Stuck at Home Social distancing? It’s been rough. This is a challenging time for everyone. Here in Portland, Oregon the sun is starting to shine and it’s getting more difficult to stay inside but we know we must. So for the time being we’re watching some great adventure movies and shows to get us through. Here’s some of our favorites we’ve watched so far and links to their streaming services. Hope you enjoy!
KEN BURNS: THE NATIONAL PARKS, AMERICAS BEST IDEA
This entire series is on Amazon Prime. If you’re a history buff and you’ve never watched Ken Burns documentaries you’re in for a treat. In this series he chronicles the history behind how the National Parks originated. Its fascinating and you’re bound to learn something new about your favorite parks. He also has other great documentaries on various subjects from country music to the Vietnam War.
Meru is a documentary about Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker, and Renan Ozturk’s ascent of Mount Meru in the Himalayas. Its an hour and a half and bound to keep you on your toes. You can find it on Amazon Prime.
If you’re looking for some climbing documentaries. Dawn Wall is a great place to start. Its about Tommy Caldwell’s ascent of the Dawn Wall in Yosemite National Park. It’s on Netflix.
Free Solo is about Alex Honnold’s ascent of El Capitan without a rope. El Cap is located in Yosemite National Park and is 3,200 ft tall. This documentary is very well made and has great ariel shots that showcase beautiful scenery of Yosemite. Check it out on Hulu.
The tag line to this movie is the race that eats its young. Its about a race based on a famous prision escape in the Tennessee mountains. Only 10 people finished the race in the first 25 years. Its definitely exciting to watch ultra marathoners try to attempt it. You can find it on Amazon Prime.
This is a feel good movie all about a group of friends thru hiking the John Muir Trail. It’s one of those movies that makes you want to call up your friends and get to hiking. Definitely was bitter sweet to watch at a time like this but is a reminder of good times to come. Its now out on Amazon Prime.
Honeyland is about a women in Northern Macedonia who utilizes ancient beekeeping traditions to cultivate honey. The movie showcases the conflict that arises when her neighbors do not heed her advice. You can find it on Hulu.
Another climbing movie except this one takes the viewer on a tour across Africa. This movie showcases beautiful scenery along with some really cool climbs. It also features Alex Honnold. Great to watch if you want some desert scenes and epic views. Its also on Amazon Prime.
This movie covers the history of rock climbing the Yosemite Valley. It also has some kickass views and makes your want to hang a hammock in Yosemite valley and climb some epic crags. It is on Amazon Prime.
Unstoppable is about pro surfer Bethany Hamilton. Bethany lost her arm in a shark attack as a child and still went on to surf some of the biggest waves in the world. This is feel good movie with lots of beautiful ocean shots. It is on Netflix.
National Parks Adventure follows professional climber Conrad Anker and his family as he tours through some of our National Parks. Its another good movie that makes you want to get out there and explore. You can find it on Netflix.
This is a movie about a group of hikers thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It has some beautiful scenery as well that makes you want to get in the backcountry and plan some backpacking trips. You can view it on Amazon Prime.
Climbers talk honestly about why they explore the outdoors, how they take calculated risks and the meaning of life. An inspirational film that touches on how we interact with death, the outdoors and how we live.
This is a show where a Canadian journalist travels through the United States. It is a lot more tame than the other movies up there but still filled with a lot of knowledge and places to explore. Each episode is short and sweet. This is on Amazon Prime.
BEST PARKS EVER, LONELY PLANET
Each of these episodes is short as well and feature different national parks and cool things you should check out in each of them. It’ll make you want to bust out your map and start planning your next trip. You can find on Amazon Prime.
If you live in Oregon you’ll love this series all about the great places to explore in our state. Great for planning your next adventure. You can find on PBS.
Thinking of you all. Stay Safe & Healthy out there!