Amputee Outdoors
Outdoor adventures can feel intimidating, especially if you’re an amputee.  It doesn't have to be.  

Mt. Ashland is one of those trails that, if you live in the Ashland, Jacksonville, Medford triangle, you're sort of required to hike it. It's up there with Upper and Lower Table Rocks and Roxy Ann. Even if it wasn't, you'd still want to hike up there.

From my backyard — and honestly from my whole neighbourhood — Roxy Ann dominates the eastern skyline. The peak stands at 3,576 feet and overlooks the entire Rogue Valley, from the Table Rocks all the way down toward California. On a clear day, you can even spot Mt. Shasta from the main viewpoint.

On this nature walk, I chose the quieter path — no steep climbs, no dramatic vistas, just the simple pleasure of moving through a beautiful, thoughtfully designed park. And honestly, that’s exactly why it remains one of my favorite places to unwind.

Length: 6.3 miles Elevation Gain: 816 feet You can check out the video trail report here: Lower Table Rock Trail Report: Medford, Oregon - Amputee Outdoors Lower Table Rock is practically Medford’s backyard — about 12 miles out, maybe a 15–20 minute drive if you hit the lights right. Because it’s so close, and because the views of the Rogue Valley are ridiculous in the best way, it gets busy on weekends. But honestly, it’s short enough that you can knock it out after work in

Length: 2.8 miles Elevation Gain: 337 feet Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash You can watch the video trail review here: https://youtu.be/6CFKj7-Bzjw Before I even get to the trail review, I want to tell you about the road up the mountain. It would make a great road for a James Bond car chase scene. The curves are numerous and tight, there are some guard rails, but there aren't any guard rails where you'd expect them to be. When you're driving up there, just take it c

You can check out the video trail report here: Upper Table Rock Trail Report - Amputee Outdoors My wife and I have just moved to southern Oregon and of course, I have to hike the two most obvious geological features of the Rouge River Valley, Upper and Lower Table Rock. In this report I cover Upper Table Rock, Lower Table Rock report will be post when I've done that trail. First some facts about these mesas: The names 'Upper' and 'Lower' don't refer to their height, the name

Spring is here so we can all get back out there on the trails, (winter hikers never left them, but that's a different story). I've recently moved to southern Oregon where, unlike western Washington, there's Poison Oak. Knowledge is the most important thing we take with us into the wild, ( see my article 3 Principles of Hiking and Backpacking ), so I've done my research on it. Many of you may already know all this, some may not, in either case, it's good to brush up on the s

The top ten states for hiking trails shouldn't surprise anyone, and they get lots of attention. So, let's talk about three states with the least number of hiking trails. NOTE: Before reading this, scroll down and find your state in the complete list. Why Some States Have So Few Hiking Trails — And Where You Can Still Find Accessible Ones If you look at hiking statistics across the United States, a clear pattern emerges. States like California , Colorado , and Washington dom

As an amputee, successful hiking is all about choosing the right gear, protecting your residual limb, and building up gradually so you can enjoy the trail instead of fighting it.

It's possible to hike well on a budget if you understand why prices rose and how to work with the new reality.

You’ve probably noticed it too. Gear that used to be a solid deal now makes your wallet hurt. A two-person tent that once ran about $150? You’re lucky to find one under $350 these days. And that’s before you get to poles, pads, or first aid kits. Even after factoring in inflation, the numbers still don’t add up. Something bigger’s going on— it’s as if the whole hiking scene itself changed.

Every hiker knows that weather can make or break a day outdoors. But when you check the forecast for a trail abroad, or use a local map with its own readings, you might find yourself pausing: 15°C—so… is that chilly or perfect? Understanding how Celsius and Fahrenheit relate helps you plan, pack, and stay safe on the trail.

We've all been there: staring up at a seemingly endless switchbacks, the designated trail zig-zagging back and forth, adding extra distance to your climb. Just a few steps straight up, a quick cut through the bushes, and you'd save precious minutes. It's the ultimate temptation on the trail—the shortcut. Or that social trail that goes off to what must be a great view. Perhaps it's a trail that's too tough for others, but not you.

11 ideas for hiking gear that would enhance the hiking experience and make it safer.

We love our gear and a lot of us are always looking for the next great piece of gear that will solve a problem, make something easier, weigh less, etc. Outdoor gear manufacturers know this and are always working on new stuff we can't live without. However, with all the new gear that comes out each year, there's going to be a few items that make you ask, "What were they thinking?"

Did you know that between just Memorial Day and Independence Day this year (2025), there were 27 backcountry rescue missions? Doesn't sound like a lot until you realize this is a 400% increase for the month of May and a 550% increase for June!

Winter hiking and camping aren't for the faint of heart. With the constant threat of hypothermia, frostbite, freezing temperatures, and the burden of a heavier backpack, it can seem like a daunting endeavor. So, why would anyone willingly subject themselves to these harsh conditions?

Exploring the great outdoors is a thrilling experience, but it's crucial to be aware of the dangers that can come with cold weather. Hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce, can turn a fun adventure into a life-threatening situation if not properly managed.

This time of the year you’re not likely to see Mt. Rainier or even much of a view when hiking the Carbon River Trail to Ipsut Creek Campgrounds. You’re not there for the views so much as you are there to take the time to soak in the beauty of an inland temperate rainforest. The hike is really more like an easy nature walk. Only about 600 feet elevation gain by the time you get to the campground. This gives you the time to relax and marvel at the old grow h Western Red Ceda

Let me start with an explanation of this review. The Viking 32L Trident backpack is a sissy bar backpack designed with motorcyclists in...

What ever your plans are for winter camping, these ten pieces of gear have to be in your pack, Not including them will at best result in a disappointing trip, at worst, add you to a list of statistics you don't want to be on.

Winter in the Pacific Northwest transforms its lush green landscapes into a winter wonderland, offering a unique and invigorating experience for outdoor enthusiasts. However, there is one key attribute of the PNW, especially west of the Cascades, the winters are a wet, very wet. So here are ten tips that can make your PNW experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

This was a last-minute situation. I’d wanted to go solo camping over the weekend before my house became torn apart while we have the kitchen remodeled and my outdoor adventures are postponed. However, the schedule didn’t seem to allow that. But on Saturday afternoon my schedule opened up and the opportunity to do an overnighter became a reality.

The Carbon River Trail used to be a road. So, this means that the hike is probably one of the easiest trails you’ll do. The elevation gain is only about 600 feet and the round trip from trail head to Ipsut Creek Campgrounds and back is 10 miles. The trail is well maintained, but there are a few areas where the Carbon River has washed over the trail.

Enjoying nature requires that you include two crucial things, knowledge and tools. This is true if you’re an experienced backpacker or a newbie. Today, we’re going to discuss the five ways newbie hikers can skip past the newbie stage and go right to the “has a pretty good idea they know what they’re doing” stage.

The humble hiking backpack has undergone a remarkable transformation in the past 70 years, shedding its clunky past to become a sleek, comfortable, and efficient companion on outdoor adventures. Here's a historical journey through key technological advancements in hiking backpack design:

There’s ultra-light, lightweight, casual, and heavy gear that folks take on the trails. Then there’s a category all on its own of “You brought what?”. Here’s a list of ten things that I or other folks have brought on the trail which may not seem to be great idea, but definitely pay off.

I hope you’re all excited about winter hiking this year. I know some of you are new to this, so I wanted to share some tips on how to dress for the cold weather and stay comfortable on the trail. The key to winter hiking is layering. Layering is a system of wearing different types of clothing that you can add or remove depending on the temperature, wind, and precipitation. This way, you can regulate your body heat and avoid getting too hot or too cold.

Lots of folks have written about how popular exploring the outdoors has become and lots of companies have been taking advantage of it. Lots of social media folks and YouTubers too, (yours truly included, check out Amputee Outdoors on YouTube). But just how popular? And what's driving it? I've done some research and was able to track down the number of National Park visits dating back to 1904. To make it easier to understand, I've put it all into this graph.

Many folks will disagree with me on this, but hiking in the rain can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. The trails aren't crowded, the sound of water dripping from the trees is relaxing, and it helps you appreciate the wonders of modern living so much more!

Nature Doesn't Care if You Live or Die

Trail and camp report for Pete and Spectacle Lakes in the Cascades, Washington

I chose Bandera Mountain for a Saturday hike based on the reviews I read and heard from other hikers. They all indicated that if the weather is good, the views are breathtaking. Saturday was going to be a clear day, and the trailhead is for the Ira Spring trail to Mason Lake and Bandera Mountain, making it one of the popular trailheads in the area.

If you love hiking, you may have returned to the trailhead only to find that someone has broken into your car and stolen your belongings. Or you know someone that has. It’s a terrible way to end a beautiful day, and it can cost a lot of money and hassle to fix the damage and replace your items.

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors, connect with nature and challenge yourself. However, it can also be a daunting experience for beginners who may not know what to expect or how to prepare. Here are five common mistakes new backpackers make and how to avoid them.

For some, this is a non-issue. "Who cares so long as you have water?", they ask. For others, this subject prompts derisive looks to outright mockery and destroyed friendships. OK, I exaggerate slightly with that last one, but you get the idea.

Now, this may seem like the dumbest thing to do for those that don't frequently hike in the rain. Which is probably everyone not on the western side of the Cascade mountains in Washington and Oregon. Nonetheless, hiking in the rain can be one of the best times to go hiking. Note: being properly prepared helps. Waterproof boots, jackets, and hats are requirements. :)

What is it about hiking and camping in the snow we enjoy so much? The pristine beauty of the snowy forest? The crispness of the air? The intense quiet? Or is it a blend of everything we love about nature, experienced in a different and challenging environment? In any case, for those of us that love a moderate hike through a snowy forest and campsites a-plenty, Ollalie Lake on the western slopes of the Cascade mountains in Washington is a great choice.

There’s lots of advice on what to take on a hike, and I strongly recommend reviewing that advice from time to time even if you’re an experienced hiker. For this article, we’re going to look at some things you can skip.

First of all, let me come clean and tell you I solo hike a lot. 95% of my hikes are solitary. Aside from the reasons below, I have one very crucial reason for hiking alone, I record my hikes for YouTube, (Check out my channel, Amputee Outdoors).

After you’ve been hiking and come home exhausted, have you also noticed you feel good? This is because hiking in nature is good for your mind and emotions. You also get an excellent physical workout too, so that’s a bonus. The benefits of hiking and being in nature are so great that some doctors are now prescribing it to their patients.

Ever had a conversation with someone and realized you’re both using the same word, but defining it differently? This has happened to me a few times when talking about hiking, backpacking, and camping. This blog post isn’t going to be the definitive definition for those words, in fact, it might cause a few arguments, but here goes anyway.

Now don’t get me wrong, putting thought into how you can reduce your pack weight is a good thing to do. Having said that, I’m of the opinion that you can go too far. Ultra-light backpacking, carrying minimal gear and supplies in an effort to reduce weight, can be a useful strategy for certain types of trips and activities. However, it's not always a good idea, and there are some potential drawbacks and risks associated with this approach One of the main drawbacks of ultra-lig

h, how we love our backpacks. And how backpack manufacturers love to tinker with them. Everything from backpacks specifically designed to be theft-proof, to sections that rotate around to your front, to backpacks that stay stationary as you hike, and backpacks with built-in umbrellas. I've collected a few samples of innovative backpacks for your review and entertainment. One thing to keep in mind, all of these backpacks are pricey. Innovation doesn't come cheap you know.

Winter hiking often has two very special highlights: Magical views and fewer people. For those that are willing and able to venture out into the snowy mountains, the views can be spectacular. For those folks that like a little more solitude on even the most popular trails, winter hiking usually deters the larger crowds. However, and this is a big ‘however’, there are some serious issues that should be taken into consideration when hiking in winter.

Let's face it, hiking around in nature carries with it inherent dangers. Everything from twisted ankles to broken bones or worse. Knowing this, and being thinking beings, we plan for that contingency and take steps to prevent injuries. However, things happen. So now you've been injured, what to do?

Poo Poo Point is just outside Issaquah, WA., and is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Seattle area. This means that if you want a parking spot at the trailhead, get there early! It's also where paragliders and hang-gliders take off from. Not during the winter, but in the summer months they are almost constant and a lot of fun to watch.

I was surprised when I got to the Ira Spring trailhead parking lot. I arrived at 8 AM and had expected only a partially filled lot but found it was nearly packed with only a couple of spaces available. The fact that the day was literally cloudless and the sky was that shade of blue that inspired Perry Como had a lot to do with it.

I think at this point, everyone is familiar with layering, (if not I've put a few useful links about it down below). What is often overlooked is the difference between hiking in the cold and relaxing around camp in the cold. So, let's talk about that.

The balmy days of summer are over, and for those of us in the PNW and other northern latitudes, this means the best days of hiking and backpacking are upon us. Seriously. The trails will be a little less crowded and we get to break out our foul-weather