Cold Weather Adventure
From the Winter 2026 Issue
Bucket-list adventures, rescued dogs and heartwarming stories on every snowy trail
“It wasn’t my first choice as a job,” said Stephen Porter, telling about answering a want ad over 20 years ago that introduced him to guiding and dog mushing. But it grew on him, even though he eventually went on to run a successful catering business. Then COVID hit, and his thoughts turned once again to those previous days of working outdoors, and with dogs. So he moved to North Idaho from Colorado with his family and, last year, began offering sled dog tours of the Coolin area’s wild backcountry.
“We make people happy,” he said about his new venture. “We fulfill dreams. For a lot of people, riding with sled dogs is something they have on their bucket list.” Sledding, he said, offers people a chance for activity outdoors in the winter regardless of their athletic ability. “It’s fun for kids, but it’s fun for adults, too. And it’s just beautiful out there,” he added. “It’s so quiet. You can hear the dogs breathe, and the pad of their feet, and it’s really scenic.” The experience, which can last close to three-and-a-half hours when including the safety lectures and meet-and-greet with the dogs, offers plenty of photo and video opportunities to capture such a special time.
The tours include over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and go both fast and slow, with a break in the middle for snacks and hot cocoa.
But there’s more than just an outdoor experience with Priest Lake Husky Sled Tours, Porter said. “Our tours are very educational in addition to being very fun.” The company uses rescued Huskies, for the most part, “and with 40 dogs we have 40 stories to tell.” Participants learn all about the dogs’ individual stories, plus information on the breed and even on the history of sledding. And they get to know the dogs. “Our dogs are very sweet, very loving,” said Porter, who trains them himself. “They’re awesome animals.”
Husky dogs are often surrendered when owners realize they can’t meet the dog’s needs. “They need at least two hours of exercise every day,” he explained.
Like Sky, a female who works as a backup leader. “I rescued her in Dallas,” Porter said. “She was the first dog in the kennel, and she also helped me deal with the loss of a dog I’d had for 17 years. I rescued her out of an abuse situation there.” She used to be a house pet, he said, but she prefers to sleep in the kennel with the other dogs. Now about 6 years old, “She’s a clown, a comedienne. She’s funny and playful and a super hard worker. She loves to run.” Sky, he added with a laugh, is one of his top 40 favorites.
Breathtaking scenery, the quiet of the mountains, and the happy sounds of dogs who have found a forever home on the trail. It’s North Idaho in a way you haven’t seen it yet.
If sledding with dogs is on your bucket list, there’s no need to head to Alaska—you can check that off right here at home. Visit www.plhuskies.com to learn more.
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