My Second Spring Book Release

Boy, I feel as if I gave birth to twins this spring! My second book release for the year Columbia Highlands is now in book stores. This beautiful volume thanks to the many fine photographers I worked with is guaranteed to help spark interest in preserving the special northeast corner of Washington State. Conservation Northwest has arranged for a gala book rollout on May 2nd at Gonzaga University in Spokane. I'll be there of course taking attendees on a journey through the highlands. Hope to see a few of you there-or at least on the trail in the Kettles River Range or Selkirk Mountains.

New State Park on Washington's North Coast

The next time you are heading up to Lake Ozette or Neah Bay to do some hiking, be sure to check out the Cowan Ranch Heritage Areas, centerpiece to a new 600-acre plus Hoko River State Park. You can currently hike up the old woods road along the Little Hoko River or along beautiful sandy beaches near the mouth of the Hoko River on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

This region has been hit hard when it comes to economic downturns. The timber industry and commercial and sports fishing industries are a fraction of what they once were. Hopefully a new destination state park in the region will help stimulate the local economy. The state needs to act fast however in developing the park's facilities. Washington State is notorious for moving like a tortoise when it comes to adding infrastructure. Hopefully we can move a little faster this time. In any case the state needs to be commended for pursuing this worthy project.

In the meantime, if you need a place to stay in the area, consider Curley's Resort in Sekiu. Great rates, clean and nice hosts.

It's Here!

The fruit of my labor is about to be available for all to read and enjoy! My brand new Day Hiking the Olympic Peninsula Book will be released soon to book stores and outdoor retailers near you. Andrew Engleson of Washington Trails Association is the first person aside from myself to give the book a review. And it's a good one. Check it out. Then go out and get this title and enjoy one of the prettiest corners in the world!