Explore the PNW

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Follow along while we explore the amazing trails, food and interesting locations in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We get out and hike, snowshoe, kayak, mountain bike and shoot photos every week. Your hosts Joel & Debi will share their adventures, throu

Joel and Debi


    • Dec 13, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Explore the PNW

    Over the River and...Into the Snow!?!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 22:33


    We explore the area around Chewelah, Washington in this episode. Including a trip to 49 Degrees North Ski resort, Crystal Falls and the town of Chewelah itself.  We once again have a VERY close call with deer on the road at night. Please drive careful when you are exploring the PNW!!What did you think about this weeks episode? We love feedback…let's connect

    Winter Weather Workouts

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 20:45


    In the Inland NW the snow should be arriving but currently it is raining and cold. We are avid Mountain bikers but are storing the bikes until Spring. We have transitioned to poor weather options. This week we discuss how to stay active without freezing. We hope you get some good ideas!!HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!!!What did you think about this weeks episode? We love feedback…let's connect

    Fall Foliage Hike In Paradise

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 20:35


    We drove over to Wenatchee, WA for a quick weekend trip to hopefully view the turning of the Larches from green to yellow needles. Does that make us tree huggers to drive 6 hours roundtrip on our day off to "look at pretty trees"...if so, I'll embrace that moniker!! It was amazingly beautiful. We can't encourage you enough to make that drive in October to absorb the Fall vibes in this area. Plus we got a dusting of snow that just enhanced the entire vibe 10 fold.What did you think about this weeks episode? We love feedback…let's connect

    Get Out and Ride your Bike

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 14:19


    Season 6 Episode #1We explore the newest trail on Mt Spokane...Trail 182. It's a great Fall Day to get out and ride your bike!!!https://www.volunteerspokane.org/need/detail/?need_id=720169Be a volunteer...it will be hard work but the effort is SO worth it!!!What did you think about this weeks episode? We love feedback…let's connect

    Season 5 Wrap-Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2024 32:00


    Thank you for following us as we continue to explore the PNW. We revisited Glacier National Park this season, rode seemingly endless mountain bike trails and changed up our exploration rig. We sincerely hope you enjoyed the journey this summer.What did you think about this weeks episode? We love feedback…let's connect

    Early Morning Rambling with PNW Crew

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 25:00


    Ok...so technically this episode is about riding Antoine Peak Trail system near Spokane Valley. But we got up very early so the conversation touches on many other topics. Stay tuned for a link to Debi's GoPro footage on Youtube!!!

    Mountain Bike Exploration on Mt. Spokane

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 17:06


    we road trails 110 and 100 on Mt Spokane, and discuss it on the Pod. We also had a Cougar in our backyard last week...twice. To view video of that big cat go to my photography IG: j.pruittphotographyThanks for the support

    Explore North of the Border in Rossland, BC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 32:21


    We headed North for the 4th of July weekend to ride in Rossland, BC. Spoiler alert...it was amazing!!!!

    Glacier National Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 22:14


    We had the opportunity to visit Glacier National Park twice in May and June '24. The Going To The Sun" road was closed at Avalanche Lake but we hiked and explored were we could...

    Bucket List Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 21:27


    The Freakin Northern Lights!!! Enough said...tune in to experience this monumental evening with Explore the PNW!

    Bandon 4 Fun!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2024 24:20


    We spend our winter break in Brandon, Oregon. Join us for an episode about Sea Stacks, Golf and Winter weather patterns in the idyllic beach community on the Southern Oregon Coast.

    oregon golf bandon southern oregon coast
    Season Wrap Up Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 36:36


    Another Summer and Fall have flown bye. We enjoyed a ton of great Mountain Bike Trips and Loads of Golf. We will put a bow on our favorites from the season in this episode. If you like this content please take the time to post a review. It helps.

    Mountain Bike Trail Rating System

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 25:06


    We went riding in Idaho and it started a conversation about how a trail gets a Green, Blue, Black Diamond classification. Who decides what color a trail should be? Is it a helpful system to let riders know what to expect on a specific trail...hint...We don't think so. Listen to learn more. BTW if you like this podcast follow, and leave a comment. It's helpful 

    E-Bike's...Hype or Electric!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 29:35


    We just got a new Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy E-Bike. We discuss the E-Bike craze. Pro's and Cons and some safety thoughts on riding E-Bikes.

    Pickleball Craze Sweeping the Nation...Hype or Worth it!!???

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 12:31


    No Debi today. My Co-Host doesn't play Pickleball and is extremely busy with work. I decided to try a one person podcast today...thoughts? 

    Join the Gravel Brigade!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2023 16:15


    We went on our first gravel bike ride with the crew from Wheel Sport South and we dish about the experience this week. Hint: It was awesome!

    Route of the Hiawatha

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 23:56


    We finally made it to the Route of the Hiawatha. Take Exit 5 in Montana and follow the signs tot he tunnel. Be sure to get your tickets prior and be prepared to have a great time!!!!

    Wildlife Abounds in the PNW

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2023 26:09


    we discuss the multitude of wildlife we have encountered on our travels in the past year.

    Golf...it really is addicting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 15:27


    Explore the PNW has been sucked into the vacuum that is golf in 2023. We didn't actually mean for it to happen but we are addicted. Listen to this podcast to find out more.  If you came here for hiking and biking trips...don't worry we are still doing that too.

    New RTT (Roof Top Tent) Day!!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 19:44


    We discuss our recent purchase of a New RTT from IKamper!!!

    Aloha From Hawaii

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 26:39


    Welcome back to Explore the PNW. We survived winter in the PNW and were able to escape the cold and wet for a trip to Hawaii. In this episode we discuss that trip and all the wonderful locations we visited in Waikiki and the North Shore.

    Season Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 11:29


    We had a super fun summer '22...we recap our adventures, add some places we didn't get to on other episodes and hope to leave you with a positive attitude for the upcoming winter.

    Banff Take 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2022 15:38


    We teased it in the end of our last Podcast...this is part 2 of our Adventures in Banff. We visit Lake Louise, Hike Johnston Canyon and discuss iconic Instagram locations!!!

    Basking in the Glory of all things Banff!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 22:25


    We made it to Banff, BC. Lake Louse, Moraine Lake. so much amazing blue glacier water. It was an amazing trip that we finally made happen. 

    bc banff basking moraine lake
    Fun Fantastic Fernie Festivities

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2022 21:16


    we did it!!! we crossed into Canada to get some sweet Fernie dirt on our bike tires, under our nails and recorded some amazing bucket list memories. 

    Pleasure Cruise on Lake Coeur D'Alene

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2022 17:07


    We discuss our pontoon boat ride on Lake Coeur D'Alene in Idaho. Great food, great company and wonderful shoreline.

    Bear Grass Super Bloom

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2022 15:27


    Mt. Spokane is experiencing a super bloom of bear grass...We couldn't  resisit heading up to Mt. Spokane to see it for ourselves. It didn't disappoint!!

    Explore Southern Utah

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2022 26:54


    I trip to Southern Utah without my travel partner Debi. I visited Zion, Bryce and Kanab. Listen to this slightly longer podcast to learn more about the area.

    It's too tacky to be called Slickrock

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 21:42


    Join us as we talk about mountain biking in Moab. We rode several cool trails, visited Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands on this episode too. 

    Arches NP + Fiery Furnace

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2022 24:30


    We camped for 2 nights in Arches NP and spend Debi's Birthday in the Fiery Furnace.

    5 Good To Go Gear Items

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2022 31:24


    Today we discuss 5 of our favorite gear items on the podcast for car camping.1.) https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-hm70r-rechargeable-headlamp/2.)https://jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com/stoves-systems/genesis-basecamp-system3.)https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/trekking-poles/black-diamond-alpine-carbon-cork4.)https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/roamer5.)https://www.roamadventureco.com/products/83l-the-rugged-caseWe hope you found these reviews helpful. If you like gear reviews, let us know and we will do more of them.

    Spokane Fab 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 28:27


    In this episode we introduce you to 5 fun hiking and/or mountain biking trails in the Spokane, WA area. The areas are:Dishman Conservation AreaIller Conservation AreaRiverside Park/Trail 25The BluffSaltese/UplandsWe hope you enjoy this episode!!

    Clark County Gems

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 19:33


    The Lewis & Clark Expedition was synonymous with exploration. They embodied the adventurous spirit, the search of the unknown, uncharted area West of the Mississippi.  During our recent trip to Clark County, I had to explore without my sidekick Debi, which felt like Clark going out into the wild without Lewis. Just didn't have the same vibe but the search for adventure (or at least good photo ops), couldn't be passed over.  Google these areas for more information:Wintler Community Park, Vancouver, WAhttps://www.cedarcreekgristmill.orghttps://clark.wa.gov/public-works/moulton-falls-regional-parkhttps://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Falls_Creek_Falls_Loop_Hikehttps://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/panther-creek-falls

    Lose Yourself in the Numerous Beaches near Lincoln City

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 28:52


    From Land's End to Curtis Street we take time to explore the beaches near Lincoln City...and eat some Fish & Chips!!

    Lumens for Days...Explore Oregon Lighthouses!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 20:51


    We visited 4 lighthouses on the Oregon Coast:Heceta HeadYaquina HeadCape MearesTillamook RockListen in and learn more about theses amazing Oregon Coast landmarks.

    Cape Perpetua...the PNW's Natural Waterpark

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 15:30


    157 Miles South of Portland you will find the Cape Perpetual Natural Area. This 2700 acre coastal wilderness area has it all. Geysers, Spouts, and Thor's Well will entertain you for hours, just be cautious if you venture off the pavement. This is a dynamic and wild slice of the Oregon coast and big "sneaker" waves have been known to crash here. Know the tide schedule and enjoy the Devil's Churn, Cooks Chasm and Thor's Well in safety.

    Roof Top Tent Tacoma Exploration Rig

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 4, 2022 19:12


    We discuss our Tacoma and how we have outfitted the perfect Overlanding Rig for exploring the PNW plus the Pro's and Con's of a Roof Top Tent (RTT). We also talk about the additions we have made to the Tacoma to make traveling easier, more convenient and quicker to pack. Listen in for some exciting banter...Love my Tacoma!!https://zargesusa.com/products/cases/standard/k440/https://www.toyota.com/tacoma/https://cascadiatents.comhttps://www.roamadventureco.comhttps://decked.com/products/decked-drawershttps://www.kelty.com/trash-pak/https://ignik.com/products/gas-growler-deluxe

    Hiking In Snow vs Snowshoeing...It's the same thing huh???

    Play Episode Play 36 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 30:25


    Join us for 30 minutes as we snowshoe on a couple of trails on Mt. Spokane. We see a cool animal, talk about snowshoes and snowshoeing and  spin a good story. That's got to be worth your time...right?!?

    End of Year Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2022 16:26


    Our first year of traveling and doing Explore the PNW has drawn to an end. This episode is a short recap of the year. We look forward to more travels and adventures in 2022!!!

    Winter Wonderland In Joseph, Oregon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2021 12:28


    Our Anniversary Trip brought us back to Joseph Oregon again this year. We snowshoed, hiked, and took photos around the beautiful Wallowa Lake area.

    Should We Turn Around? Listen to Your Gut!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 21:14


    We went to explore a hike in Idaho...those Forest Service Roads get steep.  After accessing the road conditions do you keep driving in the ice or turn around?  What does that look like...Plan A, B or C ???  Keep listening to find out what we decided. Hint...when your Exploring the PNW partner is death gripping the seat you are wise to "read the room". lol.

    Get your Western Vibe On...Visited Winthrop, Washington

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2021 32:33


    We spent a long weekend exploring the small central Washington community of Winthrop, Washington. This town feels like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid could come racing through town, spurs driving their horses to avoid the posse hot on their tails. Think Leavenworth but replace a Bavarian vibe with the Old West one. It's also the gateway to the beautiful North Cascades National Park!!!!https://smalltownwashington.com/things-to-do-in-winthrop-wa/

    A Slice of Heaven On Earth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 24:44


    A return to the North Cascades for a snowy hike, camping outing and photography exploration. 

    Chasing Larches in The Enchantments

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 20:19


    We took a quick drive to Leavenworth to hike the Enchantments. The strenuous hike to Colchuck Lake was so worth the payoff.  Tons of Yellow Larches and the most beautiful lake water imaginable. Follow along as we get hyped for Larch Season!!!

    Dispersed Camping Options

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 16:11


    We did a last minute trip to Missoula. We hit our fav mountain bike trail at Rattlesnake again and visited the Garden of 1000 Buddhas in Arlee, MT.We discuss the benefits of disperse camping, using www.hipcamp.com to locate a camping spot without planning ahead of time and how cool Montana is. 

    Permission to Enter?...New Regulations at Glacier NP

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 25:33


    We did a completely last minute trip to Glacier National Park. Several changes to the park entry in 2021. Listen for the steps you need to take OR just enter Glacier early in the morning and don't worry about he new rules. lol.

    Paddling the Spokane River

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2021 12:57


    We discovered the beautiful paddling opportunities below the Nine Mile Dam. Great park, put in was easy and the area was perfect for an afternoon of Kokopelli Paddling. If you have listen to our podcast and have heard us talk about our Packrafts...do yourself a favor and go to their website and buy one. They are the most fun day paddling vessel Ive ever paddled. So much more fun then a Stand Up Paddle Board, easier to store and maneuver then a hard-shell kayak and can handle flat water as well as BIG whitewater. https://kokopelli.comYou won't be sorry!!!

    Living The Dream In Sandpoint, Idaho

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 25:26


    Whats better then paddling Kokopelli's on a beautiful lake...doing that AND taking a pontoon boat ride to town for Ice Cream!!!When you travel you have to be open to being spontaneous and being friendly pays sweet dividends.https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233637https://www.coneandcoffee.com/sandpoint

    Fitness hike at Mineral Ridge Recreation Area

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 20:39


    Good fitness hike just outside the City of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Not too steep but enough to get your heart rate up and finish with a tasty view of the Lake.https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/mineral-ridge-national-recreation-trail

    Kokopelli...A Flute Player or Epic Packraft???

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2021 21:41


    Kokopelli, flute player, symbol of fertility and joyA symbol of fertility, joy, feast, and long life, he is also a minstrel, a spirit of music, a storyteller, a rainmaker, a healer, a teacher, a joker-magician, a seducer. Kokopelli possesses the wisdom of age.or https://kokopelli.comThis week we discuss the Kokopelli Packraft and take it for a spin on West Medical Lake, near Spokane, Washington.

    Climb the M and Ride the Snake

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 15:55


    We visited Missoula Montana in this weeks travels. Tune in to hear more about hiking to the M looking over the city and mountain biking in the Rattlesnake Trail system.

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