Phil Hough | Sagle, ID

Phil Hough is a Triple Crown Hiker, Founder of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, community activist, and continuing wilderness wanderer.

Why does wilderness matter to you?

Wilderness is where my wandering soul finds itself at home.

Why does wilderness matter to your community?

We all need wilderness, if not to experience for ourselves, to just know it's there for our kids and grandkids. We need this Wilderness experience accessible to everyone in our communities. If families have a long drive, then chances are they won't go to Wilderness. They won't know what they are missing. They won't know the way that Wilderness will activate the imagination and spirit of their 8 year old.

Share a story about a special experience you have had in wilderness.

Well, I met my wife in Wilderness, on a long hike I was undertaking. She had heard from mutual friends that I was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. The long journey through 49 wilderness areas interested her. Plans were made, she joined me around Mt. Hood, and here we are today 32 years later, still getting out in the wild.

What are your hopes for the future of wilderness?

That the areas we choose to protect and preserve are increased in size and number. That we do not diminish what that protection means. That every kid has a chance to grow up with wilderness in their nearby backyard.