b a c k ya r d c h i c k e n s | S n o w A L G A E | e at b e t t e r JULY 2019 // FREE
THE INLAND PACIFIC NORTHWEST GUIDE TO ADVENTURE + TRAVEL + CULTURE
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
Going to the
ake L
INLAND NW LAKE GUIDE
SUMMER HIKES Selkirk Crest & Salmo Priest
Flashback: S p o ka n e' s t ro lle y trail
+ + +
CENTRAL IDAHO GRAVEL RIDES SPOKANE BREWS RUNNING TOUR PADDLEBOARDING WITH KIDS
Lake Country Map
camp sekani July 13-14
2424 N Division St. | 509 444 8000 | www.GeneralStoreSpokane.com | @generalstorespokane | Hours: M-Sat 8 - 8 Sun 9 - 7
Loch Ness
Watch Out For These
Emotion Kayak 99
209
River Run Inner Tube 99
19
2
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Obrien Paddle Board 99
499
Mega Flamingo 99
49
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
3
CONTENTS
FEATURE
22 | In it for the Long Run
SPECIAL SECTIONS 25 | Inland NW Lake Guide 30 | INW Lake Map
Get outside at downtownspokane.org
25 DEPARTMENTS 11 | Gear Room 12 | Flashback 13 | Biking 15 | Run Wild 17 | Hiking 20 | Race Report 21 | Urban Outdoors 23 | Outdoor Living
COLUMNS 14 | Out There Kids 19 | Eatology
20
IN EVERY ISSUE 7
| Intro
8
| Dispatches
10 | Hike of the Month 18 | Provisions 16 | Nature 37 | Outdoor Calendar 38 | Last Page
18 4
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
THE FLAVOR IS MEDIUM BODIED WITH A MILD SWEETNESS THAT PROPELS BURSTS OF GUAVA, MANGO, AND GRAPEFRUIT. IT IS GENUINELY A LIQUID PARADISE, ONE SIP AT A TIME.
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
5
JULY 2019 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS
Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR
Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITOR & DIGITAL MANAGER
Lisa Laughlin ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Jon Jonckers SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR
Amy McCaffree EVENT COORDINATOR
Jenae Denlinger COPY EDITOR
Andrew Butler CONTRIBUTORS
Crystal Atamian S. Michal Bennett Young Bennett Bradley Bleck Katie Botkin Paul Chisholm Adam Gebauer Sarah Hauge Summer Hess Scott Hotaling Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Lisa Laughlin Amy McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Keith Quien Aaron Theisen Holly Weiler Wil Wheaton ART + PRODUCTION
Jon Jonckers Shallan Knowles Jordan Lemm Kimberley Loberg TO REQUEST COPIES CALL
509 / 822 / 0123 AD SALES
Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com
OUT THERE OUTDOORS
Mailing Address: PO Box #5, Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Outdoors is published 10 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2019 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.
Fleet Feet Spokane Spokane - 1315 W Summit Parkway
509.328.4786 Spokane Valley - 13910 E Indiana Ave
509.309.2174 Store Hours Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday
10-7 10-6 12-5
Stay tuned for a new location coming late summer 2019!
Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly/Out There Outdoors do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.
Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley
fleetfeetspokane.com
PROUD MEMBER Of
1
FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE
2
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
ON THE COVER: PADDLEBOARDING WITH THE FUN UNLIMITED CREW AND FRIENDS ON LAKE COEUR D'ALENE
Photo: Shallan Knowles 6
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Intro: Make It To The Lake MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION a few years ago was to swim in a new lake each week during the months of July and August. That’s eight new lakes, and I only managed to swim in one: Fish Lake, just southwest of Spokane near Cheney. Fish Lake is easy to access. It’s a quick drive, and it’s mostly connected to Spokane by the Fish Lake Trail, which makes biking a breeze. With the occasional swim diaper stranded on the beach, and constant ballooning of BBQ smoke, the lake isn’t all that quiet or scenic. But that’s part of the reason I like it, and why it was so easy to make swimming there part of my routine. Growing up, regional lakes were so muddy they could suck the shoes off your feet, and algae blooms added a greenish slime to the surfaces. So I competed with the whole Eastern Seaboard for beach towel real estate. The Jersey Shore was always mobbed
with weekenders working on their tans. Thanks to boardwalk shops and amusement parks, the cities people left behind never felt far away. That is, unless you navigated the hot sand, past the used condoms and hypodermic needles, and waded into the murky waters and jellyfish blooms. Bobbing around in water, even if the equivalent of the entire population of Wenatchee is scorching their skin on beach blankets behind you, washes something away. It pulls your mind into a new place. It makes you feel buoyant and cooler and free. Sharing Fish Lake felt similar. I liked feeling the families and irreverent teenagers around me on the shore as I pushed off the bottom and started to swim. There’s also something to be said for a routine. Having a practiced plan in place makes it easier
to get out and do things in a busy world. I didn’t follow through on my New Year's resolution, but I did establish my pattern of going to Fish Lake—so much so that I found myself going there that summer whenever I needed to clear my head and shake a few things out. And sometimes even a familiar place can surprise you. I remember driving out to Fish Lake so I could have a body of water to jump in after a short but very hot run. I ran the adjacent trail for a couple of miles then turned around and ran back, wiping sunscreen and salty sweat from my watering eyes. Relieved to be back by the water’s edge, I ditched my shoes, hat, and sunglasses and started wading out. Before me an enormous inflatable unicorn glided across the surface of the lake. The dreamlike sequence continued as I heard my name. “Summer!” the voice called.
I squinted into the sun and saw two former colleagues captaining the unicorn, surrounded by coolers and snacks. “Would you like a beer?” they asked. “Oh, hell yeah,” I responded. I stayed in the water long enough to cool down then performed a bellyflop boarding of the fantastical vessel. We chatted, ate salty foods, and sipped beers for the next two hours. It was my favorite swim of the season. Cheers to all the lake trips this summer, both spontaneous and planned, whether you visit as many lakes as possible or travel over and over again to the same special one. // SUMMER HESS, MANAGING EDITOR
MY LIGHT MY MYLIGHT WAY MY WAY
PAT // I love being outside with the kids. I feel they can be themselves and be free to explore, ask questions and PATnature, // I love in being outside thetoo kids. I feel they can discover a world thatwith is far screen-centered. be themselves and be free to explore, ask questions and Nighttime activities mean stories and a crackling discover nature, in a world that is far too screen-centered. campfire.Nighttime Being out under the stars is magic, no matter activities mean stories and a crackling how you are. #petzlnightlife campfire. Being out under theold stars is magic, no matter
© Matt Charland
© Matt Charland
how old you are. #petzlnightlife
TIKKA
Compact headlamp for proximity lighting and some movement. TIKKA 300 lumens. www.petzl.com
Compact headlamp for proximity lighting and some movement. 300 lumens. www.petzl.com
HEALING BALANCE
M A S S AG E TH ER A P Y specializing in deep tissue &sports massage
Special New Client Offer $5 off 60 minute massage $10 off 90 minute massge
Book Online
www.HealingBalanceMassage.com 503-772-4340 Contact Lynn Short, LMP #60232419 JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
7
Dispatches
ALL ABOARD THE SMILE TRAIN SPOKANE, WASH.
KIDS & FAMILIES WILL HAVE A BLAST Strider & Kids’ Bike Demos Bouldering Wall Kids Games & Activities Puppet Show & Nature Activities Slacklining & more!
For everyone tempted to call the triathlon a solitary sport, there’s an Ironman Foundation charity that begs to differ. Local triathlete, Julie LehmanSmith, is passionate about Ironman races; however, she is even more passionate about using her training and race efforts to assist those in need. Lehman-Smith signed up for the upcoming Ironman Arizona and committed to fundraise for the Smile Train charity. Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate. Millions of children with clefts around the world live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft repair surgery is simple, and the transformation is immediate. Lehman-Smith says, “I've competed in a few Ironman races in the past; however, I wanted to give back in some way since this sport can appear to be very selfish with training time, travel fees, special equipment, etc. By raising the money for Smile Train, it's actually giving me a whole new reason to race. Many children who don't have the resources or money for these surgeries will benefit from the little amount that I raise.” There’s still plenty of time to donate. Julie has successfully raised some money, but the need is still very great, and she is continually reaching out to the Pacific Northwest Ironman community for their support. If you’re a triathlete, and you can help, please connect with the link to the right. Working together,
PHOTO: JON JONCKERS
we can change the world one smile at a time. My.smiletrain.org/fundraiser/13218. (Jon Jonckers)
BIG WHITE FREERIDE DAYS KELOWNA, B.C.
1 tag photos 2 3
post a photo to instagram or twitter
pick up your free print at the festival grounds
powered by:
PHOTO URTESY OF THE ROUTE OF THE AWATHA
The world's best mountain bikers descend on Bike Big White, near Kelowna, British Columbia, for its inaugural Freeride Days Festival, July 11-14. The event is hosted by freeride wunderkind Tom van Steenbergen, who, with his brother Bas, put their backyard bike park on the map before it even opened with The Joker, the massive, gasp-inducing jump line featured in the Red Bull film "Rhythm." The van Steenbergen brothers should have little difficulty roping in their freeride Super Friends for the event, which also marks the big public debut of The Joker. The Joker line will also feature in the Air DH event, which will see competitors racing the clock down massive gap jumps and big, bike-launching berms. At the Big White Slopestyle Center, the best slopestyle riders in the world will be throwing down big, head-spinning tricks in front of thousands of spectators for the Big White Invitational Slopestyle. As the only Freeride World Tour Gold stop in North America this season, the stakes will be high at the Big White Invitational Slopestyle, and the airs even higher. Amateurs too will have a chance to air it out for the crowds at the Bike Big White Bronze Slopestyle event, on a scaled-down version of the Gold slopestyle course. Make no mistake: even the “amateur” line is jaw-droppingly intense. The event is free for spectators and will feature food and a bike expo in Big White’s beautiful, bike-in, bike-out village. Spectators can also get in on the action as part of the bike park’s Sick Edit Showdown, in which teams compete to assemble the most crowd-pleasing video edit of the event using only iPhones and GoPros. There is sure to be no shortage of material to work with at this top-tier event. (Aaron Theisen)
Spokatopia Bikes & Brews Beverage Garden Enjoy beverages (Beer, cider, kombucha and more) to benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance. enjoy a beverage and support our local mountain bike trails! Sponsored by PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG WHITE
8
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
FULL MOON PEDALING IN THE PANHANDLE NORTH IDAHO
Spok-uh-toe-pee-uh
The brightest night of the lunar cycle is as good a time as any to go ride a bike. In North Idaho, there are now three opportunities to join other earthlings and pedal under the full moon. The Full Moon Bike Club (FBC) in Sandpoint turned 7 in April and will be holding their 94th Full Moon Fiasco this month. They meet at Eichardt’s Pub and Grill at 8 p.m., ride at 9 p.m., take a different route each month, and sometimes see a moose. Spoke card sales raise money for some good causes. Follow them on Facebook or at Fbcsandpoint.net for exact dates and reviews of past rides. In 2018, a small group of community-minded businesses in Coeur d’Alene got together and picked up the full moon ride torch from the Lake City Lunar Landers, who had been organizing rides for about four years. The CDA Full Moon Ride has since grown into a lively year-round event with fun for the whole family. For the July 16 ride, the pre-party begins at 6 p.m. at Slate Creek Brewing Company, with the ride starting at 8 p.m. Stops include Independence Point and Coeur d’Alene Cider Company. Follow CDA Full Moon Ride on Facebook and Instagram (@cdafullmoonride) for updates and how to volunteer. Brand new this year, the Route of the Hiawatha is hosting monthly full moon rides on the trail: $32/person includes a shuttle and $60 gets you an additional t-shirt, water bottle, and snacks. The July 16 ride meets at 8 p.m. at the East Portal and is suitable for ages 13 and older. Pre-paid reservations only. Call 208-744-1301 ext. 19 to reserve and go PHOTO: S. MICHAL to RideTheHiawatha.com for more info. (S. BENNETT Michal Bennett)
8:45 a.m. - BIKE to Spokatopia or park and ride our free shuttle.
PARADISE INN REOPENS
6 p.m. - CAMP at Spokatopia.
ASHFORD, WASH.
Paradise is a little bit nicer now. This is referring, of course, to the Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park originally built in 1916. The 80-room Annex has been reopened after a $25 million renovation. This restoration project is a cornerstone event to show how the National Park Service is working to address its maintenance backlog, and in the process, preserving important elements of the nation’s heritage, including historic structures, important roads, and significant trails. The Paradise Inn project entailed preserving the historic features of Paradise Inn and the Annex while modernizing the structural integrity for seismic stability, electrical systems, plumbing, and improving the aesthetics of the rooms and public spaces. “This is a local story with national significance,” says Chip Jenkins, the park’s superintendent. “Mount Rainier is an icon on the horizon of the Pacific Northwest, and Paradise is the top destination of most of the park’s 1.5 million annual visitors. Over a million people will take photos of the Inn, enjoy a meal in the dining room, or just relax and enjoy the stately lobby." According to the National Park Service website, the next step in the restoration of the Paradise area is the revegetation of the 20,000 square foot project construction footprint. A total of 70,000 plants will be replanted to restore the site to its pre-construction condition. In 2018, native seeds were collected from the surrounding area in preparation for being cultivated in the park’s greenhouse. Park staff, along with volunteers and interns, will work to replant the area starting later this year. (Jon Jonckers)
HITCH A RIDE WITH PAPI’S PEDICABS SPOKANE, WASH.
Roger Hernandez, owner of Papi’s Pedicab and Shacktown Community Cycle, grew up in Spokane and has always been fascinated by Expo ’74, the first environmentally themed world’s fair. Local fabrication company Tipke Manufacturing, Inc. produced pedicabs for the Expo, and you can now find this style of “cycle rickshaw” in large cities, college towns, and Spokane’s streets. Papi’s Pedicab rides throughout downtown Spokane giving people rides. He got hooked on tricycles while living in Portland, built one for himself, and then brought a couple of Portland Pedicabs (now Icicle Tricycles) back when he returned home. “At first, I was giving old folks rides up and down the Centennial Trail,” says Roger. He then got involved with events in the park and pedaled into the bar scene. Now, he has three tricycles, offers free rides (tips accepted) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and is looking for volunteers to pedal on other nights. “It’s not for everyone,” he says. “But I’m hoping to have 20 to 30 Pedicabs for the 50th anniversary of Expo ’74 and have tons of volunteers out there giving rides!” He also wants to do bike tours, paint murals, and bring some joy to old folk’s homes. You can find Papi’s Pedicab on Facebook, Instagram, and wandering around downtown Spokane getting people off their feet and putting smiles on their faces. (S. Michal Bennett)
NEW PADDLEBOARD RACE ON THE SPOKANE RIVER SPOKANE VALLEY, WASH.
Recreational paddleboarders and pros have a new stand up paddleboard race to test their paddling skills or just have fun with other SUP enthusiasts. The Spokatopia SUP Cup, a new event added to the 5th annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival this year, will take place on the lake-like waters of the Spokane River above the Upriver Dam at Boulder Beach on Sunday, July 14. Both the recreational and elite races kickoff with a beach start and finish, with cash prizes for the elite race winners and swag for the recreational race winners. The recreational race, designed for anyone with basic paddling experience, is a 1-mile distance with three buoy turns. The elite race is a 4-mile out-and-back race with a $500 cash prize for the top male and female racers. Set for 1-3:30 p.m., this race will be a great spectator event for the whole family. Spokatopia.com/spokatopia-sup-cup. (OTO)
The Inland Northwest's BIGGEST Outdoor Adventure Festival
ULE CHEDJuly SSaturday 13
9-10 a.m. - YOGA (Free): Yoga for all, bring your mat. 9-10 a.m. - Live hand pan drum MUSIC by Joe Cajon. 11:15-11:45 a.m. - Acoustic original tunes and covers by Wyatt Wood. 12-1 p.m. - It’s lunchtime! Hit the FOOD TRUCKS. 12:30-2:30 - Live reggae MUSIC by River City Roots. 1-2 p.m. - Catch the MTB JUMP SHOW. 3-5 p.m. - Live MUSIC by “cowboy grunge” band Sovereign Citizen. 6:30-7:45 - ART & STORYTIME for kids. 7-9 p.m. - Live folk rock with Matt Mitchell. 9-10 p.m. - Free MTB MOVIE “Life Cycles.” 10-10:30 p.m. - Black Diamond glow-in-the-dark GEAR SCAVENGER HUNT
sunday july 14 7:30-8:30 – BREAKFAST for Spokatopia campers. 7:30 am. – Trail Running CLINIC. 8 a.m. – Spokatopia 5K TRAIL RUN. 9 a.m. – YOGA for runners and cyclists. 1-3 p.m. – LIVE MUSIC by Haley & the Hitchhikers. 1-3:30 p.m. – Spokane SUP CUP paddleboard race.
all weekend long Try the latest BIKES. Test your balance with SLACKLINING. Go BOULDERING or ROCK CLIMBING. Watch them roll with KIDS’ BIKE demos. EAT great food. Chill in an ENO HAMMOCK. ENJOY A DRINK in the Bikes & Brews Beverage Garden. PLAY GAMES with your kids! Hit the water with KAYAK & SUP demos. Learn a new OUTDOOR SKILL with REI. EXPLORE outdoor organizations & vendors. JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
9
HELMET SALE 20% OFF
HikeOfTheMonth HALLIDAY & NORTH FORK TRAILS Colville National Forest // By Holly Weiler
ONLY @ SPOKATOPIA - JULY 13 & 14
BEARGRASS ON THE NORTH FORK TRAIL. // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER
ANNUAL CHICKEN WING RIDE JULY 27TH
THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE starting a hike
low in the drainages and walking up high to gain the viewpoint. It's also a lot easier on hikers' cars when the trail starts just off the highway. So try this challenging hike with a backpacking option as a way to save wear and tear on the trailhead car while also witnessing the way the ecosystem changes as the elevation rises. Halliday Trail starts just off the pavement and only a few miles south of the Canadian border, so it is easy to pair this hike with other nearby attractions on either side of the boundary on the Selkirk International Loop Road. The trail offers numerous turn-around options to suit a wide variety of hiker desires and distance requirements. One of the best viewpoints along the length of the trail occurs at the .7 mile mark, when the trail briefly exits the forest at a rocky outcropping. Look to the west to see the prominent profiles of Abercrombie and Hooknose Mountains on the horizon, the second and fourth tallest summits in eastern Washington. At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches the northern boundary of the Halliday Fen, a Research Natural Area within the Colville National Forest. The fen contains several rare plant species, but be sure to have protection from the resident mosquitoes if you decide to linger along the wetlands. It's a beautiful spot that is best enjoyed while wearing a bug-proof head net! Beyond the natural area, the trail gains elevation and the forest changes as the surrounding area becomes drier. At the 4.2 mile mark, the trail reaches a junction with Red Bluff trail to the west, and the North Fork trail to the east. Day hikers should consider continuing an additional mile east along the North Fork trail. Until a few years ago, a raised boardwalk crossed a wetland here. When the boardwalk buckled and failed, the trail was closed for several years. During the summer of 2018, crews with Washington Trails Association (WTA) and Pacific Northwest Trail Association,
Did your ride end like this?
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: Up to a 10.4-mile day
hike, or 18.8-mile backpack
RATING: Moderate to Difficult (depending on how
far you hike before turning around)
ELEVATION GAIN: Up to 4,913 feet MAP: USGS Boundary Dam and Gypsy Peak GETTING THERE: From Metaline Falls, take WA 31
(the International Selkirk Loop Road) north 6.4 miles. Turn east on Forest Service Road 180. At the first junction, turn left to the trailhead.
SUPPORT LOCAL TRAILS: Volunteer with WTA
on a backpack trip to the nearby Shedroof Divide Trail, July 18-21, or at any of several day trips to Mica Peak Conservation Area. Holly Weiler spends most of her time on dirt trails, either building them for work or running on them for fun. She writes Hike of the Month for each issue.
BATTERIES DIE Start the road to recovery by hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney who will fight the insurance companies for you so you can focus on getting back on your bike. 421 W Riverside Ave, Suite 353, Spokane WA 99201 (800) 555-4246 bainbikelaw.com
10
with pack support from Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, wrapped up work on a trail reroute around the wetland that takes hikers closer to North Fork Sullivan Creek. This beautiful spot is both a good turn-around point for day hikers and a choice tent spot for backpackers. Backpackers and strong day hikers have a few additional options for extending the trip. Just .7 miles beyond the reroute, the trail enters the SalmoPriest Wilderness. At the 6.3-mile mark, backpackers will find another campsite near North Fork Sullivan Creek. Those seeking views should top off their water supply here and continue to the 9.4-mile mark where the North Fork Trail intersects Crowell Ridge. There are several options for dry camping near the junction, including the top of the hill near the trail intersection, the site of an old fire lookout. Only a few boards and nails remain, but the views are unparalleled, with Canada a few miles to the north and the Idaho Selkirks visible to the east.
DON’T GET LOST ORDER ONLINE AT
Take Our Printed Topo Maps on All of Your Adventures
FRUGALNAVIGATOR.COM
AVAILABLE AT
SPOKANE
FLY CREEK BIKEPACKING TENT BY BIG AGNES
THERM-A-REST NEOAIR UBERLITE MATTRESS
The two things that sold me on this single-person bikepacking tent vs carrying my standard ultra-light backpacking tent were two innovative features: shorter pole segments (12”) that make packing in panniers or lashing on handlebars easier, and a stuff sack with integrated daisy chain that means you can secure the tent in various ways without worrying about it coming loose on the trail. On a 3-day backcountry bike tour in Hells Canyon that included bombing down gated roads and ancient, overgrown singletrack; bushwhacking through thorns, poison ivy, and fording creeks; hiking our loaded bikes up the sides of mountains; and finally cruising along an ultra-scenic dirt road ride up on the canyon rim, I got to know and love the other features that make this tent built for bikepacking and touring worth every penny without extra weight (2 lbs., 6 oz). With rain every night, the tent design maximized elbow room, the oversized ceiling storage pocket allowed my riding gear to dry out, and a webbing loop attached to the tent for helmet storage kept my noggin armor dry through the downpours. The tent also has several pockets for storing sunglasses, phones, headlamps, or whatever you may need at night. You can also add a ground cloth that extends into the vestibule, and if you prefer a side-entry tent to the Fly Creek HV UL1 front entry version, go with the Copper Spur model. MSRP: $359.95. Bigagnes.com. (Derrick Knowles)
While my go-to camp mattress has long been of the super-light, puncture-proof closed foam variety, many camping enthusiasts rightfully complain about limited comfort such pads provide. And for backcountry journeys where packing space is limited, like extended backpacking trips, fastpacking adventures, or bikepacking excursions, bulky foam pads can create packing challenges. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir UberLite Mattress, the absolute lightest insulated air mattress available (8.8-ounces), steps up to provide comfort and insulated warmth in an extremely compact package. This mattress seems much tougher than its early predecessors, sustaining nary a micro leak over multiple nights of thorn and cactus riddled desert campsites. I also tend to endlessly flip from side to side like a rotisserie chicken at night, and the NeoAir UberLite thankfully refrains from announcing each roll with a cacophony of crackling that can sound like you’re thrashing around on a bed of Rice Krispies, an unfortunate and frightening nighttime sound I’ve heard other ultra-light mattresses make. MSRP: $139.95. Thermarest.com. (Derrick Knowles) THERM-A-REST VESPER 32F DOWN QUILT
You don’t have to be a thru hiker named Patches to lighten up your backcountry overnight pack or bikepacking set-up. The 15 oz Vesper down quilt is a step in the right direction. A quilt cuts weight by eliminating the bottom of a traditional sleeping bag and zipper. Team it up with an ultra-light Therm-A-Rest mattress, like the NeoAir UberLite, and use the quilt’s built-in connector to keep the mattress attached; you won’t miss your sleeping bag or the additional weight you use to carry. The 900 fill Nikwax hydrophobic down keeps you warm even in damp conditions, and the whole package packs up to about the size of a water bottle. Need more warmth? Go with the 20F version. MSRP: $319.95. Thermarest.com. (Derrick Knowles) SEATTLE SPORTS LOCODRY SPLASH PACK
One of the pioneers in using radio-frequency seam welding for dry bags, Seattle Sports knows a thing or two about building outdoor gear that can stay dry in wet conditions. The light and water-resistant LocoDry Splash Pack is the perfect answer to rainy days when you need to get out on the trail or take a walk to the store or neighborhood watering hole despite the weather but don’t want your spare clothes, groceries, or other personal items to get soaked in the process. The main pack is seam welded, heavy duty urethane-coated polyester with two small inner pockets, and the shoulder straps are easily adjustable silicone that come in two colors, black and neon-green. The pack also includes a removable, quick-access shoulder sling pack (not waterproof), that can hold a 32 oz water bottle and items like keys, a phone, and a wallet. This modular pocket detaches from the main pack and includes a light, adjustable shoulder sling that’s perfect for short outings in fairer weather when you only need to bring along the basics. MSRP: $129.95. Seattlesportsco.com. (Wil Wheaton) SHUMAKE DESIGNS SUSPENDED FIRE PITS
Created in Spokane by artist Scott Shumake, these tri-pod-suspended fire pits turn heads with their aesthetic designs and will transform your backyard, festival, or campground campfires into a whole new way to experience an ancient human tradition—gathering around the warmth and light of a shared blaze with your tribe of friends and family. Load one of these firepits up with some seasoned kindling, watch the wall-to-wall air-flow aid in easy fire starting, then give the fire pit a spin for a mesmerizing dance of glowing coals and flashes of flames. Great for children still learning to manage themselves around fire, you’ll find yourself planning more backyard marshmallow and hotdog roasts than ever. Each fire pit is made from 100% repurposed metal, and Shumake has several different styles and designs, including fire pits with grilling surfaces. For inquiries about buying or renting a fire pit or custom order options, call 509-720-3594. (Derrick Knowles) BIG AGNES BIG SIX CAMP CHAIR
The Big Six Camp Chair from Big Agnes was by far the most comfortable lightweight, compact camp chair I have ever melted into after a long, late-night drive to a middle-of-nowhere trailhead. Sadly, that first night relaxing by the campfire with steaks sizzling under a star-filled sky would be our last adventure together. The Big Six unfolds like other shock corded collapsible camp chairs, but this beauty is deluxe. With a high back at a perfect slope and a wide, comfortable seat, you can truly kick back and relax. It sits 20” off the ground, which is apparently some kind of magic height for sitting comfort. The lightweight nylon polyester rip-stop provides extra tear strength, but, evidently, doesn’t make this chair magically fire proof. I left the chair a safe distance back from the coals when I crawled into my tent well past midnight but awoke to a mess of charred nylon and melted aluminum in the middle of the fire ring thanks to a late-night storm. Sitting on a milk crate for the rest of the trip was fitting camp Karma. I plan on replacing my Big Six Camp Chair pronto. MSRP: $149.95. Bigagnes.com. (Derrick Knowles)
BOOK ONLINE VELOFIX.COM
THE BIKE SHOP THAT COMES TO YOU
GearRoom
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
11
Flashback TROLLEY TRAIL PRESERVES LOCAL HISTORY // By Lisa Laughlin
fun s t i a w a
Choose a summer adventure with our activity guide.
RECREATION CAMPS •
Youth and Teen Outdoor Adventure
•
Ultimate Sports
•
Corbin Art Camps
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE •
Rock Climbing
•
Kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboard Tours
•
Therapeutic Recreation
SpokaneRec.org Call 311 or 509.755.2489
We offer hundreds of camps and classes—plus four golf courses, six aquatic centers, 17 splash pads and more than 80 parks.
12
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
AN OLD SPOKANE TROLLEY. // BELOW: PAST RESIDENTS SEEING SPOKANE. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE NORTHWEST ROOM. SPOKANE PUBLIC LIBRARY
TODAY’S SPOKANE TROLLEY TRAIL seems rather disconnected; going from one out-of-the way road to another, it’s a nice but somewhat confusing stretch of urban solitude. The flat, wooded trail—used now by runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians for recreation—is a relic from the electric trolley heyday of Spokane. It spans what was once the Washington Water Power/Medical Lake Railroad bed, which transported Spokanites via electric trolley from downtown Spokane into Medical Lake or Cheney in the early 1900s. Today’s recreational trail seems isolated because many of the operating rail line connections are no longer obvious. The Grandview/Thorpe neighborhood, where the 1.5-mile stretch of trail still exists, was connected to downtown Spokane via a long, wooden trestle built in 1904 to cross Latah Valley. The rail line climbed from the trestle to the Garden Springs station, then rose along the edge of the Grandview bluff and into the western plains on the way to Cheney. Most of the evidence of this old rail line has been lost to development or private property. So, just how popular was this trolley route back in the day? Operating from 1905 to 1922, the trolley of the Trolley Trail ran 11 passenger trains a day at its peak. It transported as many as 4,000 people on busy holiday weekends like Fourth of July, as trolley riders sought a pleasure resort at Medical Lake where they could swim or take a cruise in an electric boat. Another incentive to ride this route was that Medical Lake and Cheney were “dry” towns in 1909 and 1910, while Spokane was “wet.” Up until Washington State voted to go dry in 1916, the trolley line was nicknamed the “suitcase special,” as some passengers had the habit of sneaking booze from Spokane to Cheney in suitcases. Spokane’s electric trolley systems were maintained largely by the Washington Water Power Company (now Avista) into the 1930s, but they lost their popularity with the rise of personal auto-
mobiles. At the height of trolley popularity around 1910, there were 150 trolley cars and 24,000,000 riders. Fares were a nickel, and transfers were free. With the trolley system, a rider could travel all the way from Cheney to Coeur d’Alene, and many trolleys were used to transport businessmen, freight, or lake-goers on a day trip. The very last trolley car of Spokane United Railways was retired in 1936 in style—residents filled the wooden trolley with hay bales and lit it on fire. As with the trolley system at large, the Trolley Trail route declined with the rise of motorcars and road development throughout Spokane. What was once a booming network of transportation from the heart of the city to its rural outposts was picked clean of its metalwork in a matter of years, leaving behind the flat, smooth rail beds that would be overgrown, developed, or maintained for recreation. Local residents rallied to preserve a section of the Medical Lake electric line, which exists as the Trolley Trail today. “I think [the Trolley Trail] is unique because it
occurred during a time when rail traffic was the primary transportation mode,” says Spokane resident Dan Schaffer, who has helped with modern-day maintenance of the Trolley Trail. “Spokane was a hub of rail lines, so it’s a unique part of the history, even though it didn’t last long. By the [late] ‘20s, it was all gone.” The Trolley Trail is now managed by the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation. With close access to Fish Lake Trail (another trail that was born from the bones of an abandoned rail line), the Trolley Trail is a nice detour for mountain bikers or runners looking to get some dirt under their tracks. Next time you’re running or wheeling along the Trolley Trail, imagine the past residents of Spokane peering across the valley as they rolled between towns on the most modern mode of transportation around. //
FARES WERE A NICKEL, AND TRANSFERS WERE FREE... A RIDER COULD TRAVEL ALL THE WAY FROM CHENEY TO COEUR D’ALENE...
Lisa Laughlin is Out There’s digital manager and an associate editor. She’s looking forward to paddle boarding, gardening, and camping this summer.
Biking Gravel Riding in West-Central Idaho // By Aaron Theisen
PHOTO: AARON THEISEN
ANDREW MENTZER, Executive Director of the
West Central Mountains Economic Development Council (WCMEDC), and local adventure cyclist Dave Beck pedal south and then west out of town, past working farms and vacation homes clustered at the south end of Cascade Lake. There’s no racing and no destination, just the buzz of bike tires on blacktop and casual conversation. It’s one of four routes the WCMEDC has developed in a bid to bring gravel adventure cycling to the region. The 60- to 180-mile options run from Cascade
to Boise, East Mountain, Garden Valley, and Lick Creek, using a mix of paved roads, dirt roads, Forest Service roads, and even some singletrack. Idaho, already home to some of the granddaddies of gravel riding, such as the 600-mile Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route, is well suited to adventure cycling. Some 40,000 miles of gravel and two-track roads trace the state; per capita, Idaho has three times the road-lane miles of Texas. The landscape of west-central Idaho suits adventure cycling particularly well. The two mountain ranges on either side of the Payette River corridor
consist of forested foothills rather than steep peaks. Pine-shaded lakes offer campsites at regular intervals, and numerous hot springs invite cyclists to soak sore legs. That’s not to say there aren’t stiff climbs—the steep, switchbacking ascents over Warm Lake summit and Big Creek summit, for example, will leave even the strongest legs mashing the granny gear—but overall, cyclists will cruise blacktop and gravel through open lodgepole forests and willow-thick riverine landscapes. The route designations come at a boom time for the nascent gravel biking industry. Compared to sagging sales for the industry as a whole, gravel biking continues to grow, with purpose-built gravel bikes—think touring frames with knobby tires and suspension—replacing the mish-mish of mountain and road-bike components that comprise homebrew setups. “Gravel is its own industry category now, just like mountain biking,” says Idaho-based adventure cyclist Jay Petervary, whose bike sponsor, Salsa Bikes, has been at the forefront of the industry. Petervary volunteered his expertise as a gravel ambassador to the WCMEDC after they approached him with their draft routes. “Gravel riding is all you see when you’re at industry events. And I think that’s because it’s open to everybody. The community is so different in what it delivers versus, say, road racing. Gravel riding can be for everyone,” he affirms. Says Mentzer, “It’s a really low barrier to entry both from an affordability and from a skill-set perspective.” And the recreation-savvy community of Cascade makes a natural hub for cyclists. Whereas small communities occasionally struggle with the pivot from extractive industries to tourism, Cascade long
ago embraced the new economic model; its streets are no stranger to trailers piled high with rafts and snowmobiles. “Cascade has always hung its hat on guided rafting, ice fishing, and snowmobiling,” says Mentzer. “This is really for the boot-strapping, self-driven, self-guided tourist. It’s representative of the chill vibe that’s abundant in our region.” The run-what-you-brung philosophy from which adventure cycling sprung coincides with the community’s casual, no-pressure approach: If you build it—or map it—they will come. “Someone might stay in a hotel and eat out every night, or they might pack all their food in coolers and camp, and that’s fine,” says Mentzer. “It’s a reflection of who we are and how we like to roll.” Petervary sees the tourism potential and hopes it is a good example to other communities—the ones that have talked about but not taken action on trails. “It’s about passion and experience first, before thinking about dollars,” says Petervary. “It’s these people who are super passionate about the sport and the experience, and that trumps most everything. And sooner or later, that will produce dollars.” In the meantime, Mentzer would like to expand the trail system, in particular some shorter itineraries immediately around Cascade; he is working on a route that circumnavigates Lake Cascade. “The sky is the limit because we have thousands of miles of opportunity,” says Mentzer. // Aaron Theisen is the author of “Day Hiking Glacier National Park and Western Montana.” He wrote about British Columbia’s Okanagan bike parks for the June issue.
*OAC NMLS 407890
MILES OF OPPORTUNITY
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
13
++++
PUT DOWN THE PHONE AND PADDLE // By Amy McCaffree
KYLA AND NORA ON THE SPOKANE RIVER. // PHOTO: KEITH QUIEN
GET YOUR TEENAGERS to unplug this summer by
taking them to a lake for stand-up paddleboarding. “It’s hard to have a cell phone when you’re paddling. As a father of a 13-year-old daughter, it’s a battle,” says Keith Quien. His wife, Cara, notes that when they are hiking, their daughters will be taking pictures with their phones. But, she says, “when you’re paddling, you can’t hold a phone—you’re in the moment, highly unplugged, and enjoying your time on the water.” Keith and Cara both grew up as “water people” and now own Fun Unlimited, a watersports rental business with locations in Post Falls, Idaho, and downtown Spokane. All three of their daughters enjoy paddleboarding. Their youngest daughter,
14
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
now 8 years old, was only a toddler when she first got a ride on her parents’ boards; by age 6, she was paddling her own. Stand-up paddling develops strong core muscles and balance, and helps kids develop self-confidence and independence. “They get to make choices on the paddleboard,” says Cara, like where they’re going to paddle and how to stay safe. And it’s inspirational. "If I have success on a paddleboard, what other things can I try in life?" asks Cara. Personal growth is also one of Keith’s favorite parts of paddleboarding with kids. “From our experience, a favorite is when we see kids who are 10 to 12 years old—on that cusp of getting more independent—paddle out 50 to 100 yards, still within
KIDS+++++
sight of their parents, but the kids feel free. It’s good for their self-esteem,” he says. Paddling’s slower pace helps children to better appreciate the natural world. Compared to motorpowered watercraft, Cara says, “You see a lot more and notice more. If you’re going fast, you’re focused on your destination and not your journey.” While paddling you can explore riparian habitat and observe wildlife. The unique standing viewpoint allows you to better see fish and other underwater species, particularly if wearing polarized sunglasses. When the water’s surface is calm, smooth, and reflective like glass, “it’s good for your soul,” says Keith. “It helps kids appreciate the beauty of the Northwest.” It’s also a lifelong sport. “You can be 80 or 90 years old and still be a paddler,” says Cara. GETTING STARTED: SUP GEAR & SAFETY
It’s easy to learn. “Kids can get on a paddleboard and be doing it within 5 to 10 minutes,” Keith says. “Spokatopia is a great way to get an introduction to paddling—to try something out before making an investment.” Fun Unlimited is one of the demo vendors at the annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival, hosted by this magazine, July 13 and 14 at Camp Sekani Park and Boulder Beach. Though an in-person lesson is best, Keith says YouTube tutorials are also helpful. Inflatable paddleboards are more durable, portable, and safer than fiberglass models, and only weigh about 20 pounds. “If you fall off and whack your elbow it’s more forgiving,” says Keith. “The
volume and width of the board is what provides flotation and stability. So you want one that’s more than adequate.” Fun Unlimited designed their own brand of inflatable stand-up paddleboards, which have handles for a child to hold while sitting and riding on a parent’s SUP. Paddle in non-windy conditions and in water warm enough to not cause distress should you fall. “Morning is a good time of day, because wind usually picks up between noon to 4 p.m. each day,” says Keith. First-time families should paddle on a lake rather than a river. Some of the Quiens’ favorite regional lakes are Bear, Sacheen, Eloika, and Newman. Launch from a beach rather than a dock for greatest ease. Wade into the water until it’s level with or just above your knees, then kick one leg over the board. “Spend time on your knees, paddling around, getting a feel for the center of the board. Then use your hands to help you stand up. Keep your knees bent and your weight forward,” says Keith. Use an ankle leash to tether yourself to the board, especially at a large lake. Avoid paddling near rocks or dock. “If you do fall, fall away from the board, not on the board,” says Keith. And of course, always wear a Coast Guard-certified personal flotation device with a whistle attached, to call for help if needed. // Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist and has been writing for Out There since 2006.
RunWild WHY RACE? // By Sarah Hauge
FINDING YOUR SPOT IN THE LINEUP. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES
ON THE SUNDAY of Memorial Day weekend I
completed a new-to-me feat: back-to-back half marathons (Windermere and Coeur d’Alene), with just a week between the two. With Bloomsday, it added up to three races in May. For some people this is probably a normal (maybe even light?) race schedule, but for me it was…a lot. Honestly, the only reason I’d signed up for all three was because I’d gotten two for one prices by signing up early. Once I clicked the “register” button, I started to wonder: was it smart to push myself that much in a short span? Was this going to backfire somehow? Would it make running feel more like work than fun? Why exactly did I want to do this, again? Underneath all of this was another question: Why do I race at all? Because here’s the thing— when I say “racing,” I certainly don’t mean “racing as if I might win.” Even on my best day, I’m probably not even placing in the top five in my age group. I’m not a racer; I’m a runner. What I love are the
humble, everyday runs, accompanied by my go-to podcasts, peering over favorite vistas, thinking meandering thoughts, coming back so sweaty my daughters won’t let me anywhere near them. These runs feel just right. They keep me fit, clear my head, boost my mood, and broaden my perspective. I’d never describe running as easy, but I find it comfortable and reassuring, “Comfortable” and “reassuring” are the antithesis of my race experience. There’s just something about a timed, public run. Race day means being tested via what feel like thousands of small decisions: what to eat the night before and the morning of, how early to wake up (if I can even sleep the night before), what miles to push through and when to go easier, how to handle those
paper cups of water without dousing myself. The act of committing to a date and distance, paying the money, setting up carpools or drop-offs, getting myself to the starting area, finding a porta potty, warming up, checking my gear bag, and jogging in place and nervously stretching as I try to place myself amongst people my own pace—well, all of that is tiring and sometimes frustrating and certainly anxiety-inducing. And then there’s the race itself: an hour or two with no stopping, no breaks, just running straight through strategically, hopefully at my fastest. Even though I’m rarely trying to beat anyone except my past self, racing means there will be tangible results, and the pressure of results urges me to turn down the persistent voice of my inner pessimist and push through hard sections like that (terrible! interminable!) stretch down Broadway each year during
ONCE I CLICKED THE “REGISTER” BUTTON, I STARTED TO WONDER: WAS IT SMART TO PUSH MYSELF THAT MUCH IN A SHORT SPAN? WAS THIS GOING TO BACKFIRE SOMEHOW? Bloomsday. I’ve learned that racing only goes well if I believe it can. Racing sharpens me, revealing the contours of my inner competitor, someone who
secretly wants to be put to the test. And so, I sign up. I like being one of hundreds or thousands of others who’s anxious to see what they have to give on race day. I like seeing everyone who comes out to support that. In my May races I high-fived children cheering along the course. I was encouraged by the clapping and shouts of hundreds of strangers. I talked with runner buddies post-race about how things had gone, commiserating about low points and celebrating strong moments. Friends offered me energy chews and I checked on a runner who’d fallen. I ran side by side with a man for two miles of a half marathon, never speaking a word to each other but still, by simply being present, helping each keep going during a tough stretch. After my three races this May, I felt elated and seriously proud of myself. Each one had gone better than the last, with Bloomsday being mildly disappointing, Windermere going about as I hoped, and Coeur d’Alene exceeding my expectations. I felt mentally tougher at race number three than at either of the other two. I was a little bit more seasoned. I hadn’t fallen into bad habits and overtrained. I think getting into that “doing-my-best” gear was coming a little more easily with more frequent race-day practice. I even got (very slightly) better at running while drinking from a paper cup. I liked how strong and capable finishing those three races made me feel. At the same time, I’m glad to get back to my humble, everyday runs—until I sense the need to test myself again. // Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two daughters. Her column, Run Wild, appears every other month. She wrote about adventure rigs and tiny homes in the June issue.
Smart
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
15
Nature
A SEA OF RED IN A WORLD OF ICE // By Scott Hotaling
A FIELD OF SNOW ALGAE IN THE ALPINE // PHOTO: JOE GIERSCH
EACH SPRING a striking transformation takes place on mountain glaciers and snowfields across the Pacific Northwest. Large swaths of the bright, highly reflective snowpack that accumulated throughout the winter transitions from white to pink and eventually to a patchwork of dark crimson as the summer progresses. The implications of this transition are both global and diverse, affecting glacier melt, the ecology of cold-loving species living in the ice, and water resources worldwide. It starts and ends with a microorganism— a tiny, single-celled green algae in the genus Chlamydomonas—and an equally microscopic migration. The algal cells spend the snowy winter
16
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
as dormant cysts, likely at the interface between glacial ice and seasonal snow. They are covered by deep snow and, as winter turns to spring and extended darkness gives way to sun and warmer temperatures, the thawing snowpack sends trickles of snowmelt into the depths below. Eventually, these melt-water rivulets reach dormant algal cells and signal them to wake. The cells respond by swimming to the surface (yes, by actively swimming!), dividing, and growing along the way. At the surface, they turn red and the phenomenon they are known for begins. The clean snow surface—the most reflective natural surface in the world—turns red. What starts as a subtle pink
tint to the white snow shifts to a deep, watermelon red as cellular pigmentation accumulates and is concentrated by seasonal melt. From the algae’s perspective, the biological need for darkening is well understood. In addition to chronic cold, organisms living on glaciers and snowfields must also contend with extremely high UV, levels that would be lethal for most organisms, and a lack of liquid water. The second point is a bit ironic; glaciers and ice sheets are the largest masses of freshwater in the world, yet their water is locked in ice and not particularly useful to resident organisms in solid form. Thus, snow algal pigmentation solves three challenges at once: it allows the algal cells to absorb important heat in an icy landscape, it provides a natural protectant—a sunscreen of sorts—against UV, and by warming algal cells relative to their surrounding ice, it precipitates local melting and unlocks liquid water. The role snow algae play in the ecology of mountain glacier ecosystems, however, is poorly understood. It is now clear that glaciers and snowfields are teeming with life, largely of the single-celled bacterial and algal variety, with a rich diversity of multicellular life also making its living on icedominated habitats. This multicellular life ranges from rotifers, a microscopic group first described by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in the 18th century, to ice worms, an annelid worm that also happens to be the largest organism in the world that spends its entire life cycle in ice. It also includes birds like the gray-crowned rosy finch, one of the highestelevation nesting birds in North America. Snow algae are a major basal component of the food chain in glacier ecosystems. They convert light energy and carbon dioxide into organic compounds
that can be assimilated into other organisms. In the Pacific Northwest, ice worms feed on snow algae and many birds feed on ice worms; but beyond that simplified view, little is known. Due to its darkening effect, snow enriched with red algal cells melts more quickly than snow without. And, the more melt, the faster snow algae grow. This melting-growth feedback loop, paired with the global, steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide, paints an ominous picture for the future of glaciers and ice sheets. It is likely that the distribution and magnitude of snow algal blooms will increase and so will the scale of glacier and snowmelt they precipitate. But, we shouldn’t worry about snow algae melting all of the glaciers just yet. First, we are only beginning to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of algae-induced glacier melt. And, second, the potential for more snow algae is merely a symptom of our own influence on the Earth’s climate system. Instead, we should appreciate the complexity of glacier and snowfield ecosystems– complexity supported by snow algae–and seek better understanding of how the pieces fit together before they vanish entirely. Ultimately, as glaciers and snowfields are lost, the ice worms, algae, and other organisms that depend on them to survive will disappear as well. // A former Mount Rainier climbing ranger turned alpine biologist, Scott Hotaling studies climate change in mountain ecosystems of the American West. You can learn more about his research at Coldgenomes.com or @mtn_science on Twitter. He last wrote about ice worms for Out There in August 2018.
Hiking INTO THE HEART OF THE SELKIRKS
North Idaho's Long Mountain Lake // By Paul Chisholm
FLOWERS AT THE OUTLET OF PYRAMID LAKE. // ON THE SHORES OF LONG MOUNTAIN LAKE. PHOTOS: PAUL CHISHOLM
THE SELKIRK MOUNTAINS of North Idaho might
be the state’s wildest corner. Until recently, this was the last place you could see wild caribou in the lower 48. The caribou are gone now, but you can still find solitude and expansive vistas on one of the many rocky ridgelines stretching across the range. The shimmering emerald waters of Long Mountain Lake, tucked beneath its namesake
peak, are a good introduction to the area. The trailhead is barely 10 miles from the Canadian border, and chances are good you’ll have the lakeshore all to yourself. From the trailhead, travel switchbacks up the slope, passing through alpine meadows that open to views of the surrounding peaks. Just over a mile from the trailhead you’ll pass the intersection for
Pyramid Lake, a popular day-trip destination. Set beneath a wall of solid granite, Pyramid Lake is a worthy detour. It’s only a half of a mile from the intersection, so you might as well take a look. Boulders on the lakeshore make great lunch spots, and magenta wildflowers carpet the ground near the lake’s outlet. Returning to the main trail, continue up the switchbacks to Pyramid Pass, ignoring the signed trail to Trout Lake. You’re in the Selkirk high country now, which isn’t actually that high since the tallest peaks barely crest 7,000 feet. But the stark, granitic landscape gives the feel of much larger mountains. Soil is at a premium here, and whitebark pine and subalpine fir carve out a precarious existence between cliffs and boulders. The ecology of the place makes it feel like you’re much higher. Be thankful for easy access to this alpine wonderland, so close to the trailhead! Continue following the trail over Pyramid Pass. At the intersection with the Long Canyon Trail, stay right. Three miles from the trailhead (not counting the side trip to Pyramid Lake), you’ll top out on Parker Ridge. Snow can linger here late into the summer, so use caution when crossing steep patches. In a heavy snow year, it’s a good idea to bring a traction aide (like MICROspikes or Yaktrax) until mid-July. From the crest of Parker Ridge, you’ll have a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. 7,653-foot Smith Peak dominates the skyline to the west, while the craggy face of 7,288-foot Lions Head is a bit further away to the southwest. Pika can often be found here, scampering among the boulders and chirping loudly to sound the alarm of an approaching hiker. At mile 4, you’ll reach the turnoff for Long Mountain Lake. Descend switchbacks for half a
mile down to the granite-rimmed lake and pick one of the many rocky campsites shaded by gnarled whitebark pine along the lakeshore. In recent years, the subalpine fir and whitebark pine surrounding Long Mountain Lake have been damaged by eager campers seeking firewood. In this fragile alpine environment, where trees grow slowly, it’s better to skip the evening campfire. The glistening waters of Long Mountain Lake are a worthy destination in their own right. But 7,670-foot Parker Peak, the tallest named peak in the American Selkirks, is only 5 trail miles away. Consider making a visit if you have a day to kill. The view from the top extends through the rugged heart of the Selkirks all the way to the border town of Creston, British Columbia. When you’ve had your fill, return the way you came. There are a lot of options for further exploration in this area, including trails to Ball Lakes, Trout Lake, and Long Canyon Creek, so you might find yourself returning sooner than you think! // LOCATION: Selkirk Mountains ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 10 miles RATING: Moderate to difficult GETTING THERE: From Spokane, drive to
Bonners Ferry. Continue north on US-95 for 14.8 miles. Turn left on ID-1 for 2.1 miles. Turn left on Copeland Hill road and drive 3.5 miles to the t-intersection with West Side road. Turn left and drive 4.5 miles. Turn right on Trout Creek road and drive 9 miles to the trailhead. Trout Creek road is rough and heavily washboarded, but accessible to 2WD passenger cars. Parking is on the left (south) side of the road, while the trail begins on the right (north) side.
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
17
Provisions
(n.) food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey.
PICKING TOMATOES. // PHOTO: YOUNG BENNETT
APÉRITIF: U-PICK SUMMER By S. Michal Bennett
FARMERS’ MARKETS are a great place to shop for local produce during the summer. And CSAs are an excellent way to support local agriculture and feed your family local food. However, for a true hands-in-the-dirt connection to your sustenance, gather a few friends or your family and head to a u-pick farm. For a farm, offering a u-pick option has many benefits. First, it reduces labor, cost, and overhead for the farmers. Second, it eliminates the need for storing and transporting produce to be sold at a market or grocery store, while also providing it in its freshest form to customers. Finally, it allows farmers to set harvest hours and u-pick appointments that are most beneficial to growing things and to the business side of the operation. For you, the customer, making a trip to a u-pick farm can save you money per pound, keep your dollars in your community, afford you a look at how a farmer operates, and give you and your family the opportunity to handle your food for part of its journey from the farm to your table. Green Bluff in Spokane County, one of the most well-known u-pick spots in the Inland Northwest, is prolific with growers that offer everything from vegetables to apples to pumpkins. However, there are plenty of other opportunities to pick your own food. Utecht Produce in Spokane Valley allows customers to come and pick okra, tomatoes, green beans, and more, by appointment only. Carver Farms in Newman Lake, Wash., provides a u-pick harvest schedule and prices on their website. Riley Creek Blueberry Farm in Laclede, Idaho, is well known for their blueberry fields, but they also grow blackberries and raspberries. Red Canoe Blueberry Farm in Hauser, Idaho, also has a u-pick field and lets you pick Washington cherries in season. Whichever you choose, your u-pick day will be an adventure to savor.
MANGO TREE: GLUTEN FREE. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES
THE MANGO TREE INDIAN KITCHEN & TAP HOUSE
The Mango Tree Indian Kitchen & Tap House, a small franchise of restaurants, now officially has two locations in the Inland Northwest. Owner Rakesh Kaushal opened his Coeur d’Alene spot in July 2018 and the downtown Spokane restaurant in May this year. Originating in Alberta, Canada, about four years ago, The Mango Tree primarily serves northern Indian cuisine, which is distinctive for its breads, curries, garam masala, sour flavors, and spicy chai. This is probably my favorite style of Indian cuisine, and the one I emulate the most at home. I visited the Coeur d’Alene location on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch. My husband and I sat at the bar and were impressed by the number of local taps available, including a gluten-free cider. We ordered samosas with two dipping sauces, butter chicken with a Level 2 heat, traditional curry with a Level 5 heat, masala tea, and, of course, garlic naan—lots of garlic naan. One thing I love about the spiciness of Indian food is that it enhances, rather than overpowers, the flavor. The two levels of heat brought out different nuances of flavor in the dishes. And we scooped up every last drop with the soft, pillow-y naan. The samosas were perfectly fried and complimented by a creamy and spicy chutney. We washed it down with ice-cold ciders and the unsweetened spiced milk chai— a soothing warmth to follow the satisfying spice of the curries. Recently, the restaurant posted on social media that customers ordering take out could bring their own containers in which the staff would pack their food to take home and enjoy. This is just one more reason I am excited to see The Mango Tree become established and grow in our communities. (S. Michal Bennett)
PHOTO: COURTESY OF REVIVAL TEA COMPANY
REVIVAL TEA
Wouldn’t it be nice to know exactly what’s in your tea? The Spokane-based craft tea company Revival Tea, launched in 2018, makes this a standard. “We wanted to educate and promote responsible practices of drinking high-quality tea, which includes the health benefits that tea should have,” says Spokane born-and-raised owner Drew Henry. While most mainstream teas are made from low-quality fannings and dust from the tea plant, Revival Tea uses the highest quality part of the plant, the flowery orange pekoe leaf. All their teas are organic and Fair Trade. One of their most popular teas, the Fresh Crafted Spiced Chai, even includes locally sourced raw wildflower honey. Revival Tea began when Henry followed his Irish roots, fell in love with the Irish tea culture, and sought to create a tea revival in the U.S. Fittingly, the Revival Tea logo features a phoenix rising out of a tea kettle, with tea leaves for wings and a traditional Celtic knot for a body. Revival currently offers 12 teas, but, believing there’s a tea for every occasion, they hope to have 30 teas by the end of the year. The Mango tea is popular on ice, while the Yerba Mate is adventurous with a smoky flavor. “We’re hoping to build a national and international tea brand right here in Spokane and do a lot of cool things in the community,” says Henry. He has ambitions to open a brick-and-mortar location soon, hoping to create an intimate space for tea tasting and exclusive music. For now, you can find Revival Tea at the Perry District Thursday Market, Fairwood Farmers’ Market, Emerson/ Garfield Markets, Caffe Affogato, at other locations around the region, and at Revivalteacompany.com. (Lisa Laughlin)
LIQUID PARADISE IPA. // PHOTO: JON JONCKERS
NEW BELGIUM LIQUID PARADISE IPA
Liquid Paradise IPA brings together three key elements that are imperative in every hoppy summer beer. First, the aroma is sweet, delicious, and slightly tart with a hint of passion fruit. Second, it features a beautiful golden color, with a light haze and moderately-dense white foam. Third, the flavor is medium bodied with a mild sweetness that propels bursts of guava, mango, and grapefruit. It is genuinely a liquid paradise, one sip at a time. For many years, New Belgium brewing has been capitalizing on their Voodoo Ranger series of beers with several limited release options, and this might be the best yet. The Liquid Paradise IPA blends Mosaic Incognito hops with small amounts of Nugget, Azacca and Munich hops. It’s a brilliant recipe for an extremely aromatic IPA, with a lingering creaminess after each sip. Consider yourself warned: It boasts a bold 7.8 percent ABV, which is fairly strong for a summertime IPA. Yet the 44 IBU means it’s very drinkable with pretty much any meal—from backyard BBQ to Mountain House. It’s available in bottles and cans; however, cans are favored for most outdoor adventures. Admittedly, New Belgium Brewing’s most famous beer is the Fat Tire Amber Ale, but they’re also recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work and one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses; plus, they top the list of Bicycling Magazine’s Best Companies for Cyclists. Liquid Paradise IPA comes from a 100% employeeowned brewery, and the Voodoo Ranger mascot is a very entertaining character in their social media platforms. Definitely check him out on the New Belgium Instagram account. (Jon Jonckers)
SERVING BREAKFAST LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK 521 E. HOLLAND #20 509-413-1739 18
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Eatology WHY WE DON'T EAT WHAT WE KNOW WE'RE SUPPOSED TO EAT // By Ammi Midstokke
IT WOULD APPEAR that most of us are relatively
intelligent and informed. We can do any number of things facilitated by the use of our opposable thumbs and prefrontal cortexes, like get driver’s licenses, use scissors, or order takeout. Most of the time, any one of those is enough to get us through life. Along with species-perpetuating common sense, like avoiding pyramid schemes and wearing a seatbelt, we seem to know what we need to eat. If you missed the memo: mostly fruits and vegetables, then some other stuff that’s pretty optional depending on your moral compass. In a world of macro-planning and BCAA timing, that might be a little basic. We know when we’ve had too many donuts. We know that industrial beef is a Class 1 carcinogen. We know that we don’t eat enough vegetable fiber. We know that glyphosate is suspect in various ailments. We know we need more water, less sugar, and essentially zero alcohol. And if we’re not exactly sure how many calories or grams of protein we need in a day to support our activity level, we can embrace some disordered eating and figure that out too.
But if we know these things, why don’t we do them? If we’re so damn big brained and top of the food chain, why are we careening toward the bottom? Observing that we humans are an enigma falls grossly short of an understatement. There are few other species that so knowingly accept the potential consequences of their choices. I have yet to meet a cheetah that smokes (though I have met a number of diabetic cats). The research is plentiful, but we’ll simplify some of the understandings. First, humans don’t often identify with their future self. We’re a creature of immediate gratification and the prospect of having something now releases more dopamine in the brain than that regulating prefrontal cortex can talk us out of. In fact, studies show that people who are successful at delayed gratification release nearly as much dopamine thinking about the future result as the person currently stuffing their face with a pack of Oreos. We all know those people and avoid being their friends because they are disgusting and a shameful reminder that we only have $.12 in our savings accounts. Also, they aren’t wordy about their satisfaction with delayed gratification. Most of us
need to tout that we are delaying gratification so we hear ourselves say it out loud and feel the dopamine release when others congratulate our self-control and deprivation tactics. I’ll have you know that my therapist said there is a more compassionate way to state that, or just about anything else that comes out of my mouth. It’s something really soft and pretty like, “I will be so happy about this later.” She probably has a lot more money in her savings account and never explains why she is skipping dessert. Most of us humans don’t like to wait, and we can’t envision the risks of the future. That often is not a matter of self-control as it is a matter of biochemistry. That big brain is a tricky bastard and will release all kinds of hormones and flashbacks to inspire you to make choices that don’t serve you… later. It will tell you that you’re doing yourself a favor right now. That double-stuffed crust is going to save your soul and wipe away the horrors of surviving your day. Also, low blood sugar is like the drunk teenager of the brain. You will make poor choices when you are too hungry and you won’t even care. You can tell this is about to happen if you are walking through a grocery store and one of those apple pie pockets with a half-life of 800 years sounds like a good
idea. Never in the evolution of the human has a hungry person said, “I could kill for some asparagus right now.” Escort your brain to the part of the store where they have free apples and bananas for children, have a tantrum until an employee gives you one, and proceed to buy real food. If we want to make good choices for our bodies, we need to set ourselves up for them. Some of it is just a matter of exercising that part of our brain. Think about the future and what it will feel like when you are strong and healthy on your next adventure, or your cholesterol levels are in range at your next annual, or you get a good night’s sleep. Think in terms of what you are gaining, not what you are missing out on in that moment. And for the love of pie, don’t try to make healthy decisions on a ravenous brain. Feed yourself regularly, and steal airplane peanuts to keep in your pockets for emergency fuel. Then eat more vegetables like you know you should. // Ammi Midstokke has never been arrested for or publicly condoned the actual stealing of airplane peanuts. Sometimes, when she doesn’t eat them all, she’ll take them home for later. Last month she wrote about our obligation to know from where our food comes.
AMMI MIDSTOKKE’S “ADVICE FOR ANYONE ON ANYTHING” COLUMN Check out Ammi’s online-only “Advice for Anyone on Anything” column at OutThereOutdoors. com/?s=ask+ammi. Or send her your nutrition, health, outdoor fitness, or other random advice question at ammi@twobirdsnutrition.com.
FLEX PAD SLEEVE Customize your sleep system with either a 20” or 25” wide pad
climb in, cozy up and sleep like a boss New lightweight Flex Pad Sleeve accommodates multiple pad widths FOUND IN NEW BIG AGNES SYSTEM BAGS
The Mother of Comfort · bigagnes.com
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
19
2019 Newport Autumn Bloom 5K & 10K Run
RaceReport
Newport Hospital & Health Services Foundation fe
ourli y r o f
#run
10 K is a Second September 21, 2019 T.J. Kelly Park 9AM Seed Qualifier for (Corner of 1st St. and Washington Ave.) Bloomsday 2020! Newport, WA l
Tourism support for 2019 Autumn Bloom is provided by City of Newport Hotel/Motel Tax Funds.
Register online at RaceRoster.com or download registration form at NewportHospitalAndHealth.org Pre-registration Deadline: 9/16/2019
On-site Registration: 7:30AM - 8:30AM
Race Contact: Lori Stratton, Foundation Assistant (509) 447-7928, ext. 4373 NHHSFoundation@nhhsqualitycare.org
LONE RUNNER ON THE TRAIL_PHOTO COURTESY OF NXNW RELAYS
SPOKATOPIA TRAIL RUN (JULY 14)
Kick off day two of the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5K run along singletrack at Spokane’s Camp Sekani Park. Run fast to maximize your workout as you climb your way up several hundred feet to the top of the park or take your time or walk any challenging sections if you’re new to trail running or not in the best running shape. Each $20 race registration comes with a Spokatopia Adventure Pass good for many bike and water sports demos at Spokatopia all weekend long and a Spokatopia bandana. Prizes from Black Diamond and Altra will be awarded to the top two male and female finishers and to random finishers at the festival stage after the race. There’s also a short, free trail running clinic that starts before the race at 7:30 a.m. and a post-run yoga class that will feature poses for runners that begins in the festival meadow at 9 a.m. Stick around and enjoy live music, the adult beverage garden, over 60 outdoor recreation-oriented exhibitors, and many other outdoor activities until 3 p.m. Spokatopia. com/trail-run. (Derrick Knowles)
Corridor bike path to cross north Spokane. Historic portions of the relay that are returning this year include a stop at Silverwood and a party in Coeur d’Alene with lights and music. At the finish line in Idaho, runners will receive a finisher’s shirt and medal while relaxing with their team at the beach after-party in Sandpoint, which includes music, food, and the first beer on S2S. If you don’t have a full team, register as a “6-pack” or find a team through runner matching at Spokanetosandpoint.com. (Lisa Laughlin) HAPPY GIRLS RUN SPOKANE (SEPT. 21)
All started off happy at my first Happy Girls event last fall. I had to switch from the half to the 10K after falling during a run and fracturing my elbow a few weeks before the race, but the trail run, which starts at Mukagowa Fort Wright Institute and meanders along both paved and unpaved trail bordering the Spokane River, was well-marked and well-supported. The atmosphere felt celebratory, with guided pre-race stretching and drinks (including beer from Twelve String Brewing Company) and appetizers offered as after-race snacks. The September day was beautiful and the ideal running temperature, and it was fun to be in an environment of women (men are allowed to participate, but aren’t included in the results). I had friends—some runners, some walkers—signed up for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon. There was sometimes single-track, but those stretches weren’t so populated that I was locked into an undesirable pace. The unhappy part included the uphill heading into the home stretch of the course, which felt like a brutal way to finish (though if I’d had a different mindset and had trained specifically for it, I may have found it less deflating and more empowering.) Also, it turns out I was coming down with the stomach flu. (In retrospect, this may have played into why that last hill felt so awful.) All in all, Happy Girls is a fun, well-organized event for women of all fitness levels, and in the future I hope to give it another, healthier, shot. (Sarah Hauge) //
INDEPENDENT LOCAL
SPOKANE TO SANDPOINT RELAY (AUG. 16-17)
Crazy hair, costumes, and decked-out team vans are just a few of the elements you’ll find at the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay (S2S). Grab 11 (or 5) of your friends to complete this 200-mile adventure from Washington to Idaho on foot! Nathan Luke, race director and owner of NxNW Relays, says S2S is great for out-of-town runners looking to experience the Northwest. Highlights include running along the Spokane River via the Centennial Trail, past the shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene in the evening, and over Long Bridge on the last leg into Sandpoint. “S2S is special for how it manages to take a full relay event, drop it into a major metro area, and not feel like you’re dodging traffic the whole time,” says Luke. He looks forward to this year’s runner enthusiasm and inter-team camaraderie. Runners will start at Big Barn Brewing in Green Bluff, which will change the first 3 legs of the course. Runners will also take advantage of the Northside
music and perspectives
INDEPENDENT LOCAL
music and perspectives 20
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
UrbanOutdoors THE GREAT SPOKANE BEER CHASE // By Paul Chisholm
TAKE OUT A MAP OF SPOKANE—a real, physical
map. Put an X over every brewery in the Spokane city limits. Now, connect those dots. What do you see? It depends on how you connect the dots, and it’s open to some personal interpretation. But if you do it just right, I swear you can spell the words RUN TO EVERY BREWERY IN SPOKANE. Like a sailor of yore gazing at the Big Dipper from the bow of his ship, I perceived this connectthe-dots message as an omen—more than an omen: an imperative. It had to be done. I began texting potential accomplices. Responses ranged from “that’s a lot of miles” to “that’s a lot of beer.” It took some cajoling, but a few relented. Before long, I had assembled a dream team of the most athletic beer drinkers east of the Cascades. The Spokane Beer Chase was officially on. Now, a quick caveat. Our collective Venn diagram of personal schedules necessitated a Sunday date for the event, which meant that several breweries were closed. Steam Plant Brew Pub was closed too, due to ongoing renovations. Square Wheel Brewing, while technically in the city limits, was
ridiculously far away. That left 10 breweries, which was at least manageable from the standpoint of a human liver. We mustered that fateful Sunday at Waddell’s in north Spokane. We were under a social media blackout, since one of our posse was supposed to be spending the day with his in-laws. He didn’t want his excuse of a “really important race” to get blown up by photos on Facebook. After enjoying a satisfying round, our group of half a dozen runners and bikers began the 3-mile journey south to Bellwether Brewing. Upon arriving, we quaffed beer number two, and were off to Iron Goat. Our mood was jubilant as we crossed the Monroe Street Bridge. The foaming waters of the Spokane River rushed beneath our feet, and the sun was shining brightly above us. Nothing could stop us. Nothing, except perhaps lethargy. Our schedule necessitated that each stop should last less than 20 minutes. It was easy at first, but gradually became more difficult. From Iron Goat, we ran to the Steel Barrel, a taproom that hosts a trio of start-up breweries (Little Spokane, Young Buck, and TT’s). And
from there, it was on to River City. By that point, we were all feeling a bit low. The dense concentration of downtown breweries kept the beer-to-running ratio relatively high. We had stopped drinking full pints at each stop, opting instead for half-pints and 4-ounce tasters whenever possible. But despite our best efforts, we were all starting to feel like we didn’t want to run anymore. Any racer knows the feeling. Some call it “bonking” while others call it “hitting the wall.” My crew was fading, and they needed a pep talk. “Great deeds,” I announced, “are never accomplished by simply sitting in a room and drinking beer. They are accomplished by sitting in a lot of different rooms and drinking a lot of different beers.” I think the message resonated. We left River City with renewed energy. Soon we had checked Black Label (brewery number eight) and No-Li (number nine) off our list. One of our crew got tired and called her boyfriend to pick her up, but the rest of us remained resolute. Perry Street was our last remaining contender.
CAN YOU SUMMER?
To reach it, we’d have to run up the South Hill. Darkness had settled over the city. We ran under the I-90 overpass, and a stranger asked us for cigarettes. We declined his request. On the way up the hill, one of our crew stumbled and took a fall, badly scraping his knee. No matter—at this point, nothing could keep us from our goal. With a sense of triumph, we entered Perry Street and ordered our last pint of the day. My buddy’s knee was pretty bloody, but the injury did little to temper our enthusiasm. We had done it, successfully linking each star in the Spokane brewery constellation. We had seen new neighborhoods, drank new beers, and forged new bonds. Now I’m looking at a map of Seattle. That one might be a bit tougher. // Paul Chisholm is a biologist working in southeast Alaska. He wrote about hiking Oregon Butte for the June issue of Out There. Follow him on Twitter at @ PaulJChisholm.
#STAYCATION #ONETREE4ALL ONETREEHARDCIDER.COM
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
21
IN IT LONG RUN FOR THE
Triathlete in Need of Heart Transplant Keeps Competing By Summer Hess They compete in high temps and high winds, and through intestinal distress, heat exhaustion, and debilitating cramps. Pat Johnson knows this as well as anyone. She’s completed 14 Ironmen and competed four times in Hawaii, where the 110mile bike across the lava fields can spike above 110 degrees. She’s also finished dozens of marathons and century bike rides. But when it comes to discomfort, she can one-up most athletes. Johnson has been shocked by electricity mid-race to restore the rhythm of her heart and prevent cardiac arrest. She remembers it happening during the Seattle Marathon. “It’s like getting kicked in the chest by a donkey,” she says. But she did what she had trained herself to do: she kept running. This was one of hundreds of times that electricity was used to correct her irregular heartbeat. In 2000 she had a defibrillator the size of a small tape measure installed in her chest. She asked for it to be placed under her pec muscle so it wouldn’t be visible through bathing suits and race bibs, and to be able to put out of mind, at times, the looming reality: someday she would need a heart transplant. The defibrillator helped control life-threatening arrhythmias, but it could not repair the muscle. Johnson’s heart was growing larger and larger and less efficient. Each pump circulated less blood through her body. Doctors suspected she had contracted a virus, and that it wasn’t the virus that caused the damage; instead, her heart was more likely compromised by her body’s attempts to fight the virus. At times her heart rate spiked to more than 269 beats per minute. “I got shocked driving, sitting, and swimming. There was no message of don’t do this.” So she tried to keep doing everything. And while other athletes nursed overuse injuries, she pounded various cocktails of drugs and tried to keep from getting too rattled by the shocks. Her first ambition after receiving the defibrillator was a half-Ironman. “They wouldn’t let me do a full Ironman,” she says. “So I signed up for a halfIronman at Troika instead to please the doctors.” Actually, she assumed that cutting her distance in half would please the doctors. “I didn’t ask about doing the half. I just did it.” She also competed in marathons. She reasoned that, if she was going to get shocked anyway, she might as well get shocked while doing what she loved. You might think an athlete this determined had been competing all her life. But Johnson remembers her first run, which she tried soon after graduating TRIATHLETES KNOW HOW TO SUFFER.
22
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
SHAW ISLAND RACE PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL LAMPI AND THE SOUND ROWERS
Even though Sacred Heart has been named one of the top cardiovascular hospitals in the country, her optimism could be hard to believe. No one who suffers from a life-threatening illness should be relentlessly optimistic. But this positivity didn’t only originate in Johnson’s innate toughness, even from the University of Idaho Law School in 1977. She wore Keds and a bulky pair of cotton sweatthough she has grit in spades. Her optimism was pants. “My knees started hurting, and I learned also grounded in her trust of people. there was such a thing as running shoes,” she says. As she mentally prepared for the surgery, she To this day she still doesn’t know what inspired remembers asking the hospital staff, “Is this going to hurt?” her to go on the first run or sign up for her first They replied, “No, honey, we’re gonna take care race—the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco. But she of you.” enjoyed the feeling of attempting and accomplishing something new. She leaned into their promise and found ways Eventually, even with the assistance of the defito stay busy. She brought in a portable printer, a brillator, medications, and embolization treatments, small computer table, and an office chair and set hills on the bike got harder. She remembers sitting up a makeshift law office. She had taken on major in a meeting in 2014 and experiencing more shocks projects with her partners at Advocates Law Group than usual. One of her friends called an ambulance, and kept going with that team. Between check-ins and Johnson was sent to a hospital in Coeur d’Alene with nurses and doctors, she was frequently able to then transferred to Sacred Heart. They told her the pack in a full workday. Johnson also enjoyed regular visits from friends time had finally come. After 14 years of managand family. They helped keep the situation as light ing her symptoms, the doctors said her heart had grown too large and entertaining as possible, and could not in part by indulging in an They wouldn’t let me do a keep her alive imaginative take on one of much longer. her medical devices, who they full Ironman. So I signed up Most pronamed “Rhonda.” for a half-Ironman at spective heart You see, Johnson had Troika instead to please recipients are started feeling chummy with under 65. This her IV pole. The pole rolled the doctors. down the halls beside her could have been as she walked her 4 or more the end of the road for Johnson, since she was 68. But they admitmiles daily. The pole entered the bathroom with ted her to the hospital, put her on the transplant list, her and waited just outside the curtain while she hooked her up to IVs and machines, and continued showered. Eventually, Johnson put a t-shirt over the managing her medications while they waited. While top, nestled shoes just above wheels, and named her positivity and an active lifestyle couldn’t keep her Rhonda the Runner. Soon, friends were donating heart from failing, those factors did make her a additional accouterments: a Dollar Store mop for strong candidate for a transplant, despite her age. hair, latex gloves for hands, and a juice box for a Johnson was no stranger to being treated for ailheart monitor. They also provided additional runments. She had split her head open on bike rides, ning gear like hats, sunglasses, and running shorts. aspirated on water, and come close to heat stroke. Rhonda even accompanied her across the street on But this was different. She knew she might be in walks through the Healing Garden, and once her the hospital for months. So much of what was haparms fell off and had to be reinstalled on the way. pening to her was outside of her control, but she Ten weeks after being admitted to the hospital decided to focus on what she could do, instead of Johnson sat in her bed in a medical gown beside a what she couldn’t. Johnson knew that she couldn’t stripped-down Rhonda, who the hospital staff had recently dismantled. The two had evolved togethkeep her heart from getting any sicker, but she could stay as fit as possible and make her recovery down er, and now a naked Rhonda would accompany Johnson where no other friends or family could the road easier. She started walking four miles a day around the cardiac floor at Sacred Heart and got to go—into surgery. The procedure went perfectly. Three days postknow all of the nurses and patients. She focused on staying as positive as possible. op, Johnson returned to her routine of walking 4 “People kept asking me, Are you scared? They’re miles a day. She was allowed to do anything that going to take your heart out. I said, No, I’m excited!” didn’t aggravate her incision, which stitched the She couldn’t wait to return to the activities and life skin back together after they had sawed open her she loved. sternum. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of
“
”
her surgery, she ran the Priest Lake Marathon. Johnson knows she’s lucky. “People do have complications. It’s someone else’s organ that you manage with immune suppressant medications.” Her physical fitness prior to her transplant has nothing to do with whether her body accepted or rejected her new organ. But it does have something to do with how quickly she resumed an active lifestyle. Johnson doesn’t know exactly how this experience has changed her because she’s too close to it; it’s impossible to separate yourself from a major incident and ask who you would have been without it. But she does stand in wonder of the heart. Having a damaged heart as an athlete is so different from other kinds of injuries. She reflects on all the preventative measures athletes take to stay fit and healthy. “We think about healthy eating, but not about what the heart does. With the heart, there is nothing visible that says, I have a problem. It made me realize we don’t think about the fact that kidneys work or all that keeps us going. We think about muscles, joints, backs.” She thinks that we disassociate from the complexity and efficiency of our bodies. We tend to focus on little aches and pains but “don’t think about the whole.” Currently Johnson is training for the Bainbridge Island Marathon—the longest single-day race for human-powered boats on the West Coast. She will row 26 miles in her 24-foot Maas single rowing shell. She loves her new watercraft community and says they require only three things to race: a PDF, a whistle, and a smile. Now 76, Johnson says she transitioned from running to rowing because “I don’t have cartilage left in my knees.” But she’s full of determination to push and challenge her whole body, including that miraculous heart. //
WINNING FIRST PLACE AT MERCER ISLAND FOR THE WOMEN’S TWO PERSON ROWING SHELL CATEGORY WITH MARNIE SCHROER. // PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL LAMPI AND SOUND ROWERS
Summer Hess is the managing editor of Out There Outdoors. Her favorite summertime ritual is Thursday morning pack runs, where friends and dogs scramble local hillsides and run back down in time for work (usually).
OutdoorLiving THE BEAUTY OF BACKYARD CHICKENS // By Bradley Bleck IT IS ALL THANKS to my wife, Rachel, that I came to love backyard chickens. She pulled me off the “I don’t know” fence and into the world of fresh eggs and fowl friends. If you are stuck on the fence and unsure if keeping chickens is for you, here’s why I find chickens a joy. Let’s start with the eggs. From spring through the fall, our four hens provide from two to four eggs a day. They are not cheap eggs, given all we do in the care and feeding realm, but they do taste good. I’ve not a sophisticated enough palate to describe the taste; but we give away a good many, and everyone raves about them being much more flavorful than store-bought eggs. Nobody will like you less if you give them fresh eggs. To lay those eggs, chickens need food, water, and shelter. Food is easy. Visit one of the feed stores in the area and talk to staff. Find a diet you and your birds are happy with and stick to it. Chickens love fruit and vegetable scraps as well. For water, we have a heated water bowl to keep it from freezing in the winter. As for shelter, it’s all about protection from the elements and predators. The coop should provide about two square feet per bird. That may not seem like much, but our birds do only two things in the coop: sleep and lay. If it’s warm, they tend to sleep on roosts. If it’s cold, they sleep in the nesting boxes. Some people don’t like their birds sleeping in the nesting boxes, as they poop and pee while sleeping. Your hens can be trained to sleep on roosts if desired. The rest of the time, no matter the weather, they are in the run. Our run is built in a space beneath
our living room. It’s about fivefeet from floor to ceiling, and roughly 15-feet by 20-feet with a dirt floor, all enclosed with 14-gauge wire mesh fencing to keep predators out. The bottom of the READY TO ESCAPE fencing THE CHICKEN RUN. is buried. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES Rocks are stacked along the p erimeter inside and out. Beyond the benefit of the eggs, chickens are beautiful. Flossie is a dark Brahma with something of a mottled neck, her black and white markings reminiscent of a lace doily. Edna is a black Australorp with an iridescent sheen. Vera is a black Leghorn with a majestic strut and a statuesque silhouette. Betty, a Plymouth Barred Rock, has black and white bars forming what seems a herringbone pattern. As social animals, they tend to follow us in the yard. If we are in the garden, they are in the
garden. If we are out front, they are out front. Left to their instincts, they like to range, but they won’t run off. Once acclimated, come sundown, they will be back in the coop of their own volition. The worry is off-leash d o g s , w hich is why we limit t he i r t i me outside the run. Each bird has her own personality and ours all get along.
Edna is the most social, always first to greet us when we enter the coop. Her first move is to squat low to the ground and spread her shoulder blades, waiting to be petted. When we fill the food dish, she steps into it and tips the feed into the dirt. Whether it’s because they have plenty of space or something else, we see no “hen pecking.” There is a lot more to chickens than I’ve covered here, which is why you’ll want to visit websites such as BackYardChickens.com and TheHappyChickenCoop.com, where you can ask questions and get knowledgeable answers. If you are still unsure, I have yet to meet an owner of chickens who was at all reluctant to talk about their birds and why they love them so. // Thanks to lots of cycling and a reasonably healthy diet, Bradley Bleck has been enjoying healthy cholesterol numbers (as per a recent doctor visit and bloodwork) despite eating more eggs than he ever imagined he would. He wrote about the favorite rides of several local cyclists for the May issue of Out There.
IN SPOKANE PROPER, there are limits on the number of Small Domestic Animals (SDA) you can keep, which include fowl (chickens, geese, ducks, and pigeons for starters), small pigs, goats, and most sheep. If it’s less than 36 inches at the shoulder and under 150 pounds, it’s SDA. Spokane city code states “One animal or fowl, other than small livestock, per one thousand square feet of lot area” (Section 17C.310.115). If you have SDAs other than chickens, you’ll need “animal keeping certification” from WSU. Roosters are allowed only in Residential Agriculture (RA) zones. Small livestock are another thing entirely, so check local regulations.
GET BACK ON THE WATER
GET BACK TO WHAT YOU LOVE
20 Years of Adventure
plasticboats.com
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
23
GRANT COUNTY WA S H I N G T O N
Just Natural Ingredients
Fishing • Hunting Camping • Hiking Watchable Wildlife For more information about accommodations:
Grant County Tourism Commission P.O. Box 37, Ephrata, WA 98823 l tourgrantcounty.com l 800.992.6234
24
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Inland
Northwest SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPES and stunning sunsets. Huge, majestic lakes resembling small seas. Uncrowded, rocky-sand beaches. Massive national forests with alpine lake gems. This is what sets Inland Northwest lake country apart from our coastal counterparts, with destinations for all types of water-loving adventurers. Our 4th annual lake guide can help you decide where to go and what to expect. Whether you’re looking for a park or wild setting, a picnic spot or launch site for your powerboat or kayak, this guide provides more than 70 lake destinations for every recreation style and water sport—from fishing spots and swimming beaches to lake islands and quiet campgrounds. While not completely comprehensive or inclusive, we streamlined details and added a few more lakes this year to inspire exploration.
EASTERN WASHINGTON
From rustic channeled scabland lakes carved by Ice Age floods to backcountry gems surrounded by mixed-conifer forests, these lakes provide opportunity for high adventure and relaxing recreation. (For more amenity details, visit wdfw.wa.gov for public boat launches and fishing/boating access sites; all require a WA State Discover Pass). BANKS LAKE: This 27,000-acre reservoir lake
extends 27 miles between two community hubs,
L
from Coulee City north to Electric City and Grand Coulee. Boaters, wake-boarders, and water-skiers have fun here, and anglers enjoy catching whitefish and walleye. Amenities: 6 WDFW sites, Steamboat Rock State Park, Coulee City Community Park and Campground, Coulee Playland Resort (Electric City). BEAR LAKE: Find this quiet, spring-fed lake 15 miles north of Spokane, near Chattaroy. Amenities: Bear Lake Regional Park. BADGER LAKE: Expect good trout fishing and
serene paddling. Amenities: WDFW boat ramp and dock.
Guide BY AMY MCCAFFREE
BEAD LAKE: Located in the Colville National
Forest, enjoy paddling and fishing for kokanee and trout. Amenities: FS boat launch.
BIG MEADOW LAKE: Loons and trout call this rustic lake home, and fishing prospects are “excellent” in July, according to WDFW. There is both a dock and boat launch at the campground. Amenities: FS Big Meadow Campground. BONNIE LAKE: A paddler’s haven located south of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, put-in your watercraft at the small, rustic boat launch by Rock Creek bridge. Private landowners allow launch access, so be respectful and Leave No Trace.
Paddle upstream to find the long, narrow lake and its island (BLM land, open to the public). Amenities: None. CLEAR LAKE: Anglers, boaters, and water-skiers enjoy this 316-acre lake west of Spokane. Amenities: WDFW, Sun Cove Resort. DEER LAKE: Fed by springs and snowmelt, this
lake has 1,150 acres for all watersports. Amenities: WDFW, Deer Lake Resort.
DIAMOND LAKE: Expect good fishing at this 754-acre lake near Newport, which was recently stocked with more than 12,500 trout. Amenities: WDFW, Little Diamond Lake KOA, Thousand Trails RV Campground. ELOIKA LAKE: Nestled in the Selkirk Mountain
foothills north of Spokane, paddlers can spot beavers and muskrats around this 3-mile long lake. Amenities: WDFW, Jerry’s Landing Resort.
LAKE AMENITIES/PUBLIC LAND OWNERSHIP KEY: U.S. FOREST SERVICE (FS), WASHINGTON DEPT. OF FISH & WILDLIFE BOAT LAUNCH (WDFW), IDAHO FISH & GAME BOAT LAUNCH (IDFG), U.S. BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM).
NEW LAKE COEUR D’ALENE TOUR, TOW, & ASSIST SERVICE LAUNCHES BY S. MICHAL BENNETT
CAPTAINS CALL AT THE DOCK. PHOTO: TRAVIS POTTER
THERE’S A NEW BOAT IN TOWN. In December 2018, Travis Potter launched Captain’s Call Lake Tours and Vessel Assist on Lake Coeur d’Alene, with $149 eagle-viewing tours. “The boat’s in the water all year,” says Captain Potter. “I can pretty much do whatever anyone requests of me on the lake, except fishing.” Potter grew up water skiing and spending time on boats in Western Washington. About eight years ago, he and his wife, Heather, decided to move to Coeur d’Alene to provide a quieter place for his three boys to grow up. They bought a home on the lake in Kidd Island Bay and have enjoyed watching Elijah (13), Ezekiel (10), and Ernie (7) fish, paddle the water, and play in the woods. “It’s a great spot for them,” says Potter. “They live like Huckleberry Finn out here.” Not too long after moving here and getting his captain’s license, Potter bumped it up to a Master Captain’s license and began driving the eagle boats for the Coeur d’Alene Resort. But he soon realized that there was a need for a scenic tour service for smaller, more intimate groups than the large resort boats could accommodate. There was also the need for a dedicated water taxi and tow service in Coeur d’Alene, especially in the winter. “The big boats have their
routes,” Potter says, “but I can tailor my itinerary to wherever you want to go.” The Captain’s Call menu of services includes scenic tours, 24/7 towing services, water DUI pick ups, private dock supply runs, and even a Harrison lunch or dinner package. And, if you have your own boat or have rented a boat and don’t want to pilot it, Captain Potter is also a captain for hire. “If you don’t want to deal with the water traffic, want to go bar hopping, or just don’t want to drive, I will captain your boat, get you wherever you want to go, and then get you back safely.” Captain’s Call rates start at $99/hour, with additional charges for towing, night rides, and after-hours calls. Potter’s boat can take a maximum of six passengers, but he is licensed to captain up to 149 people on a Coast Guard-approved vessel. For all your Lake Coeur d’Alene boating needs, call (208) 691-0084 or book a trip at Thecaptainscall.com. “With all the tourists we get in the summer,” says Potter, “and the way this town is growing, I want to fill that need for people who really want to get out and see the lake from the water. There really isn’t anyone else doing anything like this.” JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
25
The Inland Northwwest’s Premier Outdoor Craft Beer Festival with 35 breweries and 5 cideries Family Friendly - Live Music - Food Trucks - Don’t Miss It!
FISH LAKE: Enjoy this 32-acre rural lake, off the
Cheney-Spokane Road, and its quaint county park, which includes a boat ramp (no gas motors), swimming beach, dock, and playgrounds. Nearby is the trailhead for the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park. Amenities: Fish Lake Regional County Park.
FISHTRAP LAKE: A remote 190-acre lake near
Presented by
Sprague, in Lincoln County, with 8,000+ acres of BLM public land along its west shoreline, which includes nearby Hog Canyon Lake. Amenities: WDFW launch sites, Fishtrap Recreation Area (no facilities or services), Fishtrap Lake Resort.
HORSESHOE LAKE: One of the best local paddling destinations, according to Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club members, this 128-acre lake in Pend Oreille County has a “no wake” rule. Amenities: WDFW. LAKE SPOKANE: Local paddlers, boaters, and
9
bass anglers especially enjoy this 24-mile reservoir along the Spokane River, from Nine Mile Falls to Long Lake Dams. Though called Lake Spokane, some locals still refer to it as Long Lake (not be confused with Long Lake near Republic). Amenities: Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile Recreation Area and Lake Spokane Campground.
9
LITTLE PEND OREILLE CHAIN OF LAKES: In the
Colville National Forest is a chain of four small lakes interconnected by the Little Pend Oreille River. Starting from the north end, it includes lakes Leo, Heritage, Thomas and Gillette (connected by a small, navigable channel), and Sherry. Enjoy paddling, swimming, and fishing. Amenities: FS campgrounds, boat launches, and day-use areas at Lakes Leo and Gillette; FS campground only at Thomas; Beaver Lodge Resort & Campground at Gillette.
For lodging information www.coeurdalene.org
Colville Discover Our Good Nature
LIBERTY LAKE: An iconic lake close to the city, it’s popular with paddlers, boaters, and other users. Amenities: WDFW, launch with dock; Liberty Lake Regional Park (beach, campground, no boat launch, entrance fee required). LOON LAKE: Over 1,000 acres for boating, water-
skiing, and fishing on this lake in Stevens County. Amenities: WDFW, Shore Acres Resort, Granite Point Park.
LONG LAKE: Near Republic, in the Colville
National Forest, this rustic 13-acre lake is regulated for anglers as fly-fishing only. Good for paddling; no motorized boats. Amenities: FS Long Lake Campground.
MEDICAL LAKE: This spring-fed lake, with an aver-
Visit us online for trail maps outdoor recreation information: Colville.com
age summer temperature of 74 degrees, is ideal for swimming and paddling. There is a boat launch, but no combustion engines are allowed. Don’t miss a bike ride or stroll along the tree-shaded, paved Medical Lake Trail, along the lake’s west
shoreline. Take a break at Duffy’s Point (you can also paddle here). Amenities: Waterfront Park, south end (free boat launch, swimming beach, playground, restrooms, outdoor shower); Coney Island Park, east shore (picnicking, wildlife viewing); Peper Park, north end (wildlife viewing). MOSES LAKE: This shallow 6,727-acre lake res-
ervoir, 105 miles west of Spokane, is great for all watersports. An official Water Trail map from the city promotes paddling among 8 shoreline parks and points of interest. The lake’s outlet water trails, at an irrigation dam, connects to Potholes Reservoir. Amenities: Two WDFW sites; municipal boat launches at Blue Heron, Connelly, Montlake, and Peninsula Parks, and Cascade Park Campground; Camping at Grant County Fairgrounds, Big Sun Resort, Suncrest RV Park, Sunny Springs Resort & Campground (Ephrata).
NEWMAN LAKE: One of the largest lakes in Spokane
County (1,200 acres), you’ll enjoy views of Mt. Spokane and the Selkirk Mountains as you paddle, fish, or boat. Amenities: WDFW, McKenzie Conservation Area; several small resorts.
NORTH & SOUTH SKOOKUM LAKES: Two small, primitive lakes at 3,500’ elevation in the Colville National Forest, near the small town of Usk. Amenities: South Skookum Campground. PACIFIC LAKE: Located north of Odessa, in Lincoln County, this is only the second year, since the 1990s, that’s it’s been able to hold enough water again to support stocked trout from WDFW. Amenities: BLM boat launch access. POTHOLES RESERVOIR: Located in central
Washington’s desert landscape, the 25,000acre Potholes Reservoir was created when the O’Sullivan Dam filled the Ice Age flood-carved “potholes.” Sand dune islands abound, some covered by shallow water. Popular for all watersports, the state park provides 6,000 feet of shoreline access, and this lake is also a Columbia Basin Wildlife Area unit. Two water trails on the east end connect to Moses Lake. Amenities: 5 WDFW sites, Potholes State Park, Sand Dunes Site (primitive camping and boat access, Mar Don Resort.
ROOSEVELT LAKE: This 130-mile long reservoir of the Columbia River, upriver from Grand Coulee Dam, is protected as a national recreation area. Altogether five agencies and the Spokane and Colville Tribes collectively manage the waters and shoreline, so be sure to consult a map and plan carefully before you go fishing or take your watercraft to any primitive, sandy beach. Amenities: Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area (boat launches, campgrounds, boat-access only campsites, day-use areas, beaches); Private resorts with boat launches, including Sun Lakes Park and Two Rivers; houseboat rentals from Lake Roosevelt Adventures.
Colville is a hub of activity for agriculture, manufacturing and timber industries. Located in a broad valley surrounded by the Colville National Forest, just minutes away from Lake Roosevelt, this four-season playground abounds with outdoor recreation activities.
• Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Hunting
26
• Wildlife watching • Mountain cycling • Road cycling • Scenic drives
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
986 South Main St, Ste B Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-5973
SCKC SPOKANE CANOE & KAYAK CLUB
LEFT TOP: JACKSON JUMPING INTO LAKE COEUR D'ALENE. PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES. // ABOVE: PADDLEBOARDING ON MEDICAL LAKE. PHOTO: WIL WHEATON. // BELOW: MOSES LAKE LILY PADS. PHOTO: LISA LAUGHLIN. // BELOW LEFT: DEER LAKE. PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES
SACHEEN LAKE: Located in Pend Oreille County
near Newport, most of the shoreline is private, but there is a public access site on the northeast shore. Stocked annually with hatchery trout, the small lake and its unique shape makes it great for fishing and paddling. Amenities: WDFW, Cedar Creek Resort, Old Sacheen Lake Resort Campground (house and cabin rentals).
SILVER LAKE: Located near I-90’s Four Lakes exit, this long, narrow lake is popular with paddlers and anglers. Amenities: WDFW launch with dock, Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center. SOAP LAKE: A quiet, natural mineral lake
renowned for its “healing” effects, on windy days you’ll see soap bubbles on the shore. There’s no fish at this lake, but you can enjoy paddling and buoyant swimming. Be aware of sulfur-smelling mud. Amenities: Smokiam Park (city-owned campground), West Beach, and Paul Lauzier Community Park; resorts, spas, and inns, including Soap Lake Natural Spa and Resort.
SPRAGUE LAKE: You can’t miss this 6-mile long by 1-mile wide lake (1,760 acres) along I-90, west of Spokane. Best known for its good fishing prospects, 675 acres of the lake’s wetlands and shore-
line is designated as part of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area. Amenities: WDFW, Columbia Basin Wildlife Area interpretative trail. SULLIVAN LAKE: Enjoy camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, and picking huckleberries at this iconic lake in the Colville National Forest, near Metaline Falls. Amenities: FS campgrounds and day-use areas with boat launches and beaches: West Sullivan, East Sullivan, and Noisy Creek. SUN LAKE: Located at the foot of Dry Falls, enjoy all your favorite watersports, including waterskiing and wakeboarding. Amenities: Sun Lake-Dry Falls State Park, Sun Lakes Park Resort. TROUT & EMERALD LAKES: Rustic lakes in Hoodoo Canyon of the Kettle River Range. Hike the Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 to Emerald Lake Trail #94 (6 miles round-trip). Amenities: FS Trout Lake Campground. TWIN LAKES: On the Colville Indian Reservation,
near the town of Inchelium, there are two lakes— North Twin and South Twin. Anglers need
|
We have your toys! WWW.TheSpokaneAlpineHaus.COM 2925 S Regal - Spokane, Wa 99223
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
27
tribal fishing permits, available to buy at the local resorts. Amenities: Rainbow Beach Resort (North), Hartman’s Log Cabin Resort (South). WAITTS LAKE: A quiet 500-acre lake that’s ideal for fishing or paddling, located south of Chewelah. Amenities: WDFW, Silver Beach Resort, Winona Beach Resort, Waitts Lake Resort. WEST MEDICAL LAKE: This small lake in east
Spokane County attracts anglers, as well as white pelicans, herons, and other waterfowl. In fall 2018, Washington Fish & Wildlife started rehabilitation efforts, and more than 15,000 hatchery-raised trout were released in spring 2019. Amenities: WDFW site (West Medical Lake Resort is no longer in business).
WILLIAMS LAKE: Anglers and paddlers enjoy this small, spring-fed channeled scablands lake, stocked annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Amenities: WDFW, Klink’s Resort, Bunker’s Resort & Marina.
NORTH IDAHO
Lake culture is big in Idaho’s Panhandle, whether it’s boating on one of the vast, majestic lakes or fishing at small mountain destinations. For complete details about boating access sites and launch permit fees, visit Idaho Fish & Game at Idaho.idfg. gov; for Kootenai County, visit Kcgov.us.
BRUSH LAKE: Located north of Bonners Ferry, this
scenic destination was recently stocked with over 5,000 trout. Amenities: FS Brush Lake Picnic Area launch (electric motors only), dock, and campsites.
CHAIN LAKES OF THE COEUR D’ALENE RIVER:
A series of small lakes interconnected by narrow channels, off the Coeur d’Alene River, near the historic lake town of Harrison. While some are too shallow to navigate, larger ones like Blue Lake (no motor restrictions) and Killarney Lake, which has Popcorn Island with a campsite and picnic site managed by BLM, are great for boating and paddling. Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area includes Thomas and Anderson Lakes as state birding trail areas, and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes travels along the river. Amenities: Lake Killarney BLM boat launch (dock, campground); BLM boat launches at Thompson and Anderson Lake Outlets. COCOLALLA LAKE: This 800-acre lake, south of
Sandpoint, was stocked this spring with over 9,000 rainbow trout. Amenities: IDFG boat launch, docks—day-use only.
CHATCOLET & BENEWAH LAKES: Accessible from
Heyburn State Park near Plummer, or from the south end of Lake Coeur d’Alene, these two beautiful, serene lakes have no actual separating boundary. Amenities: Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Heyburn
LAKE PEOPLE: THE HILL FAMILY OF PRIEST LAKE BY AMY MCCAFFREE
IF THERE’S ONE FAMILY that epitomizes Priest Lake it’s the Hills. It all began in the 1930s, when
10-year-old George Hill began spending his summers at his grandparents’ cabin. In 1946, after serving in World War II, George’s love for Priest compelled him to buy a small fishing resort (then called Ferris Resort), while still in his 20s. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to learn all he could about running a resort. Then in March 1954, George married Lois and together they expanded the business and resort property as they raised three children—daughter Teri and two sons, Craig and Scott. “Dad had a good vision of what people would like and my mom was very creative, and had an artistic flair,” says Teri, who has been running the resort for over 30 years now along with her brothers. “You have to love what you’re doing to do it as long as we’ve been here. My mom and dad didn’t know we’d all get along and make it. And it’s been really fun. We’ve had a lot of longtime customers who’ve seen us grow up, [and say it] still has the family feel that they love about Hill’s Resort.” The resort is equally owned by Teri and her brothers, with Craig working as general manager and living on-site with his wife, Missy, and Scott managing the restaurant, which specializes in homemade family recipes. Teri oversees all the resort’s special events, including weddings. Today, Hill’s Resort has 52 cabins and can accommodate up to 400 people. Most busy from May to October, cabins are available on a walk-up basis, even during the first two weeks of July. “It makes me feel like we have a resort and not just a business when someone can walk-up our road and ask for a room.” From mid-July through the first two weeks of August, the resort welcomes many families returning for their annual vacations. Its remote location (and lack of reliable cell service) “forces people to become a family again, to go biking, hiking, fishing together and enjoy nightly bonfires,” says Teri. “On a clear night our sky is full of stars.” Whether staying at the resort or visiting from a nearby campground for a meal or ice cream treat, everyone is welcome at the resort. “You experience a calming, peaceful feeling here. We’re not at all crowded, like Coeur d’Alene, and are much more casual here than at other lakes,” says Teri, noticeable pride in her voice. “Priest Lake is the lake without a city—we’re a destination location.” 28
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
KAYAKING AROUND A BEAVER LODGE ON CHATCOLET LAKE
State Park—3 campgrounds, Chatcolet boat launch and day-use area, Rocky Point Beach and Marina, and Plummer Point (dog-friendly beach). COEUR D’ALENE LAKE: This 25-mile long mecca
for lake-life is 31,000 acres with more than 15 boat launch locations (complete details at Lakecoeurdalene.com). Here are highlights you need to know. • City of Coeur d’Alene: The city’s downtown lakeshore hub serves locals as well as tourists. For upscale, visit the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Boardwalk Marina. For adventure, hike around Tubbs Hill and swim at one of its small, sandy beaches. For family fun, McEuen Park boasts the city’s largest playground, a splash pad, dog park, and the Centennial Trail goes through the park. Amenities: McEuen Park boat launch, City Park & Fort Sherman Playground, Independence Point. • NIC Beach: This large public beach at the edge of the North Idaho College campus is accessible from Rosenberry Drive or the North Idaho Centennial Trail. Amenities: NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits boat house is open daily for watercraft rentals, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through Labor Day; reserve at (208) 769-3290); free campus parking. • Harrison: Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway on the lake’s east side leads to this historic lake town that’s also a popular boating destination. Amenities: Harrison County Docks, city day-use park, beach, RV/tent camping park, Gateway Restaurant & Marina, Carlin Bay Resort, Harrison hotels and restaurants, FS Bell Bay Campground. • Other notable amenities around the lake: Boat-access only campgrounds/mooring docks: Windy Bay and Mica Bay Boater Parks (BLM), Mowry Boat Park (Kootenai County); Marinas: Tobler (Black Rock), Conkling, Silver Beach, SunUp Bay.
ELSIE LAKE: Enjoy serene paddling and fishing at this sub-alpine lake near Kellogg. Amenities: No-fee gravel launch, beach, primitive campsites; no motorboats allowed. FERNAN LAKE: A 300-acre lake in Fernan Lake Village, near Coeur d’Alene, that’s great for paddling and fishing. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest borders its northern shoreline. Amenities: Fernan Park boat launch, dock, and marina.
GRANITE & KELSO LAKES: Two small, forested, trout-stocked lakes north of Athol, situated near each other off the same rural road. Kelso is a state birding site. Amenities: IDFG boat launch and docks (electric motors only). HAUSER LAKE: Located north of Post Falls,
enjoy the surrounding forest and mountain views. Amenities: Hauser Lake Park launch, swimming area.
HAYDEN LAKE: Enjoy your favorite watersports
and mountain views. Amenities: IDFG boat launch, Honeysuckle Beach, Hayden Lake Marina.
LAKE PEND OREILLE: Idaho’s largest and deep-
est lake (pronounced “Pond-uh-ray”) has several access points and destinations not to be missed.
• Sandpoint: The biggest city along Lake Pend Oreille, City Beach is a popular main attraction and conveniently located off the main downtown district (marina, boat launch, lifeguarded swimming beach; no dogs allowed). Local watercraft and boat rentals are available from local gear shops, including Action Water Sports, Outdoor Experience, 49 Outfitters. Take a ride with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises across the lake. Camp at the FS Green Bay Campground south of town. • Hope (northeast): FS Sam Owen Campground, Hope Marina, Beyond Hope Resort and Floating Restaurant, Pend Oreille Shores Resort, FS Whiskey Rock Bay Campground (near the town of Clark Fork). • Farragut State Park (south end, near Athol): Boat launch, Beaver Bay Beach, campgrounds. • Bayview (north of Farragut): Kootenai County boat launch, marinas, resorts. MCARTHUR LAKE: Protected as a state wildlife management area (WMA), north of Sandpoint, there are three other lakes for public recreation within WMA boundaries. Amenities: IDFG launches at Lakes McArthur, Dawson, Bonner, and Freeman. MIRROR LAKE: Near Sagle, this secluded 85-acre trout-stocked lake, nestled between two mountains, is where Dante’s Peak was partially filmed. Amenities: IDFG, private campground. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 AFTER THE INW LAKE MAP
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
29
#FindingAwesome Beaches in BC!
Kootenay Lake, more than 120 km long and one of the largest lakes in B.C. is perfect for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, canoeing and beach lounging!
CANADA UNITED STATES WASHINGTON IDAHO
COLUMBIA RIVER
COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST
PEND OREILLE RIVER
DEEP LAKE
IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FO
SULLIVAN LAKE
KETTLE RIVER
UPPER PRIEST LAKE
KOOTENAI RIVER
COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST
LAKE THOMAS
Kettle Falls Colville
PRIEST LAKE
Coolin CALISPELL LAKE
TWIN LAKES
Sandpoint
Newport Priest River
WAITTS LAKE
SACHEEN LAKE DIAMOND LAKE
DEER LAKE FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT LAKE
BEAD LAKE
LOON LAKE
LAKE PEND OREILLE
COCOLALLA LAKE
ELOIKA LAKE
SPIRIT LAKE TWIN LAKES COLUMBIA RIVER
Stop
Aquatic Invasive Species
from hitchhiking into your
LONG LAKE
SPOKANE RIVER
recreational waters!
Spokane
https://wdfw.wa.gov/ais MEDICAL LAKE SILVER LAKE CLEAR LAKE
10 mi. 10 km
30
©2018 Lakebound
20 mi.
Cheney
20 km 30 km
SPRAGUE LAKE
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
BADGER FISHTRAP LAKE LAKE WILLIAMS LAKE DOWNS BONNIE LAKE LAKE
NEWMAN LAKE
HAUSER LAKE
LIBERTY LAKE
IDAHO PANHAN NATIONAL FORE
LAKE HAYDEN
Coeur d'Alene LAKE COEUR D’ALENE KILLARNEY LAKE COEUR D’ALENE RIVER
Harrison
ST. JOE RIVER ST. MARIES RIVER
nelsonkootenaylake.com
S
Did you know? You can save 30%* on EVERYTHING in Canada *Based on current exchange rate
SOPHIE LAKE
KINTLA LAKE
CAMERON LAKE UPPER KINTLA LAKE
KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST
OTHORP LAKE
OREST LAKE KOOCANUSA
GLEN LAKE FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST
FRANK LAKE MARL LAKE
LOGGING LAKE
MURPHY LAKE DICKEY LAKE
CYCLONE LAKE
UPPER STILLWATER LAKE
Inland NW Lake Country
LOWER STILLWATER LAKE WHITEFISH LAKE
IDAHO MONTANA FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST
SPAR LAKE
BOWMAN LAKE QUARTZ LAKE
TALLY LAKE
Whitefish FLATHEAD RIVER LAKE BLAINE
ISLAND LAKE
BULL LAKE
ASHLEY LAKE
DAHL LAKE
CABINET GORGE RESERVOIR
THOMPSON LAKES
KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST NOXON RESERVOIR
DLE EST
Kalispell
LITTLE BITTERROOT LAKE LAKE ROGERS MCGREGOR LAKE FLATHEAD NATIONAL FOREST HUBBART RESERVOIR
LAKE MARY RONAN
LOLO NATIONAL FOREST
CLARK FORK RIVER
DRY FORK RESERVOIR
ECHO LAKE
FLATHEAD LAKE
LOON LAKE
PABLO RESERVOIR
RAINBOW LAKE KICKING HORSE RESERVOIR NINEPIPE RESERVOIR
LOLO NATIONAL FOREST
FLATHEAD RIVER Lakebound.org
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
31
Protect Your Waters
Help stop the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species
CLEAN • DRAIN • DRY If you own a boat that is not registered in Washington, you must purchase an aquatic invasive species prevention permit. How to buy:
MOOSE CREEK RESERVOIR: Visitors with kayaks
• Online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov
and fly-fishing float tubes will enjoy this small, forested reservoir lake east of Moscow. Heavily stocked with rainbow trout, it’s also a state birding trail area. Amenities: Moose Creek Park launch (no gas motors allowed), fishing docks, campground.
• Find a license dealer near you at wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/dealers Your $24 permit purchase supports efforts to keep Washington’s waters free of aquatic invasive species and manage infestations when prevention fails.
WDFW.WA.GOV
MOOSE LAKE FISHING POND: Located near Priest Lake’s Huckleberry Bay, private landowners allow
public shoreline access at this small, trout-stocked fishing hole—a great destination for families with young children. Amenities: Shoreline pathways, picnic table, no boat launch. SMITH LAKE: This small, family-friendly fishing
lake close to Bonners Ferry is stocked annually with trout and catfish. Amenities: FS Smith Lake Campground.
Puddles, the invasive mussel-sniffing dog
LAKEBOUND MAPS Where we make our summer memories. Lakebound maps are perfect for your home or cabin! Receive 15% off when you use the coupon code OUTDOORMAG
wearelakebound.com
FISHING LETS KIDS APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE. //PHOTO: CRYSTAL ATAMIAN
KIDS FISHING 5 FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKE DESTINATIONS BY CRYSTAL ATAMIAN
Making plans for
Vacation? It doesn’t get much better than this!
Lake Roosevelt LakeRooseveltandMore.com
32
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Follow us on Facebook for updates on potential closures for paving projects
LEARNING HOW TO FISH builds confidence in children, teaches them patience and perseverance, encourages healthy living, and helps children to better understand the interconnections between ecology and recreation, clean water, and species habitat. WDFW biologist Randy Osborn is passionate about the idea of taking kids fishing because it gets them off media devices and exposes families to the fun aspects of fishing and the outdoors. Teaching kids to fish can lead to a lifelong passion and a broader community of people who share their hobby, he says. Furthermore, the sport provides practical experience and inspires early appreciation of the outdoors. One day, these kids will address our environmental issues, with some even becoming professional fisheries biologists who manage our resources. These five Inland Northwest family-friendly destinations for bank fishing (no boat required), are Osborn’s top picks: • Badger Lake: South of Cheney, Wash., this WDFW access site is along the same shore as the public boat ramp. • Fish Lake: Southwest of Spokane, access is along the east shoreline and the Columbia Plateau Trail that continues just outside the county park. • Lake Spokane: Several turnouts downstream of Tum Tum on Highway 291. • West Medical Lake: West of Spokane, the WDFW access site is along the western shoreline. • Pacific Lake (Lincoln County): A day-long excursion that’s worth the drive.
For more details and driving directions, visit Wdfw.wa.gov.
LEFT: UPPER PRIEST LAKE ROCKS. // UPPER PRIEST AUGUST SUNSET. PHOTOS: SHALLAN KNOWLES
ROBINSON LAKE: Located north of Bonners
Ferry, the unique shape for this lake’s 60 acres makes it nice for paddling. Amenities: Robinson Lake Campground.
ROSE LAKE: A forested, 371-acre lake near Cataldo
for boating, waterskiing, paddling, and fishing. Amenities: IDFG boat launch, docks, and primitive campsites; Watsons Rose Lake Resort.
ROUND LAKE: Enjoy relaxing water activities at
this small, scenic, family-friendly, trout-stocked lake near Sagle, south of Sandpoint. Amenities: Round Lake State Park.
SPIRIT LAKE: Located north of Rathdrum, just
west of the historic town of Spirit Lake, enjoy Selkirk Mountain views and restaurants, bars, and other amenities in town. Try an electricassist bike at Fresh Air E-bikes in town and ride the Empire Trails mountain bike trails on the north side of the lake. Amenities: IDFG, Kootenai County boat launches—Maiden Rock (east) and Bronze Bay (west); Sedlmayers
s n i g g i n R o m l Sa un ho r a id
9 1 0 , 2 , ins 4 1 g er rig b m e t ep
Campground & Resort, Silver Beach Resort. TWIN LAKES: North of Rathdrum, a narrow chan-
nel connects the upper and lower lake sections, providing over 800 acres for boating and fishing. Amenities: Kootenai County boat launches and docks.
PRIEST & UPPER PRIEST LAKES: These lakes are legendary for their rustic beauty, wildlife, and huckleberry foraging prospects in the surrounding mountains. Priest Lake, 19 miles long, is flanked by national forest on its western shoreline, with views of the Selkirk Crest to the east, while the west side enjoys picture-perfect summer sunsets. Paddle or boat the no-wake Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area for day-use or overnight camping at primitive FS campgrounds. Amenities: West side has FS boat launches, dayuse beaches, and campgrounds; 3 boat-accessible islands (camping and day-use), and day-use only Eightmile Island; Hill’s Resort and Elkin’s Resort. East side features Priest Lake State Park, with 3 campground units.
S
The 5th Annual foot race along Idaho’s Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho.
A family-friendly event with 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon distances.
WESTERN GREBES ON LONG LAKE. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES
LAKE WILDLIFE WHAT’S THAT BIRD? BY AMY MCCAFFREE
BESIDES MALLARD DUCKS and Canada geese, here are other bird species you’re likely to see while paddling or boating around lakes in Eastern Washington and North Idaho: • American White Pelican: Found April-Sept. at large inland lakes living in colonies, this bird has an 8’ wingspan with black feathers on wing undersides. It dips its bill and pouch underwater to feed and makes grunting sounds at nesting time. • Common Loon: During summer, a mature adult is distinguished by a black back with large white spots and white bands on its neck. Loons surface dive to feed and can be identified by listening for its “quavering laughter, yodeling” (according to the National Audubon Society). • Osprey: Found at lakes and rivers, it has a 5’6” wingspan with brown above and white below, and a dark line through its eye and makes a “kee-uk” call. Keep an eye out for their nests, which are a mass of sticks atop dead trees or on platforms atop poles. • Red-Necked Grebe: Found May-August, during summer, it has a reddish foreneck and white cheeks and throat. Listen for its “wails and trills.” • Western Grebe: Found April-Oct., it surface dives and has red eyes and a long, thin neck with a white front and black back; listen for its rolling “kerr-rick, kerr-rick” call.
Resources: National Audubon Society Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Online Guide to Birds & Bird Watching, allaboutbirds.org.
Guided Rafting Trips on the Salmon River. Easy Access to Hiking Trails & Back Road Bike Rides
Come and Play in Our Backyard All Summer Long. Riggins, Idaho the Home of Rest and Adventure.
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
33
FLATHEAD LAKE. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN
WESTERN MONTANA
Big lakes, big mountains—everything you’d expect from the Big Sky state to beckon lake lovers. HEART & PEARL LAKES: These two alpine lakes in the Great Burn Wilderness of the Lolo National Forest, near Superior, make great destinations for day-hiking or backpacking. Amenities: FS Trout Creek Campground; primitive campsites around Heart Lake. LOON LAKE: Located near the town of Libby,
enjoy paddling and fishing at this small, shallow, no-wake lake in the Kootenai National Forest. Amenities: FS Loon Lake Campground.
FLATHEAD LAKE: As the largest natural freshwater
lake west of the Mississippi, 28 miles long and 15 miles wide, you can do it all at this huge lake south of Whitefish. Amenities: Volunteer Park, Flathead State Park, Wild Horse Island State Park, resorts, fishing charters.
WHITEFISH LAKE: A pristine, glacial, 7-mile long lake, with 16 miles of shoreline surrounded by mountains, you can experience both its wild and city scenes. Amenities: City Beach, Whitefish Lake State Park, The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, Lady of the Lake boat cruise and tours.
RIDE OR HIKE THIS BEAUTIFUL TRAIL NEAR CHRISTINA LAKE, B.C. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN
9
5 LAKESIDE MTB RIDES
Nothing beats a plunge into a refreshing lake after a hot, challenging mountain bike ride. Find both on these five lake rides from around the Inland Northwest. 1. Waldo Lake, Central Oregon: Sitting in the local brew pub after a long day’s ride on one of Oakridge, Oregon’s most acclaimed trails, a group of other riders we met on the trail that day joined us for beers. We slurped cervezas and compared notes for the following day’s objectives. They couldn’t stop heaping praise on the nearby Waldo Lake loop trail, a 20-ish mile semi-technical and highly scenic IMBA Epic that encircles this gorgeous Cascade mountain lake. “Waldo Lake is my religion,” said one of our new trail friends. The next day we found out what she meant. 2. Upper Priest Lake, North Idaho: There are several fun, relatively easy rides around the Upper Priest area, and the Trapper Creek/Upper Priest Lake Trail is one of the most flowy, easy trails up there. This 8-mile out-and-back ride is mostly downhill from the trailhead to the lake. Now find a stretch of vacant beach and jump in! 3. Christina Lake, B.C: If it wasn’t for the exposure in a few places along this 8-mile roundtrip singletrack trail along the south bank of Christina Lake just north of the border from Kettle Falls, it would be an excellent beginner mountain bike trail. After the steep climb/push at the start of the trail, it becomes significantly more mellow. Be sure to scramble down to the water for a dip before turning around. 4. Bead Lake, Northeast Washington: A 17-mile mix of singletrack and gravel road north of Newport, the Bead Lake Loop starts off from the trailhead with a sporty Forest Service road climb before plunging down singletrack to the Caribbean-blue waters of Bead Lake. Enjoy the lake side cross-country riding through the pines and keep your eyes on the trail so you and your bike don’t end up in the drink. 504 E SHERMAN CDA | 524 CHURCH ST SANDPOINT THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
34
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
5. Fishtrap Lake, Eastern Washington: This long and narrow lake in the Channeled Scablands southeast of Spokane is an awesome two-track desert ride for beginners and even kids, as long as it’s not scorching hot out. And with new singletrack sections added by WTA over the past few years, more experienced riders can get a great workout connecting loop, after loop, after loop. Known more for rattlesnakes than as a swimming destination, you can ride down to the lake at the far end of the trail system, and dock swimming is possible at the nearby Fishtrap Lake Resort. (Derrick Knowles)
THE VIEWS OF OKANAGAN LAKE FROM KELOWNA ARE EXPANSIVE. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Sometimes truly “getting away” means heading across the border into Canada. What awaits are clear blue lakes, stunning mountains, and (usually) a favorable exchange rate. Lakeside communities and numerous provincial parks provide adventure opportunities.
ranges. The municipal hubs of Nelson, on the lake’s west arm, and Kaslo, a mountain village along the lake’s main section, offer plenty of lodging, dining, recreation, and cultural opportunities. Amenities: 5 provincial parks, Kokanee Park Marina, Kaslo Bay Park, Nelson City Campground, Kaslo Municipal Campground, and resorts.
CHRISTINA LAKE: Enjoy every imaginable water
OKANAGAN LAKE: Across the U.S. border north
sport activity on this long, forested lake. Amenities: Christina Lake Provincial Park, Christina Lake Marina, Gladstone (Texas Creek) Provincial Park, Christina Pines Campground.
KOOTENAY LAKE: One of the province’s largest
lakes at 67 miles long and nearly 500 feet deep, it’s nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain
of Tonasket, Wash., this lake spans 84 miles, north to south, and boasts long sandy beaches. The surrounding area is divided into three sections: Kelowna, the major city located about midway on the lake; Lake Country; and West Kelowna & Peachland. Amenities: Public boat launches, 30+ beaches, 6 provincial parks with campgrounds, hiking and biking trails, wineries, and resorts. //
DON'T MISS THE MOSES LAKE WATER FOUNTAIN WITH THE ICONIC BLUE HERON SILHOUETTE.// PHOTO LISA LAUGHLIN
PADDLING THE MOSES LAKE WATER TRAIL BY LISA LAUGHLIN
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT finding a lake in the middle of a sagebrush-filled desert that makes it all the more unique to explore. Moses Lake, Washington, is such a lake, surrounded by a town of 23,000, sprawling agricultural fields, and home to some of the most spectacular desert sunsets. The Moses Lake Water Trail (info available at Cityofml.com), is a watercraft roadmap for adventure. Start your paddle from Connelly Park, Peninsula Park, or the popular Blue Heron Park. Camp and launch from Cascade Park in the second full week of August and you’ll be able to walk to the Grant County Fair. Other lake access points include Neppel Landing, Montlake Park, the downtown McCosh Park, and the Bureau Irrigation Dams launch site, which connects to Potholes Reservoir. Moses Lake provides an open playground for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and sail boating. The lake is 18 miles long, includes 120 miles of shoreline, and is home to a variety of fish and birds, including blue heron. After a day on the water, enjoy a meal at Michael’s on the Lake or visit Ten Pin Brewing for craft beer in the local bowling alley. JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
35
Wednesday Market Starts June 12th
Come See Us
Every Saturday
·veggies ·eggs ·meats ·breads ·honey ·bedding plants
8a.m. to 1p.m. 5th Avenue between Division and Browne
www.spokanefarmersmarket.org We accept: Visa/Mastercard, Food Stamps (EBT), WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons 36
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
OutdoorCalendar RUNNING
(July 20) Spokenya 7K Run/Walk for Clean Water. Where: Spokane. A fundraiser for Spring of
(July 7) Race the Wolf. Where: Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho. Part of the Skyrunning USA’s trail running series in 2019, there are three distances: 52k and 25k events on July 6 and an 8k trail race on July 7. The course naturally boasts steep climbs, really fun singletrack and some super-fast two-track plus epic views that stretch from Lake Pend Oreille to Montana and the Canadian border. Info: Schweitzer.com
(July 27) Round About 5K. Where: Deer Park, Wash. The fun run kicks off the community’s Settlers’ Days activities and follows a flat, easy course through the Deer Park area. All proceeds go back to the local community. Info: Roundabout5k.com
(July 9, 16, & 23) Summer Fun Run Series.
(July 28) Bare Buns Fun Run. Where: Loon Lake,
Where: Spokane. 5K fun runs with 1-mile options for kids organized by U-District PT and Negative Split. Free registration for ages 18 and younger. Info: Nsplit.com
(July 13) Mt Spokane Vertical Challenge. Where: Mount Spokane State Park. New courses for the 50K challenge, 26K challenge, and 25K. There’s also a 10K course. Trailmaniacs.com
(July 14) Spokatopia Trail Run.
Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Kick off the 5th annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5K singletrack trail run through the pines above the Spokane River. Registration includes a Spokatopia festival pass, Spokatopia bandana, and optional trail running clinic. A great run for trail running newbies and veterans looking for a warm-up before a day of bike demos and enjoying live music and the Spokatopia beer garden. Info: Spokatopia.com
(July 20) Strides for Strong Bones Fun Run/ Walk. Where: Medical Lake. Run or walk a 3- or 6-mile course at Waterfront Park with proceeds benefitting the Washington Osteoporosis Coalition. Info: Emdesports.com
Hope International to support clean water projects in rural Kenya. Info: Spokenyarun.org
Wash. A clothing-optional 5K run at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park. Info: Kaniksufamily.com
BIKING (July 13) Spokatopia Jump Show. Where: Camp Sekani Park dirt jumps. When: 1-2 p.m. Watch skilled riders execute tricks off large gapped jumps and features. Many spectators last year rated this demonstration of expert insanity one of the highlights of the two-day Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Info: Spokatopia.com (July 13-14) Spokatopia Bike Demos.
Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. One of the biggest bike demo events in the Northwest. Try the latest mountain bikes, e-bikes, hybrids, and more from local shops and regional reps from many of the best bike brands out there. Live music, beer garden, and more activities included. Info: Spokatopia.com
(July 20) Tour de Whatcom. Where: Bellingham, Wash. Explore the beautiful landscape of Whatcom County with a ride distance to suit your style: 22, miles, 44, miles, 62 miles, or century ride. Tourdewhatcom.com
(July 28) Cycle Celebration. Where: Spokane Valley. 10- 25- and 50-mile routes show off some of the most scenic riding in Spokane Valley. All rides begin and end at the North Centennial Trailhead across from Mirabeau Point Park. Info: Cyclecelebration.com
OTHER (July 13-14) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park/Boulder Beach, Spokane. Two days this year, at Spokatopia you can try outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more. Spokatopia is the biggest bike and water sports demo event of the year. Live music, beer garden, slacklining, rappelling, kids’ games and climbing wall, and other entertainment and activities. Cost: free general admission; some activities cost between $5-$50. Info: Spokatopia.com
(July 20) Tiger-Tri & Tiger-Du. Where: Colville, Wash. This is an Olympic-distance triathlon event, with the option to create a team or remove the swim if water just isn’t your thing. The 1.5K swim is in Lake Gillette east of Colville; the 40K ride will run along the scenic Tiger Highway; and the run is around Colville’s Dominion Meadows Rotary Trail. Info: Tigertri.com (July 20) Paddle, Splash, & Play.
Where: Riverside State Park, Spokane. Kids and families can try many types of human-powered water craft on Lake Spokane with experienced guidance and tips from Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club members (free). Sckc.ws
SIX MONTH EVENTCALENDAR RUNNING (August 16-17) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay. Where: Spokane. Rally a team to take on 200 miles of running fun and antics along trails and back roads from Mount Spokane to Sandpoint. Spread the running out between 12 or 6 friends to increase the fun or challenge. Info: Spokanetosandpoint.com
(September 21) Happy Girls Run.
Where: Spokane. This women’s event keeps growing for a reason: beautiful trails, positive and encouraging atmosphere, a distance for everyone (5K, 10K, or half marathon), and fabulous post-race festivities and goody bags. Info: Happygirlsrun.com
(September 29) Sekani 5K & 10K Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Run or walk the beautiful trails above the Spokane River and support the Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program. There’s also a free kid’s 1K run. Info: Sekanitrailrun.com
(October 5) Wild Moose Chase Trail Run. Where: Mount Spokane. Touted as one of the best trail runs in the Northwest, choose between 5K, 10K, and 25K distances and enjoy the fall colors at Mount Spokane State Park. Info: Nsplit.com.
BIKING (August 3) Blazing Saddles Bike Ride. Where: Colville, Wash. Held in conjunction with the Colville Rendezvous Community Celebration in the City Park, choose from highly scenic century, metric century, or 42-mile routes on low-traffic country roads. Info: Blazing100.org
(September 8) SpokeFest. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. This 12th annual bicycling event includes three ride routes: 9 miles, 21 miles, and a half century. Check out vendors after the ride in the Kendall Yards neighborhood. Info: Spokefest.org
(September 14) Global Kidical Massive. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Local kids will join thousands of cyclists worldwide for this family-friendly ride on a 3-mile route through the neighborhood and on the Centennial Trail. Info: Summerparkways.com (September 21) Coeur D’Fondo.
Where: Coeur d’Alene. The course for this ride covers Idaho’s Scenic Byway (Highway 97) and finishes downtown at the Oktoberfest event. Options include 90- 50- or 40-mile distances, as well as a 15-mile family fun ride. Info: Cdagranfondo.com
(September 21-23) SilverRoxx Mountain Bike Festival. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. A 3-day
mountain bike festival with downhill and super-d races, kids races, riding the trails, and socials. Info: Silvermt.com
(October 6) Dirty Spokanza.
Where: Spokane Valley. A 100-mile mixed-surface ride with pavement, gravel, singletrack, doubletrack, and a few optional jumps. Expect plenty of high strangeness, antics, and a challenging course. Info: Dirtyspokanza.com
OTHER (August 3) Long Bridge Swim. Where: Sandpoint. A 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille. This year is the 25th annual event. Info: Longbridgeswim.org (August 10) Swim the Snake. Where: Lyons Ferry Park, Wash. Swim across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina. Or paddle a kayak or SUP for this .7-mile event. Swimthesnakedotorg.wordpress.com
(August 24) Priest Lake Triathlon.
Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. An Olympic Tri (relay or individual), Sprint MTB individual or relay, and team options on and along beautiful Priest Lake. One of the most scenic triathlon events anywhere. Info: Priestlakerace.com
domacoffee.com JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
37
Last Page LEARNING TO MOVE THROUGH DANCE // By Katie Botkin
KATIE BOTKIN DOES A VARIATION ON A SAUTÉ AND TAKES FLIGHT INTO THE PACK RIVER
ON THE DAYS that I hike, wearing light shoes that I can sense the ground through, I feel myself move differently than I used to. My legs are springs, and they cushion my dance uphill and downhill. I keep my body relaxed to conserve energy, and still I go, shot from the cannons of my foot joints, ankles,
38
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
and knees, trained through practice to bend in fluid harmony. Because I have spent so much time dancing, everything else feels like dance too. In the muddy, chilly side months in particular, when slush covers the trails, I stand in front of the mirror learning
how to isolate movements in my hips and shoulders. I grew up dancing, ballet mostly, practicing my sautés and pirouettes. And now I learn again how to stand neutrally, advance in every direction and come back to neutral. The curves in your spine are meant to cushion your movement, my dance teacher told me. Keeping everything in alignment — knees over toes, equal flexion in each vertebra as you bend — makes self-injury much less likely. She was my idol, my teacher, and the inspiration for immersing myself in local, regimented dance classes in my mid-30s. Rachel Brice. She had started a new subgenre, a blend of things she called tribal fusion. Her performance videos made me believe I could one day move like she did, like water— aqueous and serpentine. I took a workshop with her first, driving 14 hours to and from Portland, Oregon, for the threehour class. Two years later, I got into her intensive: a semester’s worth of work packed into a week. It focused on the basics of technique—what she called hard skills—and how to react and improvise—what she called soft skills. More than 40 women from all over the world flew to Portland to attend, all teachers and tribal fusion stars in their own right. I felt lucky to have only come seven hours. Her daily lessons began with connection. Be kind to yourself and the others, she said; this is a place where you’re going to look stupid. She shared deeply personal struggles with us. I had not expected to learn the emotional component of physical health in that week, how much the head can help or interfere with the way you move. But learn it I did. I learned to love my own movement, to feel it begin in the first joint and carry through deliberately to
the last. And with practice it became effortless; love was the only thing that remained. We were far from perfect; we were often nervous. She said to use stress as your ally, to feel it as energy when you stepped up to dance. Women shed tears daily, tears of joy and healing. “For the first time in my life, I feel completely alive,” one of my classmates shared on the fourth morning. We struggled through difficult exercises and mastered them. We spoke genuine words of support to each other, admired one another, and laughed together. On the last day, after we’d taken tests and posed for photos with our teacher, we went to a dance party at her studio and congregated around the edges of the dimly lit room. Each person was supposed to dance in the circle and improvise. She had said to use stress as your ally; let it pull feeling from you, and so when I stepped into the circle beckoned by the girl before me, my churning stomach rising, I was ready; the music played me; the women I had danced with all week surrounding me. They were the eggshells of my nascent self, eyes turned inward to watch. I birthed myself through movement—as Eve, the lady-mother Eve, and as the serpent, a hissing serpent, coiling. And my mothers in the darkness hissed; they called their ululations. I had never moved so well, so fully. I could see her, the mother of us all, grinning in her corner, her delight the best praise I could have dreamed. // Katie Botkin is a freelance writer and the managing editor of MultiLingual magazine. She occasionally teaches dance. She wrote about the West Coast festival scene in the last issue of Out There.
@ July 16th July 23rd
&
Complimentary admission for TOYOTA DRIVERS. Voucher required. Pick yours up at your local Toyota Dealer starting June 1st. One voucher for the driver only. Brought to you by your local Toyota Dealers!
JULY 2019 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM
39
Spokane’s full-service outdoor shop • Rentals, demos, and an experienced staff! 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • mountaingear.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm
Camp USA Shell Belay Device Reg $14.95 SALE $11.98
La Sportiva Men’s & Women’s Tarantulace Rock Shoe $80.00
We’ve got the gear, clothing & footwear for all of your outdoor adventures!
Metolius Super Chalk $4.50
Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet $59.95 Black Diamond 60m 9.9mm Dual Rope Standard $159.95
Black Diamond Men’s & Women’s Momentum Harness $56.95
Voodoo Slackline Mojo Set Reg $79.95 SALE $44.98
Petzl GriGri $109.95
Mountain Gear Canoe and Kayak Demos
Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate $11.95
July 13-14 (see us at Spokatopia!) July 25 • 5:30 to 7:30pm
Space is limited! Preregistration at Mountain Gear Retail required. Boulder Beach, East Upriver Dr, Spokane, WA
Metolius Ultralight Chalk Bag Reg $19.95 SALE $14.98
Metolius PE Foundation Hold Set 35 Pack Reg $89.95 SALE $71.96
Spokatopia
Chelsea Murn climbing at Deep Creek in Riverside State Park, WA. 40
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JULY 2019
Jon Jonckers
Saturday July 13 • 9:00 to 10:00pm Sunday July 14 • 9:00 to 3:00pm Camp Sekani spokatopia.com