| NATIONAL PARKS QUICKLINKS |
Local Hikes
Jump-start your hiking season on these spring-ready trips from around the country.
The Changing Mountain
The following is adapted from Northwest editor Michael Lanzas new book, Before Theyre Gone: A Familys Year-Long Quest to Explore Americas Most Endangered National Parks ($24.95, beacon.org, TheBigOutside.com).
Hiking Switzerland: Around the Alps in 80 Days
Well, maybe 105. But who's counting? Contributing editor John Harlin defies conventional wisdom with a 1,400-mile circumnavigation of this mountainous kingdom.
Died and Gone to New Zealand
Hiker heaven, redefined, is a month-long hike/paddle/camp in Adventureland.
Everest Confidential: Trekking Through Nepal's Khumbu Region
See the Himalayan giants--and cross three passes more than 17,000 feet high--on this off-the-radar route through the Khumbu region.
Kids, Camping, and Abuse: A Q&A with Tracy Ross
Contributing editor Tracy Ross talks about the aftermath of publishing her abuse memoir, The Source of All Things, which originated as a BACKPACKER feature story and is now available in paperback.
America's Newest Long Trail
Don't have time to hike all 1,200 miles of the Pacific Northwest Trail? No worries: Our scout pinpointed the finest two-week stretch.
BACKPACKER PRO Maps
We've teamed up with map partner myTopo to create custom, pre-planned adventures printed on waterproof topo paper. No need to buy and carry multiple maps. Bonus: PRO Maps sync with your GPS or your smartphone for a complete in-field mapping experience.
International Adventure Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' backpacking trek abroad.
Ansel Adams's Lost Photos?
David Howard investigates the mystery of 61 black-and-white negatives that are stirring up a hornet's nest of accusations, threats, and lawsuits.
