Cycling Chelan/Wenatchee, more outdoor recreation/travel news from

This is some of what regional newspapers are writing around travel and recreation around the Pacific Northwest.

Biking Chelanatchee: I headed east across the mountains to the roads and trails in the swath of cycling nirvana known (to me, anyway) as Chelanatchee: Chelan and Wenatchee. (Guess it can also be Wenatchelan.) A land of low-traffic roads, smooth cross-country trails and a sky-high golden orb radiating warmth. From Mike McQuaide and the Seattle Times.

National champion trees in Josephine County: Josephine County is home to the largest knobcone pine and Brewer spruce in the United States, after two local tree hunters discovered and nominated them. The knobcone is located in Cathedral Hills Trail System while the Brewer spruce is near Tanner Lake. _ From Zach Urness and the Grants Pass Daily Courier.

Cowlitz County wildlife habitat eyed: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to acquire 1,400 acres north of Merrill Lake in Cowlitz County that includes massive old-growth fir and cedar, ancient lava flows and Kalama Falls. "This has all the features of a national park,'' said Bill Richardson, Washington-Oregon lands program manager for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. _ From Allen Thomas and the Vancouver Columbian.

Five Washington farmers markets worth the drive: Summer is peak season for Washington's farmers markets, which make a colorful and tasty destination for day trips on your own or with guests from out of town. Here's a sampling of five, with ideas for other stops while you're there. _ By Carol Pucci and the Seattle Times.

Hiking tips when you go by dog: As a nature writer and former wilderness ranger, Ceiridwen Terrill has spent a lot of time roaming the wilderness, often with her dogs. Her treks with Inyo, a wolf and husky mix she adopted as a traveling companion, are the subject of her new book "Part Wild." And her shepherd mix, Argos, has been trained to carry his own backpack. "Even at 12 years old, he can put in the miles," said Terrill, of Portland, a teacher at Concordia University. _ From the New York Times via the Seattle Times.

-- Terry Richard

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