June 2018 // Out There Outdoors

hike of the month | B.C. Whitewater | Mclellan climbing JUNE 2018 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

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CONTENTS

FEATURE

50 | Idaho’s Silver Valley

Seating

50

SPECIAL SECTIONS 28 | Spokatopia Festival Guide 32 | Summer Adventure Guide 48 | Outdoor Dog Photo Contest

CrazyCreek.com

#sitthere

DEPARTMENTS 15 | Events 16 | Race Report 18 | Nature 19 | Hiking 22 | Provisions 24 | Urban Outdoors 26 | Gear Room 30 | Health & Fitness

COLUMNS

30

17 | Everyday Cyclist 20 | Out There Kids 21 | Eatology

IN EVERY ISSUE

23 | Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit

11 | Intro

SPOKANE VALLEY 2018

12 | Dispatches 14 | Hike of the Month 53 | Outdoor Calendar 54 | Last Page

54

THE KID IN THE WATER IS STILL UPSIDE DOWN, BUT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS PANICKED SO I TRY NOT TO PANIC EITHER. JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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JUNE 2018 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jon Jonckers SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree DIGITAL EDITORS

Siobhan Ebel Lisa Laughlin COPY EDITOR

Andrew Butler CONTRIBUTORS

Allison Armfield Crystal Atamian S. Michal Bennett Molly Beu Chad Case Kelly Chadwick Glen Copus Lauren D’Arienzo Siobhan Ebel Emily Erickson Megan Ferney Brian Floyd Adam Gebauer Sarah Hauge Summer Hess Jessy Humann Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Lisa Laughlin Douglas Marshall Amy S. McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Erik Prichard Peter Wayne Moe Justin Skay Suzanne Tabert Aaron Theisen Brad Thiessen Matt Vielle Holly Weiler Woods Wheatcroft ART + PRODUCTION

Shallan Knowles Jon Jonckers Jordan Lemm TO REQUEST COPIES CALL

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SPOKANE

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 do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are expertsor 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 PROUD MEMBER Of

ON THE COVER: SUZANNE HEMMY WALDRUP CANOEING HER WAY DOWN THE CLARK FORK RIVER EN ROUTE TO LAKE PEND OREILLE. Photo: Woods Wheatcroft 10

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

Intro: Summer Planning MY HAND-DRAWN, CLUTTERED SUMMER calendar was stressing me out with its arrows, stickers, and Sharpie color-coded notes for different activities: swimming lessons, camping trips, art day camps, pool days, park visits, free outdoor movies. It was visually kid-friendly, for sure, and provided structure and routine. I wanted this calendar to make me feel prepared and accomplished. It committed us to a bucket list of fun. With a school schedule no longer organizing our lives, I thought this calendar was a great idea.

Back in the 80s, I was a latch-key kid with older siblings who had fast-food jobs, which meant I spent too many summer days watching TV and only occasionally biking with friends to 7-11 when I had enough money for a Slurpee. There weren’t day camps or out-

door public pools, and we lived on acreage with few nearby kids my age. Mostly, I was bored, and I wanted to make my children’s summers better than my childhood memories.

Yet all my planned “epic” fun created overwhelming expectations for my family, with little kids who still needed help with sandals. I was trying to make our days feel pre-emptively exciting. Though, in reality, I was already feeling busy enough while juggling motherhood and work-from-home responsibilities. By mid-July, I was deflated. Too many unrealistic plans.

From then on, I vowed to not create an obnoxiously full summer “to-do” calendar. Instead, I made spontaneous morning-of plans according to our energy levels, moods, and the weather forecast; sometimes

I tentatively scheduled the night before. And I kept it simple: splash pads, playgrounds, picnics, pools. Plus, some family vacations and camping weekends.

Now that my kids are older, planning more detailed summer adventures is easier. We meet friends at a beach, plan a short morning hike or bike ride before it gets too hot, and if I want to make banana pancakes for breakfast, we relax and enjoy. This summer, with free admission to City of Spokane aquatic centers, we’ll definitely be swimming more often. And some days, like past years, we may just put our small inflatable pool under our backyard slide, attach the water hose, and call it a water park. No packing swim bags, snacks, and lunches; instead, quick bathroom access and airconditioned breaks inside.

I don’t have to be my kids’ awesome day camp direc-

tor. Together, we now choose a mix of favorite and new activities to structure our summer days. Some will be better than others. Not every day has to be “amazing.”

Let this issue’s Summer Adventure Guide help inspire you, not overwhelm you. Pick and choose a feasible few outings from the over 100 summer adventure ideas. Maybe try a couple of new ones. My kids want to try stand-up paddleboarding and ziplining this summer. We’ll see. There are 10 weeks and 5 days before school starts again. There’s no time to do it all, but enough time to make it a memorable summer with plenty of time spent outside. // AMY S. MCCAFFREE, SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

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Dispatches NATIONAL PARKS KEY TO WASHINGTON’S ECONOMY A NATIONAL PARK SERVICE report recently highlighted the significant contributions these parks play in the Northwest economy. In Washington last year, 8.5 million National Park and National Monument visits contributed $508 million to gateway areas, supported more than 6,500 jobs, and cumulatively benefited local economies by $677 million.

While Washington’s three biggest National Parks, Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades, account for sizable portions of the economic contribution, the study also revealed that lesser known sites, like Lake Chelan and Lake Roosevelt, drew 3.6

million visitors that spent $176 million and contributed $227 million overall to the state economy.

“National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well,” says Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

The National Parks Service has been conducting this study annually since 2012. They collaborate with the U.S. Geological Survey, and the visitor spending is measured at national, state and local levels. Learn more at Nps.gov/subjects/ socialscience/vse.htm. (Jon Jonckers)

ROSKELLEY PADDLES 137 MILES ON THE LOWER SNAKE RIVER IN 2014, John Roskelley published the book

“Paddling the Columbia,” a guide that pinpoints the necessary logistics for paddling the 1,200plus miles of the Columbia River. The book has become one of the most significant paddling guides in the Northwest.

This spring, Roskelley took on another regional river. On May 15, 2018, he posted on Facebook that he paddled 137 miles on the Lower Snake River, from Clarkston, Idaho, to Sacajawea State Park on the Columbia River. According to his post, he started the trip in his Necky Kayak on April 24 with blue skies and provisions for five days, finishing on April 29. “There were two days on the river I didn’t

see more than one or two motor boats,” he says in his post. “The other days I saw maybe five to 10.

I never saw a kayak or canoe. The Lower Snake is definitely underutilized by paddlers.”

Keep in mind, the trip required Roskelley to portage around Lower Granite Dam, Little Goose Dam, Lower Monumental Dam, and Ice Harbor Dam. These are significant stand-alone tasks that require a lot of time and energy. Nevertheless, many people speculate Roskelley may become the first person to paddle the length of the Columbia River and the Snake River. If so, a new comprehensive paddling guide will surely follow. (Jon Jonckers)

RETURN TO MOUNT KENNEDY DOCUMENTARY RELEASED www.tigertri.com saturday July 21, 2018

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IN 1965, legendary climber Jim Whittaker led Senator Robert Kennedy to the first ascent of a remote mountain in the Yukon named after the late president, John Kennedy. Fifty years later, the sons of the original climbing team planned and initiated an expedition to the mountain to celebrate the special bond that connects them all.

“In 1963 I was delighted to receive the Hubbard Medal from President Kennedy,” explains Jim Whittaker. “Two years later the National Geographic Society asked me to attempt the first ascent of the highest unclimbed peak in the Canadian Yukon, Mount Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy was a team member. Our adventure in 1965 was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and I am so pleased and proud that

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Bobby’s son, Chris, and my sons, Bobby and Leif, continued that friendship as they returned 50 years later to pay tribute to the snow, ice, rock and legend of Mount Kennedy.”

On May 25, the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival hosted the world premiere of “Return to Mount Kennedy.” The 80-minute documentary film features original music by Eddie Vedder, never-beforeseen archival footage, as well as interviews with Sub Pop records co-founder Bruce Pavitt, mountain guide Dave Hahn, and members of the original climbing team. The movie will appear in a few more film festivals around the country before it’s released for purchase or rental online. To watch the trailer or learn more, visit Mtkennedy.com.

(Jon Jonckers)

tions on the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene rivers this summer. “June, traditionally, is a very good month on the Spokane,” says Sean Visintainer, owner of Silver Bow Fly Shop. “What we’re experiencing right now is classic Spokane run-off,” thanks to last winter’s deep snowpack.

Lower Spokane fishing season opens June 1— downriver from Spokane Falls—while the upper portion, Post Falls to Upriver Dam, opens the first Saturday in June, just a day later this year. Because the river has been closed to fishing since March 15, for spawning season, fish will be “eager to eat flies,” says Visintainer, who either guides or fishes nearly every day. Expect Caddis and Stonefly hatches.

“Angling the first weeks will be challenging,” he warns. “People need to be safe and cautious. You don’t need to go wading. Stay on the riverbank.”

When the water is high, he says, fish are forced towards the bank. “Little areas where fish get pockets from main flow…closer to Stateline, it’s easier to find calm water with fish.”

As June progresses and the water level continues decreasing, “More [bank and wade] spots open up,” says Visintainer. “It’s going to be one of the best

summers we’ve had in four years. Plenty of water, plenty of habitat, and the fish like that.” The lower the Spokane River flows, the more intake it receives from the aquifer, which keeps the temperature cold, which trout need.

The North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River will also be good this June, as long as the water level trends downward, with gradual snowpack melt, according to Bryan Gregg, a guide for Northwest Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene. “You might have to pick your days carefully for dry-fly fishing,” he says. Upper portions of the North Fork will offer protected water for trout and better wading spots.

Gregg also teaches in the Orvis Fly-Fishing School, offering one and two-day classes that includes classroom and video presentations at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, demonstrations, and onwater practice. All equipment is provided, and the two-day class concludes with a guided trip on the Spokane River. Northwest Outfitters also offers guided fishing trips on the Coeur d’Alene River.

“Even with a half-day guided trip you can learn a lot,” says Gregg, with each half day trip offering four hours of fishing time on the river. (Amy S. McCaffree)

LOCKNER VS PIERCE COUNTY DECISION AMENDED LAST MONTH, Out There Outdoors reported on

the recent Washington State Supreme Court decision that protected recreational immunity. Known as Lockner vs Pierce County, the decision encourages landowners to allow public use of their land for outdoor recreation by providing the landowners with immunity from most injuries that might be sustained through the public’s use.

This was a major victory for public trails and community paths in Washington State, and it will certainly be a cornerstone case for any litigation involving urban community trails in the Northwest. Recreational use statutes limit both private and public landowner liability when their land is opened for recreation. These laws are based on the premise that recreational users assume the risks associated with their activity, discouraging lawsuits against a landowner from individuals who are hurt while recreating. But, this decision held that Washington’s statute was limited to land opened to the public solely for recreational purposes. This

decision meant that any lands also opened up to timber sales, wildlife protection, scientific study, or anything else in a wide range of multiple uses would be open to lawsuits stemming from accidents to recreational users on those lands.

Thankfully, a coalition of recreation groups and land trusts—including Washington Climbers Coalition, American Whitewater, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, The Mountaineers, and Washington Trails Association—joined forces to enter an amicus brief with the court that urged a reversal of this decision. On April 19, 2018, the court revised the original ruling. Washington state recreational use statute does in fact cover any lands opened for free public use, regardless of whether the land in question is used solely for recreational use or if the land has been opened to other uses. A huge thanks to Pacifica Law Group for representing the coalition and preparing the amicus brief.

(Jon Jonckers)

NEW BOOK FEATURES SPOKANE RIVER REFLECTIONS PERHAPS A RIVER might seem like just a river—

a waterway connecting a lake to another river.

But not the Spokane. In the new book “The Spokane River” edited by Paul Lindholdt, 26 essays and three poems provide an intriguing, in-depth “biography” of the river, as Lindholdt refers to the book in his Introduction. With the river as the main “character,” the anthology is organized into three sections—Encounters and Excursions; Culture, History, Society; and Beneath the Surface. History, science, ecology, and writers’ personal reflections combine to provide a fascinating holistic story of the river.

The first section contains poignant and even funny personal essays from writers such as Jess Walters and Tod Marshal. Bob Bartlett’s fly-fishing and Julie Titone’s paddling stories both amuse and educate. Throughout, but especially in section two, readers learn about the river’s earliest geologic history and about tribal history of sustenance and salmon runs for the native Spokane and other Interior Salish people, which was decimated by

dam construction. Sad, ugly history of exploitation and pollution is also included.

Did you know raw sewage was dumped into the river until the 1970s, when treatment plants were finally constructed? William Stimson explains all about it. Essays by Margo Hill, a Spokane Tribe member, and Beatrice Lackaff are especially fascinating. In the book’s final section, essays by Stan Miller, Rachael Paschal Osborn, and Greg Gordon—along with “The Spokane Riverkeepers” essay co-written by Rich Eichstaedt, Bart Mihilovich, and Jerry White—share how environmental awareness and activism has led to the river’s recovery, on-going today.

Ultimately, this book provides hope. Deeper understanding cultivates fondness. By learning about the river’s complex ecosystem, toxicity, water rights conflicts, and aquifer relationship, readers will gain further respect and reverence for the Spokane River and how its health benefits us all.

(Amy S. McCaffree)

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FREE ‘FISH WASHINGTON’ MOBILE APP

THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) just launched a new app for anglers across the state. The app is free and it features interactive mapping to help anglers find fishing near them, plus details on harvest limits and allowable gear for fishable species in each body of water. There’s also access to the Fish Washington website and instructional videos

designed to convey when, where, and how to fish in Washington. WDFW plans to add sport fishing catch record cards to the app in the future, as well as design a comparable app for hunting. The Fish Washington app is available on the Apple Store, Google Play, and via the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website. (Jon Jonckers)

SPOKANE HOUSE FUR TRADE ENCAMPMENT AND SYMPOSIUM

VISIT THE YEARS 1810-1826 at the Spokane House June 9 and 10 and experience living history with the opportunity to talk to fur traders, voyageurs, trappers and Indian “Daughters of the Country” at their campsites. Participants will also have the chance to watch demonstrations from the era, including fire starting, flintlock shooting, a canon salute, and more. Founded as a fur trading post near the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers in 1810, today the Spokane House is part of Riverside State Park and includes an Interpretive Center that tells the story of the fur trading era, including the lives of the Spokane

Indians who lived here and the first white trappers and traders to live among them.

A Fur Trade Symposium is also planned for Saturday, June 9, from 12-4 p.m. Learn about the history of the Spokane House and enjoy live music from the era. An added bonus, parking at the Spokane House is free both days (no Discover Pass required), although an annual Discover Pass is only $30 and is a great investment in unlimited access to Washington’s state parks. The weekend’s events are sponsored by Friends of Spokane House and Riverside State Park. More info at Friendsofspokanehouse.com. (OTO)

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HikeOfTheMonth SAWTOOTH RIDGE

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness // By Holly Weiler

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FIELD OF LUPINE ON SAWTOOTH RIDGE TRAIL. // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

JUNE IS A SUPERB TIME to visit the WenahaTucannon Wilderness in the Umatilla National Forest south of Spokane. The range is called the Blue Mountains for the way they appear on the horizon when viewed from a distance, but during the spring bloom it’s also possible to find trails carpeted in blue. Or purple, pink, white, or yellow.

The Sawtooth Trail is an excellent spot to seek all of the colors nature has to offer, in their spring wildflower form.

The trail begins at Burnt Flat Corral, starting high at approximately 5,500 feet and making the entire hike moderate since the maximum elevation is roughly 5,900 ft. The rustic trailhead offers no amenities, but could serve as a car camp location from which to launch day hike excursions. The trail begins in a mixed forest, but soon opens up to parkland with fantastic views in the heart of the Blues.

At roughly the two-mile mark, there is an unmarked intersection with a spur trail leading left toward Lady Camp and Beaver Ridge. A difficultto-locate spring might, with effort, be found in the vicinity of Lady Camp. Hikers will likely find it easier to pack along all necessary water for the trip. Backpackers will want to locate the campsite at Lady Camp. Day hikers can keep right to stay on the main trail, which from this junction on becomes mostly undulating over open terrain until the Washington-Oregon border.

Enjoy the flower-lined trail, and consider bringing along a field guide to aid in identifying all of the different wildflowers along the route. Once hikers reach the old metal sign marking the state line, it’s easiest to turn around and return to the trailhead. Forest Service maps indicate the trail continues all the way to the Wenaha River Trail

along the Wenaha Wild and Scenic River, but the route down has not seen maintenance work in over a decade and is very overgrown. It would be a good challenge for a determined hiker, but it’s also nice to retrace one’s steps to see the trail in the reverse direction. Save enough time for a short side-trip drive up the Forest Service Road from the trailhead to visit Godman Springs, where the old Forest Service Guard Station constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s is now an overnight rental cabin, and the nearby picnic shelter, open to the public, has a first-come, first-served free campground.

ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: Approximately 8 miles RATING: Moderate-to-Difficult GETTING THERE: From Dayton, Washington,

take the North Touchet Road southeast toward Bluewood Ski Area. Continue past the turn-off for Bluewood on Forest Road 64. At the junction with Forest Road 46, turn east. Proceed two miles, then turn south on Forest Road 420 to the trailhead. To visit Godman Guard Station after the hike, continue an additional 6.4 miles east on Forest Road 46.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR TRAILS: Join the Washington Trails Association for trail work a new project at Mica Peak near Spokane Valley June 26 or June 28. //

Holly Weiler is a hiker, backpacker, trail runner, and skier. She writes the Hike of the Month column for Out There.

Events OUTDOOR FESTIVALS AROUND THE NW // By Amy S. McCaffree

Whether you like bluegrass bands and beer gardens or small-town street fairs and parades, there’s a festival waiting for you. Find a more complete festival guide listing at OutThereOutdoors.com.

MUSIC

Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival (June 15-17, Cashmere, Wash.)

Enjoy contemporary and traditional bluegrass and Americana music.

KettleHouse Amphitheater Summer Concert Series (May-Sept., Bonner, Mont.)

A new outdoor venue along the Blackfoot River near Missoula hosts national headliners, including Bon Iver, Alice Cooper, and Blondie.

Enjoy a marketplace with 190+ artists and live performances on the campus of North Idaho College.

Artonthegreencda.com Huckleberry Days Arts Festival (August 10-12, Whitefish, Mont.)

Enjoy more than 120 artists and a huckleberry dessert bake-off contest.

Pend Oreille Arts Council’s Annual Arts & Crafts Fair (August 11-12, Sandpoint) City Beach hosts artist booths and live entertainment.

FOOD & BREWS

Outdoor Summer Concerts at Northern Quest Casino (June-Sept., Airway Heights, Wash.)

Big-name music performers include Brad Paisley, Willie Nelson & Alison Krauss, Train, Alabama, and Rascall Flatts.

CRAVE Northwest (July 12-15, Spokane Valley, Wash.)

This 2nd year celebration of Northwest food and drink is a unique event where you can sample food purveyors, wineries, breweries, and distilleries from around the Northwest; enjoy all-inclusive tastings; and engage with some of the region’s best chefs and culinary experts.

Wallace Blues Festival (July 13-15, Wallace, Idaho) Musicians travel here from around North America.

Northwest Wine Fest (July 21-22, Schweitzer Mt., Sandpoint) Enjoy wine tasting, live music, and BBQ.

Rendezvous in the Park (July 19-21, Moscow, Idaho) Music and arts festival showcasing national performers; includes children’s art activities.

Testy Fest (August 2-6, Clinton, Mont.)

A truly unique festival, the Testicle Festival at Rock Creek Lodge celebrates “Rocky Mountain Oysters” (aka bull testicles). Includes live music, sideshows, and a wet T-shirt and ball eating contests.

Celtic Festival (July 28, Missoula, Mont.)

Celebrate Celtic culture with music, dance, and food.

The Festival at Sandpoint (August 2-12, Sandpoint) A renowned concert series along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, this summer’s line-up includes Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Sublime, Greensky Bluegrass, and Gavin DeGraw.

Pickathon (August 2-5, Happy Valley, Ore.) This indie music festival near Portland is more like a family-friendly summer camp. Includes such acts as Phosphorescent, Built to Spill, and Blind Boys of Alabama.

Kaslo Jazz Etc. Summer Music Festival (August 3-5, Kaslo, B.C.) World-class performances of jazz, blues, folk, and world music atop a floating stage on Kootenay Lake.

Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival (August 10-12, Medical Lake, Wash.)

16 performances by national acts at Waterfront Park.

Shambala Music Festival (August 10-13, Salmo, B.C.) Salmo River Ranch hosts six themed stages featuring electronic and live music from artists with unique names like Dirt Monkey and Space Jesus.

Free tent camping accommodations.

National Lentil Festival—Food & Brew Fest (August 17-18, Pullman, Wash.)

Celebrate that 18% of the world’s lentils are grown on the Palouse with lentil-centric food court and cook-off, lentil pancake breakfast, and the world’s largest bowl of lentil chili—plus music concerts and the Lentil Land Kids’ area.

Brewsfest (August 18, Kellogg, Idaho) This mountaintop craft beer and music festival at Silver Mountain Resort showcases 22 breweries and 44 craft beers, eight cideries, and three bands.

Schweitzer Fall Fest (August 31-Sept. 3, Sandpoint) Choose samples from among 100 regional microbrews and ciders, and take your children to the kids’ soda tent to create personalized concoctions.

NATURE & RECREATION

Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival (July 7, Spokane, Wash.)

A must-attend event for all outdoorsy folks and families with recreation activities and adventure clinics; demos for bikes, paddleboards, and other water sports gear; kids activities; trail run; beer garden; and live music. Spokatopia.com Huckleberry Festival (August 17-18, Wallace, Idaho) Enjoy live music, dancing, pancake breakfast, children’s games at the Northern Pacific Railway Depot grounds, and a 5k Huckleberry Fun Run/Walk.

Tumbleweed Music Festival (August 31-Sept. 2, Richland, Wash.)

Acoustic music and dance performances on five outdoor stages, hosted by Three Rivers Folklife Society.

Nelson Fat Tire Festival (August 23-26, Nelson, B.C.) Bike races for women, men, and children (age 2+) at Rosemont All Wheel Bike Park, along with bike decorating and a parade.

Juniper Jam Music Festival (September 2, Enterprise, Ore.) Variety of musical genres showcased on two stages at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds.

Wenatchee River Salmon Festival (Sept. 20-22, Leavenworth, Wash.)

Festival includes hands-on activities, environmental and outdoor recreation organizations, and entertainment celebrating the Northwest’s salmon.//

ART

Art on the Green (August 3-5, Coeur d’Alene)

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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RaceReport

THE DIRTIEST RACE AROUND. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MOUNTAIN MAGIC 10K/25K

MOUNTAIN MAGIC 10K/25K

A new trail run is coming to the Spokane running scene June 30. The Mountain Magic 10k/25k will feature two separate loops on Mt. Spokane’s Nordic ski trails. The 10k loop is fairly flat for most portions, by mountain trail run standards; while the 15k loop, which is added to it to make the 25k course, presents some reasonably challenging elevations throughout.

A few things are unique about this course. The trails are wide and airy, but a lot of it is still basically single-track, so you get some great views along the way. It’s also one of the less technical trail runs in the area, without a lot of rocks to trip you up, so you can get up a good rhythm. And it’s flat-out gorgeous—especially at that time of year. Expect a fully-stocked aid station at the center intersection of the loops and hearty post-race refreshments.

Learn more and register at mountainmagicrun. com. (Brad Thiessen) THE SPOKANE PIZZA 5K RUN

Race to be crowned the Pizza King or Queen! On June 2, at the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex, run the first ever Spokane Pizza 5k—every runner will consume two slices of pizza. As both a runner and a pizza lover, it would be an understatement to say that I am very much looking forward to this event.

At the first race of its kind in the Spokane area, runner’s will consume one slice of pizza five minutes before the start time, and a second piece about halfway through at the “pizza station.” Who needs water when you have pizza? The first runner to cross the finish line will be crowned the Pizza King or Queen and receive a special award. $30 will get you two slices of pie, a custom pizza medal, a shirt, and free access to race photos. Veterans and active duty military members receive a 15% military discount.

At this time, the race is unable to accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free crust, and 16

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

there will be cheese. Local Spokane pizza joint Pizza Rita will be sponsoring the event and providing the pies. (Allison Armfield) T9 MERMAID RUN SPOKANE 5K/10K

The T9 Mermaid Race Series is a series of events sponsored by the women’s clothing store Title Nine. On June 3, the Mermaid Series returns to Riverfront Park for the Mermaid Run and the Mermaid Dash. Mermaid Series events are designed for every woman of any age or body type and aim to create a community of empowerment and support for women.

The Mermaid Run consists of both a 5k and 10k route along the Spokane River, starting and stopping in Riverfront Park. For $40 or $50, respectively, participants will receive race shirts, finisher’s medals and necklaces in addition to their race entry.

The Mermaid Dash is a 1.5 mile run/walk meant to introduce young girls to running or walking and provide them a sample of the excitement and accomplishment felt when crossing the finish line.

Participants receive a medal, finisher necklace, and post-race food for an entry fee of $15. (Allison Armfield) THE DIRTY DASH

Do you like to get dirty? Have you no shame?

June 23, is your chance to get filthy and have some fun in the Dirty Dash 5k! This race is for couch potatoes and athletes alike; running through mud pits, foam baths, and down slides at the Riverside State Park ORV Area. You can enter solo or as part of a team—because getting dirty with friends is bound to be a good time! Smile through that dirt-covered face of yours and snap a few selfies afterwards because this race is an experience you will never forget.

Tickets are limited, and prices are tiered, increasing the closer you get to race day. // (Allison Armfield)

EverydayCyclist A CYCLING NOMAD MAKES A HOME // By Justin Skay

HOME IS WHERE YOUR BIKE IS. // PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN SKAY

I MET HANK GREER, Out There’s longtime Everyday Cyclist columnist, where it may be statistically most likely to do so: on his daily work commute on the Centennial Trail. Returning from a downtown grocery run and anxious to put the ice cream away, I caught up to him and started to pass him on the left. As I did so, we struck up a brief, cheerful conversation as fellow pedal pushers tend to do. We talked equipment choices and from-tos (as in, where are you coming from?

Going to?). We also relived highlights of past tours and speculated a bit about those to come.

After chatting easily for a mile, we drifted apart without exchanging contacts, realizing we would meet again, no doubt in much the same fashion.

What I couldn’t have predicted those five years ago was that I would one day put down some roots here in Spokane and accept the honor and challenge of writing the Out There Everyday Cyclist column while he rolls out on one of those wild bike trips.

Acknowledging that I am unlikely to achieve his robust stature in the Spokane cycling community, or be able to even palely mimic his signature wit, I can only hope some measure of my own passion for all forms of cycling can achieve a similar goal: more butts on more bikes.

There is no shortage of fuel for those passions here in the Inland Northwest. From scenic rolls on the Centennial Trail or winding backroads, to winter night rides on Beacon Hill or the endless trails maintained by singletrack fanatics, there is a ride for every tire size and skill level.

Like the city itself, the cycling community seems accessible and down-to-earth. I have jumped in on group rides knowing no one, and invariably left with at least one new riding buddy. I have been approached on the street, including while delivering this magazine in downtown Spokane, by fellow curious cyclists.

With one such easy acquaintance I now call a friend, I traversed a sizeable portion of our extensively trailed city, from Audubon Park to the bar at

Luna on the South Hill for Easter brunch, our tires barely touching pavement. You know how when you’re falling for someone, it can be traced back through a series of small, revealing moments? An unexpected smile, an unspoken understanding, an intentional touch. That ride was one of those in my burgeoning affection for Spokane. I cite it often when people wonder why I contentedly call this city home, having travelled through more than a handful of places.

I admit to previously playing the field a bit.

Raised in the infinite cornfields of Iowa, I’ve lived at least a year in South Carolina, Louisiana, Japan, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, and—for the last five years—I’ve lived in Spokane. I have never felt so at home as I do here. It might be in some small way related to my internal clock, but it is largely that I’ve found a place that’s just the right mix of self-awareness and resolve. I don’t feel a need to be the weirdest, most outspoken, fastest, or a world-saving overachiever here. I only need to be true to my passions, or to be always in search of them, to find fast friends and new trails.

Taking over the reins of this column as Greer heads out on a long cycling adventure, I am thrilled to get the chance to spread awareness of this city’s and region’s unparalleled cycling opportunities, from shore-side picnics to endless mountain tours.

I hope to be able to offer just a bit of insight, and to provide some inkling of inspiration for those considering cycling as a viable means of transportation, recreation, and exercise. As I’ve learned, Spokane is the kind of special place where you just might meet a Hank Greer out there, then get to be him. // When he’s not off on another outdoor adventure, Justin Skay is often out pedaling around town running errands or escaping the hubbub of urban living on a quiet dirt trail. He last wrote about hot springs near Lochsa Lodge in the January issue of Out There.

#STAYCATION #ONETREE4ALL ONETREEHARDCIDER.COM JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Nature LEARN ABOUT INDIGENOUS SCIENCES AND CULTURE AT MOBIUS // By Adam Gebauer SPOKANE LIES IN THE NEXUS of some amazing resources and educa-

TRADITIONAL SALISH TIPI. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MOBIUS SCIENCE CENTER

tional opportunities; and with forest, rivers, mountains, prairies, and lakes, there is ample opportunity to learn about the natural world. What better way to learn about our region than from the culture that has been here the longest and whose sciences are deeply rooted in the natural resources of the region. This season, Mobius Science Center has teamed up with the Spokane Tribe of Indians to offer a monthly Spokane Tribal Series.

This series focuses on the native sciences that have shaped the Spokane Tribe, including transportation, house construction, seasonal food supplies, and the use and conservation of natural resources. The idea started several years ago, when a Mobius employee met with Polo Hernandez, the Spokane Tribe’s Indian Education Demonstration Grant Director. Polo’s idea was to bring area tribes together to increase awareness of indigenous sciences and pair them with science that was currently exhibited at Mobius.

Tipi construction was the topic in January. Participants got to see what a real tipi looks like and how the region’s resources went into shaping their construction. Straight lodge pole pines were used for the frame, and animal hides where used to construct the walls. The shape and material shed snow and rain, while allowing smoke to rise from the center hole, which was packed up and moved to different hunting and fishing grounds with ease.

February’s topic looked at the use of tule, also know as bull rush, as a multi-use material. Tule grows in wetlands and along streams, which are harvested in the fall as water levels are low and the plant has finished growing. This versatile plant is used for everything from wrapping tipi poles for insulation to mats to eat and sleep on to baskets to store dried foodstuffs.

Participants work hands on with tule and make coasters to take home.

March was all about transportation, and the mode of transportation for many Salish people was the canoe. While participants built a cardboard sturgeon nose canoe, a real 16-foot bark Salishan Sturgeon Nose Canoe crafted by high school students from Wellpinit was on display. Shawn Brigman—artist, Spokane Tribal member and canoe builder—discussed the recent effort in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia to revitalize a yearly practice of bringing communities together through the traditional canoe journey to Kettle Falls.

In April, the series took a look at tribal water issues including the func-

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tions of streams, rivers, and reservoirs and how environmental impacts can alter these functions.

They looked at what water qualities make good fish habitat with sediment loads, varying stream flows, and sediment transport.

In May, Mobius hosted its fifth Spokane Tribal Series, which focused on freshwater ecosystems.

Participants got an up-close look at the inhabitants of these waterways, including aquatic insects and the chance to dissect a fish. They learned about the traditional ways Spokane Tribal members used for salmon.

Not only is this series is a great way to connect with the indigenous sciences and culture of the region, but the location of Mobius Science Center above Spokane Falls also has a special connection to the region’s tribes. The Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park have historically been a site for tribes to gather, fish and trade, and celebrate the bounty of the region. Although salmon no longer make it to Spokane Falls, this site is still the annual gathering place for many tribes, particularly during the annual Gathering at the Falls Pow Wow, held this year on Aug. 24-26. This event is an opportunity for many nations from around the region and the country to share their traditions through dancing, singing, and drumming.

The current Spokane Tribal Science Series goes until June. Find more information at Mobiusspokane.org. // When Adam Gebauer is not teaching skiing or summiting a mountain, he is wrangling his herd of goats and running Syringa Ecological Consulting. He wrote about the aerial courtship of osprey in May.

HOW TO HIKE WITH YOUR DOG THE RIGHT WAY

Hiking

• Keep your dog on a leash to avoid conflicts with other trail users, pets, and wildlife.

HIKING WITH DOGS // By Amy S. McCaffree

• Keep vaccinations current, and ensure your dog has the one for preventing Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease acquired from contaminated soil and water.

LEFT: HANK EXPLORING THE LOCHSA WITH JENNIFER. // TRAIL KISSES. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER HALL. // RIGHT: GLEN COPUS WITH HIS HIKING PARTNER. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEN COPUS. // FAR RIGHT: LEON THE HIKING CAT. PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN FERNEY.

BEFORE HANK, A RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK PUPPY, could go on a backpacking trip with

his owner, Jennifer Hall, she needed a way to carry him. Avoiding overexertion, joint injury, and ingestion of wild mushrooms were her major concerns. Because he weighed less than 20 pounds at the time, she decided to strap Hank to her chest, using a baby-carrier borrowed from a friend.

“He didn’t seem to mind, but he definitely wanted to see where we were going…twist around and face the front, versus facing me. And logistically, that didn’t work with his legs and everything else.

But he got cozy, and I could hike with him for a couple hours,” she says. “People assumed that I was carrying a baby, but then if they closely looked, they realized it was a puppy.” Back in Spokane, she continued carrying Hank for longer walks, after he exercised, until he became too big.

Hank isn’t alone. Phoebe, a 9-year-old Pomeranian mix who weighs 13 pounds, is carried on trails by Glen Copus. “Phoebe has a tendon

• Carry a first-aid kit with dog-specific supplies.

Assemble your own using lists available online from Humane Society or AVMA, or purchase an Adventure Medical Kit’s “Adventure Dog Series” supply bag.

• Be aware of terrain hazards, like jagged rocks, to prevent paw injuries.

• Prevent pets from eating poisonous plants.

Toxic flora in the Northwest region include tansy weeds, foxglove, larkspur, bracken fern, stinging nettles, and poison ivy. See Oregonvma.org for a complete list. problem with both of her hind legs and can only walk a short distance before it becomes too painful. If we try to leave the house with our other dog, Reggie, she has a fit,” he says.

Copus adjusted a front-wearing dog carrier so it could be worn on his back. “Phoebe enjoys riding in it, and was very relaxed after a few minutes the first time out. She occasionally falls asleep in there,” he says. Carrying Phoebe is “not much different than wearing a backpack with a picnic and beverages in it. I do need to remember to squat down when I’m adjusting my boots or snowshoes, rather than just leaning forward, as that tends to invert the dog. It is also helpful to have a table or a tailgate or something I can back up to when slipping the pack off my shoulders.”

Pet gear companies are finally catching up to demand. K9 Sport Sack offers both forward and back-carrying adjustable packs for dogs, designed for dogs to rest in their natural “begging” position. They recommend giving dogs a 15-minute

rest break outside the pack for every 45 continuous minutes they’re in it. Other brands creating wearable dog-carriers include Outward Hound, Ruffit, and Pawaboo.

And how about hiking with a cat? “Leon the Adventure Cat”—as he’s known on Instagram— is an orange tabby with a “laid-back, brave, and trusting personality” who loves being carried by his Spokane owner, Megan Ferney. “I started putting a harness on him the second day I had him… on our adventures, he ‘hikes’ about a third of the way and I carry him the rest,” she says. “I just use a regular backpack and put a fleece blanket in it. He has his harness and leash on at all times, so if he jumps out it’s okay.” // Amy S. McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. When she was a kid, she carried her pet Chihuahua on longer walks, holding it like a chicken, when needed. Now she hikes with her Siberian husky, Kenai.

• Apply dog tick repellant; inspect after hiking.

• Attach a bell to a dog’s collar to alert and deter wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, and other large carnivores. Watch out for snakes.

• Pack enough water. According to REI’s online expert advice resource (REI.com/learn), “If the nose is dry, then you’re under-hydrating your dog.” For dogs weighing 20 pounds or less, plan for about 1.5 ounces per pound per day; large dogs actually need less—0.5-1.0 ounces of water per pound, per day. Use a water-purification system for drinking water from rivers or lakes.

• For a dog new to hiking (and not being carried), begin with one-hour treks, and increase according to its energy level. “If you’re a weekend warrior [type of hiker], it’s not fair to put that burden on your dog,” says Amy Barker, owner of Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile. “If their pads haven’t calloused, they can be injured,” she says, which is also why a slow approach is best. //

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FIRST TIME CAMPER How to Prepare Yourself and Your Child for Their First Camp Experience // By Amy S. McCaffree

LEFT: COURTESY OF THE GIRL SCOUTS. // COURTESY OF CAMP GIFFORD. // RIGHT: COURTESY OF CAMP SPALDING

JUNE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS National Trails Day (June 2): • Washington State Parks free admission day.

• Camp Caro Community Park: Free family and community activities, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Outdoor games with REI. Boulder Beach opens at Silverwood Theme Park (June 9) National Get Outdoors Day (June 9): Free admission to all Washington State Parks.

Free Boat Safety Course (June 9): Takes place at Kootenai County Sheriff ’s Office Volunteer Search & Rescue Building, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Families welcome. Idpr.idaho.gov.

Free Fishing Days (June 9, 10): No license required in Idaho on June 9 or June 9-10 in Washington, courtesy of state fish & wildlife agencies.

Wednesdays in the Woods: Gourmet Camp Cooking (June 13): Free class from REI, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Riverside State Park’s Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheater. Discover Pass required.

Free Family Night Out at Camp Dart-Lo (June 15): 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Camp Fire’s day camp property along the Little Spokane River.

Nature in the Neighborhood: South Hill Bluff Trails (June 16): Naturalist-led trail adventure, hands-on activities, and crafts for children ages 5-12, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration and fee required.

Spokane City Aquatic Centers Open (June 18): New this year—free admission for everyone, all summer long; includes open swim, lap swim, parent-tot swim sessions, and family nights.

Wednesday in the Woods: Hiking in the Inland Northwest (June 20): Presentation

by Washington Trails Association local programs coordinator Holly Weiler; 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Riverside State Park’s Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheater. Discover Pass required.

Spokane Summer Parkways (June 21): Bike/walk along a car-free route, 6-9 p.m., between Comstock and Manito Parks along neighborhood streets; local businesses and organizations provide activities, games, and goodies along the course.

Free Chairlift Rides to Summit at Schweitzer Mountain Resort (June 24): Grand opening weekend for summer includes family activities.

Wednesday in the Woods: Kids Outdoors (June 27): Free activities for children of all-age, led by REI, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire; 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Riverside State Park’s Bowl & Pitcher kitchen shelter.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

GETTING READY FOR CAMP means more than giving your kid “snack shack” money and using a packing list. Learn from these tips from local camp directors who share some advice for parents who are preparing children for their very first overnight camp experience. Some also pertain to teenagers, because they may feel first-time jitters, too.

1. HAVE A “PRACTICE” SLEEPOVER BEFORE CAMP. According to Camp Spalding Director,

Andy Sonneland, about 30 percent of Spalding’s summer campers are experiencing their first sleepaway camp. “A multi-night camp should not be a child’s first time away from parents overnight,” he says. Salvation Army Camp Gifford director, Mark Morton, agrees—“a night or two with grandparents or other relatives provide a feel for what it is like to be away from home.”

2. ATTEND A CAMP OPEN HOUSE, OR PLAN A PREVIEW VISIT. Tour the grounds and cabins,

and meet staff. “Fear of the unknown can hinder the success of coming to camp,” says YMCA Camp Reed director, Phil Harrison. Some camps offer family or parent-child sessions, as an introduction to the resident camp experience.

3. DON’T PACK FOR YOUR KIDS. While it’s good to help your kids, the packing process teaches independence and responsibility. “So when a counselor says to grab your sweatshirt or your toothbrush, a camper knows where that’s at,” says Harrison.

4. SHARE YOUR OWN PERSONAL, POSITIVE CAMP EXPERIENCES, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.

This helps “build excitement and anticipation,” says Morton. The parents’ role, according to Sonneland, “is to help instill confidence, citing examples of your child successfully acting independently of mom or dad.” If children have specific worries, Harrison suggests writing letters to their counselors to share their apprehensions—staff can use this awareness to better meet

campers’ needs. Other good advice from Camp Gifford’s Mark Morton: “Refrain from holding family events while your child is away so they do not feel excluded.”

5. SET ASIDE YOUR OWN ANXIOUS AND BITTERSWEET FEELINGS. “If a parent projects confidence in a son or daughter’s

ability to navigate this new experience, that is a big help,” says Sonneland. “Parents should drop-off their child at the cabin, greet the counselor, give a hug to the child, and then head out the door. Save the tears for the car. A lingering, anxious parent makes for an anxious child.” YMCA Camp Reed’s Harrison advises not emphasizing the separation. “Don’t say, ‘We’re going to miss you so much,’ or ‘We can always come get you,’ or ‘We’re just a phone call away’…this can hinder campers.” Based on his experience, a camper may focus on this parental assurance “rather than enjoying camp to its fullest.”

6. PREPARE LETTERS AND CARE PACKAGES. Send to camp a few days before the session begins so your kid gets “camper mail.”

7. COMMUNICATE HEALTH AND DIETARY CONCERNS. Use a camp’s health history form to explain any allergies, medications, and other issues. It’s common for camps to have a volunteer or paid registered nurse on staff who oversees and dispenses medicine—whether for asthma, diabetes, or another condition, no matter how serious or minor. “With many of our meals (at YMCA Camp Reed), we try to build in gluten-free or vegetarian options, because those are the two most popular dietary needs, along with allergy-related restrictions,” says Harrison. “We’re completely nut-free throughout all of camp.”

8. TRUST THE STAFF. Directors hire mature, responsible young

adults, usually college students on summer break. Staff typically complete week-long orientation and training, including first-aid and CPR certification. As a former summer staffer myself, I can attest: your child’s counselor will care deeply, step in for “parental” duties when needed (e.g., give hygiene reminders, soothe bedtime worries), and be a good role model. // Amy S. McCaffree is OTO’s special section editor. She worked at camps in western Washington for 10 summers altogether, during her teens and 20s—from counselor-in-training to wilderness adventure camp leader.

Eatology

a City of Spokane park

FIBER IN THE OUTDOORS // By Ammi Midstokke TRAIL MIX: Trail mix can be loaded with extra sugars, from white chocolate chips to cranberries and dried bananas. If it has nuts, it’s also loaded with fiber. Add pumpkin seeds for some extra zinc, almonds for some extra Vitamin E, and your tissues, both internal and external, will thank you.

Oatmeal and muesli: My favorite camp breakfast is a bowl of homemade, hot cereal. Oats are a great start, but if you’re going for calorie density, think chopped nuts, chia seeds, flax meal, hemp seeds, and ways to increase nutrient density. The latter all have protein, essential fatty acids, and high fiber content.

REHYDRATED MEALS: Preparing and dehydrating

your food means you know exactly what’s gone into it. My personal favorite is a sausage, kale, and sweet potato scramble loaded with mushrooms, onion, garlic, and other things that make sure my tent mate stays on their side. Other favorites are lentil stews and anything with artichoke hearts.

HOMEMADE OR HIPPIE STORE ENERGY BARS:

There’s a multi-billion dollar market out there right now for convenient eats that are loaded with super foods. Their ingredients look like buzzword bingo from Dr. Oz. If they have flax, chia, seeds, and that amazing spirulina, you might just be getting some bang for your buck.

CRACKERS: Like carrots, these are just transport-

ers of better things, such as salami and cheese.

Salami lives longer in the outdoors. If your crackers are made with whole grains, nuts, or seeds, they’re bringing more than some empty carbs.

SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY, and we’re heading out for our day trips, backpacking adventures, and those fantastic beach picnics. There is some unwritten Law of Outdoor Metabolism that predestines us to consume potato chips, energy bars, or anything covered in barbecue sauce when we’re planning on eating outside.

While we may want to enjoy the calorie density of these foods when we are recreating, many of them are woefully deficient in nutrients, along with a seldom-recognized compound called fiber. There is sometimes a reason for this. Fiber’s important role in having healthy bowel movements means we don’t really want a lot of it, say, when we’re running a marathon.

Fiber contributes to the stability and health of other functions in our body as well. For example, studies show that fiber aids in blood sugar regulation, helping us maintain more stable energy levels.

High fiber diets correlate to decreases in heart disease and stroke risk. Fiber also forms good stool, promotes gut health, and aids in the excretion of toxins from your body.

As the science is well established to support that we need fiber, most of us just need to know where to get it. It is found in vegetables, the dark, leafy greens, beans and legumes, avocados, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, whole grains. It is not found in energy gels or beef jerky, though an argument could be made in favor of potato chips.

When we list those fiber-friendly foods, not too many of them are on our ultra-light backpacking camp-food list. Wilted kale salad doesn’t last long in the stash pocket of my pack either. Just because I’m a nutritionist doesn’t mean I like to eat food that tastes like it came out of the south end of a drowned rabbit. Spirulina falls into that category, by the way.

The last thing we want to be dealing with when we’re adventuring outside is the inability to pitch a proverbial loaf. Aside from carrying all that unnecessary weight around, slow motility (or no motility) causes discomfort, bacteria overgrowth, and the resulting fatigue, headaches, and foggy brain.

How do we sneak the right amount of fiber into

our adventure menus without chewing on the latest colon-cleanse supplements?

CARROTS AND APPLES: Yes, these have vitamins and fiber, but really they are just a transporter for peanut butter or almond butter, which is also high in fiber and has some great proteins and fats. The former will keep for days in your pack, the latter has a half-life of something like 800 years at room temperature.

Open for fun Start your adventure in Riverfront!

Whirl around on a historic carrousel, step into a world of waterfalls or skate around the ribbon. Fuel up at the SkyRibbon Cafe. Enjoy the roaring heart of our city.

Riverfront Eats: Live music and food trucks.

Free activities: RIVER FLOW YOGA

by Athleta, Saturdays.

This summer, when you’re packing to feed yourself, friends, or family outside, remember the essentials and don’t forget the fiber. If it’s a picnic, bring some fresh fruits and vegetables. If you’re headed out for longer, sneak in some of those ingredients so you and your body can be happy campers. //

ART IN THE PARK, by Spokane Art School, Saturdays.

Ammi Midstokke goes outside to do all the things without prejudice or preference, so long as it justifies more calories in the form of peanut butter. Last month, she wrote about climbing Kilimanjaro.

MAGICAL MONDAYS with Cecil the Magician.

SUNDAY FUNDAY by Tomato Street.

Spokane Starts Here. riverfrontspokane.com or call 311.

DELICIOUS SEED BARS

Try making a batch of these healthy, glutenfree seed bars for your next outdoor outing. This recipe is courtesy of Spokane’s Sylvia Fountaine and her Feasting at Home website (www.feastingathome.com).

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (raw) ½ cup sunflower seeds (raw) 1 heaping cup large flaked coconut (unsweetened) ¼ cup sesame seeds ¼ cup chia seeds ¼ cup flax seeds (or sub hemp) 1 generous pinch salt 1 teaspoon vanilla ½ cup honey (warmed for easier mixing)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325F. Mix the seeds and salt together in a medium bowl. Stir in vanilla and warm honey until uniformly combined. Place a piece of parchment in an 8 x 8 baking pan (all the way up the sides too). Spray lightly with oil.

Pour seed mix into lightly greased, parchmentlined pan and, using a wet metal spatula, spread it out into corners and edges and press down firmly until you have a compacted, smooth surface at a uniform depth. Place in the oven for 40-50 minutes. (Check at 40 minutes as ovens vary.) For a chewy consistency, take out at 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven, cool completely, and cut into desired shapes or bars. Store at room temp. (OTO) JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

21

Provisions

(n.) food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey.

MAPLE BACON BLUE CHEESE BURGER. // PHOTO: S MICHAL BENNETT

RADIO BREWING CO., KELLOGG’S NEWEST GEM OUTDOOR FOOD. // PHOTOS: S. MICHAL BENNETT

APERITIF:

OUTDOOR FOOD BASICS

By S. Michal Bennett

WHETHER SNACKING ON the beach or cooking

over a campfire, preparing and eating a meal outdoors can present some unique challenges—and rewards. Here are some tips for making your outdoor meal easy and enjoyable.

First, keep it simple. That means preparing as much ahead of time as you can, so that you can just open and eat, or place directly on the fire. Limit the foods that have to be kept cold, especially on hot days. Consider placing meat into a marinade, freezing it, then throwing it into the cooler in the morning to slowly thaw for dinner. Also, focus on foods you can eat with your hands, like chicken legs, skewers, watermelon, popcorn, and S’mores.

Pack the basics. First and foremost for camping, remember matches, lighter fluid, and newspaper— even if you brought a camp stove. Stock up on durable, reusable dishes, and include a large lightweight pot, a skillet, aluminum foil, microfiber towels, and a portable grate. Bring water, avoid glass, and don’t forget the tongs and oven mitt. Pulling a pan off an open fire bare handed is rarely a good idea.

Third, plan to pack it out. Be aware of the amount of trash you are going to generate and have a strategy to bundle it up and easily get it back to the car. If you leave your favorite camp or lakeside spot clean and tidy, it will continue to be your favorite spot. If you burn any paper towels or non-plastic food wrappers, make sure they actually burned.

Take anything that is still solid with you.

Finally, know the current burn restrictions, take them seriously, and prepare accordingly. A wellthought-out, cold meal can be just as delicious as a hot one.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

Just over a year ago, Fred Mehaffie and Ashley Malcolm opened Radio Brewing Company in Kellogg, Idaho. They met at Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, California, where Fred had been working for 23 years, and Ashley for about 5 years. They started dating and eventually decided to branch out and do something on their own. Kellogg may seem like an odd choice for relocation, but they loved the area and wanted a location just off of a major highway for easy distribution throughout the Inland Northwest.

With a passion for old time radio, their original thought was to call their brewery “AMFM,” which are also their initials. But the name was already taken, so they went with “Radio.” And the name suits them.

Situated in between the Elizabeth Park trailhead and the entrance to Silver Mountain’s Bike Park, Radio’s spacious taproom is warm with dark wood and a wide variety of antique radios. The décor and ambiance exude the coziness of a mining town saloon, with just enough sophistication to give it universal appeal. They also have a fun outdoor patio in the back with handcrafted tables and benches, and a couple rows of theatre seats.

Named for old radio shows, the beers are solid and tasty, with styles ranging from blondes and lagers to dopplebocks and porters. My favorites were The Falcon Hoppy Pilsner, X-Minus One IPA, and Beyond Midnight Coffee Stout, which has the right amount of sweetness and maltiness to complement a scoop of ice cream.

The food is traditional pub fare with untraditional twists, and the service was attentive. The battered and fried artichoke hearts, with both soft and crunchy bits dipped in lemon aioli, quickly disappeared. The Maple Bacon Blue Cheese Burger was affordable and generously loaded. Taking a different direction, the Korean Style Tacos were filled with perfectly-cooked porter marinated skirt steak and not-too-spicy kimchi salsa. Other menu items include deviled mushrooms on toast, fish & chips, ravioli bolognese, warm quiche, and a mouthwatering selection of paninis. (S. Michal Bennett)

HERBAL LEMONADE. // PHOTO: SUZANNE TABERT.

HERBAL HONEY AND LEMONADE

CAPONES BIKES. // PHOTO: JAMIE LYNN MORGAN

BIKE-FRIENDLY EATING & DRINKING SPOTS

Spokane/Valley Breweries like Badass Backyard Brewing, Millwood Brewing Company, and English Setter Brewing are often starting and ending points for bike rides around Spokane and the Valley. Manito Taphouse has both bike racks and a bike pump out front, and confesses to having “a soft spot for the cycling community.” You can also get 10% off food in both their taproom and at their sister restaurant, The Blackbird, through bicyclebenefits.org.

The Elk on Pacific Ave is also a popular spot for pedalers to wind down after a ride.

North Idaho MoonTime and The Porch Public Houses sit just off favorite bike and walking trails in Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, respectively. Capones in Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Post Falls have “more taps than tables” and outdoor seating so you can keep an eye on your bike. O’Shays and the newly opened Snug Bar next door sit directly on the Coeur d’Alene Centennial Trail and are popular spots for casual cyclists. Grab a drink while getting a tune up at The Post Ride located inside Coeur d’Alene Bike Co. Slate Creek and Daft Badger in CDA, Mad Bomber in Post Falls, and MickDuffs in Sandpoint are all bike-friendly and accessible breweries. And check out the “vintage” bike racks in front of Eichardt’s Pub and Grill on Cedar Street in Sandpoint! (S. Michal Bennett)

The sun is out, the sky is blue, and temperatures are rising. Summertime is the right time for putting crushed, fresh leaves of spearmint, peppermint, lemon verbena, rosemary, thyme, and edible flowers such as violet and lavender in your ice water, iced tea, and lemonades. Super tasty and versatile, herbal honeys are a perfect fit in refreshing drinks, dribbled on yogurt, waffles, and English muffins, and licked from the spoon.

To make an herbal honey, simply fill a jar ¾ full of chopped herb leaves and flowers, fill the jar to the top with honey, and put on a lid. Let it steep for 2-3 weeks, then strain and enjoy.

To strain, place the jar with lid on in a sauce pan on the stove. Fill the pan halfway with water, then heat on low until the honey is thin enough to strain from the plant matter. This may take 10-15 minutes.

Cool fact: the very center of a beehive is kept at 100-110 degrees by the bees’ labor. Keep the warm water from going above 110 degrees to preserve the enzymes in the honey and nutrition of the plants.

Suggested Herbal Honey Combos: • 1 cup each spearmint and lemon verbena leaves • 1 cup violet leaves and flowers and ½ cup rasp berry leaves • 1 cup rosemary and ½ cup thyme leaves • 1 cup lavender flowers, leaves, and stems, and one vanilla bean Refreshing Herbal Lemonade Recipe: Use 1 cup of herbal honey with the juice of 2 lemons in a gallon pitcher. Add ice and fill with water. Add a few crushed mint leaves and lemon slices, stir, and watch it quickly disappear. Your friends and family will clamor for more! (Suzanne Tabert)

Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit Spring Kings // By Kelly Chadwick

Wednesday Market Starts June 13th

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

A STATUESQUE BOLETUS REX-VERUS SHOWING LIGHTER COLORS OF A DRYER SPRING. // PHOTO: KELLY CHADWICK

I NORMALLY FEATURE lesser-known species here in Leaf Root Fungi Fruit. However, there is a mushroom whose awesomeness is so unquestionable, that in spite of being well-known, it’s a poignant example of underappreciated forest treasure. Assuming the rains have continued sporadically this season, the venerable Spring Kings are arising. Kings refer to king boletes, the sought after porcini of Italy and many other countries in the northern hemisphere. “Spring” is our version, Boletus rex-verus, the brick red variety which comes up earlier in the year.

If you were in a fairy tale in the most picturesque woods with mirror pools, fairies, gnomes, and talking animals, and came across a clump of alluring rotund cartoon-looking mushrooms, they would be kings. Encountering them is intoxicating, resulting in an annual yearning that may haunt you forever.

Spring kings also have the benefit of coming up in a particularly beautiful time of year and inhabit pristine mid to older-growth mixed stands of montane white fir, pine, and hemlock. If the trees are well-spaced yet still shading out the sun, with huckleberries and bear grass filling the understory, you are in the right place. They frequent our local mountains, and I’ve seen them in the woods around Deer Park, in the Idaho Panhandle from Priest River to the Canadian border, and along the I-90 Corridor from Coeur d’Alene to St. Regis. They are beacons of a healthy ecosystem. This adds to their majesty but also makes them a valuable advocate of forest preservation. Hopefully the more people who want them, the more our forests will be valued beyond just timber.

Boletus rex-verus is eminently identifiable and therefore perfect for beginners. They are one of the few boletes (mushrooms with a spongy spore bearing surface opposed to gills) that have a brick reddish brown cap. Other features are the round

robust density, white pores when young, and an overlay of an interwoven raised pattern on the top of the club-shaped stem, called reticulations. They are adored by many mammals and insects, so it’s not uncommon to find them with teeth marks. To avoid unsavory members of this family, cut or break a piece off and make sure it doesn’t stain blue. That will narrow your possibilities down to only edible species.

Hunting mushrooms can be a discouraging hobby highlighted with occasional eureka moments. Spring kings epitomize this. To avoid the resulting frustration and suffering, I suggest hiking casually in season through their habitat but not actually hunting for them. That way, one day they will miraculously appear before you—a celebration of earth and art and magic and feasting—and you will be ready.

IDENTIFYING ATTRIBUTES: Prominently round and fecund. Brick red, lumpy cap over fine pores.

They usually grow scattered or in little clumps in ideal montane forests.

LOOK-ALIKES: There are countless other boletes, but nothing similar that is dangerous if you are careful with your identification. To be safe, eliminate all blue staining specimens of this family, and you will only run the risk of a less delicious feast.

CULINARY ATTRIBUTES: The firmness is fleeting

so pick when young or use mature specimens dried and ground as a flavoring in soups and sauces. Fresh porcini are perfect grilled or with polenta.

WINE PAIRINGS: One of the few wild foods

Enjoy our Delicious GF Beer @

complemented by chardonnay. //

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

23

UrbanOutdoors think of it EXPLORE WHAT’S NEW AT SPOKANE’S a s a c r e a t i v e RIVERFRONT PARK // summer camp f o r a d u lt s

By Sarah Hauge

AUG 26 28 2018

ONE OF LAST SUMMER’S FREE CLASSES. // PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN SPOKANE PARTNERSHIP

SKATE RIBBON

C A M P S W E Y O L A K A N / C D A , I D A H O Register at aafcollectivecampout.com

By Aaron Theisen New pack-sized guidebook 125 awe-inspiring hikes Two-color, with full color insert

What becomes of an ice ribbon when spring hits?

Find out in downtown Spokane, where Riverfront Park’s Ice Ribbon has transitioned to its spring and summer mode: Skate Ribbon, open for daily wheel use during all open park hours (5 a.m. to midnight). The best part? If you bring your own wheels, it’s free. Pack along those personal roller skates, in-line skates, skateboards, and nonmotorized scooters. Balance bikes are welcome for the toddler/preschooler set, but bikes with pedals are not allowed. All wheels in use at the ribbon must be clean and in good repair, with proper safety brakes, and helmets are required for all participants. For those who’d like to rent skate gear, rentals are $6.50 an hour for skate rentals, and $8.50 an hour for scooter rentals. Helmets and safety gear can be borrowed free of charge. Rental hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Don’t know how to skate?

Free skate lessons are available for all ages (only caveat: kids must be able to walk), taught by Lilac City Roller Derby. Check out the city’s website for details and times.

An independent nonproot publisher

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

FOOD TRUCKS AND MUSIC

Also kicking off in Riverfront Park this summer is “Riverfront Eats,” a weekly food truck and music series, which Lindsey says is intended to

WHAT BECOMES OF AN ICE RIBBON WHEN SPRING HITS? FIND OUT IN DOWNTOWN SPOKANE, WHERE RIVERFRONT PARK’S ICE RIBBON HAS TRANSITIONED TO ITS SPRING AND SUMMER MODE: SKATE RIBBON.

WORKOUT CLASSES

Available where books are sold and at mountaineersbooks.org

nings will be accompanied by live entertainment, “which adds an element of fun for moms and dads and park tourists,” says Lindsey. Upcoming Friday Night Flight dates are June 1 and 15 from 5-8 p.m.

The park is also offering series of free workout classes; Jazzercise was offered through April and May, giving those for whom roller skating brought back memories of school skate nights a chance to further channel the ‘80s (or experience them for the first time). In June, tote along your yoga mat and come for “River Flow Yoga”; these classes, sponsored by Athleta, meet Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. on the new Howard Street South Channel Bridge, right next to the newly-renovated carrousel.

NEW AND IMPROVED SKY RIDE

Another fun new Riverfront Park offering for spring and summer? Taking the sky ride—which already offers stellar views of downtown and the Spokane River—to a new level. “This year we’re kicking off Friday Night Flights, packaging local beer and wine flights with the sky ride,” says Amy Lindsey, Riverfront Park programming manager.

For the most impressive river views, make plans to check out the sky ride sooner than later; spring melt means more epic waterfall action. These eve-

draw downtown employees, residents, and visitors outside to enjoy a local lunch outdoors. “A portion of the proceeds will benefit free and low-cost community programming,” she adds. Upcoming dates are set for Tuesdays, June 5, 12, and 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MAGIC AND FUNDAYS

And for more family-friendly fun, check out “Magical Mondays with Cecil the Magician,” scheduled for June 4 and June 25 at 4 p.m. (bonus: hot dogs are just $1 at the Sky Ribbon Café on Mondays) and “Sunday Fundays” at the Ribbon, with crafts, inflatables, and sidewalk games happening regularly on Sunday afternoons from 1-3 p.m.

Lindsey hints that there are more surprise activities yet to be announced for the summer. For the latest on dates, times, and new happenings, go to my.spokanecity.org/riverfrontpark or follow “Spokane Riverfront Park” on Facebook. // Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two daughters and is currently training for a summer half marathon or two. She wrote about the best Inland Northwest bike trails in the May issue.

UNEXPECTED IN THE BEST WAYS Ride the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park in spring, when the road is serene and reserved for bikers and pedestrians. Next door, in Whitefish, wind down from your long adventure-filled days with world-class dining options, breweries, distilleries, and live music. When you’re ready to put your feet up, sleep will come easy at any one of the numerous welcoming accommodations— whether in town, along the lake, or on the mountain.

Photo © ChuckHaney.com

5K Run, 10K Run & Half Marathon

SPOKANE S AT U R D AY

S E P T. 2 2 N D Great post-race festivities & fabulous goody bags

REGISTER NOW HAPPYGIRLSRUN.COM WWW.LAYITOUTEVENTS.COM JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

25

GearRoom AKU ALTERRA GTX HIKING BOOT

I prefer hiking in trail running shoes or lightweight hiking boots, but there are times when a more burly, waterproof hiking boot with better ankle support is a good idea.

Like dodging prickly pear and sidestepping down scree piles on Hells Canyon ghost trails; slopping your way along long-neglected Bitterroot Mountain trails still holding slush piles; or bushwhacking 4,000 feet down an abandoned trail in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness that sees more use by gray wolves than people.

You get the picture.

The AKU Alterra GTX hiking boots are handmade in Italy to keep your feet

comfortable when hiking or backpacking through rugged terrain. They have a GORE-TEX liner, gusseted tongues and snug collars that keep debris out, eyelet pulleys that allow laces to be tightened with ease, solid ankle support, aggressive Vibram sole tread, and a handsome suede and breathable synthetic mix upper. These anatomically designed boots benefit from AKU’s extensive foot stride research and are full of high-tech boot innovations that you will notice out on the trail.

Might explain their “Best Fit” award by Backpacker Magazine in 2017. MSRP: $249.95.

Aku.it/en (Derrick Knowles)

DIPE & WIPE

Silver Mountain Bike Park Scenic Gondola Rides Biking the Trail of the Coeur dʼAlenes Mountain Biking the Route of the Hiawatha North Fork of the Coeur dʼAlene River Fishing Hiking the Bitterroot Mountains Historic Mining Tours Brewery Hopping Scenic Mountain Drives

Summer Events

June 2: Kidʼs Bike Rodeo & Bike Safety Parade June 22-24: Northwest Cup Downhill MTB Race at Silver Mountain June 22-23: Route of the Hiawatha 20th Anniversary Celebration June 29-July 1: North American Enduro Cup MTB Race at Silver Mountain June 30: Kegs & Kick Stands Bike Ride, Brews, & Culinary Delights Thursday Evenings All Summer Long: Kellogg Farmersʼ Market

Once you bring a child into this world, you invariably develop a previously unthinkable tolerance of said child’s various bodily fluids. Thanks to a smart and extremely practical product from a Spokane entrepreneur, however, you no longer need to endure even trace amounts of your progeny’s excrement on your hands after an on-the-go diaper blowout or potty training fail. The Dipe & Wipe includes a pack of five wipes mounted on

germ-proof medical gloves, one changing pad, and a pair of training pants all in a heavy duty, resealable plastic bag for packing away soiled clothing and used wipes and gloves. Use this system correctly, and your little one will be clean and happy with “no poo on you” as the company says.

The Dipe & Wipe comes in a 3-pack making it easy to stash them in vehicles, strollers, backpacks, and diaper bags. Learn more and buy them online at Pottyglove. com. (Derrick Knowles)

FITLETIC BLITZ RUNNING BELT

The Blitz is a low-profile running/fitness belt made to hold essential dry goods in a waterresistant, non-bounce pouch. Its most common use is likely as a running belt, but I rode with one strapped to my waist for 130 miles bouncing along on rough mountain bike trails and mostly forgot it was there until I needed my phone, lighter, hydration salts, or Advil. I will also be using the Blitz belt on backpacking trips and whenever I’m travelling and need to keep passports, boarding passes, and other items dry and close at hand. It also has a headphone port, is unisex, and comes in three colors, including a reflective one for early morning or evening runs or rides. MSRP: $26.99.

Fitletic.com (Derrick Knowles) YETI HOPPER FLIP 18 COOLER

Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce 10 E Station Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837 (208) 784-0821 26

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

Anytime I see someone rocking a Yeti cooler on a rafting trip or backcountry car-camping expedition, I get covetous. The cavernous food and beverage cooling capacity of Yeti coolers is legendary, some of which are large enough to swallow a boned-out bull elk or the 5-day beer supply of a crew of recovering college students on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. Spokane’s General Store carries a wide selection of Yeti coolers, but my first foray into the Yeti cooler world was with the practical, everyday workhorse Hopper Flip 18 cooler. The Hopper Flip has a flip top; soft, durable outer material construction; superior Yeti insulation; an optional shoulder strap; and the capacity to hold cold provisions for one or two people for a day or weekend adventure.

When I brought my Hopper Flip 18 home a day

after injuring my knee, a six-pack of American lager wasn’t part of the recovery regimen my doctor had recommended, but I was eager to put the cooler to use. The first sign that the Hopper was going to live up to the Yeti reputation for durable, quality coolers was the effort it takes to zip and unzip the lid. Yeti maintains that its HydroLok system is the best cooler zipper in the world. It definitely won’t come open and leak cold air or water on its own, and when it came time to sample some of the Hopper’s kneenumbing contents, I was surprised by the blast of cold air that greeted my fingers since I’d only deposited a handful of ice cubes a few hours before.

Find the Hopper and its many larger Yeti cooler brethren at Spokane’s General Store on Division Street. MSRP: $299.

Generalstorespokane.com. (Derrick Knowles)

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27

festival guide SATURDAY JULY 7, 2018 9 AM-6PM CAMP SEKANI PARK/BOULDER BEACH, SPOKANE, WA

DETAILS @ SPOKATOPIA.COM

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

A Whole Summer’s Worth of Fun in One Day

The 4th annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival is the place to try new bikes, paddleboards and other water sports gear; experience new outdoor activities; learn new outdoor skills; and check out the latest outdoor gear in a fun festival setting.

Paddleboard, Canoe & Kayak Demos Try paddleboards from Fun Unlimited, different kinds of kayaks and canoes from Mountain Gear, Hobie Tandem Island trimarans from SailSport NW, and Switchblade Multi-purpose Paddles all in one place at Boulder Beach on the Spokane River (a five-minute walk from the Spokatopia festival grounds). $5 demo pass required.

Details at Spokatopia.com.

What to Bring for Bike/Water Sports Demos Bring your own helmet, a current ID, and your riding gear for bike demos, and a swimsuit, towel, and ID for water sports demos (life jackets provided).

getting there Camp Sekani Park is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley at 6707 E. Upriver Drive on the north side of the Spokane River. Parking is limited so please carpool, ride your bike, or use one of these options: 1. Roadside Parking: Shoulder/bike lane parking in select, signed locations on E. Upriver Drive is allowed during the festival.

2. Park & Ride Van Shuttles: Park at nearby Pasadena Elementary or the neighboring church parking lot (1-mile east on Upriver Drive) and catch a van shuttle every 15 minutes.

3. Park & Walk: Park at Shields Park/Minnehaha (the paved and dirt lots just west of Camp Sekani on the north side of E. Upriver Drive) and walk/bike on the Centennial Trail from there.

4. Bike or Park & Bike: Ride from home or park at Avista Utilities (1411 E. Mission Ave.) and ride your bike 4.6 miles on the Centennial Trail and use the secure, free bike corral at the festival!

More Fun Spokatopia Activities 5K Trail Run (Up Chuck Challenge) Run 5K to the finish line on the top of Beacon Hill with a 2.3 mile run/walk back to the festival (8 a.m. start by the red house in the Camp Sekani parking area).

Outdoor Yoga for Everyone Class Bring a mat and loose-fitting clothing for a free class appropriate for everyone (9 a.m. at the main festival grounds).

Slacklining Test your balance on a series of slacklines set up in the pines (all day).

Mountain Bike Jump Demo Watch riders do tricks off large gapped jumps and features. 1 p.m. in the Camp Sekani bike park.

General Store Water Blaster Zone Soak your friends or your kids with one of the General Store’s water blasters. Pick up a free loaner water blaster at the General Store booth (all day).

Hammock Garden Chill in the pines on an ENO Hammock behind the music stage (all day).

REI Campground Lounge in a hammock or camp chair; eat lunch; and enjoy a campsite setting with tents, games, outdoor skills classes, and a chance to make a trail mix bar (all day).

REI Campfire Sessions/Outdoor Skills Classes Learn something new with REI. 20-minute classes held at the REI Campground cover a variety of outdoor topics and skills: ultimate camp coffee, essential knots, hammocking 101, cooking in the backcountry, water filters, gear care, climbing gear basics, and more (class times vary—check the schedule at www.Spokatopia.com).

Bouldering/Rock Climbing Kids and adults can try multiple routes on the Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym climbing wall at the Bloc Yard booth (all day).

Kids Strider Balance Bike Demos Kids age 2-5 will love riding these balance bikes on flat grass and trail in the trees behind the stage (all day).

INB Game Cave Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Connect Four, and rock balancing for all ages and treasure digging for kids.

Geocaching Take a hike up in the hills above the festival grounds to find a special Spokatopia geocache for fame, glory, and a chance to win swag from REI. Look for details at www.Spokatopia.com or stop by the REI Campground at the festival.

Bikes & Brews Craft Beverage Garden Enjoy craft beverages from Millwood Brewing Co., Ground Breaker Brewing (gluten-free), Genus Brewing, One Tree Hard Cider, Bare Culture Kombucha, and more! All proceeds benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance so enjoy a beverage and support our local mountain bike trails!

MTB Shuttles to the Top of Camp Sekani Look for the Huckwagons shuttle trailer and tent near the Camp Sekani bike park jumps (10 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Live Music Enjoy live music by Joe Cajon, Wyatt Wood, and more all day long on the stage in the Spokatopia festival grounds.

Festival Exhibitors Check out the region’s best bike shops, outdoor retailers, clubs and organizations, travel destinations, and more for gear deals, expert information, and trail and travel beta at the Spokatopia festival grounds all day.

Look for more details on all of these activities at 28

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

www.Spokatopia.com

Food Trucks

Biggest Bike Demo Event of the Year Thinking about upgrading your ride? Try the latest and greatest bikes from your favorite local shops and bike brands all in one place. Test ride many different types of mountain bikes on Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill singletrack, or take a cruise on an electric-assist, townie, hybrid, gravel, fat, or road bike on dirt trails, double-track, or the paved Centennial Trail.

Outdoor Adventure Clinics-Try a New Outdoor sport!

Give a new outdoor sport a try this summer, or build your skills with one of the Spokane Parks and Recreation guided Adventure Clinics.

Sign up in advance or at Camp Sekani Park the day of the festival if they don’t sell out. Find all the details and register in advance at Spokatopia.com.

Intro to Rock Climbing: Let Mountain Gear staff teach you basic rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a beginner-friendly crag at Camp Sekani. Gear provided. Cost: $20. Clinic start times: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:45 p.m.

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a voyage with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 22-foot voyageur canoe. Cost: $15. Clinic start times: 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 p.m., 12:45 p.m.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation for a stand up paddleboard tour and try out brand new SUP boards. Equipment provided. Cost: $20. Clinic start times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Tandem Kayak Tour: Explore this flatwater section of the Spokane River with Spokane Parks and Recreation on a guided tandem kayak tour and lesson. Equipment provided. Cost: $15. Clinic start times: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Get Your Spokatopia Demo Pass ($5) or Bonus Bag ($20)

Pick up your $5 demo pass at the Out There Outdoors/Demo Pass booth at the Spokatopia festival grounds at Camp Sekani Park for unlimited access to demo bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and other watersports gear and enjoy a KIND snack for free. Or pick up a $20 Spokatopia Bonus Bag that comes with a demo pass, Spokatopia bandana, 2-for-1 Silver Mountain Bike Park pass, 2-for-1 Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym pass, KIND snack, and more surprises while they last!

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga: Kick off your Spokatopia festival experience with a tranquil stand up paddleboard yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. Cost: $20. Clinic start times: 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River paddling class I and II whitewater. Cost: $20. Clinic start times: 9 a.m., 1 p.m.

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising to learn about different types of discs and techniques. Cost: $10. Clinic start times: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.

Intro to Mountain Biking: Are you new to mountain biking or do you need to brush up on your skills? This class covering basic riding techniques, including body positioning, braking, and cornering, is a great place to start. Cost: $20. Clinic start times: Women Only, 9 a.m., Co-ed, 1 p.m.

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JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

29

Health&Fitness

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HEAL WITH THE TREES. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWELS

THE DOCUMENTARY “RESURFACE,” available on Netflix, tells the stories of combat veterans who turn to surfing to recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Bobby Lane, who suffered a brain injury during deployment in Iraq and is tortured by memories of his experiences, recalls, “The plan was I was going to go surfing, go home, make sure everything was in order, and then I was going to get my gun and I was going to commit suicide.”

Instead, a surfing program for combat veterans changed his life. “When I caught that wave… the Bobby that was going through life hurting, in so much pain and guilt—that guy died out there that day. I could feel the ocean’s heartbeat as if it was this living, breathing thing.”

In a similar vein, John Annerino recalls in his memoir “Running Wild” how a fall while rock climbing shoved his lower leg bone through his ankle. Instead of agreeing to amputation, he kept the leg and faced a lifetime of limited mobility and excruciating pain. Months later, he was left alone due to his wife’s infidelity with a friend and their resulting divorce. Against all common sense, Annerino fought his still-torturous ankle pain and emotional devastation by running the trails near his home in Phoenix, eventually gaining healing and becoming the first person to run the Grand Canyon end-to-end in both directions. Along the way, he found himself fed by the spiritual connection with nature held by the ancient Anasazi and present-day Navajo and Havasupai peoples.

Are these stories of how combat veterans and Annerino find healing through physical activity in nature just isolated anecdotes? Or is there something more universal about the healing power of being active in nature for those who have undergone trauma and difficult periods in life? A largelyunacknowledged body of research has been going on in hospitals and universities around the world over the past several decades to understand and quantify why, and to what degree, physical activity and being outdoors brings physical and psychosocial healing.

Results of this research, such as a review of multiple studies conducted by Loughborough University, point to physical activity’s power to relieve depression, anxiety, and stress and replace it with hope and determination—while also helping build positive self-identity and sense of achievement. Examples of

therapeutic activities identified in studies include kayaking, rafting, climbing, yoga, hiking, cycling and more. Unfortunately, while these results are quantifiable and the activities are accessible to most people, the idea of physical activity as therapy for trauma has not been widely embraced by the medical community.

In “Resurface,” Psychiatrist John Straznickas echoes the findings of the Loughborough study when he says of PTSD sufferers, “The traumas live in their bodies. In order to get healing, you must involve the body in the treatment.” Studies on the healing power of immersion in the nature show a compounding therapeutic effect. “Exposure to nature can help improve relationship skill, reduce stress and aggression, help with the ability to focus… (and) improve impulse control,” writes Lindsey Phillips in a major May 2018 article in Counseling Today.

In an article based on results from over 100 studies, published in UC Berkeley’s Greater Good magazine, Kristophe Green and psychology professor Dacher Keltner echo and summarize Phillips’ statement, writing, “science suggests we may seek out nature not only for our physical survival, but because it’s good for our social and personal wellbeing.” But of course, that seems intuitive to many of us. We don’t need research to tell us that a hike in the Cascades or even a local trail on a sunny day can be transcendent. Unfortunately, our health system DOES need hard research to embrace the outdoors as part of a recovery program, and is not embracing all the research that has been done.

In “Resurface,” Dr. Wallace J. Nichols projects a future where physical activity outdoors is part of formal therapy and recovery. “I see the future where doctors are literally writing prescriptions that may include the pharmaceuticals but also include a surf session. Surfing is medicine. The ocean is good medicine. And we need to talk about it like that.”

If we can substitute our favorites in place of surfing—be they trail running, hiking, snowshoeing canoeing, or even something as simple as gardening—I’ll say a hearty Amen! to that. // Brad is an avid trail runner and advocate for postcancer recovery programs. He last profiled Nordic skier Sam Schlieder in the March edition of OTO. For a list of sources for this article, email bradleythiessen@gmail.com.

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Did your ride end like this?

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

100 THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER

By Amy s. McCaffree

Summer days waver between languid and whirlwind activities, work, and weekends. Is there ever enough time for all you want to do? Slow it down. Or maybe you need to energize your schedule this year. Make summer “epic” on your own terms by using some of these ideas to create your ideal summertime calendar.

1. EXPERIENCE THRILLING DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING at Silver Mountain Bike Park, with its network of named trails, categorized by difficulty level, from easy to expert.

2. CLIMB, SWING, AND ZIP FOR SELF-GUIDED, HIGH ADVENTURE at the new Tree to Tree Adventure Park in Athol, Idaho. This family-friendly aerial experience includes progressively challenging courses featuring ladders, balance beams, tight ropes, and bridges; includes two courses specifically for ages 6-9.

Reservations required at treetotreeidaho.com.

3. WHITEWATER RAFT THROUGH THE CLASS I-III RAPIDS OF LOWER SPOKANE RIVER GORGE with ROW Adventures. Trips typically run daily from June 2-July 1. ROW also provides guided whitewater trips down the Clark Fork, Lochsa, St. Joe, Moyie, Clearwater, and Selway rivers.

4. FOR A SERENE FLOAT WITHOUT BIG RAPIDS, opt for ROW Adventure’s half-day float trip down the

lower Spokane River (ages 5+). Season begins June 18.

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.

5. RIDE RAILROAD TRACKS ALONG THE PEND OREILLE RIVER, thanks to the local Lions Club and its

four-seated, pedal-powered RailRiders. Travel a 12-mile round-trip route, departing from Ione, Wash.

Available only on select dates; online reservations required at lionsrailriders.com

6. TAKE A CRUISE ABOARD THE LADY OF THE LAKE to upper Lake Chelan to begin a backcountry adven-

ture in North Cascades National Park.

7. DEMO BIKES AND WATER SPORTS GEAR AT THE 4TH ANNUAL SPOKATOPIA OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FESTIVAL on Saturday, July 7 at Camp Sekani Park (free general admission). Or register for an outdoor

adventure clinic to try a new sport, such as rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, tandem kayaking, SUP yoga, inflatable whitewater kayaking, and more ($10-20/person). Festival also includes free kids activities, live music, adult beverage garden, and hourly gear giveaways. Spokatopia.com.

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8. NATIONAL GET OUTDOORS DAY IS SATURDAY, JUNE 9. VISIT AND EXPLORE A STATE PARK, CONSERVATION AREA, OR WILDLIFE REFUGE. 9. GO “HERP HUNTING” (searching for amphibians and reptiles) in Idaho, exploring along riverbanks

and lake shorelines to find western toads, spotted frogs, and Western terrestrial garter snakes. Use a field guide (there’s one online at idfg.idaho.gov). Follow Leave No Trace principles by not disturbing wildlife or their habitat.

10. GET YOUR ADRENALINE PUMPING WITH MICA MOON ZIPLINE TOUR in Liberty Lake, Wash. or

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11. HIKE TO THE ROCKS OF SHARON AND BIG ROCK TO ENJOY STUNNING VIEWS and rock climbing.

Located in Dishman Hills Conservancy in south Spokane County. Dishmanhills.org.

12. FORAGE FOR MORELS IN THE KOOTENAI NATIONAL FOREST (permit required), and visit the small

Montana towns of Troy and Libby.

13. BE AWED BY KOOTENAI FALLS—Idaho’s largest free-falling, undammed falls. A short trail leads to a 100-foot high swinging bridge that crosses the Kootenai River gorge, featuring a gradual loss of 300 feet of elevation. Part of the 1994 adventure crime-thriller movie “The River Wild,” starring Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon, was filmed here.

14. SOAK IN STANLEY HOT SPRINGS, near Lowell, Montana, which requires a challenging 6-mile,

one-way hike from Wilderness Gateway Campground. Plan to backpack camp so you can enjoy the 103-degree hot springs water in the cool evening or morning. Learn more at idahohotsprings.com or use the Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest guidebook by Evie Litton and Sally Jackson.

15. TAKE YOUR PADDLING GEAR OR MOTOR BOAT TO VISIT CROW BUTTE PARK, a watersports park located on a 1,500-acre island in the Columbia River. Only accessible by boat, the park has a day use swimming area, playground, and 50 full-service campsites.

16. EXPLORE HANFORD REACH NATIONAL MONUMENT, north of Richland, Wash.—the first national

monument created by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This rustic area also includes Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge.

17. BACKPACK INTO NORTHEAST OREGON’S EAGLE CAP WILDERNESS in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Swim in an alpine lake, hike to the summit of Eagle Cap, and enjoy epic star-gazing.

LEFT: PADDLEBOARD THE SPOKANE RIVER. PHOTOS: SHALLAN KNOWLES // CELEBRATIONS AT THE TOP. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN D’ARIENZO

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OUTDOOR MUSIC IS BETTER // PHOTO: SUMMER HESS.

18. VENTURE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada. Nelson, a small Victorian town on the West Arm of

Kootenay Lake, offers hiking trails, Ainsworth Hot Springs resort, and all imaginable lake sports. Visit nelsonkootenaylake.com. Or check out Rossland for epic fun while mountain biking, hiking, or golfing at tourismrossland.com.

19. EXPLORE THE WENATCHEE RIVER VALLEY. Tube the Wenatchee River starting from Waterfront Park,

near downtown Leavenworth. Camp and hike the trails in North Cascades’ Icicle Creek area, or camp at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

20. ENJOY A FAMILY HIKE AT THE DISHMAN HILLS Camp Caro trailhead area in Spokane Valley, which

has a children’s playground and trail map kiosk.

21. GO FISHING DURING NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK, when state Fish and Wildlife agencies

offer no-license Free Fishing Days. Dates this year are June 9 for Idaho, June 9-10 for Washington, and June 16-17 for Montana.

22. VISIT GINKGO PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK and camp at Wanapum Recreation Area along the west side of the Columbia River Gorge, near Vantage, Wash.

23. BOAT OR PADDLE TO ONE OF THREE ISLANDS IN PRIEST LAKE—Kalispell, Bartoo, or Fourmile

islands. Stay and play for the day or camp overnight.

24. LEARN ABOUT THE CHANNELED SCABLANDS by visiting Washington state parks created to showcase

the geological evidence left behind from Ice Age mega-floods: Palouse Falls, Steamboat Rock, Sun LakesDry Falls, Potholes, and Sacajawea.

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25. EXPLORE THE REMOTE, RUGGED WILDERNESS OF NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO, east of Lewiston, which includes the humongous Lolo, Nez Perce-Clearwater, and Bitterroot national forests. Plan an adventure that includes Red River or Lolo Hot Springs, the 56-mile Selway River Trail, Selway Falls in the SelwayBitterroot Wilderness, or Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area.

26. STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD ON THE SPOKANE RIVER. Rent equipment from Fun Unlimited at either

their Post Falls or downtown Spokane location under the Division Street bridge. Cdasports.com

27. ROAD TRIP TO BEND, ORE., which includes more recreation options than you probably have time for.

Visit Mt. Bachelor for a scenic chairlift ride from its West Village base (6,300 feet) and hike to a snowfield.

Mountain bike amazing trails from the Phil’s Trail trailhead near town. Backpack along the Pacific Crest Trail.

28. JUNE IS GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH, AND JUNE 2 IS DESIGNATED NATIONAL TRAILS DAY. Do good

while hiking and bring garbage bags to collect litter and pack it out. For kids, make it a scavenger hunt competition and see who can find the most granola bar wrappers and beer cans or bottles.

29. EXPLORE THE TRAILS AND ALPINE LAKES ACCESSIBLE NEAR SUPERIOR, MONTANA. Visit Lincoln’s

World Famous 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar (exit 16, Haugan), and its self-described “Montana’s largest gift shop” with quirky trinkets and souvenirs.

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30. COMBINE LOCAL RECREATION IN IDAHO’S SILVER VALLEY WITH ONE OF WALLACE’S OUTDOOR FESTIVALS, such as the Gyro Days Carnival (June 14-16), Idaho’s Statehood Day (July 3, parade begins at

5:30 p.m.), Wallace Blues Festival (July 13-15), or Huckleberry Days (August 17-18).

31. TUBE THE SPOKANE RIVER WITH FLOW ADVENTURES—daily equipment rentals and shuttle service

begin in July.

32. TAKE YOUR DOG HIKING IN THE WILDERNESS. Search for destination ideas using Craig Romano’s guidebook Best Hikes with Dogs in Eastern Washington.

33. RIDE THE 15-MILE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA TRAIL. A 20th anniversary commemoration for “America’s Crown Jewel of the Rails to Trails” is June 22-23 in downtown Wallace.

34. PARTICIPATE IN SPOKANE SUMMER PARKWAYS, a fun summer solstice event in the Comstock-

Manito park neighborhoods, using only pedal or foot transport on Thursday, June 21 from 6-9 p.m.

35. PADDLE THE 2.5-MILE THOROFARE TO UPPER PRIEST LAKE.

4225 W Fremont Rd, Spokane WA (509) 326-6638 admin@SpokaneWindSongSchool.org www.SpokaneWindsongSchool.org/enrollment 34

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

36. CELEBRATE GREAT AMERICAN CAMPOUT DAY ON JUNE 23. Make campsite reservations, pack your

gear, and go! Or tent camp in your backyard.

37. BACKPACK TO AN ALPINE LAKE—lots of possible destinations throughout the Inland Northwest. Find recommendations at outthereoutdoors.com.

COEUR D’ALENE LAKE VIEWS FROM THE SURFACE // PHOTO: AMY S. MCCAFFREE.

38. WHITEWATER RAFT AND CAMP ALONG THE SALMON RIVER in the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures, based out of Missoula, Montana, offers 6-day guided trips. Or choose their guided 3-day, 75-mile mountain bike camping trip along the Lolo Trail, starting from Lewis & Clark’s 13-Mile Camp (6,000 feet) near Lochsa Lodge.

39. HEAD TO MARY JANE’S FARM BED & BREAKFAST in Moscow, Idaho, or Rolling Huts and Methow

Tents in Winthrop, Washington, if glamping is more your style.

40. DO VOLUNTEER TRAIL WORK. Washington Trails Association hosts day-long trail parties and week-long volunteer vacations throughout the state. Experienced backpackers can join a Backcountry Response Team.

41. VISIT A NATIONAL PARK. Of the more than 400 national parks, recreation areas, and historic sites across America, there are five major parks 5-8 hours from the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene metro area: Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier in Washington; Glacier in northwest Montana; and Yellowstone in southern Idaho and Montana.

42. GO BOATING, FISHING, PADDLING, WATERSKIING, AND CAMPING AT LAKE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL RECREATION AREA. Relax on one of its sandy primitive beaches.

43. VISIT HARRISON, IDAHO, LOCATED ON LAKE COEUR D’ALENE’S WEST SIDE. Get there by boat, bike (via Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes), or car. Don’t miss the Harrison Creamery and Fudge Factory Ice Cream Parlor.

44. SCOUT FOR WILDLIFE ALONG LOCAL WATERWAYS, SUCH AS LATAH CREEK OR THE SPOKANE RIVER. Hike the trails at People’s Park or Riverside State Park. Be alert for river otter, beaver, porcupine,

coyote, marmot, osprey, and other critters.

45. FORAGE FOR HUCKLEBERRIES. Find the best stashes of this succulent wild berry of the Inland

Northwest around Priest Lake and Mount Spokane. Wear your bear bells.

46. KAYAK ON LAKE COEUR D’ALENE with a 4-hour trip guided by ROW Adventures, or choose the

2-hour sunset kayak paddle on Fernan Lake.

47. ROAD TRIP TO A REGIONAL OUTDOOR FESTIVAL, to celebrate nearly anything—from music and beer

to lentils and sweet onions. Stay overnight to take advantage of nearby recreation opportunities wherever you go.

48. DRINK REGIONAL BEERS ALONG THE INLAND NORTHWEST ALE TRAIL—hiking boots not required.

Find the map at Inlandnwaletrail.com. Or travel to Sunnyside Summer Ale Fest in the heart of hop country on June 23 in Sunnyside, Washington.

49. CANOE OR KAYAK THE LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER. Make it easier with Spokane Parks & Recreation’s

weekend shuttle service. Pre-register at Spokaneparks.org.

50. RIDE THE GREAT ESCAPE QUAD HIGH-SPEED CHAIRLIFT TO SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN’S SUMMIT.

Rides begin June 22.

51. PLAY DISC GOLF AT FARRAGUT STATE PARK NEAR ATHOL, IDAHO.

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52. RENT A HOUSEBOAT IN BAYVIEW, IDAHO, for a vacation afloat Lake Pend Oreille.

53. JOIN A ROAD RUNNING RELAY RACE, such as the Spokane to Sandpoint Relay or Centennial Beer Chase.

54. GO FLY FISHING ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER NEAR BUTTE, MONTANA. 55. VENTURE TO FISHTRAP RECREATION AREA, with 8,000 acres of BLM land in Lincoln County, west of

Spokane, for mountain biking, hiking, or fishing.

56. EXPLORE UNIQUE DESTINATIONS. Search for unusual place-names on a regional map, like Idaho’s

Gospel Hump Wilderness, Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail, or Seven Devils Mountains near Hells Canyon, and then go check it out.

57. GETAWAY TO RIVER DANCE LODGE, an adventure resort near Syringa, Idaho. Stay overnight in a custom log cabin or luxury tent. Or stay in your tent or RV in the campground area. Explore the nearby Lewis and Clark Trail and Lolo Motorway, book a horseback ride, or hike or mountain bike one of the many trails along the Lochsa River. Consider the Wild West Getaway package, which includes rafting the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River.

58. CYCLE THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL, with lots of trailhead options and miles to explore. Complete the sec-

tion between Liberty Lake, Wash., and Post Falls, Idaho, and your kids can boast that they literally biked all the way to another state.

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

35

Colville Discover Our Good Nature

TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES, CHATCOLET BRIDGE // PHOTO BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE

59. WHEN TRAVELING OUT OF TOWN, PLAN TO VISIT THE LOCAL FARMER’S MARKETS, and blend in

with the locals.

60. WALK OR BIKE AMONG MANITO PARK’S FLOWER GARDENS, located on Spokane’s South Hill.

Bring along a book and blanket for a rest at Duncan or Rose gardens, and lounge around like poet Walt Whitman or a character from a Jane Austen novel.

61. HIKE OR MOUNTAIN BIKE THE HIGH DRIVE BLUFF TRAILS, followed by a stop at The Rocket Market

Visit us online for trail maps & outdoor recreation information: Colville.com 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.

• Camping • Fishing • Hiking • Hunting

• Wildlife watching • Mountain biking • Road biking • Scenic drives

for a refreshing drink, such as on-tap kombucha or beer.

62. BIKE OR WALK ALONG THE RIVERFRONT PARK-GONZAGA 2.2-MILE LOOP TRAIL AND TOUR GONZAGA UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS. Stop by Arthur Lake, check out the outdoor art sculptures, pat the

head of the enormous brass Bulldog standing guard outside McCarthey Athletic Center, visit the Mother Mary grotto, enjoy the flowerbed landscaping, and play Frisbee on a lawn. To beat the heat, visit the Jundt Art Museum, Bing Crosby Museum, or Hemmingson Center.

63. BIKE TOUR AMONG NEIGHBORHOOD LITTLE FREE LIBRARIES. Use the online map at Littlefreelibrary. org to plan a route—there are over 100 locations throughout Spokane and Spokane Valley.

64. BIKE OR WALK FISH LAKE TRAIL, coming in at 14.8 miles for a complete out-and-back round-trip.

65. SWIM, FISH, OR PADDLE AT SPOKANE COUNTY’S FISH LAKE REGIONAL PARK, located off Cheney-

Spokane Road.

66. ACCESS THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL STATE PARK NEAR FISH LAKE. Bike the trail through

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

986 South Main St, Ste B Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-5973

67. PEDAL AROUND THE PALOUSE CITIES OF PULLMAN, WASH., AND MOSCOW, IDAHO. 68. GO BOATING IN HELLS CANYON AND HIKE THE SNAKE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL.

Located near Grangeville, Idaho, you can also visit the Hammer Creek Recreation Area and stay at nearby campgrounds.

69. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE TRAILS AT CAMP SEKANI OR BEACON HILL. Visit evergreeneast.org for trail

maps.

70. HIKE TO THE 3,612-FOOT SUMMIT OF STEPTOE BUTTE at its namesake State Park Heritage Site.

Cool fun fact: the butte “marks the border of the original North American Continent” according to Washington State Parks website.

71. ATTEND A MOUNTAIN-TOP FESTIVAL AT SCHWEITZER OR SILVER MOUNTAINS, combined with

hiking or mountain biking.

72. DAY-TRIP TO REARDAN, WASH., to tour the Inland NW Rail Museum, open Friday-Sunday. Visit inlandnwrailmuseum.com. Admission includes one narrow gauge train ride, and children under 5 are free. Visit the nearby Fort Spokane museum and visitor center at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Have a picnic and go swimming.

73. VISIT CRAWFORD STATE PARK HERITAGE SITE, near Metaline Falls, Wash., and take a guided tour

of Gardner Cave—the state’s third longest limestone cavern. Hike the trail to the U.S.-Canadian border.

74. GO FISHING AT ROUND LAKE near Sagle, Idaho, or at Williams Lake near Cheney, Wash., which is

annually stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout.

75. EXPLORE THE YAAK WILDLANDS in remote northwest Montana.

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76. JOIN THE FUN AT PADDLE, SPLASH AND PLAY, an annual free children’s event on Aug. 11, organized by the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club at Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane.

77. HIKE, EXPLORE, AND LOOK FOR WILDLIFE AT TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. 78. PADDLE LAKE CHATCOLET and observe wildlife. Launch your canoe, SUP, or kayak from Hawley’s

Landing campground at Heyburn State Park near Plummer, Idaho.

79. GO BIKE RIDING ON THE TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES. Start at the Plummer trailhead for a long haul, or start in Harrison, which is the closest access point to cycle along the Coeur d’Alene River and through the Chain Lakes area. Look for moose.

80. PADDLE AND EXPLORE THE SCENIC COEUR D’ALENE RIVER AND CHAIN LAKES AREA—a series of

small, shallow lakes accessible via narrow tributaries. Launch your watercraft in Harrison, where the river intersects with Lake Coeur d’Alene. Or begin paddling from the no-fee Rainy Hill Boat Launch, 23 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, which also provides access to Medicine and Cave Lakes.

81. TOUR THE GRAND COULEE DAM and enjoy a free, 30-minute nighttime Laser Light Show at the dam.

Shows run nightly throughout the summer, with different start times each month. Grandcouleedam.com.

QUARTZ LOOKOUT, AND VIEW FROM INSIDE. // PHOTOS: JON JONCKERS

82. VISIT LOCHSA LODGE, off Highway 12 near Lolo Pass on the Idaho-Montana border. Stay overnight in a lodge or cabin. Explorers Lewis & Clark once camped nearby, and part of the historic Lewis & Clark Trail passes through the lodge area and travels 8 miles along the Lochsa River. Lochsalodge.com 83. HIKE OR BIKE THE TRAILS OF SPOKANE COUNTY CONSERVATION AREAS, which are undeveloped,

protected public lands. Find maps at spokanecounty.org.

84. MOUNTAIN BIKE OR HIKE IN MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK. Picnic at Vista House and forage for

huckleberries. Hike to the summit of Mount Kit Carson.

85. STAY OVERNIGHT AT MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK’S BALD KNOB CAMPGROUND OR QUARTZ MOUNTAIN FIRE LOOKOUT—the lookout is available by reservation only from June 15-Sept. 30.

86. ROAD TRIP TO MISSOULA, MONT.—only a 4-hour drive east of Spokane. There is lots to do and see

in this Big Sky city.

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87. PLAY AT SANDPOINT’S CITY BEACH. Swim in Lake Pend Oreille and walk or bike across Long Bridge.

88. VISIT GLACIER NATIONAL PARK and cross the Continental Divide with a journey along the 50-mile

long Going-to-the-Sun Road. Stop at Logan Pass—at 6,646 feet— and hike to Hidden Lakes overlook.

89. WITHIN GLACIER NP, HIKE TO TRIPLE DIVIDE PASS. Trailhead is at the primitive Cut Bank Campground on the park’s east side. Marvel at Triple Divide Peak at 8,020 feet, where the two Continental Divides intersect, and water can flow in three directions, with final output in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Artic oceans. The Cut Bank area also provides access to trailheads for Medicine Grizzly and Morning Start Lakes.

90. SWIM AND PLAY AT LIBERTY LAKE with a camping trip or day visit to Liberty Lake Regional Park.

Popular trails include Liberty Lake Loop trail and Split Creek Trail. $2/person entry fee during summer.

91. BIKE, HIKE, OR HORSE-BACK RIDE A SECTION OF WASHINGTON’S JOHN WAYNE PIONEER TRAIL

near Tekoa or Rosalia, Wash.

92. HIKE TRAILS WITHIN AN OLD-GROWTH FOREST, such as the Hobo Cedar Grove Trail of old-growth

cedars in the St. Joe National Forest; DeVoto Memorial Cedar Grove of old-growth western red cedars in the Clearwater National Forest, at Lolo Pass, Idaho; or Hoodoo Canyon (Trail #17) in the Kettle Range of the Colville National Forest near Kettle Falls, Wash.

93. HEAD TO OKANOGAN COUNTY’S METHOW VALLEY, in Washington’s Central Cascade Mountains, and

visit Twisp and Winthrop. Recreation destinations and fun excursions include Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop National Fish Hatchery, the western-themed Shafer Museum, Falls Creek Waterfall, and North Cascades Smokejumper Base (free tours daily during summer).

94. VISIT HELLS CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA—the deepest river gorge in North America.

Paddle the Snake River, camp, hike, fish, or mountain bike.

95. BACKPACK A SECTION OF THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL, a 3,000 mile long trail that passes

through Idaho and Montana. Continentaldividetrail.org.

96. HANG OUT AT THE NEWLY-RENOVATED RIVERFRONT PARK IN DOWNTOWN SPOKANE. Roller skate, in-line skate, scooter, or skateboard on the Skate Ribbon (free admission; helmets required). Enjoy a 15-minute SkyRide gondola tour over Spokane Falls. On Wednesday evenings, stay late to watch a movie on a giant screen in the park’s Lilac Bowl, the location for the BECU Outdoor Movie series, from June 13-Aug. 1.

97. CAMP AT ROSS LAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA in north-central Wash. Ross Lake, Diablo Lake,

and Gorge Lake reservoirs provide gateways to remote wilderness.

98. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EMPIRE TRAILS IN SPIRIT LAKE, Idaho, and then rent a kayak at the public

access near town and go paddling.

99. KAYAK OR CANOE THE ST. JOE RIVER, the highest elevation navigable river in the world. Depending on how far and long you want to paddle, there are a number of boat launches in Benewah County. For the quickest access to a more quiet section, start from a boat launch near St. Maries.

100. BIKE OR DRIVE ALONG THE SCENIC INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP that connects Washington,

Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. Selkirkloop.org //

Be Social: Share your summer adventure photos on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #GetOutThereOutdoors, or post directly to Facebook.com/OutThereOutdoorsMagazine. If you go adventuring with children, include the additional hashtag #OutThereKids.

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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No toilet, no soap & water, no problem!

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN? TAKE AN ENCHANTING NIGHT HIKE By holly weiler

ON

NIGHT HIKING IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR LIGHT PAINTING. // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

WHILE IT’S COMMON PRACTICE for alpine ascents

to begin in the wee hours of the morning, most hikers describe their outings as day hikes, to end by dusk, or backpack trips, to sleep outside. This summer, consider adding a third category: the night hike.

It’s the perfect solution for long summer days, when extreme heat can take its toll on a hiker’s willingness to get outside and play. Take a cue from local wildlife by napping through the insufferable heat of mid-day, and await the cooler evenings before venturing outside.

NIGHT HIKING TIPS

There are a few special considerations before undertaking a nighttime hike—one of which is to respect local trailhead hours. A good rule of thumb is that any hike open to backpacking will also be open to night hiking, but when in doubt call the land manager to confirm trailhead access.

Local state parks and county parks typically close at 10 p.m. and are not open to the night hiker.

Look to U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management properties instead.

It will also be important to check the batteries on either headlamp or flashlight, even when planning an outing to coincide with a full moon. Some of the best night hike destinations include open ridges and mountain peaks, with their unobstructed views of the night sky. Don’t forget trails along lakes, where the stars may be reflected to double the experience.

However, nearly all trails leading to these views include heavily forested sections, where a little extra light will be helpful. Consider getting a headlamp

with a red light mode to maintain night vision while illuminating tripping hazards. With a smaller field of vision, and tricky footing in terrain obscured by darkness, it will be important to take it slower than a daytime hike in order to avoid a tumble. As always, have a first aid kit along for just in case.

Navigation can also be trickier in the darkness. It might be easy to miss trail signs, which are typically not reflective, or accidently hike past unmarked trail junctions. Have a map and compass, along with an electronic backup like a GPS unit. Let someone at home know where you intend to be, and when you intend to return.

Don’t forget a warm layer for rest breaks, since nighttime temperatures will be vastly different from daytime highs. It will also be important to pack a larger-than-usual midnight snack, which will basically serve as a second lunch. Despite the cooler temperatures, staying hydrated will be crucial as well. Carry enough water for the entire hike, or pack a method of treating water along the way.

Finally, do a little research leading up to a night excursion. Aside from checking weather reports to ensure starry skies, it’s worth looking into astronomical events. Some hikers prefer the extra light afforded by a full moon, which can be expected on June 27, July 27, and Aug. 26 this summer. For a better view of the stars, look instead for the new moon on June 13, July 12 (to coincide with a partial solar eclipse), and August 11. This summer’s Delta Aquariid meteor shower will be obscured by the nearly-full moon on July 28, but the Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak Aug. 11-14—just in time to coincide with the new moon. //

FOLLOW THE TIPS ABOVE AND TRY ONE OR MORE OF THESE NIGHT HIKE DESTINATIONS AROUND THE INLAND NORTHWEST COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST

• Sherman Peak Loop, south of Sherman Pass (Kettle Falls, Wash.)

• Columbia Mountain, north of Sherman Pass • Abercrombie Mountain, northeast of Colville • Hall Mountain, east of Metaline Falls • Quartzite Mountain, east of Chewelah UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST

• Sawtooth Ridge, this month’s Hike of the Month • Middle Point Ridge, east of Dayton, Wash.

• Mount Misery Trail from Rattlesnake or Panjab, south of Pomeroy, Wash.

• Diamond Peak, south of Pomeroy IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST

• Priest Lake Lakeshore Trail, northeast of Nordman, Idaho • Scotchman Peak, north of Clark Fork, Idaho BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

• Fishtrap Lake, east of Cheney, Wash.

• Escure Ranch, south of Sprague, Wash.

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SUNNY SANDPOINT ADVENTURES

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

By emily erickson

Only shop in the Inland Northwest recognized as one of America’s Best Bike Shops 4 years in a row

SPRING INTO SUMMER SALE! SATURDAY, JUNE 16TH @ 9AM-5PM

SUMMER FUN ON THE LAKE. // PHOTO: DOUGLAS MARSHALL

THERE ARE SOME THINGS that, when combined, fall just shy of magical. Campfires and sunsets, warm weather and cold brew, marshmallows and graham crackers, and of course, lakes and mountains. Sandpoint, Idaho, tucked between the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, perched alongside the 11th largest freshwater lake in North America—Lake Pend Oreille—and surrounded by a bounty of state and federal public lands, is a premier destination for these charm-filled duos.

Although the 8,000-person town is the place to be in all seasons, locals and visitors alike agree there is something extra special about Sandpoint in summertime. With its bounty of parks, beaches, restaurants, trails, and entertainment, Sandpoint summers have something to offer just about anyone.

For those headed across the iconic Long Bridge for a bit of North Idaho adventure, and even locals who are still exploring their backyard, there are more hiking and camping options than could possibly be conquered in a series of weekends. But fortunately, there are a few must-do’s that shouldn’t be missed.

1. Camp at Green Bay, with its stunning series of private rocky beaches, beautifully jagged cliff faces, and access to lush trails and epic view points. Then, for near-town walks and hikes, stroll the Pend Oreille Bay Trail for easy lake vistas, and tackle Gold’s Hill or Mickinnick climbs for sweatworthy lookouts ending among the clouds high above town.

2. Head northeast along historic Highway 200 to attempt to bag one of North Idaho’s tallest mountains, Scotchman’s Peak. The hike contains dirtpacked switchbacks, exposed scree scrambles, and views all the way to Canada—often shared with resident mountain goats.

3. For those seeking views without the exertion, try hopping the chairlift to the top of Schweitzer Mountain and strolling the wildflower and huckleberry-littered ridgeline. Even grab a bloody Mary at 6,400 feet elevation on the deck of the Sky House restaurant and bar while watching two-wheeled adrenaline junkies fling themselves off rock faces on mountain bikes.

4. For more beverages with a view, Sandpoint offers a plethora of sunshine drinking and dining options. Salads and sandwiches after a hike just taste better on the beach’s edge at Trinity at

City Beach, and dinner on the deck of Forty-One South is often accompanied by a famous North Idaho sunset.

5. Beyond dining, being lakeside in Sandpoint has so much to offer. City Beach is at the heart of town, with soft sand for sunbathing; supervised swimming areas for splashing; and volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts for endless playing.

Duck under whizzing Frisbees in the lush grassy areas, sling your slackline between pines, or take your pup over to Dog Beach for four-legged, tail wagging fun.

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6. If being on the lake itself is what you’re after, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks, jet skis, and boats are available to rent by the day or weekend. Try your hand at water skiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, or simply bob among the waves with family, friends, and undisturbed sunshine.

7. If you’re more drawn to river recreation, grab your flotation devices of any kind and head over to the Pack River. The sun-soaked winding stream, with a combination of exposed and canopied shoreline and bountiful wildlife, is the place to be on a hot, summer day. Popular put-in destinations include the Pack River Northside Bridge and the Pack River General Store, and take out is commonly off of Highway 200 near Trout Creek Road.

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8. Finally, summer is the perfect time to visit Sandpoint if you’re seeking an amazing destination for live music and entertainment in addition to your outside adventure. The Festival at Sandpoint is celebrating its 36th year of pairing breathtaking lake views with nationally-acclaimed bands and musicians. The venue is unique in its convenient casualness with a bring-yourown food and beer policy and first-come, firstserve general admission seating. This year, the headliners include Amos Lee, ZZ Top, Greensky Bluegrass, Phillip Phillips and Gavin Degraw, and Sublime with Rome.

It only takes one visit to understand what people mean when they say, “there’s just something about Sandpoint summers.” It’s the excited buzz of the residents and visitors, the glisten of the sun rays bouncing off the lake, the beauty of the surrounding peaks, and the ease of access to an undisturbed, starry night’s sky. // JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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SUMMERTIME CRAGS SWIMMING & CLIMBING AT POST FALLS AND MCLELLAN By jessy humann SARAH MOESER CLIMBING IN THE PACK RAT CAVE AT MCLELLAN. RIGHT: ALYSA FRANKLIN CLIMBING FEARLESS LEADER AT Q’EMILN PARK, POST FALLS. // PHOTOS: JON JONCKERS

THE BEST THING about being a climber in

Spokane is the option to choose. With several climbing areas less than an hour away, there is something for everyone. In the heat of the summer, two crags stand out from the rest as being the perfect destinations to climb and swim.

There’s something innately motivating about the promise of a refreshing plunge after a long day spent pulling on sunbaked granite, and both Q’emiln Park (Post Falls) and McLellan conservation area are unique in their proximity to the Spokane River and Long Lake, respectively.

Located in Riverside State Park outside of Nine Mile Falls, McLellan is an ever-developing crag of granite. Whether it’s climbing, swimming, or both, McLellan waits with open arms. There are two parking options upon arrival: the upper and lower lot. Although some people have had problems with car break-ins, this issue can easily be avoided by leaving nothing in a vehicle as incentive, and bringing a Discover Pass ensures a ticket-free day. Parking in the lower lot will put the Pack Rat Cave on the left, an overhanging

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Summer

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collection of a couple 5.10’s, 5.11’s, and a 5.13 thrown in for fun.

Most of the bouldering is located closer to the upper lot, farther away from the water.

Following the road/jeep trail out of the parking lot will lead to Long Lake and The Cove (Hummel’s Cove), a favorite swimming spot and the best place for cliff jumping at McLellan, for those looking for an extra dose of summer fun.

The mosquitos in the area have a reputation for being relentless, and if the bug repellent you pack along for the day just isn’t cutting it, then Long Lake isn’t far away. Check out Snake Slab on the way to the water, which even has some options for trad climbers, and if the handful of easy-going routes here below 5.10 still aren’t cutting it, then a cool dip is just a few minutes away.

On the other side of Spokane, barely into

Idaho, lies Q’emiln Park. Just off of Exit 5 in Post Falls, it’s easy to find: simply look for the beach and the climbing will follow. Once inside the parking lot (a small fee is required), look for the Q’emiln Park Trail System sign and head west

THERE’S SOMETHING INNATELY MOTIVATING ABOUT THE PROMISE OF A REFRESHING PLUNGE AFTER A LONG DAY SPENT PULLING ON SUNBAKED GRANITE. to easily approach the numerous walls of the area.

The great thing about climbing at Post Falls is the abundance of moderate climbs. There’s something special about being able to hop on 5.9s and 5.10s over and over again, without having

to pack gear around to different walls. Post Wall is closest to the river, while Death Fall Wall and Lower Ledge Wall take second and third. Post Wall has everything from 5.7 - 5.10.c, and is an ideal spot for those looking to set up top rope systems. Death Fall Wall has a little more to offer from its overhanging nature, and anyone looking for a solid 5.11 will be content here. For the sunloving climber there’s Lower Ledge Wall. Baked by warm rays all day, anyone who spends time climbing the 5.7’s - 5.11’s at this crag will be ready for a cool dip.

When the heat finally becomes too much, and fingertips burn from crimping on sharp granite, Q’emiln Park’s beach is the perfect stop. Soft sand and cool water aside, the park has picnic tables, three covered pavilions, and plenty of grass to lounge around on. Once the faint powder of chalk has been washed away from dirty hands by the Spokane River, why not sling a hammock between two trees? Slowly nodding off with every heavy blink, the weight of tired muscles will lift away. There is almost nothing better. //

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9 TRAIL RUNS TO TRAVEL FOR

By Lisa Laughlin

AUTHOR LISA GETTING LOST IN THE CEDARS AT THE HEADWATERS TRAIL. // PHOTO: MOLLY BEU

TRAIL IN THE LAKE LENORE CAVES AREA // PHOTO: LISA LAUGHLIN

ALTHOUGH OUR SPOKANE AREA is abundant with trails, there are some hidden gems of the Inland Northwest that deserve a road trip to run or hike. There’s the sage-studded Ancient Lakes area, with nearby views of the Columbia River. There’s the basalt formation known as Steamboat Rock, providing sandy trails that rise high above Banks Lake. There’s a great trail above the rolling fields of the Palouse, and trails that shoot up into the pines. Each of these trails have great food or tourist stops in neighboring towns. If you travel to central Washington, bring water and consider tackling the trail in the morning or evening, as the area is exposed and heat can be extreme. Take this summer to explore new territory!

1) HEADWATERS TRAIL (MOSCOW MOUNTAIN, MOSCOW, IDAHO)—You’ll find well-maintained single-

track surrounded by pines and moss on this 3.7-mile loop. This intermediate-level trail has a few climbs and switchbacks, with smooth trails and variety. While you’re in the area, visit Kamiak Butte just outside Pullman, for a quick 3.5-mile loop. An island of pine trees, the Butte’s 900-foot elevation gain offers stellar views of the Palouse.

2) ANCIENT LAKES LOOP (NEAR GEORGE, WASH.)—You’ll be able to cover at least 12 miles at this scenic

TRAIL ON KAMIAK BUTTE PHOTO: // MOLLY BEU

#1200 and stop at tamarack-lined Clara Lake. You’re in apple country, so search for a fresh Honeycrisp in town when you’re done.

5) LAKE LENORE CAVES AND BEEZLEY HILL (SOAP LAKE/EPHRATA, WASH)—The great thing about running uphill in a flat place is that it doesn’t take long to achieve panoramic views. Beezley Hill, home of the annual “Beezley Burn,” provides soft dirt tracks through sagebrush and open, sunny skies. The nearby Lake Lenore Caves area has an admittedly short and rocky trail, but you can poke around naturallyformed caves.

6) TRAIL 79 (CARIBOU RIDGE, NEAR COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO)—My favorite trail running app, Trail

Running Project, rated this trail “black diamond” (difficult)—and it didn’t disappoint. This trail has narrow and bumpy paths over mineral-streaked rocks, but the peek-a-boo views of Lake Coeur d’Alene make this challenging singletrack worth it. You’ll cover 2,000 feet of elevation in five miles, but you’ll be rewarded with soft, pine-shadowed portions of trail.

desert area spotted with lakes, sage, and mule deer. Keep an eye out for a waterfall as you toe along the basalt plateaus. This trail is close to Potholes Trail and Dusty Lake Trail, which connect to the Gorge Amphitheatre Trail, a 4.2-miler leading to its namesake’s concert venue. You’ll find beautiful drop-off views of the Columbia River.

7) ICICLE RIDGE TRAIL (LEAVENWORTH, WASH.)—This trail begins with a steep climb and offers a view

3) STEAMBOAT ROCK STATE PARK (NEAR ELECTRIC CITY, WASH.)—Located on Banks Lake, this geologi-

8) FARRAGUT STATE PARK (NEAR ATHOL, IDAHO)—Nestled near the south point of Lake Pend Oreille, you can catch some classic Northwest pine-covered trail. Check out Bernard Peak Trail, which features a couple of switchbacks and creek crossings on the way to a view of the surrounding mountain ranges.

cal oddity was carved by Ice Age floods in the heart of the scablands. You’ll find 13.1 miles of trail leading to Northrup Lake among the sagebrush, basalt, and wild grasses. Post-run/hike, you’ll have easy water access and camping options. If you’re looking to cross-recreate, you can also do some granite bouldering here.

4) DEVIL’S GULCH (MISSION RIDGE, WENATCHEE, WASH.)—You’ll need to shuttle or run up a connect-

ing forest road for this one. Devil’s Gulch, snaking to the side of Mission Peak, is heavy in switchbacks and creek crossings. For something less nefarious-sounding, make a 4-mile loop on Squilchuck Trail

Bike

&

of the epic peaks around this Bavarian tourist town. Near the 2-mile mark, you can diverge for Icicle Ridge Viewpoint, then continue along Icicle Ridge for at least 25 miles. Post-run perks include access to artisan meats and cheeses, and downtown wine, beer, and distillery tasting rooms.

9) GOLD HILL TRAIL (NEAR SANDPOINT, IDAHO)—You can clock near-marathon distance on the Gold Hill to Garfield Bay route. Start along Bottle Bay road at the side of Lake Pend Oreille and etch your way across various ridges to Garfield Bay. Close by is Mineral Point Trail #82, offering 4 miles with stunning lake vistas. //

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• 72 Mile Paved Rails to Trails Route • Access right from the Gondola Village • Beautiful riding that follows the scenic Coeur d’Alene River • Pavement bike rentals available at Silver Mountain Sports

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ALL MOUNTAIN

REGION’S BIKE PARKS OFFER TOP-TO-BOTTOM RIDING By aaron theisen

LEFT: SILVER MOUNTAIN. PHOTO: MATT VIELLE. THIS PHOTO: SILVER MOUNTAIN. PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

WHEN IT COMES TO MOUNTAIN BIKE PARKS,

more is more. Unlike their ski-season counterparts, where the vagaries of winter weather guarantee the mountain is never the same two days in a row, mountain bike park operators have to build in the variety—quite literally.

“Our summer season pass holders have typically used their pass about double what a winter pass holder does,” says Willy Bartlett, Marketing and Events Director at Silver Mountain Bike Park in Kellogg. How to cater to such a dedicated cycling clientele? New trails and facelifts to old favorites.

SILVER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

Recent years have seen Silver Mountain Bike Park evolve from simply offering top-to-bottom vertical runs of 3,400 feet to short and sweet (and steep) laps off Chair 3. This summer, riders will find a number of new and improved trails.

At the top of the mountain, trail crews gave Crescent Trail, their flagship beginner route, a full rebuild on the upper two-thirds, making it more approachable as a learn-to-ride trail. Meanwhile, for black-diamond bikers, Snake Pit—straight and steep like its hidden winter analogue—opened the final weekend of last season. Near the bottom, the trail crew built out Wide Open, adding deep berms, step-ups and step-downs to what was formerly a fast fire-road descent. “We took something that was just a few seconds of fully pinned straightaway and made it more fun and flowy,” says Bartlett. Riders can finish off with Mourning Woods, a tight, flowing blue trail which re-enters the trail inventory after a major rebuild to bring it up to standard.

The bike park also continues to build its reputation as one of the premier racing destinations in the Northwest. Returning this year June 29-July 1 is the North American Enduro Cup, a national-level race, with up to 100 pro men and women competing for $12,000 in prize money. The NW Cup, the region’s biggest race series, will bring in a strong beginner contingent in addition to the pros June 22-24. “We get everything from the fastest guys in the Northwest to little kids with mom and dad riding behind them,” says Bartlett. New to Silver this year is the Sturdy Dirty, a women’s enduro, July 14; Bartlett describes the scene at the event’s other host sites—aid-station costumes and all—as “one of the rowdiest races of the year.” Rounding out the season is the Silveroxx Mountain Bike Festival September 21-23, with night rides, group rides, a top-to-bottom race, and a big party in the village Saturday.

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The big-name races and trail upgrades bolster the bike park’s reputation for big-hit, full-commit expert lines. And it’s a reputation the mountain doesn’t want to dispel—it’s what the park’s passholders have come to expect. But, Bartlett notes, for first-time riders, a Silver Mountain Bike Park is also a safe, self-contained place to dip a tire into the sport. “We have a lot of people who show up, they rent a bike, they get a lesson, everything is easily marked,” says Bartlett. “We always tell people who haven’t been to the park that if you can ride Beacon, you can ride here.” The bike park’s goal, adds Bartlett, is to provide something for everybody, beginner to expert. That means constant creation and refinement of trails so that riders can find something suitable for them, whether it’s their first time or 50th.

If you haven’t ridden Silver in a couple seasons,

it’s probably completely different than last time you were there. “We used to say we wanted to be a place you’d be able to come for a three-day weekend, and I think we’ve achieved that,” says Bartlett. “Now we say we’d like to have Silver be a place where you could come for a week.”

Silver Mountain Bike Park Seven runs weekend operations until June 21 and then seven-day-a-week operations through Labor Day. SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT

Schweitzer Mountain Resort will have its own summit-to-city circuit, thanks to a partnership between the resort, the City of Sandpoint, the Selkirk Recreation District, and the Pend Oreille Pedalers.

In the last several years, the four groups have coordinated to manage and legalize a set of rogue

MORE BIKE PARKS AROUND THE REGION PANORAMA MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK: Panorama Ski Area, west of Invermere, B.C., constructed

many of its 30k of downhill trails during the peak of the lift-served downhill era, a resort-based arms race that chased bigger and bolder lines. Riders at Panorama—open June through early September—can expect a parade of technical features, from drops to gaps on runs such as Crazytrain. Recently renovated entries and exits embrace the flow-friendly modernized size of resort riding, and beginners can wade in on Let It Ride, a 3k, top-to-bottom beginner-friendly flow trail.

BIKE BIG WHITE: Despite its proximity to the birthplace of free-riding, Big White Ski Resort,

near Kelowna, B.C., didn’t have a lift-accessed bike park until last season. But Big White has made up for lost time, applying decades of dirt-moving knowledge to the construction of its trails. And it shows: even green runs such as Pry Bar boast big, beginner-friendly berms and low-consequence doubles. Experts will find plenty of classic granite drops on double-black Rock Hammer.

SILVERSTAR BIKE PARK: If you’ve watched a mountain bike film in the last 10 years, you’ve

seen SilverStar Bike Park. This park, near Vernon, in the Okanagan of central B.C., goes big: the resort’s Comet Six Pack Express—Canada’s longest mountain bike chairlift—climbs 1,600 vertical feet and accesses over 600 berms and more than 300 jumps on 30 miles of downhill trails.

The cross-country crowd needn’t feel left out, though—the park features roughly the same mileage in pedal-friendly trails. Oh, and the wildflowers are legendary. Not that you’ll notice.

TAMARACK BIKE PARK: Built in the mid-2000s, the mountain bike trails at Tamarack Resort, south of McCall, Idaho, lay dormant with the rest of the mountain for several years following the resort’s collapse into bankruptcy. But 2018 marks the third year of summer weekend lift operations, with some 60 miles of tight, technical turns sweeping down 1,700 feet of vertical.

Long-time regional DH racers have fond memories of the steeps and wooden features of trails such as Hibernator. Check out why the park was once rated one of the best in the country.

trails below the resort that illegally broached the city’s watershed when originally constructed. Now, from the top of the Great Escape chairlift, riders can descend the Highpoint Trail to connect to Uleda Ridge and the Selkirk Recreation District trails down to the valley floor—some 4,000 vertical feet and over 12 miles, almost all on singletrack. “This is a great step forward for mountain bikers in the region,” says Sean Mirus, Sales and Marketing Director at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Eventually the Highpoint Trail will be part of the planned Watershed Crest Trail, a multi-year project which will circumnavigate the watershed on some 30 miles of singletrack.

Schweitzer has also embraced sustainable trail design within the resort’s boundaries. “There has definitely been a shift from the super techy gnarly downhill track to the super-fun, flowy trails that are fun for everybody,” says Mirus. “We’ve really put an increased emphasis on flow and trail design and sustainability in recent years.” For instance the resort’s downhill trails “don’t include a lot of builtup, manmade features,” says Mirus, adding that they try to incorporate natural features as much as possible. Schweitzer, like the rest of the Selkirks, is a mass of decomposing granite, so trail builders here have plenty of rock features to work with—and around.

Meanwhile, the trails of the resort’s lower-mountain cross-country network and Selkirk Recreation District boast a beginner-friendly mix of dirt-centric double- and singletrack riding. All told, the trails combine for close to 40 miles of riding; this season, a new combined trail map incorporates the now-integrated Schweitzer-to-Sandpoint trail system.

A record-breaking snowfall year meant a win for skiers but means a waiting game for bikers this summer. But, as any rider will tell you, it’s important to keep up your momentum in the transitions. And the Schweitzer trail crew isn’t slowing down. Says Mirus, “In past years, we’ve actually taken snowblowers down some of the trails to get them ready!”

The projected opening date for Schweitzer’s summer trails is June 22.

WHITEFISH BIKE PARK

Whitefish Mountain Resort, in Whitefish, Mont., is one of the grandaddies of gravity-assisted mountain biking. And its trails trace the changing face of bike parks. “The example of the style of trail-building of 20 years ago is our Summit Trail:

Summer

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SCKC SPOKANE CANOE & KAYAK CLUB WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

it zigzags across the whole mountain, and as a downhill ride, it’s really long—it’s exhausting for someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience,” says Riley Polumbus, Public Relations Manager at the resort.

In 2008, adapting to the advent of big-hit bikes and a desire for more technically challenging descents, the resort built Runaway Train: a serious, straight-down, rowdy downhill. Then, in 2013, the resort added Kashmir, which the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) named as a Model Flow Trail. “After we added Kashmir, we realized we have a lot of options: from the steep, rocky downhill of something like Runaway Train to the fast, flowy, big turns of Kashmir and Freebird,” says Polumbus. “We’re not huge, but we have something for everyone.”

But the big trail-related development for the bike park is happening just outside the resort boundaries. This winter, the community welcomed a new trail on a private easement between the resort’s lower-mountain trails and the Whitefish Trail—a nearly 40-mile network of community-funded and -constructed non-motor ize d trails around Whitefish Lake.

“It’s a fun little connection,” says Polumbus. “You could conceivably go from our summit down to pavement and be in town.” They’re that much closer to closing the loop with the long-desired goal of a system of dirt trails that circumnavigates Whitefish Lake.

The addition of the Bad Rock lift to the summer inventory several years ago also added a dedicated beginner/intermediate area for riders. “Having two lifts servicing the terrain is nice, especially because it spreads people out,” says Polumbus. “We get riders on the Bad Rock

lift who are either warming up for the day or don’t have the skillset yet to drop into Runaway Train.”

Although Runaway Train and Kashmir have become the park’s signature trails, Polumbus hopes that the park’s beginner-friendly programs provide a stepping-stone to step-downs and steeps. “Our Learn to DH Bike program has been quite popular, with a lot of both kids and adults taking it to familiarize themselves with the sport,” says Polumbus.

The resort also offers a full calendar of bike events. A weekly race series has catered to crosscountry riders the last 20 years, but this year downhillers will get their own separate Wednesday-night race series. And on August 24-26, the resort will host the NW Cup, which is projected to bring in up to 500 riders from around the region. The event coincides with the Hootenanny, the annual fundraising event for the Whitefish Trail, which means riders won’t lack for bikes-and-beer socializing.

Perhaps most exciting of all for some is the news that the Bierstube, consistently ranked one of the top resort apres-ski bars in the nation, will open

WHEN IT COMES TO MOUNTAIN BIKE PARKS, MORE IS MORE. UNLIKE THEIR SKI-SEASON COUNTERPARTS, WHERE THE VAGARIES OF WINTER WEATHER GUARANTEE THE MOUNTAIN IS NEVER THE SAME TWO DAYS IN A ROW, MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK OPERATORS HAVE TO BUILD IN THE VARIETY—QUITE LITERALLY. for post-ride imbibing this summer. Whitefish Mountain Resort amenities move from weekend operations to a seven-day-a-week schedule June 16 through Labor Day. //

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See What You Can Discover This Summer at the

StoneRose

Summer

HOW TO BUILD A WHALE

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

By peter wayne moe

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Hunt through ancient shale layers to discover 50 million year old leaves, cones, insects, and maybe a rare fish or bird feather! Keep 3 fossils per day per person*.

THE OPEN JAWS OF A GRAY WHALE AT THE MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER // PHOTO: PETER WAYNE MOE

(*Significant finds may be retained for research.)

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Marine Science and Technology Center at Redondo Beach and look up at the 38-foot gray whale skeleton bearing down on them from the rafters above, its jaws open, its ribs a cage that could hold a person, its vertebrae reaching back, back toward the rear of the building, they often ask, “Is that a dinosaur?” I feel the same wonder looking over these bones. I count the ribs and the flanges, I marvel at softball-sized ear bones and coffee table-sized scapulae. The jaw is longer than I am tall. Nuts, bolts, rods, cables, and glue have replaced tissue, tendons, cartilage, sinews, and ligaments, but I can still see the rhythmic thrust of these flukes propelling an 18-ton leviathan through the sea.

Seattle Pacific University is hoping to hang a whale skeleton of its own. So last summer, when a gray whale washed ashore on Washington’s coast, I led a crew to extract its bones. With the necessary permits in hand, we were advised by Rus Higley, who’s built three whales. Because the beach had swallowed two-thirds of the whale, we weren’t able to retrieve the full skeleton. This whale became a test run so that Rus could teach us the process of retrieving and cleaning bones in anticipation of working on a full whale in the near future.

Alongside Higley, I take a knife to the nineinch thick blubber, cutting out a square-foot block of flesh, heaving it to the sand. We remove these blocks, one after another, until we reach the bones.

Poet Kathleen Jamie writes, “Unless you have a pro-

fessional interest, it’s possible that the only bodies you’ve been intimate with, have scrutinized, have been the bodies of lovers or children.” My hands, my arms, are inside this animal I’ve previously only watched from afar, its blood and fat and oil now smeared across my skin as I kneel inside its mouth, my thigh leaning against its tongue. It’s a strangely intimate, even tender, moment. Working at the beach, new words enter my vocabulary—flense, carcass, carrion, rot, putrid, rancid—words I rarely, if ever, say. I do not get to choose these words. A long history of whaling and the present circumstances give them to me.

After we leave the beach, the next step is to remove the oil from the bones. It drips everywhere.

I talk to other people who have built whales. Some soak the bones, others boil them. Higley recommends burial. The enzymes in the soil will leach out all the oil in a year. Only once the bones are clean can we begin articulating them. So, we bury our bones. The land where they’re now laid to rest has sprouted the most verdant grass I’ve ever seen.

Humans have been slaughtering whales for hundreds of years. At the beach that day, we too were flensing a whale, but it was hopeful: an act of preservation, of conservation, of education. Historian Philip Hoare writes that building a whale skeleton is a way “to give it life after death.” That’s true, but we hope this life isn’t for that one whale alone: when visitors someday soon stand beneath a whale’s sunbleached bones suspended in SPU’s science building, may its death prompt us to save others. //

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Sign up early Online at spokatopia.com WHALE WATCHING IN WASHINGTON If you want to see whales, visit the coast in the spring and summer. About 20,000 gray whales are returning to Alaska, and orcas are often in the area. TheWhaleTrail.org offers numerous land-based sites for whale watching—my favorite is Lime Kiln State Park. If you’d like to take to the sea, Western Prince Whale Watching is excellent. Whether from land or sea, bring your binoculars (10x50 are ideal).

Remember, though, these are wild animals. They go where they please, and they do not show up on cue. They are unpredictable. One of my great joys in whale watching has been, ironically enough, not seeing whales. It adds to their mystery and majesty, and it makes the moment when one does surface all the more special.

TWO LAKES ONE TRAIL

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

MONTANA’S DIAMOND AND CLIFF LAKES By crystal Atamian

CLIFF LAKE CAN HOLD POCKETS OF SNOW ON ITS SHORELINE EVEN IN MID-JULY. PHOTO: // BRIAN FLOYD

OUTSIDE ST. REGIS, Montana, are two beautiful lakes that are worth taking the time to explore.

Diamond and Cliff lakes are perched in an alpine cirque basin at 5,400 feet in Montana’s Bitterroot Divide. This moderate hike has only 500 feet of elevation gain and some of the best scenery in the area. Yet, sadly, I have no pictures of it. Seriously, none. But first, let me describe this gem perched high in the Bitterroot.

The trailhead and parking area is at Diamond Lake. The out-and-back trail will take you up to Cliff Lake, a total of 2.8 miles roundtrip. The trail rims the edge of Diamond Lake and then begins to ascend through thick grass and brush.

T h e v i e w s of Diamond Lake and the surrounding peaks are amazing, the kind that make you stop every hundred feet along the trail, turn full circle, and revel in the beauty surrounding you. You cross several creeks along the way. The bridges are worn but stable. The waterfall along the creek makes for a nice stop where the kids could cool their feet and rest.

You eventually make your way up to Cliff Lake, an amazingly clear snowmelt lake that still had a good-sized snowfield next to it in mid-July. It is not the most pleasant for swimming unless you are a polar bear. Yet like most snowmelt lakes, it was amazingly clear and picturesque. Make sure to take the trail to the wetland meadow at the far side of the lake. On cooler, moist days bug spray will come in handy.

There are two small spots for overnight camping at Cliff Lake and four suitable spots with fire pits near the trailhead of Diamond Lake. Campers be advised, this is primitive camping; there is no water, and only one vault toilet at the trailhead. If you’re in the mood to swim, Diamond Lake is warmer but has more sediment and logs near shore.

Now, about the pictures. So, in the four days of

camping, hiking, and rafting prior to doing this hike I took the most incredible photos of my life.

The best scenery, the best angles. Then I cannonballed into Diamond Lake.

My enthusiasm at getting cool and clean was short-lived when I realized, with a wide-eyed look of horror, that my iPhone was in my pocket.

The potential titles for this piece began to zoom through my head: “Amazing pictures lost in one woman’s attempt to get clean,” or alternately, “How to lose the best photos you’ve ever taken.”

Because those photos were downright amazing.

THE VIEWS OF THE SURROUNDING PEAKS ARE AMAZING—THE KIND THAT MAKE YOU STOP EVERY HUNDRED FEET ALONG THE TRAIL, TURN FULL CIRCLE, AND REVEL IN THE BEAUTY SURROUNDING YOU. And there is no way for you to prove me wrong now that my iPhone is a water-logged mess drying out in the backroom of the Apple store. So just trust me, the photos you’re seeing of this place don’t do it justice. Go and see it for yourself. And if you get any amazing photos, please forward them to me.//

Getting There: From Interstate 90 near St. Regis, Mont., take the Dry Creek exit (#43), and turn south on the Dry Creek Frontage Road 69. Follow Road 69 to the junction of Dry Creek Road 342. Turn west onto Dry Creek Road and drive 9.5 miles to the junction of Diamond Lake Road 7843.

This well-maintained gravel road is suitable for passenger cars. Turn south and drive 4.1 miles to the parking area next to Diamond Lake. Trail #100 starts on the west side of the bridge.

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

45

Summer

COME

LL

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

RIDE

R

RE

6 QUIET PLACES

AROUND SPOKANE TO READ A BOOK OUTSIDE By amy s. mccaffree

IN

ROSSLAND

B.C. DEVINCI, GIANT ROCKY MOUNTAIN SANTA CRUZ, YETI

SUMMER READING AT THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL MILE 37 BENCH // PHOTO BY AMY MCCAFFREE

A SCENIC VIEW, grassy knoll, trailside bench, or perhaps a certain boulder or log may conjure the thought: “That would make a great spot to read.”

Here are some local walking destinations and recommended books to get started on your local summer reading tour.

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This public land area west of downtown Spokane connects with People’s Park via the Sandifur Bridge, over the Spokane River. Trails begin near the bridge’s south end. Hike upriver or down and find a reading spot. You can also access these trails by walking down the paved-switchback path linking the bridge to the Centennial Trail—at the section west of Kendall Yards. Another picturesque place to read is the overlook platform off the Centennial Trail, across the street from Olmstead Brothers Green (Nettleton Street & Summit Parkway). Although you may be distracted by passing cyclists and pedestrians, the Adirondack chairs and radiant sunset views are worth it.

RIVERSIDE STATE PARK, CENTENNIAL TRAIL AT NINE MILE FALLS: Start from the Carlson Road

Trailhead (mile 37), south of the ranger station off W. Charles Road—only a 20-minute drive from downtown Spokane. Very soon you’ll see a shady, picturesque bench facing the Spokane River, just steps from the paved trail. You can also venture closer to the riverbank where some big rocks make great reading perches. Continuing down the trail, you’ll find more benches in the two-mile stretch

to mile 35, including the Deep Creek Picnic Area.

PALISADES PARK: Beckoning readers are the quiet

trails around Indian Canyon, west of Spokane.

Explore Trail 121, Waterfall Loop Trail, for an up-close view of the falls. At the ridge overlook, near the parking lot and trailhead access off Indian Canyon Road, there is a bench seat carved from a huge old tree.

TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: Local

author Paul Lindholdt (see book list) recommends the Pine Lakes Loop. Other short-distance hikes are the Kepple Peninsula or Kepple Lake Overlook Trails, both accessible from the Pine Creek Auto Tour Route. During March-October, entrance fees are $3/vehicle.

MOORE-TURNER HERITAGE GARDENS: Edwidge

Woldson Park, next to Corbin Art Center on Spokane’s lower South Hill, has dirt trails in addition to this historic site. Bring a blanket to read near the rose arbor or climb the basalt staircases to one of the terraces. (No food or pets allowed in the fenced garden.)

CLIFF PARK: Just up the hill from the heritage gardens, along Stevens Ave, is this small, historic park, established in 1908. Climb the stairs to the grassy summit of the volcanic basalt outcrop, once a Spokane tribal lookout. Today the panoramic city view is mostly obscured by pine trees. //

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Enjoy one of these books with local or regional significance while out on your next summertime adventure.

• The Spokane River (2018) edited by Paul Lindholdt: A newly-published collection of essays and poems on the environment—with reflections from 28 contributors—including Jess Walter, Tod Marshall, Sherman Alexie, Jerry White (Spokane Riverkeeper), Beatrice Lackaff (OTO writer), and many others.

• Dog Songs (2013) by Mary Oliver: A book of poems (and one essay) by a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet will make you cry, in a good way.

• I Promise Not To Suffer: A Fool for Love Hikes the Pacific Crest Trail (2013) by Gail D. Storey: A funny memoir by a non-hiker who backpacked the PCT at age 56 with her husband, using their homemade ultralight gear.

• Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (1974) and Teaching a Stone to Talk (1983): Expeditions and Encounters

by Annie Dillard: The Pulitzer-prize winning Pilgrim is a narrative expose while the other is comprised of narrative essays. Dillard, who lived in western Washington for a few years during the 1970s, is renowned for her reflections on her explorations of the natural world.

• We Live in Water (2013) by Jess Walter: This book of short fiction stories from Spokane’s NYTbest-selling author has been described as “darkly funny” and “sneakily sad”—which makes great escapist trailside reading.

• The Sasquatch Hunter’s Almanac (2015) by Sharma Shields: Set in the Inland Northwest, this “dark, fantastical” novel from Shields, another great Spokane writer, includes place names like Palouse, Rathdrum, and Lilac City, the pseudonym for Spokane. Chapters advance the plot through time and the multi-generational family characters, which makes it easy to bookmark and continue reading from place to place.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

CREATE YOUR OWN

HAMMOCK CHILL ZONE By sarah hauge

E R E H W P AM C Y L N F O L E E S R TH E H BE N A C L R I AG Camp Four Echoes, Worley, ID June 17–August 9 Open for grades 1–12, first-time or experienced campers. You don’t even need to be a Girl Scout.

PHOTO: ERIK PRICHARD

PASS A COLLEGE CAMPUS on a spring day and

you’ll see them: flocks of teens and twenty-somethings, temporarily in full relaxation mode, supine in their nylon, portable hammocks. It’s hard not to feel envious. There are few things we can all agree on, but who among us doesn’t want to be cradled gently, swinging in the breeze?

Community hammock-ing may not be your thing, but hammocks, of course, come in a vast assortment of styles, any of which could work well in the privacy of your own back yard, patio, or porch. There are rope hammocks with wood spreaders (cover them with a blanket or cushion for added comfort), cloth hammocks (which can be warmer on the body), and hammocks that rest in stands (no perfectly placed trees necessary!). And for a short-term commitment, portable, packable hammocks are ideal for camping, park trips, back yards, and anywhere in between.

ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT

Francis Neff, a senior at North Central High School, is a hammock aficionado who owns an ENO SingleNest. “I think hammocks are just fun, first of all,” he says. “I sleep in mine sometimes when I’m camping or going backpacking. In the summer in town I’ll take it to a park, take it to a friend’s.” He thinks the current hammock trend among younger people is due to easy portability.

“You can throw it in your backpack with you. It’s really light. And they dry easily now.”

Emma Coon, a senior at Lewis and Clark High School, is another superfan of the portable hammock, taking hers to Upper Manito, the High Drive Bluff, Camp Spalding, and even house-building mission trips to Tijuana, Mexico. She sleeps in hers sometimes when traveling. “They’re so comfy!” she says. “I always put down a sleeping pad under me along with a sleeping bag and blanket because without it the wind and cold can get into the hammock”—a thin layer of nylon is not going to do much on its own to protect you from lower temps— “and make the night super restless.”

Whether you want something portable or more traditional, just choose your favorite option and

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then add in some ambiance. No yard? Set yours up on the porch or deck. Feeling ready to DIY? Build a back yard pergola and hang sail cloth for more shade.

LANDSCAPING YOUR HAMMOCK CHILL PAD

If you really want to amp up breezy summertime vibes, add a container garden near your relaxation zone. Colleen Sullivan, who’s worked in the greenhouse at Liberty Park Florist for the better part of two decades, recommends ornamental grasses for low-maintenance greenery. If you want something fragrant, she suggests sun-friendly dianthus, carnations, or petunias. Any of those flowers is “going to make your whole yard smell so good,” Sullivan says. If you want something more shadeloving, she suggests hostas and heucheras (coral bells); hostas are extremely low-maintenance and work in containers as well as beds, and heucheras have gorgeous foliage that comes in a vast array of colors ranging from red to chartreuse to metallic tones. “Something like that really does add a lot to the shade,” Sullivan says. The bonus with foliage versus flowers? Less upkeep. “It’s definitely going to cut down on deadheading and stuff like that so to me, foliage plants are more relaxing because they’re less maintenance,” she says.

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When hanging your hammock, keep trees’ health in mind. Caleb McIlraith and Cheree LaPierre, Whitworth University’s campus arborist and a student groundskeeper, respectively, caution all of us to treat our trees well, as unprotected use of ropes or straps can harm the bark, causing abrasions that can become permanent scars and lead to pest issues. “Protecting the bark with a strip of cardboard, a rolled-up t-shirt, a towel, burlap sack, etc., greatly helps reduce the risks,” McIlraith and LaPierre advise. And whatever you do, don’t drill or nail in a tree. Whenever possible, they suggest using designated hammock straps, which distribute weight better than ropes and minimize girding and damage to the bark. //

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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED PHOTOS! YOU MADE IT HARD TO PICK WINNERS. ENJOY THESE RUNNERS UP:

GLAMOROUS CAMPING FOR THE MODERN OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST

Summer

ADVENTURE

GUIDE

By s. michal bennett

RIVER DANCE LODGE TENTS. PHOTO: CHAD CASE // TOP AND MIDDLE: YURTVILLE. PHOTOS: S. MICHAL BENNETT // LOWER RIGHT: RIVER DANCE LODGE PHOTO: CHAD CASE

duce your family to camping that involves anything from a canvas wall tent, to a tipi, yurt, safari tent, or pole tent. One of the biggest differences between these tents and your polyester nylon dome tent is the solid floor and usually-raised wooden, stone, or concrete platform. It elevates your experience by making you feel like you are indoors and makes it possible to furnish your tent with a real bed, wood burning stove, furniture, and more. Because they are tents, some of these charming accommodations are only open during the warmer months, depending on location.

WALL TENTS

Two of the most well-known wall tent glamps in Idaho are Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast in

Clark Fork and River Dance Lodge in Syringa (Riverdancelodge.com). Situated just off the banks of the Clearwater River, River Dance is an adventure resort that has partnered with ROW Adventures to make “dreams come true and memories last forever.” In addition to hand-crafted log cabins, whitewater rafting, biking, fly fishing, and hiking, the resort has three glamping tents that sleep two people each. They are next to the creek and are decked out with a king-sized bed, back porch, claw-foot tub heated by a propane burner, chairs, table, and wood stove. Charcoal grills, picnic tables, a self-composting toilet, a shared bathhouse (with flushing toilet and shower), and the resort’s restaurant are within easy access.

Both Huckleberry and River Dance are comparable in price to a hotel room. Go a little lighter on your wallet with the Lilly Pad at Blue Lake RV

11 WAYS TO GLAMP OUT YOUR CAMP 1. Get a better tent. Whether you go with a canvas wall or bell tent, a vehicle tent attachment, or a clear inflatable bubble tent, upgrading your structure makes a world of difference.

2. Roll out a rug or two.

3. Invest in a quality hammock. No matter where you are, you can always improve your sleeping or relaxing situation with a hammock.

4. Elevate your linens. Just bringing something other than a sleeping bag makes it feel more like home away from home.

5. Pack a soft towel.

6. Take your kitchen with you.

7. Set up a folding picnic table with an umbrella.

8. Have your own toilet and shower. Create a personal lavatory or a camp shower with solar water heater.

9. Bring a solar charger. Handy for your phone, tablet, fan, speaker, and more.

10. Don’t skip the digital entertainment. Download a couple of movies onto your tablet or phone, and bring a Bluetooth speaker, blow-up movie screen and projector, or just a great pair of earbuds.

11. Don’t forget the heater and fan. Winter, spring, summer, or fall—there’s always inclement weather.

Resort just south of Bonners Ferry, a prospector’s pole tent with tin roof, electricity, and Wi-Fi. On the more lavish side, Under Canvas Glacier in Coram, Mont., offers deluxe tents, safari tents, tent suites, and a canvas-walled treehouse. Private luxury bathrooms with hot running water, showers, sinks, and toilets are included with several set ups.

TIPIS

Under Canvas also has several tipis, structures with a rich cultural history that have been adapted for modern-world recreation. These tipis can be reserved individually or added to an adjacent tent for a family.

Smokiam Resort on the shores of Soap Lake, Wash., features 10 guest tipis (16 and 26 foot), six privately placed by the lake and four grouped together in the main park. The lakeside tipis are dry camping, but the park ones have electricity, and each includes a fire pit, BBQ, picnic table, clean linens, Adirondack chairs, dock access, and multiple sleeping arrangements. Twin Cedars Camping + Vacation Rentals in Sandpoint, Idaho, only has one tipi, but it comes glamped out with a private beach and dock on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, an outdoor shower and sink, and an outdoor hot tub.

YURTS

Yurts are the third form of tent glamping. While southern Idaho has seven 20-foot backcountry yurts, North Idaho’s yurts are a little more bewitching. The Yurtle in Athol has a kitchen, separated sleeping area, and immaculate bathhouse. Yurtville, just north of Sandpoint, is comprised of three yurts, each with their own bathroom in the main building, which also has a kitchen, dining area, and art studio. The Guest Yurt in the Woods, also north of Sandpoint, is cozy and private, located just down a wooded path from the owners’ own two-storied yurt home.

Whether looking for a low-stress family camping experience or getting away with your partner, glamping gives you conveniences of modern life with just enough inconvenience to make you feel at home in nature. //

RASPBERRY, STRAWBERRY, BUTTERSCOTCH

TENT GLAMPING IS A UNIQUE, comfy way to intro-

domacoffee.com JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

49

IDAHO’S SILVER VALLEY

From Mining Boom to Outdoor Adventure Mecca NORTH IDAHO’S SILVER VALLEY, a narrow,

40-mile-long valley that stretches from 4th of July Pass east of Coeur d’Alene to Lookout Pass near the Montana state line, is thriving these days as a hub for outdoor adventure. It boasts the longest gondola in North America, two big ski resorts, the

Northwest’s best bike park, world-class rail trails, including the Route of the Hiawatha and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a waterpark, a golf course, a zipline, multiple craft breweries, and thousands of acres of public lands with trails to explore. But not that long ago, “the valley,” as the locals call it,

TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES. // COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

THE CADILLAC OF BIKING TRAILS

Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

By Derrick Knowles

The paved, non-motorized, mostly-flat Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes rail trail is “The Cadillac of biking trails,” says longtime Wallace resident and trail booster Rick Shaffer, who is known locally as the Prime Minister of Historic Wallace, Idaho. “It’s 72 miles of paved, non-motorized glory,” says Shaffer. “That and the Silver Valley’s great mining history and the lake portion of the trail with all of the flora and fauna, it’s just fantastic.”

The trail extends from the Plummer prairie near the Washington/Idaho state line east along Coeur d’Alene Lake and the Coeur d’Alene River past chain lakes, farmland, and forest and through the Silver Valley until its terminus in the small town of Mullan near the Montana border. There is no fee to use the fully-developed Idaho State Parks trail, which features many trailheads, outhouses, informational kiosks and options to stop in small towns along whatever section you choose to explore.

“You don’t need to do a huge section or the whole trail,” explains Shaffer. He recommends the 10-mile stretch along Lake Coeur d’Alene or the 35-mile section along the Coeur d’Alene River between Pinehurst and Harrison. “That section is like biking through a zoo. Elk, moose, deer, hundreds of birds, and there is water on both sides of the trail in some places. It’s just incredible.” Shaffer also recommends the stretch from Mullan to Osburn in the Silver Valley. “It’s downhill, in the trees, and it follows some whitewater sections along the river.”

Some of the popular trailheads recommended on the Friends of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes website include Plummer, Harrison, Bull Run, Cataldo, Enaville, Pinehurst, Silver Mountain, Wallace, and Mullan. But don’t expect a mob of other cyclists when you go. “People often call and ask when the trail isn’t crowded,” relays Shaffer. “I tell them our most busy day is your slowest day wherever you normally ride back home.”

Plan your trip and purchase maps at Friendsofcdatrails.org/trail-of-the-coeur-dalenes or give Rick Shaffer a call for trail and lodging information at 208-691-9169. // 50

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JUNE 2018

BY JON JONCKERS

was much more well known for what was underground than for the natural beauty and outdoor activities that today attract thousands of visitors and drive a growing segment of the local economy.

Back in the 1970s, over half of the nation’s silver production was pulled from the aptly-named Silver Valley. The prosperity that came along with this boom makes it hard to believe that the valley’s two largest towns, Wallace and Kellogg, were nearly devastated by one of the West’s worst natural disasters, the Big Burn of 1910, which burned over three million acres of forest. The mining-driven economic expansion that helped re-build the valley’s communities after the fire came with a hidden price tag that eventually had to be reckoned with.

In 1983, the Bunker Hill Mine near Kellogg was named one of the most polluted places in the nation and declared a Superfund Site. Almost overnight, several mines closed, and the economy of the surrounding area struggled. Many jobs were lost, and cleanup work to address the heavy metals that had contaminated surrounding forests and waterways began. Just like the days following the Big Burn, many locals questioned whether their home would ever recover.

Idaho wasn’t even a state when Noah Kellogg discovered some of the rich ore in the valley, and according to some legends, his donkey actually found the huge outcropping of galena (lead ore) while he was sleeping. Soon enough, mining claims sprouted like dandelions, and a new railroad line made it possible to move large loads anywhere on the continent. At its peak, the federal government recognized over 100 mines stretching from the Cataldo Mission to Mullan near Lookout Pass.

Construction of the St. Paul Pass Tunnel, for the Milwaukee Road, began in 1907, and crews started working from both approaches on the IdahoMontana border. This 1.6-mile underground project occurred late in the historical era of American continental railroads, and the Milwaukee Road was the last transcontinental line built. However, if they hadn’t finished the tunnel (later renamed the Taft Tunnel after then- Vice-President Taft) before the Big Burn annihilated the region, there’s little chance the railroad line would have been completed. Now, over a century later, this tunnel is one of the hallmarks for arguably the best rails-to-trail routes in America, the Route of the Hiawatha.

POWDER PLAYGROUNDS, WORLD-CLASS TRAILS, AND HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS

The Silver Valley’s rich mining and railroad history can still be explored today by outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Kellogg’s original ski area, Jackass Ski Bowl, was first owned by a major valley mining interest, the Bunker Hill Company. Later renamed Silverhorn, and eventually Silver Mountain Resort,

the city of Kellogg took over the ski area in 1984.

In 1996, Eagle Crest Partners, a resort development company based in Redmond, Ore., identified the area as an investment opportunity. Several factors attracted them, including the site’s location next to Interstate 90, plus it featured existing ski resort infrastructure. The site also boasted the longest gondola ride in North America. Eagle Crest Partners purchased the property in 1996. The new owners started resort development and refurbishment of existing infrastructure in 2004 and added a snow tubing park in 2006, a waterpark in 2008, and a golf course in 2010.

Of course, no matter how many amenities Silver Mountain adds, the fact remains that Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area came first. While the valley’s two resorts aren’t locked in a feud, they do compete for lift ticket sales. Lookout Pass opened in 1935 and operates under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Like Silver Mountain, Lookout has also expanded its terrain with more planned in the near future. Lookout’s claim to fame is its superior snowfall, which often exceeds 350 inches per year. Without a doubt, Lookout Pass is a powder skier’s dream.

In the summer, Lookout Pass maintains concessions for the Route of the Hiawatha rail trail.

Whereas other bike paths are do-it-yourself, this bike route provides unique stops with signs to educate riders about the railroad line. This secluded, all-downhill trail features 11 tunnels and nine super-high trestles, which means many people miss the historical signs and kiosks. Curious riders, however, are rewarded with quality information about this railroad line and a unique time in American history.

After riding the Hiawatha Trail, consider staying the night in Wallace or Kellogg and hiking the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. Ed Pulaski earned the status of a wilderness legend when he miraculously saved 40 members of his firefighting crew during the great fire of 1910, which some estimates suggest destroyed enough timber to build 54,000 four-bedroom homes. After multiple days of hard labor on the fire lines, Pulaski was supervising crews on the west fork of Placer Creek, about five miles south of Wallace, when fire and smoke suddenly consumed the area, overwhelming the crew. Drawing on his knowledge of the terrain, as well as the special dynamics of forest fires, Pulaski led his men (plus two horses) to safety in an abandoned prospect mine. After ordering his crew into the abandoned mine tunnel, he threatened to shoot with his pistol any man who left. Lying prone on the tunnel floor, all but five of the firefighters survived.

The same forest fire hero is also widely credited as the inventor of the Pulaski tool, which combines an axe and an adze in one head and revolutionized

LEFT: WATERFALL NEAR BURKE. // MIDDLE: HEART LAKE. // RIGHT: STEVENS LAKE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SILVER VALLEY CHAMBER.

forest firefighting around the world. Ed Pulaski further refined the tool by 1913, and it came into popular use throughout the Rocky Mountain region. In 1920, the U.S. Forest Service began contracting for the tool to be commercially manufactured.

If you head out to follow Ed Pulaski’s footsteps on the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, the two-mile course brings hikers to an overlook across the creek from the Nicholson mine—better known as the Pulaski Tunnel—where “Big Ed” saved his fellow fire fighters. Much of the trail is buffered by a thick canopy of vegetation, and hikers can no longer enter the mineshaft due to erosion and the local bat colony.

But, it doesn’t take much imagination to recognize the chaos that occurred in 1910 thanks to multiple interpretive signs along the way.

The Silver Valley has spent decades overcoming the stigma of its past, and community boosters are still making headway. The valley’s transition to a hub of outdoor adventure that attracts so many hikers, bikers, and skiers today required decades of hard work and North Idaho grit to overcome major challenges. The region is no longer a gas-station stop between Missoula and Spokane; it’s an Inland Northwest center for skiing, biking, hiking, and outdoor adventure. // Jon Jonckers is a Senior Editor at Out There Outdoors. He serves on the Board for the Friends of the Centennial Trail, and is co-author for the local guide “Climbing The Rocks Of Sharon.”

6 Fun Things to Do in the Silver Valley

By Siobhan Ebel Located in the Bitterroot Mountains, more than 87 percent of Shoshone County is forested, making the Silver Valley a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts any time of year. Here are a few local favorite outdoor adventures.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Summer in the Valley is signaled by the snow melting from the higher elevations, and Silver Mountain Resort’s lift-served bike park opening for the season. Take a gondola ride to 5,700 feet and lap Chair 3 or ride the 3,400 vertical feet to town. It takes about 40 minutes on average to ride down the mountain to Kellogg and is recommended for intermediate or advanced riders only. Trails are rated like ski runs with green being the easiest and double black diamonds being expert only.

BIKING RAIL-TRAILS

If biking is your preferred method of transportation, there are two world-class rail-trails located in the Silver Valley. The Hiawatha Trail is a 15-mile, fine gravel/dirt surface trail and is open May 26 through Sept. 23. Shuttles provide a ride back to the top, so there’s no climbing involved unless you want a longer ride without a shuttle. The Hiawatha was originally part of the Milwaukee Railroad and has some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. Plan to spend about three hours on the trail. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 72-mile paved trail beginning in Mullan and following the Coeur d’Alene River to the farmlands of Plummer. With 19 trailheads, it’s a great family-friendly option from spring through fall.

GOLFING

Galena Ridge opened for the season on May 4. The unique mountain-style course makes this one of the most stunning nine-hole courses in North Idaho. June is wildflower season and the best time of year to golf at Galena as colorful lupine bloom along the course.

ZIPLINING

Set in the mountains above Wallace, Silver Streak Zipline Tours allows you to experience what it’s like to fly through the air at speeds up to 60 miles per hour.

MINING HISTORY

Wallace, Idaho, is at the center of the Inland Northwest mining history universe. The Northern Pacific Depot Museum, Oasis Bordello Museum, and Wallace Mining Museum are all located within walking distance from each other. During August or July, when the sun is hottest, a tour of the Sierra Silver Mine is the perfect way to keep cool.

4th Annual 5K+

Up Chuck Challenge

Trail Run Saturday, July 7, 2018, Camp Sekani Park, Spokane, WA Start on the Up Chuck Trail at Camp Sekani Park for a mostly singletrack run to the top of Beacon Hill!

1,000 feet of elevation gain for a mountain-top finish with a 2.3-mile trail run/walk return to the start & the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

Top finishers score:

New Altra running shoes and other swag! $20 Race entry includes a badass Up Chuck Challenge bandanna, Spokatopia demo pass, and Spokatopia beverage garden ticket.

NEW this year: Up Chuck Virtual Challenge.

Learn more and register at Spokatopia.com

TM

COOLING OFF IN THE WATER

After a day out on the trails or exploring the region’s mining history, Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg enables you to both escape the heat and keep the kids amused for hours. Silver Rapids is North Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark and features a 315-foot lazy river.

If splashing outdoors is more your style, take the Kingston exit and head up the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River to find a spot to cool off. // JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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OutdoorCalendar (June 2) Stache Dash 5K Family Fun Run.

(June 30) Mountain Magic 10K & 25K Trail Run. Where: Mount Spokane State Park. The course

Where: Liberty Lake, Wash. Run or walk this 5k on paved trails with views of the lake and support Elevations, a non-profit organization that provides funding for children with special needs to receive therapy services and specialized equipment to help them reach their full potential. Runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. Info: Elevationsspokane.org

features two separate loops with only 1k of overlap.

The 10k loop has mild elevation gain for most portions (by mountain trail run standards); while the 15k loop, which is run after the 10k loop to make the 25k course, includes some reasonably challenging elevations throughout. The trails are wide and airy, a lot of it basically single-track, with only a couple of kilometers of gravel road and great views along the way. Info: flipjacket.com

(June 9) Kaniksu 50-Miler, Tall Trees 29K, and Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where:

BIKING

Colville National Forest. Three races in one, including the Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race that challenges teams of up to 5 participants, or solo runners, to complete one of 5 legs carrying a minimum 35lb pack/ruck for males and 25lb pack for females.

Info: Facebook.com/kaniksu50

(June 3) Woodrat 25 Mile MTB Race. Where:

(June 10) Bay Trail Fun Run. Where: City Beach, Sandpoint. This 5 or 10 K trail run/walk follows the stunning shoreline trails along Lake Pend Oreille and Sand Creek. Proceeds fund efforts to steward, improve, and extend the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail.

Hosted by Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and Trinity at City Beach Restaurant. Info: Pobtrail.org

(June 17) Dad’s Day Dash 5k.

Where: Manito Park, Spokane. Celebrate Father’s Day on a 5k run or walk in and around Spokane’s Manito Park and help raise funds for SNAP, a non-profit organization helping low-income Spokane County residents with energy assistance, small business loans, housing, and home repairs. Info: Snapwa.org

Hills Resort, Priest Lake, Idaho. This endurance mountain bike ride rolls along Panhandle National Forest trails along Priest Lake. Choose either the 25-mile or 12-mile race division. Double-track and singletrack includes sections of low chain ring climbs, fast downhill, groves of big cedars, and lots of turns. Info: Priestlakerace.com.

(June 6 & Every Wednesday in June) Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Races. Where: Riverside State Park. Race or just have fun on and off the course with friends. New course every week.

Random prize drawings and cold drinks will be waiting at the finish line. Info: Nomadzracing.com

(June 16) CHAFE 150. Where: Sandpoint. The route for this Gran Fondo scenic ride travels along Lake Pend Oreille and into Montana and the Cabinet Mountain river valleys. Choose from 30, 80, or 150 miles. Info: Chafe150.org

(June 21) Summer Parkways. Where: Manito and Comstock neighborhoods, Spokane. Spokane’s biggest block party, now in its 9th year, means streets are closed to motorized vehicles and opened up to bikes, pedestrians, skaters, and other humanpowered transportation. Info: Summerparkways.com (June 23) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Where: Kellogg, Idaho. Ride solo or as part of a team through the historic Silver Valley on the world-class Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and raise funds to fight Lou Gehrig’s disease. This is a fully supported ride with several lengths to choose from and a catered lunch at the end. Facebook.com/SilverValleyALSRide

OTHER (June 16) Medical Lake Trailblazer Triathlon.

Where: Medical Lake, Wash. 33rd annual Trailblazer sprint tri is unique with its straight-shot 350 meter swim across Medical Lake followed by a 12.2 mile bike ride on paved roads and a 2.92 mile run around picturesque Medical Lake. Mass start with a single transition area that is perfect for spectators. Part of the Medical Lake Founders Day Festival with live entertainment, music, food, and more. Info: Medicallake.org

(June 24) 7B Sunday at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Where: Sandpoint. Grand opening weekend for Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the unofficial kickoff to summer for Sandpoint and Bonner County.

Check out Bonner County businesses and non-profit organizations up at Schweitzer, plus unlimited rides on the Great Escape Quad will be free. Summer activities will be in full swing. Info: Schweitzer.com

SIX MONTH EVENTCALENDAR RUNNING (July 7) 4th Annual Up Chuck Challenge 5K+ Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Start on the Up Chuck Trail for a mostly singletrack run to the top of Beacon Hill. 1,000 feet of elevation gain for a mountain-top finish with a 2.3-mile trail run/ walk return to the start & the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Top finishers score Altra running shoes and other swag. $20 Race entry includes a badass Up Chuck Challenge bandana, Spokatopia demo pass, and Spokatopia beverage garden ticket. New this year: Up Chuck Virtual Challenge. Info: Spokatopia.com

(August 18) Tase T Lentil 5K Fun Run. Where: Pullman, Wash. Enjoy the food, music, and other festivities of the National Lentil Festival and a 5k fun run or walk. Info: Lentilfest.com

(September 30) Sekani Trail Run.

Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. The 10th annual event includes a free kids 1k, plus a 5k and 10k run/walk on forested singletrack above the Spokane River. Info: Sekanitrailrun.com

BIKING (July 7-8) Coeur d’Alene Enduro.

Where: Canfield Mountain, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The inaugural event is a two-day, camp-style mountain bike race on Canfield Mountain, Coeur d’Alene’s local trail system. The CDA Enduro is the Inland Northwest’s newest addition to the popular enduro

race scene. Canfield Mountain is easily accessible from the heart of town, but the trails themselves have the feel of a backcountry adventure. You’ll camp near the trailhead for two full days of earning your turns on rowdy singletrack (including one never-ridden, completely blind stage), and be rewarded with a bonfire, beverages, a dinner for the racers, and a few more surprises to write home about. Cost: $135. Info: Cdaenduro.com

(July 11, 18, and 25) 3 in July Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Races. Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. Known as 5 in July (when we have 5 Wednesdays in July), this family mountain bike event includes single track racing on 7 to 18 mile courses depending on the week. $25 gets you a 1 or 2 lap race plus a BBQ dinner. Info: Facebook.com/ teammtb5.in.july/?ref=bookmarks

Colville’s Rendezvous Days. Info: Blazing100.org

(August 18) 8 Lakes Leg Aches. Where: Spokane.

One of the best organized rides in Eastern Washington explores the beautiful scenery surrounding Spokane, West Plains, Medical Lake and Cheney. Routes are clearly marked and include food stops, medical and mechanical support. Proceeds benefit the programs of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Info: Lcsnw. org/8-lakes-bike-ride

MULTISPORT (July 7) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park/Boulder Beach,

Where: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville, Wash. A free bike ride on the 11-mile auto tour loop (gravel road). Prizes, snacks, and music included. Info: Refugefriends.com

Spokane. Try outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, slacklining, mountain biking and more. Spokatopia is the biggest bike and water sports demo event of the year. Try the latest mountain, road, fat, and e-bikes as well as paddleboards, kayaks, and other water craft. Live music, beer garden, and other entertainment and activities.

Cost: free general admission; some activities cost between $10-$20. Info: Spokatopia.com

(July 29) Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration.

(July 15) Valley Girl Triathlon.

(July 21) Blue Goose Chase Family Bike Ride.

Where: Spokane Valley. Choose from 10-, 25-, or 50-mile rides on some of the most scenic roads in the Spokane area. Info: Cyclecelebration.com.

(August 4) Blazing Saddles Bike Ride.

Where: Colville, Wash. 40-, 62-, and 100-mile road biking routes through the beautiful Colville Valley countryside.

Enjoy the beer garden, food, music and more as part of

Where: Medical Lake village beachfront. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s sprint distance triathlon. Info: www.valleygirltri.com

THE BIKE SHOP THAT COMES TO YOU

RUNNING

BOOK ONLINE VELOFIX.COM

(July 21) Tiger Triathlon. Where: Colville, Wash.

Swim Gillette Lake, ride the mostly downhill course down Tiger Pass through the Colville National Forest, and finish with a run on Rotary Trail to Colville. Info: Tigertri.com JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Last Page MAST: School for Adventurers in the BC Rockies // By Ammi Midstokke

PHOTO: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

“Head down! Head DOWN!” the instructor yells across the water. A head bobs out of the river just long enough to gasp for air, then disappears beneath the upside down kayak again.

“It’s important that we teach the students about risk management,” says Brian Bell. He should know. Bell has been the Program Coordinator for the Mountain Adventure Skills Training (MAST) at MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE SKILLS TRAINING (MAST) AT COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES

Program website: www.cotr.bc.ca/MAST Cost of the program: $9996 - $15,200 Canadian + Student Association and Technology Fees.

Other costs: • Room & board • That wicked kit you’ll need.

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College of the Rockies in British Columbia pretty much since its inception. In fact, he was an integral part of it. Not surprising for a guy who takes his family on zip-lining adventures in the jungles of Laos for vacation.

The kid in the water is still upside down, but no one else seems panicked so I try not to panic either. His hands emerge and grip the bottom of his boat as he holds his breath until a fellow student approaches. They tap him with the tip of their kayak and he grabs the nose, uprighting himself and sucking in air as the cold river water streams down his face. “I have the worst brain freeze!” he says before he shakes it off and flips himself again.

The increasing demand for outdoor adventures drove the program to its success and growth, as did Bell’s recognition that the industry needed competency. That’s where the piece about risk management comes in. “Students here learn how to find their limits,” says Bell.

Those of us who enjoy the outdoors understand the need for education, whether it is about trail eti-

quette or wilderness first aid. In order to be successful, keep all our limbs, and steward nature, we need to educate each other and ourselves. But formalized programs that are both broad and specialized like MAST are hard to find.

The MAST program at College of the Rockies is unique for a lot of reasons. For example, it sources expert instruction for each specialty. Bell works with experienced guides and professionals to design an ever-evolving program that truly challenges and educates students. They also offer over a dozen courses, ranging from hiking to white water kayaking, and a number of internationally recognized certifications. Students graduating from the program have an arguably sexy portfolio of legitimate skills, real experience, and inherent ability.

“I hope to work my way up to being a backcountry ski guide,” says a student. Backcountry guiding in B.C. isn’t taken lightly. It’s not exactly Virginia. Like the sushi chef who started by counting grains of rice, these students are grateful for an opportunity to shovel snow in front of the lodge while learning from the pros. “It will take me years to get there, but this program is bringing me so far,” he says with a grin and a veritable sparkle in his eye.

It isn’t as though students start out as rookies.

Along with a love for the great outdoors, they must work through an extensive application process and demonstrate their own ability. Pre-requisites

include being a strong intermediate skier. “And they have to be able to carry a 40-pound pack for five days,” says Bell, “because that’s what we do the first week of class.”

Students come from all over the world to attend the program in Fernie, B.C., which includes a season pass to the mountain, mind you. They also come from all walks of life. From the high school graduate who hopes to work in the industry to the seasoned grownup who is launching a new career or just wants to be certifiably badass. Dan, a 51-yearold firefighter from Scotland who is graduating this spring, isn’t quite sure what he’s going to do when he grows up— except that maybe this will help him

THE KID IN THE WATER IS STILL UPSIDE DOWN, BUT NO ONE ELSE SEEMS PANICKED SO I TRY NOT TO PANIC EITHER. avoid growing up at all.

The certification and college hours transfer into further university programs across Canada—particularly useful for those continuing their education in the adventure industry. And at a fraction of the price that one would normally pay for all those certifications, the 9-month program offers far more. The other unsung benefit: The list of gear you’ll need to acquire for your classes. Seldom in life is acquiring a PFD and some powder skis part of student orientation. //

If your nature takes you off the beaten path, maybe it’s time to discover Sandpoint, Idaho. We’re barely 90 minutes east of Spokane, on the shores of 40-milelong Lake Pend Oreille, set amid the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains. Come summer, our lake and mountains offer superb outdoor experiences, from swimming and boating to hiking and biking our national parkcaliber trails. Camping, climbing, kayaking, paddle boarding and more are in our nature.

And our beautiful place inspires an amazing arts and entertainment scene, with award-winning breweries and wineries, art galleries, music and performing arts, a historic theater and lively culinary scene. No matter what comes naturally for you, you’ll find it in Sandpoint, Idaho.

For visitor information call 800-800-2106

www.VisitSandpoint.com

JUNE 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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