Mike White was raised in the southeast suburbs of Portland, Oregon, in the shadow of Mount Hood (whenever the Pacific Northwest skies cleared enough to allow such things as shadows). As a teenager, Mike began hiking, backpacking, and climbing in the Cascades of Oregon and Washington, and he then honed his outdoor skills while attending Seattle Pacific University. After acquiring a BA in political science, Mike and his new wife, Robin, relocated to the high desert of Reno, Nevada, where he discovered the joys of exploring the Sierra Nevada. After leaving his last ""real"" job, Mike began a full-time writing career. He is the author or coauthor of 24 outdoor guidebooks, including the award-winning Top Trails: Lake Tahoe and 50 Classic Hikes in Nevada. Mike has also contributed to Sunset and Backpacker magazines and the Reno Gazette Journal. A former community college instructor, Mike is also a popular featured speaker for outdoor groups.