WYR also understands that movements are important to our fans as well. That is the reason why we are so dedicated to philanthropic causes that have touched our customers and employees hearts. For that reason, we love to give back, and intertwine these causes into our clothing. Maybe you’ve noticed some when you were shopping.
US Forest Service: The US Forest Service line helps Smokey Bear & Woodsy the Owl raise awareness and give back to the US Forest Service
Breast Cancer Awareness: Fundraising events and a Breast Cancer Awareness tee has helped people in the community facing breast cancer.
Children’s Tumor Foundation: EndNF tee helps fund research through Children's Tumor Foundation, to find a cure for neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to form on nerves through the body.
Local Events at the WYR Store: Many times throughout the year, the employees and customers inspire fundraising events for various causes. Most recently a fundraiser, Rooting For Our Future, was set into place to help the Missoula, MT public schools and Missoula Food Bank & Community Center provide meals to children and families in need during COVID-19.
These are just a few examples of how Wear Your Roots gives back. We encourage you to take initiative in a cause you care about and let us know what you are working on. We are always looking for causes we can get behind to support communities across the US.
]]>Imagine a land where the towering Rocky Mountains meet the sweeping horizon of the Great Plains. Where vibrant modern life is interwoven with a rugged, storied history, and where seemingly endless recreational opportunities are balanced by moments of historical and cultural exploration. Tucked between Yellowstone National Park to the south and Glacier National Park to the northwest, Central Montana is an intersection of authentic Western culture, remarkable scenery, and rich history. Central Montana is an exceptional destination for outdoor recreation, worthy of a spot on anyone's travel checklist. Here are a few of our favorite ways to explore the region.
Much of Central Montana is rugged, open country, which means the small communities throughout the region have developed their own unique charms. Lewistown, located at the very center of the state, has a rich gold mining heritage and is now a favorite destination for hunters, anglers and outdoors-folk. Choteau, called the "Front Porch of the Rockies," is also home to one of the world’s top paleontology sites, which has been instrumental in providing insight about dinosaurs from the Cretaceous Period. Fort Benton, known as the “Birthplace of Montana,” is located on the Missouri River. Steamboats would bring travelers there from St. Louis, and it served as a gateway to the northwestern U.S. and Canada. Whichever town you choose to explore during your visit, take in a variety of local cafes, restaurants and Western bars.
"The Bob," as locals call it, is a wilderness complex comprised of more than 1 million acres of protected wilderness land. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bob Marshall Wilderness is a bucket-list destination for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, hunters and fly anglers. The complex, easily accessible from several points in Central Montana, follows the Continental Divide for 60 miles, encompassing terrain from conifer forests to craggy, high peaks. Do a bit of research and head in on a hike, join Dropstone Outfitting for a stock-assisted guided hike, or connect with one of the area’s many outfitters for a memorable mule and horse-packing trip into some of the wildest protected terrain in the lower 48 states.
Central Montana is a veritable paradise for those who love fly fishing. The region’s rivers flow through terrain unlike any found elsewhere in the state, dropping from high in the mountains to meander through the beginning of the Great Plains and beyond. These rivers, including the storied Missouri, Smith, Dearborn, Teton and Sun, are often quite remote and serve as home to significant numbers of rainbow and brown trout, as well as native whitefish and other species. Many outfitting services dot the region, allowing visiting anglers to book a guide who truly knows and understands the most productive locations — and ways — to fish at any given time of the year.
Thanks to the varied terrain and often low-traffic roads, Central Montana is perfect for road cycling. Winding roads drop from the Rocky Mountains, leveling out into seemingly endless straight stretches that are an excellent option for logging your endurance miles. Mountain bikers will also find plenty of trails to entertain themselves, from Pilgrim Creek in the Little Belt Mountains to the Mayhem Trail on the south shore of the Missouri River near Great Falls.
Despite the area’s history as a leading paleontological zone—a wealth of dinosaur fossils have been found all over the region—our knowledge of Central Montana’s rich history began with the Plains Indians who inhabited the area, pursuing bison across the rich terrain. The Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived in April 1805 in what would become known as Montana Territory, later poling and towing their boats up canyon rapids and a series of waterfalls on the Missouri River. From 1820 to 1880, the area was with rife with trappers and fur traders, and later drew in multitudes of gold miners and then settlers. The rest, as they say, is history—a history that lives on in the day-to-day lives of the area’s residents.
Montanans love to play just as hard as they work, and it’s a common sight to see people come off the trail or river and head straight to a local pub or brewery, regardless of work clothes and trail dust. Share your fishing stories with the guy on the next stool at any of the bars or restaurants in Cascade. Triple Dog Brewing in Havre is the perfect stop after a day tackling trails or a long day road biking across the seemingly endless horizon on Montana’s Hi-Line. Wherever you choose to recreate, rest assured there’s a locally owned pub nearby, ready to help you relax and celebrate a day of adventuring.
Central Montana is crisscrossed by several famous rivers, including the Missouri, the Smith and the Judith. Whether your tastes lean more toward fly-fishing, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding or merely a leisurely float down the river in a canoe, Central Montana’s waterways offer a multitude of easy-access waterborne recreation. Looking for a truly unique adventure? Tackle a guided weeklong float down the famed Smith River (by permit only, but it’s an amazing trip for those lucky enough to snag a spot).
More than 250 avian species call the 13 counties of Central Montana home. Thanks to the area’s varied habitat—from the Rocky Mountain steppes to the sweeping grass and marshlands of the Great Plains — the region provides important habitat for migratory and resident birds. Visit Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area during the spring migration to see tens of thousands of snow geese gather on the lakes.
Driving through Central Montana, you'll see an amazing variety of scenery and wildlife. Take time and read the historic roadside signs. Enjoy a short hike in the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest, take advantage of pull-outs off the highway. It’s a beautiful place to visit—and a getaway you won’t soon forget.
Written by Jess McGlothlin for RootsRated in partnership with Central Montana and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>If you're new to backpacking and you've done a short trip or two, you might be eager to try a more challenging hike. Maybe you want to do a longer trip and backpack for a week or longer. Or, perhaps you'd like to explore a place that's more remote and wild, such as a Wilderness area.
If you're going to go big, you need to improve your backpacking knowledge and skills. As you hike more miles, tackle tougher terrain, and move farther away from civilization, you'll face more obstacles, and you and your hiking partners will have to rely on your own know-how to overcome them.
Make this the year that you take your backpacking skills to the next level to travel more safely and comfortably. In our list of skills below, we begin with the basics—fitting and packing your pack. While those sound like simple tasks, a surprising number of people hit the trail with ill-fitting, unbalanced packs that lead to soreness and misery.
Then, we move on to other things that will benefit backpackers—map and compass skills, knots, first aid, and building a fire. If you’re super motivated, you could possibly take on all of these goals in the coming months. But, even if you tackle just one, you might be surprised at how gratified you’ll feel from learning something new.
A high-quality backpack can ease the burden of a heavy load on the trail, but it won’t do you much good if it’s not fitted and packed properly. If a salesperson didn’t fit your pack when you purchased it, consult the manufacturers’ website or online videos for fitting instructions, and be aware that fitting techniques can vary by brand. It’s important to make sure that the pack fits your torso length, and that you properly position the shoulder straps, load lifter straps, sternum straps and hip belt.
To ensure that your pack rides comfortably, you also need to pack it correctly so that the weight of your gear is distributed well. Try to make sure that the heaviest things, like your food bag, lie close to your back and, if possible, centered on your back. Then, place lightweight items away from your back.
You can also pack gear strategically, based on when you’ll need to access things. For example, put things you won’t need while hiking (like your sleeping bag) in the bottom of your pack. Then, put the things you’ll need frequently or immediately (like your map and toilet kit) in the lid or an external pocket.
As smart phones and other devices make navigating easier, fewer people are learning to use a good ole map and compass. And that’s fine if you’re just doing a day hike on well-marked trails, where you’re not likely to get lost. But if you go into the backcountry, you could be in a tough spot if your phone or GPS loses battery power or gets damaged. So, make a resolution this year to learn the basics of map and compass navigation. With a little online research you’ll find plenty of instructional books. You could also get instruction from an outdoor specialty store or recreation group in your area.
Once you’ve learned the basics, practice using a map and compass in a local recreation area before you leave for a big backcountry trip. Keep in mind that you might be using these skills when you’re tired and frustrated (being lost can be nerve-wracking), so it helps to have this stuff dialed in.
If you want to become the hero of your backpacking group, be the one who knows how to tie knots. On the trail, you can use knots to do a variety of things, from securing your tent to hanging a clothesline. Plus, knots will come in handy for other adventures, whether you’re tying into a harness to climb, or you’re securing a kayak to the shore. In your everyday life, knots can also prove useful. At some point, you might need to lash furniture to a vehicle when moving, and you’ll ride with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t just jerry-rig your stuff to keep it out of the road.
Begin by learning a few knots that will come in handy frequently, such as the bowline, which you can use to attach a line to a fixed object. On the trail, you might use a bowline to attach guyline cords to a tent, or tie a line to a tree to rig a tarp. The advantage of a bowline is that it won’t loosen under tension. But, you can loosen the knot easily when it’s time to untie it. It’s also good to learn the taut-line hitch, because it allows you to create a clothesline, or an adjustable guyline for a tent.
In an emergency situation in the backcountry, a fire can provide life-saving heat, a means to purify water, and a way to signal rescuers. Plus, survival experts say that a fire provides a sense of comfort and calm that will help you endure a tough situation. Even if it’s not an emergency, a campfire will make a cold night on the trail cozier. If you’re building a fire for the fun of it, ensure that fires are allowed in the area and that the fire danger is low. And, take time to learn the proper way to manage and extinguish a fire.
If you’ve never mastered the art of building a fire, you’ll find plenty of tutorials online. There’s a certain method to successfully building a fire, and you don’t want to be fumbling around if you’re lost, cold and tired. Also, consider packing a fire starter kit, which will usually include tinder and tools to create a spark. The kit will serve as a backup if your lighter or matches don’t work, and you can get tinder that lights when wet.
If you or a hiking partner is injured or gets ill during a backpacking trip, you could be miles or days away from professional care. If you do enough backpacking, you’ll someday deal with blisters, stings and maybe even burns. Plus, you or someone you encounter could get dehydration or hypothermia, or suffer some kind of wound, or an ankle or knee injury.
If you purchased a first-aid kit from a gear store, there’s a chance it will include a small first-aid book, and you should take the time to read it. Plus, there are plenty of great wilderness medicine books on the market. But this year, go a step further and take a first-aid course. If you visit the American Red Cross website, you can find first-aid courses offered in your area. While some Red Cross courses are not outdoor-specific, they’ll provide helpful fundamentals.
Written by Marcus Woolf for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>From his days at the University of Montana to chasing powder in Colorado and Europe, Ryan Arnold has always has been known as a hard-charging snowboarder with mad skills on the slopes. These days, however, Arnold’s bag of tricks includes the impressive ability to produce a bottle (or can) of wine at almost any time: on the chairlift, perhaps, or even mid-run, thanks to a clever stash in the snow.
“I’m known as the guy who has wine in his pocket, his snowboard boots, or in his backpack,” Arnold, a native of the Chicago area, says with a laugh. “I definitely have that reputation.”
Not that Arnold is looking to get hammered while he hits the slopes. In fact, he’s a sommelier and wine director of Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, which means drinking wine, beer, and spirits (and doing so responsibly) is integral to his job. But even when Arnold is off the clock and pursuing his powder-based passions, the former amateur snowboard competitor is always looking for the next best thing to sip on—and these days, his palate has shifted from beer, the go-to drink for the ski bum set, to wine.
For one thing, Arnold says, he was starting to find beer too heavy, the hops hard to digest while he’s out enjoying the great outdoors. At the same time, the exploding market for wine in cans and with screw tops makes it easier than ever to, say, sip on some refreshing rosé while riding the chairlift.
“Before I would have never thought about wine in the outdoors industry,” Arnold says. “But I love this emerging scene of wine on the go. It’s easy, convenient, and it’s fun.”
Arnold also has become adept at stashing bottles or cans of wine on the slopes, so he can take a leisurely break with some perfectly chilled vino. We tucked into his bag of tricks to find just how he does that—plus some other on-point tips when it comes to wine and the winter sports scene—so you don’t have to wait for aprés to have a well-deserved splash or two.
Even for someone who’s likely to get industry discounts and other perks, Arnold tends to bristle at the exorbitant price of wine in many ski resort destinations. His solution? Bringing a few bottles to wherever he’s headed to hit the slopes.
When it comes to the actual packing part, why not give those gimmicky, high-falutin’ wine carriers the boot—literally? Instead, follow Arnold’s lead by stashing a bottle or two in your ski or snowboard boots, which provide the ideal snug casing for your precious cargo. Says Arnold: “I used to put them in clothes and just cross my fingers. But you just put the bottle in the boot, and it perfectly secures it.”
Forget the overpriced beers in the lodge: When you want a little swig of something boozy, try stashing some wine on the slopes to add some panache to your take-a-breather break, which is a sure-to-please offering no matter whom you’re skiing with. Arnold has become adept at this as of late, nestling cans (and, occasionally, bottles) “next to jumps, next to kickers, next to rocks. Come back in an hour or so, and you’ve got yourself a perfectly chilled can,” he says.
Be sure to remember where your stash is (which is why Arnold tries to use a good visual marker, like a rock), and don’t wait too long before returning to pop the top. “I found the optimal time for most of the wines I like to use has been about two-and-a-half hours,” he recommends. “You’re in a natural refrigerator, so just go out there and have fun.”
Remember, you’re looking for wines that deliver just a little bit of punch, not a fist to the face. On that note, forgo high-alcohol wines like barolos and petite syrahs in favor of whites and roses, which tend to have a lower alcohol by volume, chill beautifully in the snow, and offer crisp refreshment.
A few of Arnold’s favorite recommendations: a wine cooler rosé by Ramona, which with an ABV of just 8.2 percent is “perfect for midday”, and Scribe (“It’s got that strawberry-cranberry flavor profile, super refreshing, and the can is named Una Lou after the winemaker's daughter, which I think is the coolest name!”); as well as a Riesling called Off the Grid by Ovum, an Oregon winery. (The latter, however, is only available by bottle, so be sure to uncork is before heading out.)
For aprés, one of Arnold’s recent obsessions is a style of wine called pétillant naturel, or pét–nat, which literally means “naturally sparkling.” These buzzy, unfiltered wines are made without secondary fermentation, which happens in the bottle (which usually have a crown cap).
Pét-nat wines are certainly having a moment among savvy wine drinkers, and Arnold is one of them: “It’s the way to finish a day on the slopes,” he says.
We’ll drink to that.
Written by Blane Bachelor for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>As one of America’s most-visited National Parks, Yellowstone is most-often seen in the summer months, when the prairies are golden and the signs of winter are a far off memory. Full of world-class backpacking, hiking, and animal watching, many who visit the park feel that Yellowstone doesn’t get any better than visiting during the summer months. Once November rolls around, however, when most of the park roads close and the crowds all but evaporate, this is when those who are in-the-know flock to the park, ready to experience the unique and awe-inspiring sights of Yellowstone in the chilly months.
For some, visiting Yellowstone in the off-season might initially sound intimidating. But in reality, a visit to Yellowstone in winter is easy, beautiful, and well worth the drive. In winter, when feet of snow, howling winds, and subfreezing temperatures are typically signs to avoid areas, this formidable stretch of land in the Rocky Mountains becomes a paradise of snow-filled wonderment. If you haven’t seen America’s first National Park in winter, you are missing out on one of the greatest experiences in the world.
What makes winter in Yellowstone so amazing isn’t the hiking or camping. Instead, it is witnessing the transformation of the cold season on this incredible landscape. In the winter, animal watching becomes second to none, with herds of bison, elk, and deer easily standing out against the white snow blanketing the rolling hills and mountains. As the temperature drops, the hot springs, geysers, and thermal regions emit more steam, showing off the lurking wonders of this huge super volcano bubbling just below the surface. Accessed by car, snow coach, or snowmobile, visiting Yellowstone when it is covered in snow will leave you forever changed, connected to this region in a way that only a handful of visitors experience each year.
By far, the highlight for most Yellowstone visitors is found along the road between Gardiner, Montana, and Cooke City. Most who visit Yellowstone in the winter find themselves staying at the hotels in either city, giving them easy access to the park’s winter hiking and wildlife watching. Passing through Mammoth and the world-famous wildlife watching destination of Lamar Valley, this is the only stretch of road open to cars. While the bears may be hibernating, the rest of the animals of the park can be seen easily against the stark white background, letting eager visitors watch moose, bighorn sheep, foxes, otters, coyotes, elk, bison, and wolves.
The best way to see animals in the winter is to hop in your car just before sunrise, heading out to the Lamar Valley from Mammoth Hot Springs. Along the road, keep an eye out for any movement and/or people standing out along the road with spotting scopes and binoculars. During the winter months, wolf researchers and wildlife enthusiasts are commonly seen driving back and forth, scanning and listening for wolf packs. Be patient and it’s possible you might see a pack of wolves with the help of these experts.
Animals are wild and although sightings can’t be predicted, there is a routine that they tend to follow, helping increase your potential to see most of the active animals in the park. Elk and bison will be everywhere, while moose are commonly seen near Pebble Creek on the way to Cooke City. Bighorn Sheep tend to hang out near the bridge spanning the Yellowstone River, while otters are usually spotted along the Lamar River near Soda Butte. To see foxes and coyotes, head out to the Lamar Valley and drive toward Cooke City. Chances are, you’ll see numerous coyotes and the occasional fox hunting and jumping in the snowdrifts.
For wolves, look no further than driving out to Lamar Valley. Visitors who are patient and wake up early will see a sight usually only found in nature documentaries or in a National Geographic magazine. In Lamar Valley, find the wolf experts and wait. You might just hear a howl fill the air, breaking the silence of winter. If you are lucky, the howl will occur near a herd of elk, giving you a chance to see a pack of wolves charging and systematically finding the weakest elk. Every so often, wolf watchers will get to watch the wolves bring down an elk and revel in their successes by howling and feasting, surviving for another week in the winter conditions.
Starting in Gardiner, pass though the Roosevelt Arch and drive to Mammoth, where recreation activities abound. Along the Gardiner River, between the city and Mammoth, there is access to a hot springs where you can take a dip in the warm waters, surrounded by the cold snow. For most winter visitors, Mammoth gives you the easiest option for winter hiking.
Park at the visitor center to enjoy a snowy jaunt around Mammoth Hot Springs, which showcases the geothermal beauty of this iconic Yellowstone region. The upper loop of Mammoth Hot Springs is perfect for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, while the lower boardwalks give day hikers of any age a wonderful trek around this wonder of the world. Once you have hiked the incredibly gorgeous hot springs, head toward the Roosevelt intersection where you turn left to get to Lamar Valley. From the closed gate at Roosevelt, you can hike up the closed road and enjoy the spectacular sights of Tower Falls and the Yellowstone River in the snowy bliss. The views down river from the road and boardwalks are impossibly beautiful.
The Mammoth Area is also one of the regions where you can catch a snow coach to get to Old Faithful and see the hidden sections of Yellowstone in winter. The other area to access Old Faithful and the interior of the park is from West Yellowstone. Here, you can also sign up for snowmobile tours to see the park in unrivaled solitude and beauty. Both options are great if you have reservations at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge, where you can be one of a few dozen people to roam the geyser basin when it is wrapped in a snowy blanket. The lodges book up early every year, making this a tough destination if you haven’t planned in advance. That is why most stay in Cooke City or Gardiner, as those towns have plenty of amenities and tend to have rooms available year round.
Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the winter is a unique experience, allowing you to see hot springs draped in snow, herds of bison with icicles clinging to their beards, and rarely-seen wolves hunting elk. This is the time of year when it’s easy to imagine what this environment must have looked like before the comforts of modern society began to creep within the park boundaries; when wildlife and wilderness reigned supreme throughout the wide-open expanses of this vast caldera. Whether you drive through Lamar Valley, take a slowcoach to Old Faithful, or experience the park on the back of a snowmobile, seeing Yellowstone in winter will forever change your outlook on this gorgeous national park.
Written by Douglas Scott for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>Austin is a haven for outdoor lovers. With the Texas Hill Country close by, several rivers and lakes bisecting the area, and a handful of state parks within short reach, there’s an abundance of ways to spend your days outside with your family. We put together a guide outlining some of the best ways your family can share a memorable adventure in Central Texas.
People may not initially think of caves when they think of Austin, but they are, in fact, plentiful. From those tucked away within the Barton Creek Greenbelt to Georgetown’s Inner Space Caverns to Westcave Preserve, you’ll find options for families who want an underground adventure. You can explore the rock walls within the Greenbelt on your own or book an off-trail caving tour with Inner Space that takes visitors into undeveloped sections of a cave hidden for more than 10,000 years.
With 10 miles of the Hike and Bike Trail surrounding Lady Bird Lake and a plethora of water activities on* *the lake itself, downtown Austin’s Lady Bird Lake is a perfect destination for family outings. Take a stroll along the banks of the lake whether you prefer to cruise on two feet or two wheels, or, rent canoes, kayaks, or SUPs for a day on the water.
Barton Springs is an Austin classic. A spring-fed pool in the middle of Zilker Park just off of Barton Creek, Barton Springs maintains an average 68-to-70 degree temperature year-round. While the cool water may be a relief on a hot, summer day, it’s also home to the New Year’s tradition of a "polar bear plunge," with folks of all backgrounds and ages taking a plunge on the first day of the New Year.
Just one hour southeast of Austin, you’ll find Palmetto State Park, an unusual forest overgrown with tropical vegetation like the palmetto plant. The only park with tropical vegetation in the state, it’s a beautiful and mysterious park that has a Jurassic feel to it. As you stroll along the flat trails that cut through the forest with algae-covered swamps beneath the palmettos, it feels like another world—certainly not one you’d expect to find in Central Texas. Alternatively, rent a canoe or kayak to take on the murky swamps.
Pedernales Falls State Park is a wonderful getaway for many activities. Pack up the car and set up camp for a weekend of camping, hiking, and stargazing amid one of the area’s most beautiful landscapes. Enjoy white sandy beaches, giant boulders and rock formations, and overlooks that offer expansive vistas over the curvature of the Pedernales River. At night, it’s a popular spot to enjoy the wide-open sky full of stars. Without light pollution near the state park, the night sky reveals incredible displays of the Milky Way and planets.
About 45 minutes outside of Austin, Spicewood, Texas, is home to Cypress Valley Canopy Tours—an incredible facility with a handful of zip lines set up in the canopy of its giant cypress trees. Tours are available both during the day and in the evening, and if you’d like to spend the night, you can take advantage of one of its treehouses that are scattered about the property.
About 20 minutes outside of Austin you’ll find Cook’s Canoes in Webberville—an old school canoe outfitter situated on the banks of the Lower Colorado. You can rent canoes or kayaks for 7-mile, 11-mile, and overnight trips along the river, which is a wide, generally calm section of water.
Mount Bonnell is another longtime Austin favorite, which overlooks Lake Austin. A steep climb up concrete stairs, it’s a relatively short hike with an amazing reward at the top. Why not pack a picnic and head up late in the afternoon? (It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset.) Insider’s tip, while you’re in the area, stop by Laguna Gloria, which is part of The Contemporary Austin. Its grounds are beautiful and feature an outdoor sculpture gallery, and neighboring Mayfield Park is home to incredible gardens and peacocks, both of which make for wonderful photo opportunities.
If family yoga is more your speed, join Yoga Hike for one of its excursions to nearby state parks for a yoga and hiking combo. Usually held on Saturdays, Yoga Hike plans adventures in parks just outside of Austin, like Pedernales Falls State Park and McKinney Falls, for dual hiking and yoga adventures. It’s a unique way to explore a trail while working in asanas and guided meditation by the host.
Written by Ashley Halligan for RootsRated in partnership with Austin CVB and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>Pride, as the preacher says, goeth before the fall. I’ve seen it in others and it’s happened to me—after a summer spent dialing in the trout streams, you know what you’re about. Life is good. Then the maple leaves turn, the bluebird days give way to freakish weather swings, and your fishing, like the geese, heads south. Autumn trout streams still offer opportunity, but fall is a season of change. And if you want to catch fish, you have to change with it. Here’s what to expect on fall trout water, along with strategies to meet the season.
On these higher-gradient, boulder-strewn waters, the trout are concentrated into fewer spots by a flow volume at or near the annual minimum and warm, clear water that’s low in dissolved oxygen. On summerlike days, head straight to the pockets. The turbulence produced by in-stream boulders gives the trout fresh air in the water. Fish the froth with a high-floating, buggy dry: a size 14 or 16 Deer Hair Caddis or small Stimulator. Approach the water directly downstream and use short, precise drifts to cover the riffled apron of water behind the boulders, as well as the bubble lines and the foamy water alongside chutes.
When autumn days feel more like winter, go subsurface. Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tails, Princes, beadhead or weighted, do well. In the shrunken currents of fall, fishing without a strike indicator gives more precise control in the narrow drift lanes. But this requires that you get close to the fish. Look for pocket-water seams, slots, and current tongues that run knee-deep or better. The surface chop will help mask your approach, but keep low, move slowly, and use the cover of boulders and brush for concealment.
Rig a pair of nymphs about 8 to 12 inches apart, and position yourself about a rod length across from the target water and slightly downstream. Flip the flies upstream at a 45-degree angle, and raise the rod to remove any slack. With the rod tip high, lead the flies downstream on a barely taut line. Focus on the leader where it enters the water; if it pauses or twitches, strike instantly. If you have time to think Was that a hit? it’s already too late.
The bigger pools that paid off earlier can still be good bets, but years ago on an autumn trip, an expert fly angler gave me a bit of advice: Instead of concentrating on the head and gut of the pool—prime summer water—look to the edges and tailouts. Aquatic forage is skimpy in fall, and the trout rely more on terrestrial insects that fall to the water from surrounding vegetation. Fish will feed along shady banks or take up stations at the tail, where the narrowing current funnels food to them. A flying ant or beetle imitation is a good choice, but on these smooth, clear waters, stealth means more than pattern.
Prespawn brook trout will congregate in these same tailouts and attack a streamer swung down and across in front of them. In this shallow water, you’re best off with an unweighted feather-wing or bucktail pattern like a Hornberg or Black Nose Dace.
Here, the prevailing fact of fall is vegetation, lots of it, in the water and on the bank. After a summer’s worth of growth, beds of aquatic plants spread in thick mats on the surface. Fish holding alongside or between islands of weeds or in shallow channels through the salad are supernaturally wary. Avoid wading if at all possible and stalk from the bank. Crouch. Creep. Crawl. Slither on your belly like a reptile. Do whatever it takes to get directly across from, or slightly below, the fish. Cast from a kneeling or sitting position.
Long, drag-free drifts are neither feasible nor necessary over shallow-lying fish holding around the weeds. A trout sees the surface of the water in a circular window centered above its head; the radius of the circle is roughly equal to the depth of the fish. A trout holding a foot down won’t see your dry fly until it’s 12 inches away. Drop the fly at the upstream edge of this window, laying your line directly atop any intervening vegetation. Let the fly float past the downstream edge of the window before picking it up—very quietly. If a hatch is in progress, it’s likely bluewing olives. Fish a size 18 Parachute BWO or emerger pattern. When nothing’s hatching, choose a Parachute Adams or Crowe Beetle in the same size; small hook gaps are less likely to snag on vegetation when you pick up the fly for another cast.
Bankside weeds and grasses have also reached their maximum height and droop over the bank low to the water, forming archlike tunnels that give trout shade and cover. To fish these prime runs, look for an entrance to the tunnel. Stay as far downstream from the opening as you can while still being able to pinpoint it with a cast. Drop a size 14 Elk Hair Caddis or ant pattern a few inches from the bank, and let it snake down the tunnel. Your view may be screened, so strike at any disturbance.
If the overhanging vegetation is mostly long strands of grasses, you can take a brute-force approach: Use a pattern that is compact and bulletlike—a Dave’s Hopper is good. Cast a tight loop to drive the fly through a thin spot in the curtain of grass. You may snag up a few times, but this tasty water is worth the trouble.
Fall is terrestrial time on spring creeks, and the bugs are most active on warm, sunny days. Wherever you find open water or unobstructed banks that allow for a longer drift, flying-ant, beetle, and hopper patterns make excellent prospectors.
On moderate-gradient rivers, fall brings fewer hatches and smaller flies, mainly bluewing olives and midges. These insects demand small imitations, from size 18 down into the 20s, as far as you have the courage and eyesight to go. You need 6X to 8X tippet, and on glassy water with spooky fish, leaders of 12 feet or longer.
Trout won’t move far for tiny bugs; you must place your fly precisely in the feeding lane, a move best made with a downstream presentation. Station yourself upstream and slightly to one side of a rising fish. Aim for a spot about 3 feet above the fish and 3 feet beyond the far side of its feeding lane. Stop the rod tip high on the forward delivery so the line falls to the water with some slack. Immediately lift the rod and skate the fly toward you, directly into the drift line. Then drop the rod tip to give slack and float your fly right down the pipe.
Always check out bankside eddies, especially after a hatch. Drifting insects collect in these backwaters and circulate on conveyer-belt currents past hungry mouths—like you see in some sushi bars. Look closely for trout snouts dimpling the surface film. Don’t let the tiny rise forms fool you. As a friend of mine likes to say, “Fat men can be graceful dancers.”
On many autumn rivers, browns moving upstream to spawn offer a shot at your best catch of the year, provided you change tactics. These fish must be provoked into striking, and it’s hard to pick a fight with a fly the size of an eyelash. You’ve got to invade their personal space, and nothing serves like a streamer. The key is to keep moving and cover some real estate.
Migrating browns stick primarily to the main channel, intermittently holding up in the slow current behind submerged obstructions and along deeper or rocky banks. Holding fish are scattered, and you can search the most water by casting upstream, parallel to the shoreline. Drop a streamer a few inches from the bank. Alternate dead-drifting the fly with twitches imparted by the rod tip, stripping in line to control the slack. Make five or six casts and move on. Browns in the channel are traveling upriver, and the best way to intercept them is by working downstream, swinging a streamer. Begin at the head of a deeper run, off to one side of the channel. Cast across the current, and take an upstream mend to let the fly sink. Let your streamer swing on a tight line, following it with the rod tip until it’s directly below you. Take a couple of steps downstream and cast again, continuing through the run.
Bigger rivers hold the potential for double-digit fish (as in pounds, not inches), so don’t go lighter than 1X tippet. In fall, you’ll want every edge you can get.
Written by Ted Leeson for Field & Stream and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>Each year, over 3 million people travel to Big Sur, CA to stand before a vast wilderness where the forest meets the sea. The area’s mythical landscape has provided jolts of creativity for artists and literary figures for generations, and it is a sanctuary for hikers, campers, and soul-searchers from around the world. The endless range of redwoods and untouched beaches along this 90 mile stretch of Highway 1 has been revered as pure, rugged beauty, and can make the rest of the California coastline look comparatively uninspired….which is no easy feat.
Today, however, the smell of salt water and tree sap mixes with the unmistakable scent of smoke. The hills behind Pffeiffer State Park smolder and the piles of pine needles that line the highway are covered in ash. The marine layer pushes off a hopelessly blue ocean into a blanket of blackness. Today, Big Sur is on fire.
The Soberanes Fire in Big Sur, CA has, at the time of this writing, burned over 90,000 acres, destroyed 57 homes, and killed one man. The blaze began on July 22nd as the result of an illegal campfire near Soberanes Creek in Garrapata State Park. With containment at only 60%, the state parks are closed, evacuations have been ordered, and a violent inferno is sweeping across the Los Padres National Forest.
Through the combustion of thick chaparral and an illegal spark, the Soberanes Fire has ignited the inevitable collision of nature and mankind. Because for the Big Sur community, iconic vistas and a connection with nature aren’t the only things at risk— tourism is Big Sur’s economy. Most of the state parks, including Andrew Molera and Julia Pfeiffer Burns, are closed to the public while they house over 3,000 firefighters. Officials have stated that the fire isn’t expected to be fully contained until the end of September, and while certain areas will reopen after Labor Day, many popular trails and parks, including Garrapata State Park, will remain closed indefinitely due to damage.
Campsites and hotels that are traditionally booked up years in advance have openings, which at this time of year, is unheard of. Nepenthe Restaurant manager, Kirk Gafill, told ABC News in San Francisco, “A week in July is the equivalent of a couple of weeks in January or February.” With tourism down and locals being evacuated, Big Sur businesses are at the mercy of the nature it depends on.
The Soberanes devastation goes beyond the economy for those that have lost their homes. Big Sur has seen larger fires scorch more land in the past, yet the number of homes lost and buildings threatened during the Soberanes Fire makes it one of the most destructive.
The unique terrain of Big Sur is one of the main draws for outdoor aficionados, and right now, is the largest detriment to containing the flames. The area’s thick chaparral floor, steep ridges, and erratic changes in temperature stimulate combustion, while the marine layer locks in smoke above the fire. CAL FIRE Battalion Chief, Robert Fish stated, “It’s extremely remote and rugged terrain… There’s not a real break in the weather. There’s a lot of challenges.”
Fires are a necessary and integral part of a forest's evolution and growth, and nature has no issue fanning an illegal campfire into a deadly blaze. With limited access to problem areas and unpredictable weather, robbing the fire of potential fuel by clearing brush is one of the main strategies for firefighters. At the fire's current magnitude, we cannot conquer, only attempt to contain.
With Highway 1 open again, travelers can still gaze upon McWay Falls and cross the historic Bixby Bridge. Despite all our resources and technology, though, we stand helplessly before the smoldering evidence of our own impact on nature. The Soberanes Fire is a reminder that even mankind is sometimes at the mercy of nature's unforgiving flames.
Written by Corey McComb for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
]]>Maine’s rocky coastline, rolling mountains and dense wilderness all converge in the northeast corner of the state to create the serene yet vibrant area of Acadia National Park. It is composed of 47,000 acres, and is home to the highest coastal peak on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. The park’s rugged beauty and accessible scenic areas attract more than two million visitors per year.
Acadia came to be in three stages, first established as Sieur de Monts National Monument in July of 1916, then Lafayette National Park in 1919, and finally Acadia National Park in 1929 with the addition of the Schoodic Peninsula. With the official “birthday” in 1916, 2016 marks the park’s centennial anniversary.
With more than 127 miles of hiking trails , there is plenty of terrain to tread in Acadia National Park. Challenge yourself with the 2.4-mile round-trip Cadillac Mountain trail, or for a shorter adventure, take the Beehive Loop — a steep hike, 1.6-mile round-trip hike featuring iron rungs and expansive views of Sand Beach and the surrounding islands.
Ocean Path is a moderate, 4.4-mile hike with many scenic stopping points that primarily follows along Park Loop Road. Start near the Sand Beach parking lot and the path with bring you to Thunder Hole, by Monument Cove, through the forest to a bell buoy, and by the Otter Cliffs. Hikers can follow the trail back, or catch the Island Explorer for a ride to the next location. For an easier hike, follow Jordan Pond Path along the shores of Jordan Pond.
The carriage roads are prime biking spots in Acadia. Forty-five miles of rustic roads weave around the mountains and valley of the park, providing bikers of all skill levels with scenic views. The carriage roads can also be enjoyed by walkers and horseback riders. Bring your own horse, or ride a horse from Wildwood Stables.
Take out your own sea kayak or canoe through the Porcupine Islands to explore the coastline, or join a guided trip. The area is also full of saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities for a variety of species such as brook trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass. A fishing license are required, and can be purchased at many area retailers, and online.
For experienced rock climbers, areas like Otter Cliff and Great Head offer sea cliff-climbing. At Otter Cliffs, the park maintains fixed anchors on top that must be used instead of trees to belay several climbs. Climbers going to these areas should know tide and weather forecasts. Central Slabs is another climbing area in the park, offering more beginner routes.
While many guests believe Sand Beach is the only beach at Acadia, Echo Lake Beach is another beach for sunning and swimming , and has somewhat warmer waters. Both Sand and Echo Lake beaches are staffed with lifeguards during the summer season. Little Hunters Beach is another favorite, just off of Park Loop Road with less people and no lifeguard.
The park may be busiest during the summer months and into fall, but it is open year-round. During the winter, parks of the Carriage Roads are groomed and available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Drive your snowmobile on the Park Loop Road or up Cadillac Mountain, ice fish, winter camp, or go for a snowy hike.
Less frequented hiking trails can be found on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island, west of Somes Sound. Try out St. Sauveur Mountain, Beech Cliff Loop or Bernard Mountain Loop.
Some people stay on Mount Desert Island without venturing to the less congested Schoodic Peninsula when visiting the park. Schoodic has a new trail system, and is a one-hour drive from Bar Harbor, or a one hour ferry and Island Explorer ride from Bar Harbor during peak season.
Fall colors are generally best mid-October, so it’s a nice time to visit because crowds are lighter with kids back in school. Acadia also has hundreds of species of birds (the record for species of birds encountered is 338) and is considered to be a premier bird-watching area.
The Park Loop Road is a scenic drive that meanders along the coastline, featuring 27 miles of viewpoints. The road begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center, and grants access to Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain. To avoid crowds, drive to the top of Cadillac either before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Make reservations for a two-and-a-half hour narrated bus tour. It includes three 15-minute stops, including one on Cadillac Mountain, from May through October.
Small sea creatures make for fun discoveries while tidepooling. At low tide, visit the kid-friendly Bar Island Sand Bar to look into the pools for treasures, or Ship Harbor and Wonderland on the west side of Mount Desert Island.
Enjoy lunch picnic-style on a mountain summit or on the ocean’s shore, or head to one of the park’s many picnic area’s, complete with picnic tables and fireplaces. To experience the park at night, head to Sand Beach for a moonlit walk, or find a special spot for stargazing.
Popovers and tea have been served at the Jordan Pond House since the 1890s. Afternoon tea continues to be a tradition today. Mid-day wait times can be long, so visit for tea in the late-morning or early evening.
Acadia’s busy season is from Memorial Day Weekend through the fall, or “leaf peeping” season. To enjoy the park with less people, visit early morning or late afternoon.
Park Loop Road is closed annually December 1 through April 15. Two short sections of the road remain open year-round.
Buy your Acadia National Park pass online, at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, or at a handful of local sites listed on the park’s website. This the first year that visitors can buy the 7-day pass and the annual pass online.
The park is very dog friendly, featuring 100 miles of hiking trails and and 45 miles of carriage roads where pets are permitted.
Acadia’s free shuttle system, the Island Explorer, operates from June 23 through Columbus Day. It brings visitors to spots in the park including hotels, inns and campgrounds, with stops that include Acadia Mountain, Bubble Rock, Parkman Mountain and the Cadillac North Ridge Trail.
With 127 miles of hiking trails, it is important to buy a trail map at a local outfitter or the visitor’s center and to closely plan out routes with it.
Blackwoods, Seawall and Schoodic Woods campgrounds are all located on Mount Desert Island. Duck Harbor Campground is located on Isle au Haut and is inaccessible to automobiles. Wildwood Stables Campground is on Mount Desert Island and is open only to visitors with stock animals. Reservations are recommended May through October. National Recreation Reservation Service handles reservations, not the park, by phone at 877-444-6777 or at recreation.gov.
Special use permits for events, commercial photography, weddings and more are to be applied for through a form on the park’s website.
Written by Kim Fuller for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.
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