
That Attracts The Explorative Type
Where outdoor and technology companies innovate.
(Kid Goat on Sacajewia Peak, Bridger Mountains- photo, Bryan Schaeffer)

To Do Special Things
Changing the world with new ideas and that good old Montana work ethic.
(Climbing the first pitch of The Standard Route, Neat rock along the Madison River - photo, Bryan Schaeffer)

That Make A Far-reaching Impact
Inspiring the stoke and educating for a great tomorrow.
(Granite Park Chalet, Glacier National Park- photo, Bryan Schaeffer)

Happy trails
Bryan Schaeffer is the founder of BestoftheNW.org, which aspires to improve the quality of life for families through fitness and exploration of the outdoors.
We spent a decade hiking hundreds of trails, completing all the hikes in 3 guidebooks, filming with guidebook authors and illustrating and animating trail maps from our GPS tracks. The project culminated with 227 - 90 second trail videos delivered to our Facebook audience each week.
Our goal is to remove the barriers that keep you and your family from exploring our cherished public lands.
We are currently hiking and mapping trails in SW Montana, 40 trails and counting so far. We aspire to create animated outdoor content that teaches outdoor skills and sustainablity.
The trails await! The next two steps are up to you…
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Let's go explore.
(Beehive Basin, Big Sky - photo, Bryan Schaeffer).

Montana Outdoor Stories
Even though illustrator Seth Neilson never became a full-time mountain man, he and his family have been transformed by the outdoors.
See his My Outdoor Alphabet project come to life with a little animation help.
Two Essential Backcountry Safety Lessons - Featured on Outside Magazine
This animated backcountry safety video learning from some of the top snow scientists in the US takes a look at the definitions of two important snow terms: faceting and sintering.
The American Alpine Club Membership Video
Come climb with us. Join the AAC! This room settler animation plays at live events across the US.