Staff Gift Picks
kate
editor in chief
Gift Pick: Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature
“I first heard Amber Wendler speak about birds on a She Explores podcast and was completely smitten by her passion, openness, and knowledge. Amber then introduced me to Shaz Zamore, an equally dynamic person, and the two of them conceived the book project that is Been Outside—an intimate yet provocative collection about identity and the outdoors. Amber and Shaz brought together a vibrant community of Black writers, all women or nonbinary scientists and adventurers, who reflect on their diverse, stimulating, and at times painful journeys through the natural world. With a foreword by the ever-thoughtful Carolyn Finney and proceeds benefiting the wonderful Humble Hustle organization, this is a book that brings an undeniable energy to every page.”
Personal Favorites:
Earth Almanac, Fresh Pantry, Mud, Rocks, Blazes
DARRYL
director of sales & marketing
Gift Pick: Return of the Bison: A Story of Survival, Restoration, and a Wilder World and The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf's Final Journey
"This year I'm planning to give folks a pair of natural history books: Return of the Bison, by Roger Di Silvestro, and The Wanderer, by Tom Walker. Both books feature the latest science and research about two iconic species--bison and wolves--but go much deeper, using immersive storytelling to explore expansive landscapes, freedom-to-roam, cultural history, and how humans can (or cannot) co-exist with these near-mythical wild animals. Thrilling and thought-provoking."
Personal Picks:
Best Hikes with Kids Western Washington, Way Out There, the Urban Trails series
Alison
Customer service & metadata manager
Gift Pick: Knowing the Trees: Discover the Forest from Seed to Snag
"This year I will be gifting Knowing the Trees by Ken Keffer to all of my nature-loving friends. I learned so much reading this book – both informative and engaging, it covers a wide range of natural history, facts and stories about forests and trees. With beautiful illustrations throughout, it makes for the perfect gift for any nature enthusiast!"
Personal Picks:
It Happened Like This, Dirty Gourmet: Plant Power, Been Outside
mary
senior editor
Gift Pick: Rare Air: Endangered Birds, Bats, Butterflies, & Bees
"Sure, my birding friends and family members already have a ton of books about birds, but I'm sure they'll welcome this addition because it's different than any other bird book I've ever seen. Sarah Kaizar really captures the quirkiness of individual bird species in her art, and the text has details you don't get elsewhere. It's a book that's both inspiring and (in the nicest way possible) educational."
Personal Picks:
Trees of the West, A Sideways Look at Clouds, The Bond
joleen
Distribution Center SUPERVISOR
Gift Pick: Campfire Stories Volumes I & II
"The entire Campfire Stories collection make great gifts, but I love the books the most. They are really cute and have a great range of stories."
Personal Picks:
Bears Don't Care About Your Problems, Camping Washington, A Sideways Look at Clouds
laura
marketing manager
Gift Pick: Discovering the Outlaw Trail: Routes, Hideouts, and Stories from the Wild West & Owls 2024 Calendar
"This year I am excited to give my in-laws a copy of Discovering the Outlaw Trail by Mike Bezemek. They love doing interesting outdoor adventures and I know they'll enjoy the historical stories included. I also have a tradition of giving my mother-in-law bird calendars, and this year will be no different. I know she'll love Paul Bannick's Owls 2024 wall calendar."
Personal Favorites:
A Shape in the Dark, Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington, Bears Don't Care About Your Problems
tom
publisher & director of finance & operations
Gift Pick: The Naturalist at Home: Projects for Discovering the Hidden World Around Us
“I've kicked off the giving season a bit early this year, sending boxes of Mountaineers Books with my kids as gifts for their classrooms and school libraries. Our field guides, natural history books, and Mac's Guides have been a hit with every grade, but Kelly Brenner's Naturalist at Home is an outstanding new addition this year. The project-based approach makes the book so interactive -- great for getting the kids off screens and out in the world. Who can say no to growing slime mold or catching mites on their own face?"
Personal Favorites:
A Thousand Trails Home, Orca, Best Hikes with Dogs Western Washington
ellie
sales representative
Gift Pick: Waterfall Atlas of the United States
"I’ve got lots of friends and family who have a thing for waterfalls. The stunning photography and bucket list potential is enough to make it the perfect gift, but this book is also packed with history, fun facts and fascinating tidbits that make it hard to put down. My message this year will be to go chasing waterfalls (sorry TLC)! "
Personal Favorites:
Imaginary Peaks, A Shape in the Dark, Alpine Lakes Wilderness
janet
managing editor
Gift Pick: The Last Empty Places: A Journey Through Blank Spots on the Map
"I'm so thrilled that we were able to bring this gem from Peter Stark back into print. When my husband and I took a road trip through the heart of Oregon, I read that chapter aloud as he drove. It gave us a completely fresh perspective on the landscape we traveled through. The blend of travelogue, history, and reflection on place is the perfect companion for any explorers in your life."
Personal Favorites:
Washington Wildflower Hikes, Return of the Bison, Dirty Gourmet
Marissa
publicist
Gift Pick: A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains
“I’m excited to give Graham Zimmerman’s memoir, A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains, to all of the mountain-loving armchair adventurers on my list. In particular, I know my father will enjoy reading about Graham’s incredible first ascents, risk calculations, and the joy and importance of partnership in the mountains. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the climate optimism—the belief that this serious and urgent issue is something that we can successfully address together through collective action. It’s empowering and heartening (a refreshing feeling to take away from discussions of climate change!). And of course there’s no shortage of high-octane adventure, some good belly laughs, and serious, thoughtful reflections on risk and loss along the way. ”
Personal Favorites:
Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain, Knowing the Trees, Trees of the West, How to Suffer Outside
kate j.
PUBLICIST
Gift Pick: Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry
"This book has become a staple recommendation for me throughout the year and I'm so excited to give copies for the holidays. Perfect for quiet moments on a camping trip or enjoying at home with a cup of tea, Cascadia is a heartfelt, holistic look at all the Beings that have shaped my love of the Pacific Northwest."
Personal Favorites:
Return of the Bison, Been Outside, Unraveled
laura
editor
Gift Pick: Mount Rainier National Park: An Artist's Tour
"Molly Hashimoto's beautiful watercolors capture the exquisite beauty of this special mountain and surrounding landscape. Perhaps seeing it through her eyes will inspire farther-flung family and friends to plan a trip out here, or come back to observe it with a fresh perspective."
Personal Favorites:
Spirited Waters, A Fine Line, Cascadia Field Guide
jen
creative director
Gift Pick: Dirty Gourmet: Plant Power
"After years of gifting the original Dirty Gourmet cookbook, I'm thrilled to have a second volume to share with friends and family this holiday season. It's jam packed with delicious recipes to enjoy while camping, hiking, or bike touring (my personal favorite). This volume has the added benefit of being 100% vegetarian friendly, a bonus for a lot of people I plan on gifting this to. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys good food in the great outdoors, and sure to be a staple in their camp kit."
Personal Favorites:
The Naturalist at Home, Been Outside, Knowing the Trees
emily
acquisitions editor
Gift Pick: Royal Robbins: The American Climber
"Royal Robbins: The American Climber is a wonderful biography, full of insight, passion, and vivid detail. I always appreciate being whisked away to Yosemite in my mind, and this book does that beautifully. What a gift for climbers and all who simply love a good story about a remarkable life."
Personal Favorites:
Unraveled, Discovering the Outlaw Trail, 52 Ways to Nature Washington
helen
Executive Director of Conservation and Advancement
Gift Pick: Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain
"When a local bookstore says a book is flying off the shelves, and they can’t keep it in stock—you know you have something special. In Salmon, Cedar, Rock & Rain, author Tim McNulty explores the natural history, development, and conservation of Washington’s Olympic peninsula. Members of the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Makah Tribe, and Quinault Indian Nation share their own history, stories, and perspectives. The lush images from over two dozen regional photographers are a visual feast and love letter to a place that cries out for our ongoing engagement to preserve and protect it for generations to come."
Personal Favorites:
Faith of Cranes, The Salmon Way, Mason Bee Revolution
BASIL
HEAD OF SECURITY
Gift Pick: Fruits of the Forest: A Field Guide to Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms
"This year I'm giving all my friends' humans Fruits of the Forest: A Field Guide to Pacific Northwest Edible Mushrooms by Daniel Winkler so we can all go sniffing for mushrooms together!"
Personal Favorites:
Backpacking Washington, 2nd Edition, Barking Buddha