Rock climbing could change to protect the wild — but will that make it more dangerous? What does it mean for land to be “wild?” It’s a question that federal land managers have thought about since the Wilderness Act of 1964, which defined wilderness as areas “...untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Our national parks and public lands have visitor centers, fire lookouts, and other approved "installations" that help us enjoy the wild safely. But just what defines an installation has become the center of a recent debate between rock climbers and conservationists. Alec Cowan Diana Opong Play AudioListen 18 mins
Cougar attacks five mountain bikers on a trail in Washington state Cougars are solitary animals rarely seen in the wild, but on Saturday, five people were attacked by one on a trail in Washington. No one died, but at least one of the cyclists was hospitalized. Diba Mohtasham
How five women fought off a cougar for 45 minutes On February 17, five friends set out on a long bike ride in the Cascade foothills north of Snoqualmie. What started as a routine ride for the group of 50 Angela King tells the women's story for the first time since the attack. Angela King Natalie Akane Newcomb Clare McGrane Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 11 mins
Hear it again: Documenting local hummingbirds Soundside Producer Hans Anderson talks to Burke Museum Curator of Birds Alejandro Rico Guevera about the local hummingbird population, in a story that originally aired in January. Hans Anderson Libby Denkmann Play AudioListen 9 mins
Mount Rainier visitors react to new timed entrance reservation policy If you want to visit Mount Rainier this summer, the time to plan your trip is now. That’s because for the first time, the park’s most popular entrances will require timed reservations. KUOW spoke to park visitors to hear what they think about the new rule. Joshua McNichols Play AudioListen 5 mins
Annoyed by crowded hikes and campgrounds in Washington state? There are apps for that The population boom in Western Washington has brought crowds to some of the region’s most iconic trails and campgrounds. KUOW looked at three apps or websites that aim to make your quest for the perfect hike or camping spot more successful. Joshua McNichols Play AudioListen 5 mins
Reporter's Notebook: How the Olympus Rally left me in the dust, and in awe Our reporter volunteered at the Olympus Rally near Shelton on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, a two-day rally car race with regional and national stakes. Katie Campbell
We foraged mushrooms and they were delicious Spring is well and truly underway, which means it’s mushroom hunting season in the woods in and around Seattle. Today on the show we take a trip to a local forest to learn some basics of the art of mushroom foraging. Daniel Winkler is a professional mushroom forager and author of "Fruits of the Forest: A Field Guide to Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms." Caroline Chamberlain Gomez Jeannie Yandel Patricia Murphy Play AudioListen 17 mins
Yes, hiking. No, traffic. Trailhead Direct offers car-free travel from Seattle to the mountains This year, Trailhead Direct features one route to Mount Si and the return of a second route, after a two-year absence, to the Issaquah Alps. Stephen Howie
