Lauren Magiera and Steve Scheurer from WGN Chicago came up to Devil’s Lake in June 2019 to film a pilot for Lauren’s new show, Destination Outdoors.

A few months ago, I felt like I was at the top of my climbing game. I on-sighted my first 5.12 trad lead, and had steadily been ticking off long difficult climbs in Washington, Oregon, and Utah. Reaching this level of fitness took years of practice and required overcoming some long-standing mental barriers.

I don't camp at the Devil's Lake often, and when I do it is often last-minute and I can't get a reservation at any of the State Park campgrounds because they fill up so often, especially on the weekends. While out West it's easy to find a quiet piece of public land and sleep in your truck, everything is private property around Devil's Lake, so you have to find a private campground.

Next Sunday, June 2nd, is State Parks Open House Day, which means all state park vehicle admission sticker fees and all state trail pass fees on all department owned properties are waived!

Yesterday was a classic example of how October makes for PERFECT climbing conditions at Devils Lake. The weather forecast called for a high of 55, so I bundled up and prepared for a chilly day. But with sunny skies and no wind, it was downright balmy out there, and we were climbing in t-shirts most of the day.