Outdoors

Dwindling Alaska salmon leave Yukon River tribes in crisis
Two salmon species have all but disappeared from Alaska's Yukon River this year, prompting the state to shut down fishing in an effort to save them. The ban has created desperation in tribal communities.
With last remaining fire-related closure lifted, the BWCA is now fully reopened
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now fully reopened to visitors, after a summer of closures due to wildfires. Officials announced Friday that the last remaining closure order in the wilderness was now lifted.
How the drought is impacting Minnesota's fall colors; and leaf-peeping tips
After a summer of high heat and drought across Minnesota, the DNR’s fall color expert had predicted this year's season would be a bit of a flop. But as we enter the first weeks of fall, her predictions have taken a turn.
Leaf now! Head north this weekend for Minnesota's best fall colors
Fall colors are starting to pop across the state. Most areas north of St. Cloud are either at peak or are approaching peak fall colors. Here are some recommendations on where to go for the best leaf peeping.
Droughts are causing leaves to turn brown and wither before they can reach peak color. Heat waves have prompted leaves to fall before autumn even arrives. And extreme weather events like hurricanes strip trees of their leaves altogether.
As mountain biking booms in Minnesota, pro builders help meet the demand for trails
Minnesota is in the midst of a mountain bike trail-building boom. In just the past few years, more than 100 miles of single-track trails have been built in the northeastern corner of the state. And as the trail mileage has grown, so have the number of niche companies that have sprouted up to build them.
Red means go! Minnesota's fall colors start to burst
It’s not even October but Minnesota’s landscape is already flashing some big color. Corners of far northern Minnesota are already approaching their peak or are close to it. Here’s the latest from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Rugged terrain lures mountain bikers to northeastern Minnesota's booming trails
The Split Rock Wilds mountain bike trail officially opens this weekend, traversing about 20 miles of rugged terrain along the North Shore of Lake Superior. It’s just the latest among a burgeoning network of 250 miles of trails in northeastern Minnesota that’s transforming the region into a mountain biking destination.
Orange you happy it's leaf-peeping season? Where to find fall colors this weekend
It's still too early to see the most vibrant shades, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. But portions of northwestern Minnesota are between 25 percent and 50 percent peak.
Adventure sports like mountain biking and climbing are all the rage right now. In Duluth, the city has invested in new bike and ski trails and an ice climbing park. Even as the state grows more diverse, however, those sports remain overwhelmingly white. But groups in Duluth are working to change that.