Mike White was raised in the southeast suburbs of Portland, Oregon, in the shadow of Mt. 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 honed his outdoor skills while attending Seattle Pacific University. After acquiring a B.A. in political science, Mike and his new wife, Robin, relocated to the high desert of Reno, Nevada, from 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 19 outdoor guides, including award-winning books "Top Trails Lake Tahoe" and "50 Classic Hikes in Nevada." Mike also has contributed to "Sunset and Backpacker" magazines and the "Reno Gazette Journal" newspaper. A former community college instructor, Mike is also a popular featured speaker for outdoor groups.