Extraordinary wilderness expert, guide, and dear friend, Martha McPheeters, departed on her final adventure at age 72. Her intrepid spirit moved beyond as she passed peacefully, and on her own terms, in Switzerland October 25, 2024. Martha was an amazing woman with a huge community of like-minded, outdoor enthusiast friends. Of sound mind and hiking mountain peaks ‘til the last day!

Women’s Wilderness Discovery was enriched by Martha’s leadership – her very presence. She will be missed! Martha embodied curiosity, wisdom, and joy. Her depth of wilderness expertise was second to none, in my book. She thrived on sharing her love of the outdoors with anyone willing to take the time to immerse themselves in the wild places on earth. Martha achieved a PhD in Neuroscience, was a voracious student of many topics, an outdoor educator, guide, and friend. She lived her life to the fullest every single day. Martha called the Boundary Waters her spiritual home.

May your spirit soar, dear woman, on the winds whispering through the pines, along countless portages, over the many mountains you’ve hiked, and the stunning wild waters you’ve paddled.

Remember our dear Martha by gazing at a bright full moon or stars in a dark sky, paddle a lake or stream, hike, bike, ski…get outdoors and breathe deeply. Help keep wild places wild!