Photo: Courtesy of The Klickitat Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $280 per night

You鈥檒l come for the view of 12,281-foot Mount Adams at sunset through the 18-foot-tall floor-to-ceiling windows in this modern, sleekly designed treehouse vacation rental, which sits in between three hearty Douglas firs near the town of White Salmon, Washington, across the Columbia River from Hood River, Oregon. This 500-square-foot pet-friendly cabin comes with minimalist Scandinavian furnishings and maximalist amenities, like an outdoor shower, on-the-ground fire pit, and coffee-making equipment of the highest Pacific Northwest-approved quality. Cell service and TVs don鈥檛 exist here. The place sleeps up to six in a private bedroom and an open sleeping loft equipped with two queen beds.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: From here, you鈥檙e just 15 minutes from the in Hood River, a prime spot for mountain biking, and even closer to the windsurfing and kiteboarding that the Columbia River Gorge is famous for. Otherwise, hike to a waterfall like or and end the day with nachos and live music at , a local鈥檚 favorite pub in White Salmon.

Spare No Comforts in This Studio Treehouse in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Location: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

The Forestry House near Travelers Rest, South Carolina treehouse vacation rental
South Carolina’s Forestry House is a luxury modern tree fort where you’ll feel utterly immersed in the canopy around you. (Photo: Courtesy of The Forestry House)

馃挵 Price: From 379 per night

The small town of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, 25 minutes outside of Greenville, is as charming as it sounds. And this thoughtfully designed treehouse on a quiet 16-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the sweetest place to call home while you鈥檙e there. The studio-sized treehouse sleeps two in ultra-comfortable accommodations, complete with an outdoor shower on the back deck and yoga mats for morning stretching. At night, you鈥檒l hear the resident owl, named Betty, hooting a welcome. This treehouse has a two-night minimum, is available for long-term stays, and intentionally doesn鈥檛 come with WiFi, though it does have cell service.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檙e just 10 minutes from downtown Travelers Rest, where you can ride bikes along the , a 28-mile multi-use pathway. The hiking trails in are 20 minutes away, and there鈥檚 wine tasting and an outdoor sculpture park at , five minutes down the road.

Sleep 40 Feet Off the Ground in a Far-Out Lookout Tower in the Forested Midwest

Location: Bradleyville, Missouri

The Glade Top Fire Tower near Bradleyville, Missouri, a beautiful treehouse vacation rental for adventure travelers
Missouri’s Glade Top Fire Tower is a one-of-a-kind structure built to resemble an old lookout, putting a fresh twist on the traditional treehouse vacation rental experience. (Photo: Courtesy of The Glade Top Fire Tower)

馃挵 Price: From $295 per night

You鈥檒l drive two miles down a gravel road to reach this remote two-story lookout tower, which is located about 20 minutes outside the tiny outpost of Bradleyville, Missouri. (The nearest grocery store is 30 minutes away, so pack supplies.) This one-bedroom treehouse-style tower was built to resemble the historic fire lookout towers once used to spot fires in rural areas. Two such remaining towers still exist around the , 15 minutes away, which has 32 miles of hiking trails. This is the kind of Airbnb that comes with a welcome basket and a hand-written note from your hosts, making you feel right at home when you arrive. Put your belongings into a winch-operated luggage elevator while you climb the 40 stairs to the top level. Too windy? There鈥檚 a cellar storm shelter you can hide out in until the bad weather passes. Nice amenities include upgrades like plush bathrobes, a telescope for night stargazing, and a rock-lined hot tub. Plan to unplug: There鈥檚 no TV or WiFi.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: About an hour from the tower, you can dine on farm-to-table ingredients or take a workshop on soap making or floral bouquets at in Ozark.

Take a Detour on Your Highway 1 Road Trip to Stay at This Magical Treehouse Along the Pacific Coast

Location: Watsonville, California

Pacific View Treehouse in Watsonville, California
Pacific View Treehouse, a hidden gem nestled within California’s coastal redwoods, showcases equal parts rustic charm and modern comfort. (Photo: Courtesy of Pacific View Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $696 per night

You鈥檒l park your car and meander on foot down a wooded pathway before arriving at this picturesque one-bedroom treehouse vacation rental, suspended in a grove of redwoods outside the town of Watsonville, California, known for its plethora of artichoke farms. The bathhouse at this treehouse has its own separate building, accessible via vaulted plank from the main cabin. The house comes stocked with board games and has sliver views of the Pacific Ocean from the wraparound deck. The popular beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey aren鈥檛 far, or stay close and take a stroll on the sand dunes at .

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: Farm stands are abundant in the area. Buy an olallieberry pie or pick your own apples or strawberries at or stop into the shop for fresh artichokes or artichoke dips and sauces, depending on the season. Hike the five miles of woodland trails or spot sea otters by kayak on the wetland waterways of the . rents kayaks and leads guided tours.

Explore Glacier National Park from this A-Frame Treehouse Nearby

Location: Columbia Falls, Montana

Raven's Nest Treehouse at MT Treehouse Retreat near Columbia Falls, Montana
Raven’s Nest Treehouse at the Montana Treehouse Retreat is nestled on five wooded acres, within minutes to Glacier National Park, and Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort. (Photo: Courtesy of Montana Treehouse Retreat)

馃挵 Price: From $341 per night

You might never want to leave the comfortable confines of this two-bedroom A-frame cabin that鈥檚 suspended in the trees 10 minutes outside Columbia Falls, Montana. That is, until you realize you鈥檙e just 30 minutes from the west entrance to Glacier National Park. This well-appointed treehouse is situated on a 5-acre forested property that鈥檚 also home to a second neighboring treehouse, but both are positioned to preserve a sense of privacy. In the winter, you鈥檙e just 15 minutes from skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. In the summer, head to Whitefish Lake and the charming lakeside town of Whitefish or go for a scenic drive or hike in Glacier National Park.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: During peak season from June through September, you鈥檒l need a to drive Glacier National Park鈥檚 famous Going to the Sun Road, but it鈥檚 worth it for the views along this scenic mountain roadway. In the warmer months, park at the Logan Pass trailhead to hike a section of the 11-mile , which goes point to point along the Continental Divide past the , a historic, romantic backcountry lodge within the national park.

Disconnect at this Architect-Designed Treehouse in the Catskills

Location: Woodstock, New York

Willow Treehouse vacation rental on a pond in the Catskills in New York
Willow Treehouse is settled among the trees overlooking a small, swimmable pond. Think: Cozy, romantic, and just minutes from Woodstock, New York. (Photo: Courtesy of Willow Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $500 per night

This 500-square-foot tiny house is situated on a private wooded property 15 minutes from the town of Woodstock, New York. Designed by architect Antony Gibbons as a whimsical family escape for these Airbnb hosts, this unique, stilted, stand-alone cabin has massive windows that look out into the Catskill Mountains and to the on-site pond. The quarters are quaint: A lofted, open-air bedroom sleeps two. Pick up bagels and coffee at the in Woodstock to have on hand. In the winter, there鈥檚 downhill skiing and an uphill policy at , a 30-minute drive away.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: From spring to fall, tackle the 6-mile hike to the , which starts just up the road, or take the short but scenic walk to. There are plenty of lakes and swimming holes to jump into in the area, but why bother going anywhere else when you have a swimming pond in the backyard of your treehouse vacation rental? A wood-fired cedar hot tub awaits you on the edge of the pond. There鈥檚 no cell service or WiFi.

Enjoy a Wood-Fired Sauna at This Lookout Tower in Remote Backcountry

Location: Fernwood, Idaho

Crystal Peak Lookout in Fernwood, Idaho鈥攁 treehouse vacation rental
Idaho’s Crystal Peak Lookout has a wood-fired sauna just below it, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a hard hike or snowshoeing adventure. (Photo: Courtesy of Crystal Peak Lookout)

馃挵 Price: From $271 per night

This structure wasn鈥檛 built to look like an old fire lookout tower鈥攊t actually is an old lookout tower. Originally built in 1959 atop a peak in eastern Washington, it was relocated to western Idaho in 1983 and completely remodeled as a year-round no-frills guest house in 2018. It鈥檚 surrounded by 13 acres of forest land on Crystal Peak outside the tiny hamlet of Fernwood, Idaho. In the summer, you can drive to within 50 feet of the lookout, but you鈥檒l need an all-wheel-drive car (the road in is pretty rugged); in the winter, you鈥檒l need to ski tour, snowmobile, or catch a lift from the caretaker鈥檚 off-road vehicle for an additional fee. There鈥檚 no bathroom in the lookout; you鈥檒l need to climb down the ladder to the ground level to use the outhouse.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: You鈥檒l likely spend your days wandering around the hut鈥攜ou can forage for huckleberries or morel mushrooms鈥攖hen light up the wood-fired sauna, located on its own deck.

Bring Your Family to This Cozy Treehouse in the Foothills of the North Georgia Mountains

Location: Dahlonega, Georgia

Nature鈥檚 Nook, a treehouse vacation rental near Dahlonega, Georgia
Set in the heart of Georgia’s wine country, Nature’s Nook offers near-front-door access to vineyards nearby鈥攁nd abundant hiking trails. (Photo: Courtesy of Nature鈥檚 Nook)

馃挵 Price: From $294 per night

You wouldn鈥檛 guess you鈥檙e just an hour north of Atlanta when you settle into this peaceful abode built around a massive oak tree. For families or groups, four people can sleep in bunks and a queen bed stacked in various nooks and this treehouse vacation rental comes with kids鈥 books and toys if you鈥檙e bringing little ones. There鈥檚 a short nature trail out the door. Three other vacation rental cabins sit on the same 7-acre property, but they鈥檙e well spaced apart from each other.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: Downtown Dahlonega, a few minutes away, is listed on the National Historic Register as the site of one of America鈥檚 first gold rush towns. You can learn more about the area鈥檚 history at the Visit the 729-foot high waterfall in or hike the 8-mile that connects to the 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail near its southern terminus at Springer Mountain.

Ski Sunday River from This Chalet in the Trees

Location: Woodstock, Maine

Sunday River Treehouse, Woodstock, Maine
This stunning treehouse, aptly dubbed The Ski Haus Treehouse, is just minutes to Sunday River Ski Resort where you can ski or lift-assist mountain bike, depending on the season. (Photo: Courtesy of The Ski Haus Treehouse)

馃挵 Price: From $470 per night

You鈥檒l sleep 20 feet off the ground in a 300-square-foot tiny house designed and built by The Treehouse Guys, made famous on a DIY Network show. This cabin, in Woodstock, which can sleep up to four in two small, lofted spaces, is surrounded by maple and hemlock trees and just 10 minutes from the town of Bethel, Maine. It comes stocked with a record player, a ukulele, and a hot tub. The hosts call this pad The Ski Haus for a reason: Skiing at is less than 15 minutes away and skiing and summertime lift-accessed mountain biking at is just five minutes away. Or don鈥檛 leave the grounds: You can reach seven miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails from this treehouse vacation rental within the surrounding 634-acre Bucks Ledge Community Forest.

馃攳 Don鈥檛 Miss: There鈥檚 ice skating midwinter on North Pond, a short walk from the treehouse, or in the summer, the place comes with access to paddleboards and kayaks.

Megan Michelson author
The author, Megan Michelson, at the base of the Teton Range on one of many trips she’s taken to Jackson, Wyoming (Photo: Megan Michelson Collection)

Megan Michelson is an award-winning journalist who covers travel and the outdoors for a wide range of publications, including 国产吃瓜黑料, from her home base in Tahoe City, California. She’s always dreamed of staying in a treehouse鈥攅ven from childhood鈥攁nd can’t wait to hit up these spots on her 2025 vacation list. She’s recently written about the coolest off-grid Airbnb in Colorado, how this woman pulled off buying a one Euro home in Italy, and these 10 vacations that might even help you live longer.听

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The 9 Wildest Golf Courses in America /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/best-golf-courses-america/ Sun, 24 Nov 2024 13:00:48 +0000 /?p=2688532 The 9 Wildest Golf Courses in America

Golf is a great outdoor sport, and it鈥檚 also changing. These courses are on the cutting edge of sustainability鈥攁nd they're close to adventure.

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The 9 Wildest Golf Courses in America

Golf gets a bad rap. The sport has a reputation for being too expensive and too resource-intensive, which are true in some cases. There are private clubs so expensive you need to be a billionaire to join, and courses where the landscape was bulldozed to make way for overwatered and overfertilized fairways.

But not every golf course is that way.

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A movement is afoot to make golf more accessible and sustainable. How do I know? I鈥檓 an avid golfer. I play twice a week, mostly on public courses that are cheap and built over repurposed farmland. Affordable golf is actually easy to find, but better yet is the sustainability movement that鈥檚 creeping into destination courses.

鈥淭he golf industry has made tremendous strides in the area of sustainability over the past 20 to 30 years,鈥 says Frank LaVardera, director of environmental programs in golf for , which operates America鈥檚 first and most comprehensive green-golf-course certification program. 鈥淭raditional courses use a significant amount of water and chemicals, but many courses are reducing their amount of managed turf鈥濃攖he manicured lawns that require so much water and fertilizer鈥斺渁nd creating native areas that require less water, while enhancing wildlife habitat.鈥

Big Cedar golf course in Missouri
Cliffs and waterfall at Payne鈥檚 Valley Golf Course, Big Cedar Lodge, in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The public-access course was designed by Tiger Woods and Johnny Morris. (Photo: Matt Suess/mattsuess.com)

What an Eco-Conscious Golf Course Means

Audubon International鈥檚 certification process can take years, and requires evaluation of a course鈥檚 impact on wildlife habitat, water quality and conservation, pest management, and energy efficiency. In turn, eco-minded course managers reduce the amount of turf, use recycled gray water to irrigate, emphasize walking over use of gas-powered carts, and create wildlife habitats with natural grasses and trees that attract birds, bees, and even the occasional bear. Since 2001, when the program was introduced, Audubon鈥檚 Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf has grown to include more than 2,000 certified courses in the U.S. and beyond.

The timing of this sustainability movement couldn鈥檛 be better, as America has rediscovered its love of golf. According to the (NGF), 3.4 million new people played golf in America last year. Each of the past 10 years saw more than 2 million beginners, with the past four topping 3 million.

Golf’s Changing Demographics

The that since the pandemic era, women and people of color have been flocking to the game; the biggest demographic jump has come from traditionally under-represented populations, with the number of Asian, Black and Hispanic golfers rising by 43 percent in the last five years. Of the 26 million people who play golf recreationally, 23 percent are people of color and 26 percent are women.

The demographic makeup of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) is still skewed (80 percent of pro golfers are white), but the game is changing from the ground up as recreational players trend toward being younger and more diverse. The most sought-after clothing brands in the sport, like Malbon and Eastside Golf, bring streetwear aesthetics to the golf industry, while many prolific and successful golfers on social media are women and people of color. If you鈥檙e not following on Instagram, you should be.

Kids' golf class at Lakota Links, New Castle, Colorado
The sport is getting younger, too: a kids’ golf class was offered weekly this past summer at Lakota Links, New Castle, Western Colorado (Photo: Michael Benge)

Part of the issue with diversifying the outdoors is access. There were 480 ski resorts in operation last year, with most of them located in remote, mountainous regions. Compare that to the 16,000+ golf courses scattered all over the country. I live in a southeastern mountain town that is not known for its golf, but I can play on any of 10 courses situated within half an hour of my home. There are three courses within three miles of downtown, and I play on two of them for under $20 a round. A program called enables members aged 18 and under to play any of its 2,133 enrolled courses across the U.S. for just $5 a round.

My 15-year-old son is a YOC member, and able to play half a dozen courses within 10 miles of our home. He and I can walk nine holes of golf for $20 combined, $35 if we want to play 18.

teenager learning golf in Colorado
Rafael Gonzales, age 13, of Rifle, Colorado, works on his swing under the gaze of a pro at Lakota Links, New Castle, Colorado. (Photo: Michael Benge)

Why I Love Golf

As for the argument that golf shouldn鈥檛 be considered an outdoor sport because of its environmental impact, most things we do leave footprints. I鈥檝e been a dedicated skier since age 12, and I don鈥檛 love the fact that the ski industry has gotten cartoonishly expensive and is resource-intensive, especially in water use. But I do love skiing. I have the same relationship with golf. It鈥檚 not perfect, but I love it.

This surprises people because I make a living writing about adventure sports, and I have the scars and expensive-gear habit to prove it. People assume golf and surfing or mountain biking are a world apart, but look closely in my garage and you鈥檒l see a set of golf clubs tucked between my mountain bike and longboard.

When I play, I always walk, carry my bag, and try not to focus too much on my score. It鈥檚 a slow, meditative walk in the woods. I like the challenge of golf as well. I recently picked the sport up again after a 20-year-hiatus, and I鈥檓 consumed with the pursuit of getting better, but I also know that I鈥檒l never master golf. No matter how good I get at hitting a little white ball in the air, there will always be room for improvement.

Golf is cerebral and thought-provoking in a way that the other fast-paced sports I love are not. The game is 99.99 percent mental, allowing me to see how my thoughts impact my actions. Golf is a chance to clear your head and be outside.

Fortunately, there are certain destinations where golf and adventure go hand in hand. Some of the most sustainable golf courses in America are located in places that could be on any adventure-traveler鈥檚 radar, so you can play 18 holes one afternoon and go mountain biking or surfing the next morning.

Here are nine of the wildest, most sustainable golf courses in the world, each paired with a local adventure to round out the perfect weekend.

If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside. Learn more.

1. Bear Trace, Harrison, Tennessee

Fee: Starting at $41 for 18 holes

Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park, Tennessee
Bear Trace at Harrison Bay State Park, outside of Chattanooga, was designed by the grandmaster Jack Nicklaus. (Photo: Courtesy Tennessee State Parks)

Even if you鈥檙e not a golfer, you know the name of Jack Nicklaus, one of the game鈥檚 most famous professionals. Not only was Nicklaus a legendary golfer, he was also a designer, creating courses all over the country, including this 18-hole masterpiece sits in the 1200-acre Harrison Bay State Park, 20 miles outside of Chattanooga. In the last two decades, managers have addressed every aspect of the course to minimize its impact, converting the greens from bentgrass to a less-thirsty Bermudagrass, removing 50 acres of turf to cede that area to natural grasses, and eliminating irrigation beyond the greens. The place has also purchased all-electric maintenance equipment, and installed mallard nesting tubes, wood duck boxes, and feeders for bluebirds and wild turkey.

As a result, as of 2008, Bear Trace is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and restored the wildlife habitat to the point where the course was home to a pair of nesting bald eagles for a decade.

Harrison Bay State Park has golf.
Sunset at Harrison Bay State Park, which has boating, hiking, camping, as well as golf. Each of the golf destinations in this article sits near stellar spots for other outdoor pursuits. (Photo: Jesse Hunter/Getty)

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Paddling on in Harrison Bay State Park makes for a fun afternoon (paddle boards are $8 an hour through the park). If you鈥檙e looking for something more adventurous, , 45 miles west of the state park, offers trips (from $50 per person) on class III-IV whitewater full of play spots and wave trains that formed the 1996 Olympic whitewater course.

2. Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale, Missouri

Fees: 听Starting from $80 for the 13-hole short course

airy course at Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is a top American destination, and considered the best public golf in the Midwest. It was the first golf resort in the world to receive Audubon International鈥檚 highest certification for sustainable practice. (Photo: Courtesy Big Cedar Lodge)

OK, is a behemoth. The brainchild of Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, the 4,600-acre retreat features five distinct public golf courses, all set amid a dramatic Ozark Mountains backdrop, with routing that regularly nears ancient limestone cliffs. In recent years, Big Cedar Lodge has become one of the country鈥檚 top golf destinations, regarded as the best public golf in the Midwest.

Big Cedar Lodge was the first golf resort in the world to receive Audubon International鈥檚 highest certification, the Signature Sanctuary status, given for all five of its courses. Water conservation and improving wildlife habitat are priorities, with more than 75 percent organic fertilizer used, while chemical runoff and water use are addressed through a water-recycling program with reclamation ponds, as well as moisture meters embedded in the ground to help minimize watering in general.

One of Johnny Morris鈥 founding principles is the notion of connecting people and the outdoors. On several holes his courses put the golfer between towering limestone cliffs, and, extra cool, those who play Big Cedar Lodge鈥檚 Buffalo Ridge course can spy herds of bison that roam and feed on the natural-grass prairies surrounding the fairways.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: You could spend your entire weekend playing different courses at Big Cedar Lodge, but bring your mountain bike, too. The resort is on the edge of , which has 11 miles of cross-country trails in a stacked-loop system that hugs the shoreline of Table Rock Lake. Or you could hit the gravity-minded , which has 10 trails and a pump track and skills area. The place has something for everyone, from the kid who鈥檚 just learning how to brake, to the adult who thinks he鈥檚 a kid sending gaps (day passes start at $45).

3. Streamsong Golf Resort, Bowling Green, Florida

Fees: Starting at $249 for 18 holes

Streamsong Golf Resort, Bowling Green, Florida
The Chain, shown here, is a short 鈥渃hoose your own adventure鈥 course at Streamsong Golf Resort, Bowling Green, Florida. The resort is built on land once used by a phosphate strip mine. Much of the land is now covered in dunes. (Photo: Courtesy Streamsong Golf Resort)

This massive golf retreat 60 miles east of Tampa wins my vote for best use of scarred land. built its courses on 16,000 acres of land that was previously used for a phosphate strip mine. After the mining ended, sand dunes took over, and course designers used all of that bumpy elevation to create a whimsical playground where fairways wind through grassy mounds and small ponds.

Course designers used compost in the soil before grassing to reduce the need for fertilization, and limited the acreage of maintained turf, opting instead for natural grasses and dunes beyond the fairways. The resort has a water-treatment facility that captures rainwater, and reuses it for irrigation. Streamsong features three 18-hole courses, and a short course, called The Chain, that has no set tee boxes or suggested pars. This short course is a 鈥渃hoose your own adventure鈥 sort of experience.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: You can keep the reclaimed land theme rolling by driving 25 miles west to , 7,714 acres of surprisingly hilly terrain on a former phosphate mine, with more than 20 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through a forest and alongside lakes and the banks of the Alafia River. Streamsong wasn鈥檛 impacted much by Hurricane Milton when it hit October 9, both because the courses were designed to manage water and the place had few trees for high winds to damage. But much of this area of Florida was devastated by the storm, so check with surrounding businesses and parks before exploring the area.

4. Chambers Bay, University Place, Washington

Fees: Starting at $85 for 18 holes

golf Chambers Bay course
The Chambers Bay golf course overlooks Puget Sound in Washington. (Photo: intradesigns/Getty)

This 18-hole course is links-style, meaning that like Scotland’s St. Andrews, believed to be the oldest course in the world, it has little to no manipulation of the land, resulting in rugged terrain, with many dunes covered in tall grasses. Similarly set on a craggy shoreline of Washington, it might also be the pinnacle of sustainable design. was built on reclaimed mine land, turning a former gravel pit into a championship course that now enhances the landscape. Designers shaped the course with native plants and wildflowers like douglas iris, and sodded with drought-resistant fescue grass species.

golf Puget Sound Washington State
The winners’ circle for age 10-11 girls (from left, Elin Wendorf, Ananya Vasantha Venkataraghavan, and Jody Li) is all smiles at the Drive, Chip and Putt Regional Final, Chambers Bay, University Place, in September. (Photo: Stephen Brashear/Getty)

The fairways are irrigated with recycled gray water and fertilized with treated bio-waste from the county鈥檚 wastewater plant. Chambers Bay doesn鈥檛 have golf carts; it鈥檚 a walking-only facility. (Some courses in the U.S. require golfers to use carts on weekends to maintain a quick pace of play.) Maybe the best part is that Chambers Bay is a municipal course, with affordable fees. It鈥檚 also located within a county park with trails adjacent to the links and coast, so you don鈥檛 have to play golf to enjoy the scenery.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Chambers Creek Regional Park, which is home to the golf course, is a 930-acre preserve with two miles of shoreline and more than five miles of paved trails with views of Puget Sound. You should also drive 50 miles east to Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike the 5.5-mile loop on , bagging copious views of the eponymous 14,411-foot active volcano in all its glaciated glory.

5. Black Desert Resort, Ivins, Utah

Fees: Starting at $300 for 18 holes

Black Desert Resort is in the Utah desert
Black Desert Resort, built a year and a half ago in Ivins, Utah, is only 600 acres, with 75 acres of turf. (Photo: Brian Oar)

A 19-hole course that opened in May 2023, was built from the ground up with the surrounding environment in mind. The entire property is only 600 acres, with just 75 acres of turf, all irrigated with non-potable gray water, and the fairways are made from a drought-tolerant bentgrass species that needs less maintenance and fertilizer than many other common turf grasses. Almost 70 percent of the grounds are dedicated as protected open space, and sustainability was a factor throughout the property鈥檚 design, from having a low-voltage power infrastructure for the resort to using an irrigation system in a grid, where each section can be adjusted individually.

The coolest aspect of the course is that it鈥檚 become a haven for endangered fish species. The property managers partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to relocate 400 Virgin River Chub, a kind of rare minnow, to the lakes on the golf course, so they can live and breed in a stable environment. The course itself is gorgeous, running through fields of black lava rocks with views of the surrounding red cliffs.

Black Desert Resort
The resort is located nine miles from St. George and 48 miles from Zion National Park, with all their recreational opportunities. (Photo: Brian Oar)

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Long-term plans for Black Desert include building several miles of hiking trails. Moreover, the resort sits nine miles north of St. George, just an hour (48 miles) west of Zion National Park. If it鈥檚 your first time to Zion, snag a ($3 plus a $6 registration fee) and hike , a 5.5-mile out-and-back that involves a bit of scrambling and ridgeline traversing and might just lead to one of the most iconic photo sites in our national-park system.

To dig deeper into the park, consider trekking through , a slot canyon where the walls of Zion Canyon rise 1,000 feet up while pinching to 30 feet wide at certain points. You鈥檒l be hiking through the river, so be prepared to get wet. The shortest route is a 9.5-mile out and back from the Temple of Sinawava, a red-walled natural amphitheater, to Big Spring, which is as far as you can go without a permit, but hits some of the skinniest portions of the gorge. Just don鈥檛 attempt it when there鈥檚 rain in the as flash floods are common and fatalities have occurred. Save it for a stellar day.

6. The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak, Stowe, Vermont

Fees: Starting at $165 for 18, and you need to stay at The Lodge at Spruce Peak to play (rooms start at $249).

Spruce Peak golf course
Spruce Peak, the name of a golf course and a community built around sustainable principles, sits at the base of the venerable Stowe Mountain Resort, northern Vermont. (Photo: Courtesy Anderson James/Spruce Peak)

Surrounded by 2,000 acres of preserved land, the rambles along the flank of the mountain it is named for, with views of the adjacent Mount Mansfield, Vermont鈥檚 tallest peak, to boot. Spruce Peak, which sits at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort, was designed with the environment in mind, input from Audubon International, and a focus on preserving local black-bear populations by routing around their preferred habitat of beech trees. Designers also created buffers around streams and ponds to protect water quality, and planted a mix of native flowers and grasses, like milkweed and false sunflower, around tee boxes.

Peregrine Lake serves as a water feature for golfers to admire and avoid, but also a reservoir capturing rainwater that is used to feed snowmaking operations at Stowe Mountain Resort. Course management hosts an annual field trip to teach a local fifth-grade class about the elements of water quality.

golf Spruce Peak
The Mountain Club at Spruce Peak, in the greenest of states, Vermont. That is, until the fall foliage explodes. (Photo: Courtesy Anderson James/Spruce Peak)

The course fits into the greater ecosystem of the Spruce Peak community, a resort and residential property at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort that was built around eco-sensitive principles like a property-wide composting program and a renewable energy program that provides more than 50 percent of its power.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: You鈥檙e close to Stowe, a town renowned for its ski culture (and beer). Sadly, ski season and golf season don鈥檛 overlap. But don鈥檛 fret; during the warmer months, there is plenty of hiking, fly fishing, and climbing nearby. Do it on your own or if you want a guide, Spruce Peak Resort offers hiking and fly fishing adventures. If you鈥檙e into climbing, runs trips on the granite walls around the Stowe area, from top-roping routes suitable for beginners to multi-pitch cliffs that will please experienced trad climbers (from $250 per person).

Check flights to Stowe, Vermont

7. Bandon Dunes, Bandon, Oregon

Fees: From $50 for the par 3 courses

Bandon Dunes golf
A view of the Lodge at Bandon Dunes with the green on the 18th hole on the public Bandon Dunes Course in Bandon, Oregon (Photo: David Cannon/Getty)

has become one of the most coveted golf destinations in America, with seven public courses spread throughout the 2,525-acre coastal resort. All seven courses have earned Audubon International Sanctuary status, too, as the designers have kept Oregon鈥檚 coastal beauty and environmental harmony in mind throughout the process, from construction to management.

The course looks wild, thanks largely to the use of native plants and grasses, including the threatened silver phacelia, outside of the fairways, while for the turf on those mowed areas Bandon Dunes uses fescue, a type of grass that requires less fertilizer than others. And when fertilizer is applied, it鈥檚 organic and used sparingly. Roughly 85 percent of the resort鈥檚 energy is supplied by renewable resources, with more solar panels still to be installed throughout the property. The maintenance department has moved to electric-powered equipment.

Bandon Dunes
Some walking and wildlife viewing at Bandon Dunes, Oregon (Photo: David Phipps)

Most of the resort鈥檚 landscape holds native plants that require no irrigation, but with six courses, roughly 600 acres that need to be watered. The resort鈥檚 own wastewater-management system supplies non-potable gray water for the job, recycling roughly 50,000 gallons of water daily.

One of the courses, Bandon Preserve, puts net proceeds directly to local conservation projects in Oregon鈥檚 southern coast through a , which has helped restore salmon fisheries and funded mountain bike trails. Bandon Dunes is working towards the lofty goal of becoming a completely carbon neutral resort.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Bandon Dunes sits on Oregon鈥檚 southern coast, which is a multi-sport adventurer鈥檚 dream, with miles of singletrack and wild beaches punctuated by dramatic sea stacks. Go for a trail run at , where several miles of trail wind through a pine forest and access five miles of hard-packed beach.

The surfing is good too, with beach breaks found throughout this part of the coast. Head north for 25 miles to Coos Bay, where the bluffs of Yoakam Head hang over the breaks, which have something for all levels of surfers. Beginners should head to Bastendorff Beach for a wide, sandy-bottom break with a cool backdrop of rocky headlands. The water temperature is cold year round, but winter brings the most consistent waves, so in that case pack a thick wetsuit.

8. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Fees: Starting at $110 for 18 holes

golf at the Broadmoor
Golfers play and walk on the golf course at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs. with Cheyenne Mountain in the distance. Some holes have views of Pikes Peak, a well-known Colorado Fourteener. (Photo: Barry Winiker/Getty)

The a resort five miles south of Colorado Springs, is home to two of the most respected golf courses in the U.S., designed by legends Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones and hosting marquee tournaments like multiple U.S. Amateurs, U.S. Women鈥檚 Opens, and U.S. Senior Opens. At 6,250 feet in elevation, the course was the highest in America when it first opened in 1918, and several holes feature views of Pikes Peak.

The place has become significantly more eco-friendly with age. Managers have replaced more than 50 acres of turf with native grasses and wildflowers, and use gray water to irrigate the fairways and greens. Mulching mowers return grass clippings back to the soil, and the property uses no pesticides Over the years the resort has added bird-nesting boxes and habitats for bees and butterflies. All of the carts are electric, and otherwise the place promotes walking and its caddy program. Resort chefs harvest honey from the property鈥檚 own hives, and source meat from the Wagyu beef raised on the ranch. Even the resort鈥檚 cooking grease is recycled into biodiesel.

The Broadmoor participates in one of the most heartwarming recycling programs I鈥檝e ever heard of: all of their spent tennis balls are donated to local senior-citizen facilities to be used on the ends of walkers and canes.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Colorado Springs offers so much to do. The 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, with trailheads six miles from town, has to be the most accessible fourteener in the U.S.; you can drive your car or take a train to the summit, but I say earn it by hiking the ($20-$37 parking fee, depending on day of week), a 13-mile one way trek that gains more than 7,000 feet on its way to the top. Don鈥檛 worry, you can take the down from the summit ($30). Or go explore the iconic red sandstone fins that rise from the center of Garden of the Gods Park. operates half and full day trips for all abilities (starting at $221).

9. Rising Sun Golf Course, Emigrant, Montana

Fee: Greens fees are included in the cost of your stay (one week minimum, and you must contact the for pricing).

golf Montana
Yes, really. This beautiful place exists in the Paradise Valley amid the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains. (Photo: Courtesy Rising Sun)

It鈥檚 hard to beat Rising Sun鈥檚 location. The 18-hole course sits on the 17,000-acre Mountain Sky Ranch, within the aptly named Paradise Valley and with near-constant views of the surrounding Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains. This is the biggest splurge on this list, and for most, a once-in-a-lifetime situation at best, but the rest of us can dream, right?

Rising Sun is not an easy course to play, thanks to its remote location and the fact that tee times go only to guests of the ranch, but you couldn鈥檛 ask for a more beautiful setting, and the Rising Sun was the first course in Montana to be designated an Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary. The course was built on a hayfield with an emphasis on maintaining as much natural habitat as possible, converting dry pastures to prairie grass, and maintaining native plant buffers along bodies of water.

Course managers also installed bird-nest boxes to encourage multi-species nesting, and have put in bat houses. They regularly consult with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on issues concerning elk and Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Aided by a dry, cold environment, course managers use no pesticides for the turf and greens, and they鈥檝e limited water usage by keeping the irrigated acreage to only 52 acres, almost a third of the average 18 hole course in America. Maintenance crews regularly monitor the quality of water in the course ponds as well as Big Creek.

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Mountain Sky Ranch is an adventure-minded 鈥渄ude ranch鈥 with a host of activities located on property. The resort also offers guided horseback tours in Yellowstone National Park, with an entrance just 30 miles south. But I say to pair a round of golf here with some fly fishing. If you鈥檙e new to the sport, Mountain Sky has a trout pond where pros can teach you the nuances of casting, but if you can hit the ground running, head to nearby Big Creek, which is loaded with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Or sign up for a of the iconic Yellowstone River, which offers opportunities for long, wide open casts that just might net a cutthroat or brown. (From $595)

golf Montana
Big sky, big dreams. The golf course is set on a dude ranch with much to do and easy access to Yellowstone National Park. (Photo: Courtesy Rising Sun)

Nearby 国产吃瓜黑料: Mountain Sky Ranch is an adventure-minded 鈥渄ude ranch鈥 with a host of activities located on property. The resort also offers guided horseback tours in Yellowstone National Park, with an entrance just 30 miles south. But I say to pair a round of golf here with some fly fishing. If you鈥檙e new to the sport, Mountain Sky has a trout pond where pros can teach you the nuances of casting, but if you can hit the ground running, head to nearby Big Creek, which is loaded with cutthroat and rainbow trout. Or sign up for a of the iconic Yellowstone River, which offers opportunities for long, wide open casts that just might net a cutthroat or brown (from $595).

Check flights to Bozeman, Montana

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist and an avid golfer who is dying to play every course on this list. Follow his golf shenanigans on Instagram at @the_amateur_golf. Graham recently wrote 鈥This Is What It鈥檚 Like to Live in Asheville After Hurricane Helene鈥 and answered some questions about it while standing in line at FEMA offices. He has also recently written 鈥9 Most Underrated National Parks for Incredible Fall Foliage,鈥 鈥8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture,鈥 and 鈥The 9 Most Fun 国产吃瓜黑料 Lodges in North America.鈥

Graham Averill plays golf outdoors
The author out on the golf course near his home in Asheville, North Carolina (Photo: Graham Averill Collection)

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In Montana, a Threatened Swath of Old Growth Fuels a Longstanding Debate /outdoor-adventure/environment/yaak-valley-black-ram-old-growth/ Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:00:06 +0000 /?p=2683750 In Montana, a Threatened Swath of Old Growth Fuels a Longstanding Debate

In Montana鈥檚 remote, heavily logged Yaak Valley, an unlikely stand of old growth sits at the center of a debate about what a forest is for鈥攁nd how best to protect it

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In Montana, a Threatened Swath of Old Growth Fuels a Longstanding Debate

When Rick Bass first found himself in the area referred to as Unit 72 by the United States Forest Service, he felt desperate and unanchored.

He was walking up what was once an overgrown logging road but had recently been clear-cut into a 200-foot-wide strip of barren land. Roughly one million board feet of sellable timber had been removed, and only a few of the largest larch remained. The Forest Service had cleared the area as a firebreak in response to the Davis fire, ignited by lightning in July 2018 in the remote, rugged Yaak Valley, which is situated within the Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana.

Blowdown lined the edges of the firebreak. Trees once insulated from the elements were newly exposed and didn鈥檛 have the roots to sustain full-force winds.

Bass, a 66-year-old writer and conservationist, crossed a thick section of fallen old spruce, balancing himself on the larger trunks. After living in the Yaak Valley for nearly four decades, he鈥檚 sturdy, and no stranger to bushwhacking. Finally, he stepped out of the hot, dry clear-cut and through a cool, emerald-green portal. As far as recorded history could reveal, the forest he was entering鈥擴nit 72鈥攈ad never been logged.

Blanketed with ferns and dripping with moss, the forest looked like it was plucked from the Pacific Northwest and moved 350 miles inland. It鈥檚 one of the few remaining echoes of an ancient rainforest that tens of millions of years ago spread from the Washington coast into Montana. Grizzlies, lynx, and wolverines sniff and scratch through 800-year-old larch and some of the largest western hemlock, western red cedar, and Engelmann spruce in the valley. The area is one of only six habitats in the lower 48 states considered large and intact enough to support a grizzly bear population.

Relief washed over Bass. Then he saw long strips of flagging, and blue and orange paint slathered across some of the larger tree trunks. The Forest Service, it seemed, planned to log here too, in the old growth.

His first reaction was rage, but he had learned over the years that wrath was not an effective tool in the fight to protect these trees, which were too important to risk. They had survived centuries of wildfire, drought, pests, and logging that decimated other forests in the region.

Now they鈥檙e engulfed in discord, their fate to be decided by humans who can鈥檛 agree whether to actively manage the area through clear-cutting or to leave it alone.

In 2017, the USFS staff responsible for the Kootenai National Forest (KNF) proposed a sweeping 95,000-acre forest-management plan, called the Black Ram project, to 鈥渋mprove resilience and resistance to insects, disease, and fire.鈥 Unit 72 would be effectively clear-cut. In the words of the KNF supervisors, they would 鈥渞estart the stand鈥 to improve the forest鈥檚 鈥渁bility to adjust to climate change.鈥 This sparked an impassioned battle鈥攐n the ground and in federal court鈥攂etween environmental advocates, local and federal governments, and other stakeholders. After seven years of disagreements, Unit 72 has yet to be logged, but it hasn鈥檛 been permanently protected, either.

With wildfire season becoming longer and more intense across the U.S. and Canada, people are desperate for answers, and the debate of how best to mitigate such fires rages on. Many at the Forest Service and in the timber industry argue that forest-clearing projects similar to the Black Ram are the answer. But it鈥檚 unclear whether these measures, which have gained popularity in the past decade, are always undertaken with the sincere goal of mitigating wildfire. Many conservationists believe that the Forest Service and the timber industry are capitalizing on the public鈥檚 fear, and that painting these projects鈥攎any of which include cutting down old growth鈥攁s restorative is merely a convenient way to justify logging.

A hefty volume could be filled with the years鈥 worth of court documents, scientific studies, and letters to the editor generated by the different sides of the Black Ram dispute. But let鈥檚 begin with the one thing everyone agreed on鈥攖hat the Forest Service has mismanaged public forests for more than a century. A hundred years of fire suppression and immense amounts of logging have left our forests vulnerable to wildfire, insect infestation, and disease, all of which are compounded by a changing climate.

There鈥檚 good research鈥攁nd people鈥攐n both sides of the Black Ram debate. The more important question is, who and what are we protecting these forests for?

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8 Ways to Explore a Whole Other Side of Montana /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/8-ways-to-explore-a-whole-other-side-of-montana/ Fri, 23 Aug 2024 23:02:19 +0000 /?p=2679366 8 Ways to Explore a Whole Other Side of Montana

If off-the-beaten-path is on your agenda, Eastern Montana has you covered

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8 Ways to Explore a Whole Other Side of Montana

Some places are made for road trips. With its big skies, wide open spaces, and welcoming small towns with a uniquely-Montana vibe, Eastern Montana is one of those places. Travel east on U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 12 and enter a world of prairies and badlands where the road meanders like a river and the locals are as colorful as the landscapes. Here you can roam as far and wide as you can dream. Where to start? We mapped out eight adventure-filled itineraries that cover the best recreation, wildlife, and historical experiences across the region. Click the link below to see step-by-step itineraries, plus videos, photos, and more.

 


Traveling through Montana isn’t just about hitting points on a map; it’s about stopping for stories waiting to be told. Montana brings out something unique in all of us, something you can almost touch, even if you can鈥檛 perfectly describe it. In Montana, it鈥檚 less about where you鈥檙e going and more about the experience of getting there.

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Why Criminal Lawsuits Might Be a Key to Solving the Climate Crisis /outdoor-adventure/environment/suing-fossil-fuel-companies/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:38 +0000 /?p=2676091 Why Criminal Lawsuits Might Be a Key to Solving the Climate Crisis

Reckless endangerment. Homicide. Decades of deception. These are just some of the charges being levied against fossil fuel companies for their massive cover-up of the climate crisis they knew would crush us.

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Why Criminal Lawsuits Might Be a Key to Solving the Climate Crisis

It鈥檚 one of the first lessons we are taught in kindergarten: when you make a mess, you clean it up. This premise, called the Polluter Pays Principle, is at the heart of a wave of lawsuits鈥攎any of which have been launched by citizens鈥攖hat demand accountability for the climate crisis we all face.

The lawyers managing these suits point the fingers at two culprits responsible: state governments that have failed to protect citizens from climate change, and Big Oil, which has lied about the impact of emissions on the warming planet, fought the transition to cleaner energy sources, and continued to drill, baby, drill.

鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a significant and steady uptick of climate cases in the last 15 years or so,鈥 says Michael Gerrard, faculty director of Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University, who tracks climate change litigation around the world.

Infographic showing a steady increase of climate cases in which lawyers are suing fossil fuel companies.
This chart shows the volume of climate cases over time. Data, compiled by Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, is not yet complete for 2023 and 2024. (Illustration: Erin Douglas)

Something else that has seen a major uptick in recent years: big storms, wildfires, droughts, floods, and heat waves. These weather atrocities have become normal; we鈥檝e come to expect the weather to be one of the top stories on the morning news. Lawyers and advocates believe citizens should be allowed to sue for damages that arise from these and other climate-related events.

鈥淭hese are not 鈥榥ormal鈥 natural disasters,鈥 says Aaron Regunburg, senior policy counsel with Public Citizen鈥檚 Climate Program, which fights the climate crisis by promoting clean, affordable energy and holding polluters accountable. 鈥淭hese events are caused by climate change and are the result of specific decisions made by Big Oil. They result in many deaths and billions of dollars of property loss and emergency services.鈥

In lawyerspeak, this translates to well-defined legal offenses, such as public nuisance, reckless endangerment, and outright homicide, among others. And attorneys around the globe are suiting up for a fight.

Youth Climate Cases Are on the Rise

Of the almost 1,800 U.S. climate lawsuits in Gerrard’s database, about 25 of them have been filed on behalf of children by Our Children’s Trust (OCT), a nonprofit public-interest law firm representing kids from diverse backgrounds who suffer the effects of climate change. According to Gerrard, these cases, which center on youth telling their impact stories, attract the most media attention. “They involve appealing young people who tell compelling stories, without the dry technical details involved in many other climate cases,” he says. “And it’s easier to talk about constitutional rights than complicated statutes and regulations.”

Our Children鈥檚 Trust has had some big recent wins.

In 2023鈥檚 Held v. Montana, the firm represented 16 kids from Montana, and argued that the state’s policy of ignoring greenhouse gas emissions when approving energy policies violated plaintiff’s rights.听The children testified that climate change had both physical and psychological effects on them, such as distress, anxiety, and asthma. In what has been heralded as a landmark win, the district judge ruled in favor of the children and ordered the state to incorporate greenhouse gas emissions analysis into future environmental projects.

The organization celebrated another victory in June, 2024. In the case (HDOT), OCT sued the state government on behalf of 13 children, arguing that its transportation system generates high emissions and violates the plaintiff’s constitutional rights to live healthy lives. The case reached a settlement which forces听Hawai驶i to overhaul its ground and inter-island sea and air transportation systems to achieve zero emissions by 2045.

These victories raise public awareness and put pressure on governments to address climate change, says Gerrard. They are a key part of the strategy, and when climate cases like these are won鈥攙alidating our constitutional right for a clean climate鈥 they set important precedents that can help build cases against the real villains: the fossil fuel companies.

Holding Fossil Fuel Companies Accountable: A Key Piece of the Climate Crisis Puzzle

Suing Big Oil is no easy feat. Preparing a case requires exhaustive preparation, time and patience, and deep coffers. It can be a daunting prospect for overworked district and states鈥 attorneys.

Enter: Richard Wiles, the president of The Center for Climate Integrity (CCI), a nonprofit funded by philanthropists who support climate work, like the Rockefeller Family Fund. CCI鈥檚 mission is 鈥渢o empower communities and elected officials with the knowledge and tools they need to hold oil and gas corporations accountable for decades of lying about climate change.鈥 Wiles compiles evidence and creates strategies for attorneys to use to prosecute fossil fuel companies. Wiles鈥 work has supported pending cases in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Colorado, among others.

Accountability is a predicate for good policy. And we can鈥檛 get the climate policy that we need until we hold these companies accountable for the damages.

The common thread in his cases is the allegation that Big Oil willfully ignored climate change and that decades ago they actually predicted the climate change devastation we are now witnessing. He and his firm have amassed troves of evidence. A reads: 鈥淧resent thinking holds that man has a time window of five to ten years before the need for hard decisions regarding changes in energy strategies might become critical.鈥 And from 1981 says: 鈥. . . it is distinctly possible that the CPD (the acronym for Exxon’s corporate planning department) scenario will later produce effects which will indeed be catastrophic (at least for a substantial fraction of the earth’s population).鈥

In other words, they knew听the climate crisis听was coming, they covered it up, and they lied, all so they could continue raking in billions.

Wiles likens this scenario to Big Tobacco’s coverup of rising cancer cases in smokers in the eighties and nineties. Cigarette companies knew their products were going to cause massive damage and kill people, but they lied about it and engaged in a massive disinformation campaign. In the end, Big Tobacco was found liable for knowingly deceiving the public about the risks of smoking and in 1997 the four largest tobacco companies were forced to pay more than $350 billion in damages. “It鈥檚 the same scenario with fossil fuel companies,” Wiles says. “For decades, they鈥檝e been protecting their profits, ignoring the health of the planet, and we鈥檙e looking for them to pay for their deception.鈥

In September 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom of California announced The People v. Big Oil, a high-profile deception听case alleging that five fossil field companies knew about all the havoc climate change would a wreak and hid it, causing taxpayers to pay for the damage and destruction. California is seeking a multibillion dollar abatement fund to provide for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

In Wiles’ opinion, more cases alleging climate deception is a positive for the environmental movement.听鈥淎ccountability is a predicate for good policy. And we can’t get the climate policy that we need until we hold these companies accountable for the damages,鈥 he says. 鈥淥nce Big Oil loses 50 or 100 cases, once they’re found liable for damages, lying, racketeering, wrongful death, and other atrocities, we鈥檒l be in a different place. If we don’t hold them accountable, if they continue to be able to lie, if they continue to be able to just pollute with impunity and greenwash us about their commitment to climate solutions, we’re never going to solve the problem.鈥

Wiles acknowledges that winning lawsuits alone will not stop climate change or alter听policy. But he believes that climate change cannot be stopped without these suits, which erode the social license of the companies he believes should be held accountable.

Wiles points to the legal saga pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma as an example. Years of court cases over the company’s sales and marketing of opioids, such as Oxycontin, eventually eroded the company’s public credibility.听鈥淣obody’s looking at Purdue for advice on much of anything anymore, right?鈥 says Wiles. 鈥淭hey have no pull in Congress anymore, and nobody is lining up with them.鈥

In other words, Purdue Pharma has become toxic and lost its clout. Wiles wants to see fossil fuel companies in the same sinking ship.

How to Get Involved in Climate Cases

So, how can you flex your own legal muscle in the ongoing fights against climate change? The experts I spoke to said you don’t need to hire a lawyer or join up with a class-action lawsuit in order to have an impact. There are easier ways to get involved that don’t require court cases and lawsuits.

The big one is voting. As citizens, it鈥檚 the most powerful action we can take to ensure that climate-friendly politicians are in place to make policy changes.

Regunburg also recommends leveraging your district attorney. 鈥淜now who your DA is and be sure to support the right ones,鈥 he says. 鈥淚nfluencing a local DA is a helluva lot easier than influencing a senator. Call them and encourage them to file a climate deception suit.鈥

You can also take one minute to add your name to to encourage the U.S. Attorney General to keep the Big Oil lawsuits coming. Because death by a thousand cuts is still death.

Doing right by the planet can make you happier, healthier, and鈥攜es鈥攚ealthier. 国产吃瓜黑料鈥檚 head of sustainability, Kristin Hostetter,听explores small lifestyle tweaks听that can make a big impact.听听for her twice monthly newsletter or write to her at听climateneutral-ish@outsideinc.com.

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