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Similkameen River Valley Overlook 

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Chopaka Mountain Wilderness

Activity: Day Hike, Scenic View, Fly Fishing

3.5 miles, 2 hours duration, rated Moderate

Date:  May 29, 2022

This area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is a large 5,500 acre site. After making our way up a 4×4 trail we parked at Chopaka Lake one of the most famous fly fishing lakes in the lower 48. Actor Tom Skerritt, to name one celebrity, has flown in and fished here. 

This hike certainly shows off the beauty of the area. Everything was so fresh and green. Along our route we enjoyed big fir trees, spring wildflowers, as well as nice lake views. The later part of the trek we made our way up some animal trails and even did a bit of bushwhacking to a favorite cliffside perch with stunning views of the valley, river and Palmer Lake.

A Big Foot Documentary was filmed in this area using infrared cameras in search of the elusive creature.  They didn’t not find any proof of Sasquatch, and for that matter either did we.

If you make it up to the Similkameen River Valley Overlook mind you step as the grassy hill is deceptive as to just how steep it is and what lies just beyond that grass, which is nothing because it is a sheer cliff. The view is stunning, taking in the surrounding mountains and hills, the valley, the river and Palmer Lake. When you lookout towards the left, from that vantage point, you are looking at Canada. It is a splendid spot to sit, have a snack and enjoy one another’s company.

On the way back we stopped at the famous fly fishing Chopaka Lake and Dale cast his fly out into the lake in hopes of a trout. We saw a nice one in the shallows, but I guess he was not hungry.

Peggy sets the pace, and Marina strikes a pose.

Local Guides sister Peggy and husband Dale cliffside
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel Click the Pic!
In life, just like on the trail, don’t forget to slow down and take in the view.  

Thanks to our local guides Dale and sister Peggy. Nick, Marina, Alec and I took a moment to take the pack off, both literally and figuratively, as we were ’Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. Stay with us for more adventures, it is easy to do so by fulfilling a couple easy steps: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. PBTA travels extensively throughout the West. If you go to the menu above it may give you some ideas for an adventure of your own. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you are in need of adventure wear, such as that displayed in the pictures by some of our wonderful action models, then I invite you to go to SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Old Logging Road

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Near Lake Bonaparte in Tonasket of Okanogan County

Marina, Alec and I had ventured to Lake Bonaparte to climb Mount Bonaparte, the third highest peak in NE Washington. We were disappointed that the trail was closed at the time. So our guide, an intrepid hiker, who just happens to be my Brother-in-Law, Dale, enlightened us that just going out into Nature in these woods would bring us to the very thing that we were seeking, and that would be Balance through a renewed connection with the outdoors. My daughter, Marina, had been hard at work on her doctorate at the University of Wisconsin, and my son, Alec, had been hitting the books all year long at the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad California and they both sorely need a break and the forests of Washington had that and oh so much more.

We climbed into Dale’s 4×4 and headed up an old logging road. As the road turned into a trail we got out for a spontaneous hike. It was a journey to become close to nature, the sights of the big firs, wild flowers starting to bloom, a very tiny baby frog, a break in the clouds, the cool fresh air in our lungs, the breeze through the trees made us all feel more relaxed and recharged.

As Marina and her Uncle Dale took a snack break. Alec and I scampered up an embankment, bushwhacking a bit up to a clearing where we could take in our surroundings more clearly. We peered out over the tree tops of the forest at neighboring hills and dales. A suddenly clap of thunder and a few drops of rain reminded us how Washington got so green. Lucky for us it did not start pouring until after our hike.

Even a simple outing such as taking an old logging road into the forest and a short hike among the trees can put the mind at ease, while the muscles engage, and the soul soars high.

CLICK THE PIC to see the video of our forest adventure on the PBTA YouTube Channel
Storm clouds accumulate over Lake Bonaparte.
We later discovered why the forests are so green as liquid sunshine was released from the heavens.
“The forest is an asylum of peace and dancing shadows.” – John F. Carlson

Thanks for joining Dale, Marina, Alec and I on our journey into the forests of Washington ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure.’ We hope that you will join us again and the best way to do that is LIKE. COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go up to the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures to many wonderful places throughout the West that you can use as inspiration as you contemplate your next adventure. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you need Adventure Wear, one example would be the ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Cap that I have on in the picture next to the truck, then please checkout the many items available on SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

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Spooky Old Abandon Mining Operation

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Okanogan County, Washington

Activity: Exploration

I have been in quite a few old abandon mines throughout the West, but this is my first old abandon mining operation. This once sturdy, proud building with it heavy wooden beams is anything but sturdy today. Some 125 years ago it would have been bustling with mill workers separating the precious metal from the heavy ore. Now it is a creaky, dusty, old building, window panes are all gone, part of the roof is bare, the flooring is suspect, it is decrepit, dilapidated, decaying, musty and is a ghost from a bygone era.

It is a story as old as the West it’s self. Native American’s lived on this land for thousands of years. Gold and Silver are discovered and there is a Rush creating Boom Towns almost over night pushing the Native Americans out and Towns sprung up throughout the West. Okanogan County Washington was dotted with mines as hordes of gold seeking prospectors flooded in. The Rush lasted for a dozen years or so and little is left of that Boom and Bust time, but some holes in the mountain and this Spooky Old Abandon Mining Operation from days gone by.

Scary video of the Spooky Old Abandoned Mining Operation on my PBTA YouTube Channel. (Click the Pic)
“We are only a moment.” – Emma Oliver

Thanks for joining me on this journey back in time ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in an Old Abandon Mining Operation. It was interesting and eerie at the same time. I wasn’t supposed to be there. The building is condemned, unsafe and I was the only one in the entire area. Plus it is sorta spooky looking and the folks that worked there are long gone. Who knows they probably still haunt this place seeking their unfulfilled fortunes. They don’t call these old places Ghost Towns for nothing. To continue seeking balanced through wonder and excitement stayed tuned by doing these simple tasks: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will find that PBTA ventures to many fascinating locales throughout the WEST and seeks out beautiful and interesting places to hike, backpack, explore, bike, kayak, 4 Wheel and so forth and so on. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You can’t really make it out in the picture, but I am wearing a PBTA hat which you can find along with other top quality Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

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Winter Arrives at Palmer Lake

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Loomis

Activity: Snow Hiking, Snow Shoeing

Date: December 2021

Winter wonderland comes to Northern Washington’s Palmer Lake. The snow flakes were flying, and Jack Frost was nipping at our nose. Palmer Lake washed out in the subdued colors of grey, black and white, made it clear winter is here. All was quiet other that the distance honk of Canadian Geese and the ripples of the lake lapping at the shore. The air was crisp and cold, bringing a rosy color to chapped cheeks. The snow crackled and crunched with each step as we gained altitude and snow depth which each step. There were tracks meandering across the trail some identifiable such as the plentiful deer, others raised an eyebrow knowing that there are predators in this area. Out of the corner of my eye I spied a coyote shadowing us up on a nearby ridge. 

What a great outing with my sister, Peggy, as she introduced me to snow shoeing. So nice to be out together in nature on such a winter’s day. I loved the snow shoeing and as the snow deepened so did my appreciation of the equipment, thinking back to post holing my way up to Big Horn Peak in California last winter in snow up to my knees in my micro spikes. 

The lake and surrounding mountainsides were somewhat shrouded by fog and clouds as the snow came down ever so lightly making such a lovely wintery scene.

Sister Peggy and I snow shoed to an overlook of snowy Palmer Lake
“Off all the paths you take to hike, make sure a least a few of them are snow” – Roger Jenkins
Video of Our Snow Shoeing on PBTA YouTube click pic

Thanks for joining sister Peggy and I while we were ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ up a snowy mountainside in snow shoes and enjoying every minute of the Winter Wonderland. I hope that you will join us for more adventures and you can do so by performing a few easy tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you take a look at the menu above you will see that PBTA ventures to many idyllic locations. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like the beanie I am wearing in the photo I invite you to SHOP APPAREL where you will find top quality gear with the logo and mantra. Not only will you look and feel the part of an Adventurer seeking the balance from the hectic and mundane you will be helping spread the word that Epic Encounters in Nature are one of the keys to cleansing the soul.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Palmer Lake Burn Springs Back to Life

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RE-HIKING THE PALMER LAKE FIREBREAK

NEAR LOOMIS WASHINGTON

Activity: Day Hike

>8 miles, 2,630’ elevation change, 4 hour duration, rated Hard

Date: 4-18-21

I took this hike, ‘Hiking the Firebreak’, back in November and it was easy to see that the firebreak made a big difference to the Palmer Lake area as the wildfire burned over the ridge and right down to the firebreak. The use of the firebreak by the brave firefighters made a difference. Last year the ground was charred and black, but now with Spring’s promise of renewal the area is literately “Springing” back to life. It was great to see not only the domestic animals, a herd of beautiful horses being sustained by the land, but a strong deer population as well.

I invite you to enjoy my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ YouTube Channel clip “Hiking the Palmer Lake Firebreak”.

PBTA YouTube Channel

On this particular hike I went past the ridge line to a nearby peak. I had wanted to summit nearby Bullfrog Peak, but came to realization that there wasn’t enough time in the day to accomplish that task. There was a climb down from where I was and then up to the summit of Bullfrog and all of that was going to add mileage and elevation change that there just wasn’t time for. Another day…

“Like wildflowers; You must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would .” – Evan Williams

Thanks for joining me ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ to a unnamed peak above Palmer Lake via the Palmer Lake Firebreak. I find solace in the renewal Spring brings each year. The ice on the lake is long gone, winter snow has melted away from all, but the Chopaka Mountain. It is good to see new life rise up from the ashes. Please stay with me for more adventure here at ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Washington Hiking by leaving a COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. You can find adventurous undertakings throughout the West by going to the Menu above. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You can find PBTA Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL.

  • Btw there is a Father’s Day Special of 30% off all Cotton Tees, just leave me a message with your order to receive the special price.)

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Spring Time at Palmer Lake

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Near Tonasket, WA

Palmer Lake is a special place in Okanogan County just outside Loomis, WA. It is wonderful anytime of year, but with the blossoms from the pears, and cherry trees in bloom along with all the apple trees beginning to leaf out it is spectacular. The weather starts to warm up, the deer are down grazing near the lake edge, and the osprey are soaring overhead.

A little walking by the lake, a little hike up the mountain to enjoy views of the surroundings, and of course the heavenly views of Palmer Lake.

The things I do to increase my FOLLOWING! No that is not a rubber snake nor is it dead, checkout the video, (Coming Attraction), and watch the flicking tongue. The creature in my hand has the coloring of a RATTLESNAKE, however it does not have the large angular head, nor the rattle. It is a gopher snake. Just the same KIDS DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, OR HOME ON THE RANGE EITHER!

Time spent outdoors is not spent it is invested.

Thanks for traveling with me to Palmer Lake, located in about the center of Washington State just shy of the Canadian Boarder. What a great place to find yourself ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. It is a place of mountains, and rolling grass highlands, lakes, and timber, a place to perch on a peak, or stand next to the lake and reflect in the quiet ambience of a sunny day. If you want to be included in more inspirational experiences then here is what you should do: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you would like to checkout other places to be PBTA then go to they menu above. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. While you at it go to SHOP APPAREL where you will find logoed adventure wear. You will not only adorn yourself with top quality gear, but you will carry forth the manta ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ immersing yourself in a world of unplugging- a place about getting away, putting down the heavy pack filled with all the worries, fears, noise, confusion, responsibilities, and deadlines of our busy, crazy, world… if only for awhile. Breath in, breath out, breath in nature, breath out stress and anxiety.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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SINLAHEKIN’s Blue Lake

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SINLAHEKIN WILDLIFE AREA

OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS

LOOMIS, WASHINGTON

Date: 12-12-20

Activity: Day Hike

3.5 miles, 2 hour duration

A couple days after my adventure: ’Quiet Walk Through a Dormant Land’ in the Sinlahekin Valley I returned to the area. In stark contrast to my first outing, the weather was bright and beautiful. I savored the joys of adventure and discovery through the snowy area this time along Blue Lake with my brother-in-law Dale, an outdoor enthusiast, backpacker and lover of nature.

All of the surrounding mountains and ruggedness of the cliffs were now fully exposed, illuminated in brilliant sunshine. However, the weather did change towards the end of our hike as the low hung clouds once again returned to the valley with weather beginning to rolling in.

We navigated the snow covered back road effortlessly with 4WD, and then hiked the backside of the lake along a snow hidden trail. I was fascinated when Dale discovered bob cat tracks on our trek. Boy, would that have been something to see if I had the chance. Most of Blue Lake was frozen over, but there still was a portion where we saw ducks and geese enjoying the day in ice clear water. A spectacular outing in a beautiful pristine spot.

4WD is necessary to navigate the snow covered country road.
Nature has a way to repeatedly awaken ones senses and speak to the heart – Ray Jardine
Dale takes a snack break with snowy mountains and an icy lake view.

Thanks for joining Dale and I as we found ourselves ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’, at Blue Lake in the Sinlahekin. My brother in law would be the first to tell you, as a busy lawyer, nature is so important to releasing some of the stress and to balance out such a busy life. Replenishing emotional and mental wellness by balancing that connection between body and mind through the healing that nature provides is essential. ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure‘s’ prescription is simple: fresh air, a little exercise, let your mind and indeed your soul be nurtured by the stunning beauty that Mother Nature has provided. You only need to get out and open up your senses. Feel the winter breeze, smell that wonderful pine scent, spy the glint of the sun off of a icy crag, listen to the wild geese honking across the sky, breath it in, breath it out, feel the rekindling. Stay with us as we continually experience rebirth through profound experiences in nature. You can do this by these very simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and don’t forget SHARE. If you will browse the menu you will see other special places to gain this fulfillment, neighboring Oregon, or maybe Utah, California, Nevada, Arizona and numerous place across the West. Be mindful that each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. At SHOP APPAREL you will find PBTA logo adventure wear. Let’s get the word out, “Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Quiet Walk Through a Dormant Land

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SINLAHEIKEN WILDLIFE AREA

OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS

LOOMIS, WASHINGTON

Activity: Day Hike

Date: December 10, 2020

Just 10 miles from the Canadian Boarder in the Okanogan Region lies the Sinlahekin Valley and this wild area.  The Sinlahekin Natural Area is 14,000 acres that supports a diverse population of birds including grouse and pheasant and it’s several small lakes are teeming with water fowl and rainbow trout.  The area also is home to deer and other animals.  

Those visiting Sinlahekin Natural Area can enjoy wooded areas with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, as well as various deciduous trees, rolling hills of grassland, surrounded by the steep hills and mountainsides.  There are 8 miles of trail, the Dave Brittell Memorial Trail.   

In the summer this place would have blue skies reflecting on it’s lakes with steep hills and mountains as a back drop.  In the spring it would be green and  flowering.  Fall would be delightful with many deciduous trees bringing color to the landscape, and in winter it would be a wonderland.

I walked 8 miles of this area in between seasons.  Not Autumn, as all the leaves had fallen leaving a earthy scent of damp soil and decaying leaves hanging in the air. Not winter per se, as there was only a few patches of crisp snow here and there.  The low level clouds hung over the valley fogging the appearance of all but the nearest hills or mountain sides at their foot.  

So my venture was a quiet walk through a dormant land, void of all sound other than the Sinlahekin Creek.  No animals, the lakes were frozen so no jumping fish, or flocks of geese.  I did see a bald eagle investigating a small open water section that was not frozen, obviously searching for his next meal.  Mine was a nice hike in the country, and a time for reflection, a silent time for ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’.

The frozen lake and the low hung clouds let you know that winter had arrive at Sinlahekin.
“I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude.” -Henry David Thoreau

One thing that is great about nature is how it whispers to you while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. On quiet frozen days like this everything seems asleep and at peace, and the experience really sets you at ease which is exactly what the doctor ordered to bring balance from the stress of our real lives, with do this -do that, be here- be there, rush around, work work work. It is nice to have nature heal us with a quiet walk through a dormant land. For more healing through nature and profound experiences of adventure please: COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW. Please support this site by supporting yourself with a shirt, hat or a beanie that carries the important message for you and all lovers of nature: ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ at SHOP APPAREL. To help you find a special place to find that inner peace checkout the menu to see all the many locations that PBTA ventures to. Keep in mind that each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Hiking the Fire Break

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PALMER LAKE

Activity: Day Hike

Distance: 7 miles, approximately 2,200’ elevation gain, 3.5 hours duration, rated Hard

Date: 12-2-20

The Palmer Fire of late Summer 2020 devastated the area. If not for the hard work and heroic deeds of the Fire Fighters it could have been much worse. In regards to Palmer Lake, a command post was set up at a residence that had been evacuated along with the entire area. Resident Dale Crandall, familiar with the terrain, notified the Fire Fighters of a trail that moved along the lay of the land heading up the mountain above the lake and the Firemen brought in equipment and went to work widening the trail and cutting it deeper into the hillside.

The break did it’s job as the fire burned right to it and no further. The mountainside of the break was burned. I observed during my hike that the lakeside of the break was unaffected by the flames. The fire break was successful and stopped the fire from continuing to spread, saving many homes and structures. Due to the success of the Fire Fighters the beauty of Palmer Lake remains intact. Thank you Fire Fighters and First Responders! And our thoughts go out to those that lost their homes in the Tonasket and Loomis area.


As far as my adventure hiking up the mountain that looks down at Palmer Lake, the trail was on the sunny side. The neighboring Palmer Mt was covered with snow while I just experienced snow across the trail every now and again. But once I made the ridge line I was in snow over my boots.  My climb up to the ridge left the only foot prints in the snow that fell some time ago, that is other than deer, rabbit, and maybe coyote. I spied about a dozen deer, which is nothing new for this area, but what is different is that I saw a couple good size bucks.  (Unless I saw the same one twice lol).

I have to say that Layering really works. The temperature was a little above freezing when I started and a little below freezing when I finished. I was wearing my ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ beanie, short sleeve PBTA high performance moisture wicking shirt, then on top of that a fleece lined sweatshirt, a fleece jacket and finally a down sweater/jacket, along with fleece lined hiking pants, and wool hiking socks. I think I will have to do a more scientific post on PBTA Hiking and Backpacking 101 in the near future on the subject of layering. The hike was gaining altitude the entire time and sometimes at a pretty good clip. It wasn’t long until I stripped down to just the short sleeve performance shirt and I was still sweating, probably due to the fleece hiking pants, lol.  I stayed that way until near the end heading down hill after the sun ducked behind the mountain and then put on the fleece lined sweat shirt.

 It was a great hike to get the heart pumping, breath in some fresh air, stretch the legs, take in wonderful views of Palmer Lake, and get into some of the white stuff. The hike wandered through some upper grassy pastures. Some horses came over to say hello. They probably thought that I was going to feed them. I was rewarded with snow in an wooded area at the top. It was a very nice adventure following the Fire Break to the ridge.

Burned area is making a come back as little shoots of green are sprouting up. The picture on the right shows that the fire burned right down to the fire break, but not beyond.

Live, love, hike. I hiked to find peace. I hiked to feel free. I hiked to feel strong

‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ – Hiking the Palmer Lake Fire Break to the top of the ridge above. Thanks for accompanying me, as it is always nice to hike with someone even if it is just virtual support in spirit. Stay with me by doing each of these important steps: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu above you will see other places throughout the West that are worthy. You read about layering, now mosey over to SHOP APPAREL and do some layering of your own.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Highland’s Sno Park

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OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR TONASKET, WASHINGTON

5.3 miles, 708’ elevation change, duration 2.5 hours, rated Moderate

My sister Peggy, brother-in-law Dale and I started out heading for a snowy summit to try out new crampons in the snow. Turns out the hike we chose had much more snow then we expected and would have called for snowshoes. So we opted for nearby choice #2.

Highland’s Sno-Park is a cross country ski trail in a delightful wooded area, with some peak-a-boo vistas of the surrounding countryside, hills, and distant mountains.

Highland Sno-Park was a nice warm up for future wintery hikes. It was wonderful to be out together in the crisp, fresh 26 degree air, listen to the wind in the tree tops, and to hear the fluffy snow crackle with each fallen foot step.

  • 4WD is recommended for country roads during the winter
“What good is the warmth of Summer without the cold of Winter to give it sweetness” John Steinbeck

Thanks for joining Dale, Peggy, and I as we went on a snowy winter trek ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Stick with us like the little boy who was dared to lick the frozen flag pole by the these means: FOLLOW, COMMENT, LIKE, and SHARE. The Menu above will give you ideas for your next outing in nature to free yourself, if only for awhile, to delight in nature, to dwell on adventure, and revel in the moment of the journey. Each Menu location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. What do you think of the new PBTA Beanie keeping me warm? You can find it at SHOP APPAREL.

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure