Out There Outdoors / Summer 2025

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Your Summer Get-A-Way

CONTENTS

Features

34 | Casting for the Familial 36 | Smoke Signals from the Fireline 38 | Bikepacking & Bluegrass 40 | From Gym to Crag 42 | San Juans to the Soul 44 | Riding the Road Less Traveled 46 | Where Paws Meet People

Special Sections 48 | B.C. Summer Adventure Guide 56 | 101 Things to Do This Summer 73 | Adventure Kids

Departments Explore Our Beautiful Lake!

401 S. Balsam Street Moses Lake, WA 509-764-3820

events and details at www.cityofml.com

www.TourMosesLake.com

26 | Health & Fitness 28 | Out There Reads 30 | Outdoor Living 33 | Flashback

Columns

14 | The Trailhead 16 | Everyday Cyclist 18 | Run Wild 19 | Literation 22 | Primitive Skills 31 | Northwest Nature

In Every Issue SURF N’ SLIDE WATER Park

6 | Advertiser Spotlight 7 | Intro 8 | Dispatches

401 W. Four th Avenue,

Moses Lake

Open Memorial Day Through Labor Day Weekend!

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COVER PHOTO BY DAVE HEATH COURTESY OF NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE TOURISM Paddling the wild East Shore of Kootenay Lake, B.C

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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LOVE OUT THERE? SUPPORT ALL OF THE ADVERTISERS THAT MADE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE!

Out There Advertiser Spotlight: DRY FLY DISTILLING IF YOU’VE EVER WONDERED about Dry Fly

Distilling’s logo, a hand-tied fishing fly, it’s because the idea for a regional grain-toglass distillery was born on the banks of the Gallatin River in Montana when founder Don Poffenroth was fishing with a friend.

There’s nothing dry about the result, which debuted in 2007 as Washington state’s first distillery since the prohibition era. Dry Fly has since evolved from making craft vodka and gin to a full lineup of whiskies, a downtown Spokane tasting room and a place in the heart of the region’s outdoors and restaurant communities.

“We just very much appreciate our community, and that permeates through all of our products,” says now-President Patrick Donovan, who began as Dry Fly’s first employee about 17 years ago. Donovan’s favorite Dry Fly drink is the gin and tonic, which he enjoys after a local trail run or while hanging out in camp at Farragut State Park.

In the last five years alone, Dry Fly has onboarded two canned cocktail lineups, made sanitizer during COVID-19 for the community (called Spokanitizer), moved into a multi-million-dollar new facility and, most recently, partnered with one of the premier wine makers in the country.

What has stayed true to Dry Fly’s ethos is sourcing the good local ingredients we have in the Inland Northwest. Grains for their alcohols come from family farms within 30 miles of the distillery in a totally grain-toglass operation. Some of the spent grains from the distillation process are fed to cattle in Medical Lake, where they source beef for the burger at their tasting room and restaurant location that opened downtown in 2021.

Dry Fly loves to collaborate with companies like Revival Tea, Side Hustle Spirits, DOMA Coffee and Spiceology to bring creative and flavorful cocktails that bolster local businesses. “We very much believe in partnering with people in our community to create cool things,” says Donovan. “Sometimes it makes it harder, but most of the time it makes it a lot more fun and a lot more inter6

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

esting.” When you sit down to a menu at Dry Fly’s happy hour, you’ll find a celebration of local goods.

Dry Fly’s newer facility also includes a gift shop and large windows into the distilling room, notably marked by the giant copper stills set with gauges and threaded with pipes. “It’s like a Willy Wonka factory for adults,” says Donovon, a place where guests can book a tour or sign up for an interactive class like custom, small-batch gin making. (Check out dryflydistilling.com for a summer lineup of in-house events.)

Dry Fly’s latest partnership with winemaker Charlie Wagner of Caymus Winery has resulted in a new line of wine-based canned cocktails, meant to be enjoyed on hikes, lakes, rivers and ski hills for their easy packability. (Read the Provisions article in this issue by Jon Jonckers for a deep-dive on those tasty new profiles.) These wine-based cocktails will also allow Dry Fly to get involved with community events in ways they couldn’t as a spirits provider.

This summer you can find Dry Fly at Bourbon, Bacon and Brews (June 14), sponsoring Spokane Pride (June 14), at the Coeur d’Alene Emerge Block Party (July 11), and at the Wine, Women and Shoes event benefitting Idaho Youth Ranch (July 24).

As Dry Fly widens its cast, the distillery is staying committed to community and an intimacy with each beverage that is unique to the marketplace. The love is something you’ll taste in the glass. Explore Dry Fly headquarters, restaurant and gift shop at 1021 W. Riverside, Spokane. Dryflydistilling.com PATRICK DONOVAN, PRESIDENT OF DRY FLY // PHOTO: J. BARTHOLOMEW PHOTOGRAPHY

SUMMER 2025 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS Derrick & Shallan Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Laughlin DIGITAL EDITOR/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Briana Loveall SENIOR WRITERS Bradley Bleck Carol Corbin Adam Gebauer T. Ghezzi Sarah Hauge James P. Johnson Jon Jonckers Alana Livingston Amy McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Brad Northrup Justin Short Aaron Theisen Holly Weiler CONTRIBUTORS Bob Bartlett Xander Demetrios Olivia Dugenet Ryan Flett Fiona Hicks Heather Hodson Karie Lee Knoke Brian Lorenson Chris Maccini Kari Medig Angus Meredith Trey Nichols L. Spitzer Claire Thompson JP Vallières Ashley Voykin Wil Wheaton

Q: What’s your favorite lake in the region to explore, and in what way?

Lisa Laughlin: Swimming in Lake Chelan.

Chris Maccini: Sailing on Slocan Lake, B.C. Trey Nichols: Cannonballs into Lower Stevens Lake.

Jon Jonckers: Looking for wildlife at Upper Priest Lake.

Sarah Hauge: Paddleboarding at Bead Lake.

Claire Thompson: Backpacking to Chain and Doelle Lakes.

TO REQUEST COPIES CALL 509 / 822 / 0123 AD SALES Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com SUBMIT CONTENT IDEAS to: lisa@outtheremonthly.com OUT THERE OUTDOORS Mailing Address: PO Box #5, Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Outdoors is published 4 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2025 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous.

The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly / Out There Outdoors do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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INTRO The Five-Second Trail Wave

LAUGHLIN RUNNING ON THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL // PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

RECENTLY, I WAS ON A TRAINING RUN on the Centennial Trail with my two kids tucked into a double stroller. It was a Sunday, the trail buzzing with runners, walkers, dogs and cyclists, and I’d had an overwhelming week. The river tumbled like fraying ribbon below, ospreys floated

in tight circles above, and my breath came hard as I pushed my bike-trailer-madestroller and its extra 70 pounds along the concrete.

Shortly after passing a high-perched osprey nest, I realized the mileage I needed would include running down Doomsday hill,

an inclined section of the Centennial that has gained notoriety from the Bloomsday course. I didn’t know this when I headed west from Kendall Yards, because specifics like trail topography are at the back of my mental load when packing two kids for a stroller run. Whatever. I pushed the stroller around the corner that would dip down Pettet Drive and pounded down the hill, weight on my heels.

On my way back up Doomsday, I crossed paths with a runner on her way down, which I was happy about so that someone might bear witness to the stupidly stubborn feat I was pulling. She shouted “Impressive!” and I was glad about that too, lifting my hand from the stroller bar long enough to give her a wave of gratitude.

The truth was that running with a double stroller up Doomsday had been the easiest part of my week. A family member had had an unexpected medical emergency, my husband had been sent to Chicago for work, and I was operating on sleep interrupted by long hours of cradling my daughter while her fever raged during an ear infection. The truth was that running up that hill was not as hard as motherhood. Hauling ass with a heavy stroller was something I could control.

Everyone has a week like that. Or a month.

Or a year. But people don’t say “Impressive!”

just for making it through the day.

In that five-second exchange, what that other runner had really said to me was “I see you,” which was not something we say often enough to our fellow humans these days.

Calves burning with catharsis, I made the top of Doomsday hill. I pushed the stroller back past the ospreys, still circling. I arrived in Kendall Yards sweaty and red-faced, walked the stroller back to the car, and fell into the familiar pattern of buckle, carry, break down, buckle.

Later, I thought about how other people on the trail that day might have been there to escape life’s stressors. How we turned to the outdoors for neutral space, a place to process, a place to refresh. How a small acknowledgement in that space could resonate as a large kindness.

What I’d like to say leading into summer, a time when our trails are most packed, is to remember the impact of a five-second wave, a head nod, shakas, a thumbs-up, or whatever gesture you might convey when you’re sweating like hell and breathing worse. It can matter a whole lot to someone when you say I see you. I’m here too. We’re on this trail together, and that’s as good a metaphor as any.

Lisa Laughlin, Managing Editor

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PRIORITIZE BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY WITH A FIRST AID CLASS SANDPOINT, IDAHO

Most people sign up for a wilderness first aid class after panicking their way through some type of backcountry medical emergency. Left with regret at having been unprepared, they want to make sure they’re ready for next time. The trouble with this approach, says Katie Luthy, coowner of Longleaf Wilderness Medicine in Sandpoint, is that there usually is no next time. You aren’t likely to run into the same accident twice.

After some close calls over the years, I’ve started worrying about what I’ll do if some benign misadventure ever deteriorates into an actual emergency. I recently spent 16 hours over a single weekend getting certified in wilderness first aid with Longleaf. Luthy taught everything imaginable, including accident prevention, building splints out of backpacking gear, how to seal up someone’s sucking chest wound with a Ziploc baggie until help arrives, how to use tincture of benzoin and Steri Strips together for lacerations, and how to intentionally stock and organize a first aid kit.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LONG LEAF WILDERNESS MEDICINE

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DISPATCHES Luthy recommends Adventure Medical for pre-stocked commercial kits because they’re organized according to accident type: wound care supplies together in one compartment, stop-bleeding-fast tools in another. You can do the same when packing or re-stocking your own kit. If you can’t take a class, research basics like how to stop bleeding, how to treat burns and wounds, how to splint a limb and how to identify problems such as hypothermia and shock. Bundle injuryspecific supplies together for quick access and only carry what you know how to use.

Preparation is the only control you have in a complex and unpredictable environment.

In his poem “Lost,” David Wagoner writes about wilderness, “And you must treat it as a powerful stranger, / Must ask permission to know it and be known.” Here is a stranger who can heal and purify you as easily as break your bones and feed you to a bear. Go if you can. Go far, and often. Just don’t go unprepared. Visit Longleafmedical.com to find classes all over the Inland Northwest or get a bunch of friends together and schedule a group session. (Olivia Dugenet)

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NORTH IDAHO PADDLESPORTS GEAR SWAP JUNE 7 SPIRIT LAKE, IDAHO

Mark your calendars for a paddle-powered afternoon in Spirit Lake on Saturday, June 7. Paddlers of all skill levels are invited to Fireside Park (7025 W Main St.) for the North Idaho Paddlesports Spring Opener & Gear Swap from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This free, community-focused event is all about celebrating paddlesports, fostering water safety and connecting paddling enthusiasts. Expect hands-on gear demos, expert tips from experienced paddlers, and opportunities to buy, sell, or trade used paddling equipment.

Co-hosted by North Idaho Kayaking and the Coeur d'Alene Canoe and Kayak Club, the event also features participation from Idaho State Parks and Rec, the Invasive

Species of Idaho program, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87, and the City of Spirit Lake. This is your chance to connect with North Idaho’s paddling community and dive into summer paddle sports the right way. Scan the QR code for full event details. (OTO)

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RESOURCES AND INCENTIVES FOR COMMUTING SMARTER SPOKANE, WASH.

If you live in Spokane County and already choose alternative forms of transportation to get to and from work or have been thinking about it, Commute Smart Northwest offers some great resources, tools and incentives to make it easier and more fun. By encouraging residents to embrace alternative transportation—like carpooling, biking, and public transit—the program aims to reduce traffic congestion, reduce pollution and create a healthier community.

Commuters can sign up as an individual or under their employer if the business or organization they work for is already set up in Commute Smart’s system. You’ll need to fill out an online form to begin logging alternative commutes, which

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The program offers a range of resources to make choosing alternative forms of transportation easier, including ride matching through CommuteFinderNW. com, where you can find a carpool or bike buddy and a commute cost calculator tool that will tell you how much driving to work every day costs versus other options.

Whether you're an individual commuter or a business leader with commuting employees, Commute Smart Northwest is there to help residents make smarter and healthier commute choices. Learn more or sign up at CommuteSmartNW.org. (OTO)

BATTERY SMART SPOKANE TACKLES LITHIUMION WASTE SPOKANE, WASH.

Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use daily (from electric scooters and bikes to tools and portable electronics), but improper disposal of these batteries can pose serious fire and safety hazards. “Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are very difficult to extinguish and pose significant additional risks to firefighters,” says Lance Dahl, Fire Marshal for Spokane Fire Department. “This is a public safety issue in our homes and businesses every day.”

In response to the public safety and environmental threats posed by the proliferation of lithium-ion batteries, Battery Smart Spokane, a regional campaign supported by local agencies and the Spokane River Forum, aims to raise awareness about the safe use and disposal of lithium-ion

batteries. Residents are encouraged to follow best practices for purchasing, charging, storing, and discarding lithium-ion batteries to protect their homes and communities from potential fires.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to dispose of these batteries responsibly. A collection event in May gave Spokane County residents a safe option to discard batteries, helping reduce dangerous waste, and more disposal events may be scheduled this summer.

Spokane-area residents can also easily drop off batteries at any Spokane County Disposal and Transfer Station at any time.

More information about battery safety, disposal, and a waste and recycling directory can be found at the Spokane River Forum and Spokane County Solid Waste websites.

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DISPATCHES THE INLAND NW’S NEW GEAR DOCTOR: NIMBUS THREADWORKS SPOKANE, WASH.

Outdoor adventure junkies from around the Inland Northwest have a new option for extending the life of their beloved outdoor gear. Nimbus Threadworks, a new-to-the-scene repair shop, is ready to breathe fresh life into well-worn gear that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Items the shop is currently able to mend include outerwear, down jackets, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, protective gear and more, with a focus on a range of issues, from tears, buckle and zipper problems to more extensive gear restoration. Nimbus may also be able to help with custom design and renovation projects for your RV, boat, off-road vehicle or overlanding rig.

The repair process is straightforward, with the shop providing an initial assessment of the damaged item after you have completed the online form on its website, followed by a repair quote. Once your project is confirmed, you can drop off your clean gear for repair at The Evergreen Gear Exchange (1003 E Trent Ave., Suite 105 in Spokane). After an item has been fixed and paid for, you’ll be notified to pick it back up at The Evergreen Gear Exchange.

Nimbus can also come pick up and deliver your gear for some local projects. Visit the shop’s website at Nimbustw.com for details, including specific items they do and do not work on. (OTO)

FOREST HEALTH WORK TO TEMPORARILY IMPACT RIVERSIDE TRAILS SPOKANE, WASH.

Trail users planning visits to Riverside State Park this summer should be aware of a major forest health project that began in April and will continue through June.

The project covers a 340-acre area between Seven Mile Road and Carlson Road and aims to reduce wildfire risk and improve overall forest resilience by thinning dense undergrowth and removing weak or dead trees. Heavy equipment may be active throughout the project zone while the project is underway, and several popular trails and trailheads will be closed for

public safety. Affected areas include the Deep Creek and McLellan trailheads, the Centennial Trail segment between McLellan and Carlson, the full Osprey Loop, and portions of singletrack trails 25, 230, 400, 402 and 403.

Be sure to check the latest updates and trail closure maps on the Riverside State Park website before heading out. While temporary closures may impact summer recreation plans, the long-term goal is a healthier, safer forest that protects local residents from wildfire and enhances wildlife habitat. (OTO)

RIVERSIDE STATE PARK // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES 10

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

SPOKANE’S FIRST YEAR-ROUND PUBLIC MARKET OPENS SPOKANE VALLEY, WASH.

The Spokane Conservation District (SCD) opened the region’s first year-round public marketplace on May 31: the Scale House Market, located on the 50-acre Quarry Campus in Spokane Valley. The market is a culmination of years of planning, public investment, and a community vision to create a vibrant, conservation-minded food hub. Scale House Market is expected to be a boost to local entrepreneurs, equitable food access and community resilience.

Housed in a reimagined building that once served as the site’s scale house, the market pays homage to the land’s industrial past while supporting the future of regional food systems. The project also reflects the transformation of the former rock quarry into a community asset for education,

conservation and connection. The $4.4 million development was made possible through state capital funding, generous local sponsorship and a public-private partnership with Four Roots, a woman- and veteran-owned food resiliency business that will operate the market.

The project is a response to the community’s call for year-round access to fresh, local food, says SCD Director Vicki Carter. The market will create a stable sales channel for family farmers and food entrepreneurs, she adds. Learn more, become a vendor, or support the project with a donation at Thescalehousemarket. com. Follow the Scale House Market on Instagram @the_scale_house_market and Facebook @TheScaleHouse. (OTO)

SPOKANE COUNTY SEEKS INPUT ON THE FUTURE OF PARKS SPOKANE, WASH.

Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Department is seeking community input to shape the future of local parks through a countywide survey. The department is updating its Park, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan—revised every six years—to guide future funding and development decisions. The survey aims to gather diverse perspectives from county residents to ensure parks and facilities meet the community's evolving needs. More than 700 responses have already been collected as of May 2025.

After consulting with community leaders earlier in the spring to understand population-specific priorities, the

department continues to seek public input with a 30-question survey focusing on user experiences. Topics include access barriers, usage patterns and desired facility improvements. Community organizations and residents are encouraged to share the survey through newsletters, websites, social media or email lists to maximize participation.

This outreach is essential to creating a PROS Plan that accurately reflects residents' needs and supports thoughtful, inclusive improvements to the county's park system.

The survey is accessible via QR code or through links on the Spokane County Parks website and social media channels. It will remain open through summer 2025. (OTO)

HIKING THROUGH WILDFLOWERS AT JAMES T. SLAVIN CONSERVATION AREA. // PHOTO BY LISA LAUGHLIN

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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DISPATCHES GET YOUR BODY TRAIL-READY THIS SUMMER SPOKANE, WASH.

get moVIng, Feel better don’t let InJurY or IllneSS Keep You From lIVIng the lIFe You WAnt. schedule an appointment today:

If your car were 35 years old, would you take it to your trusted mechanic before hitting the road for summer adventures?

We would too. Here’s the thing: Maintaining our bodies isn’t all that different from maintaining our vehicles. The better care we take on the front end, the better they perform—and the more we enjoy the ride.

That’s the idea behind NW Movement Co.’s Run READY evaluation (and Trail READY for hikers and backpackers). These

specialized evaluations, performed by a doctor of physical therapy, help identify what your body needs to feel and perform at its best this season. Whether you're dealing with a nagging knee pain or want to stay injury-free on the trails, a READY Eval can provide a clear, personalized plan to help you run or hike stronger and smarter. You wouldn’t ignore a weird sound in your car—so why ignore that ache in your knee? Learn more and get trail-ready at Nwmobilept.com. (Trey Nichols)

KEEPING HIKING DREAMS ALIVE FOR PEOPLE WITH PARKINSON’S SPOKANE, WASH.

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Imagine no longer being able to participate in the outdoor activities you enjoy. More specifically: hiking, backpacking, and sleeping under the stars at your campsite.

This unacceptable possibility is what the founder of PasstoPass, Bill Meyer, faced with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

A 2022 Parkinson’s Foundation backed study estimates that approximately 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year. For those with PD, symptoms can vary. Slow movement, muscle cramping, poor balance and gait shuffle are some of the many symptoms. A common therapy, however, is exercise. Multiple studies have shown that vigorous exercise improves PD symptoms and may even slow the progression of the disease.

A lifelong hiker, backpacker, and Pacific Crest Trail advocate, Meyer knew the key to a successful trip was in the support provided to those with PD. He and cofounder, Ken Kisch, set out in 2016 with four PD hikers, eight support hikers, and a mule team for packing supplies while hiking the 74 miles between Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail.

With pack animals, PD hikers carry only a light day pack. Support hikers assist, as needed, on the trail and in camp. Not only does this arrangement allow participants to have a more positive hiking experience, it encourages hikers to overcome the challenges of the disease, boosting morale

and confidence. Furthermore, the shared experience between hikers creates deep bonds and lasting friendships.

Now in its 10th season, PasstoPass has grown to meet the evolving needs of its participants. Pack llamas, rather than mules, are now used to transport gear. In addition to multi-day backpacking trips, the organization also offers base camp, car camping and lodge-based day hikes.

Regional chapters in seven states work to host regular day hikes, all led and planned by individuals with PD or their close allies.

Trip leaders (TLs), trained in wilderness first aid, must first complete a PasstoPass trip as either a PD participant or support hiker before being selected to lead the following year. Assistant trip leaders work closely with TLs and support staff to ensure every hiker’s safety and comfort on the trail.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, PasstoPass is volunteer-run and led by individuals with Parkinson’s disease. By the end of the 2024 season, a total of 479 hikers had participated in the annual multi-day trips since 2016, logging more than 10,000 miles on the trail.

The organization’s operating expenses— including the cost of llamas, shared community gear, training and insurance— are entirely funded by donations. Want to get involved? Visit the PasstoPass website or Facebook page, share this article with someone living with Parkinson’s, or make a tax-deductible donation. You can also join a regional chapter day hike. More info at Passtopass.org (Brian Lorenson)

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KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE // PHOTO COURTESY OF PASS TO PASS

WEDNESDAYS IN THE WOODS AT RIVERSIDE STATE PARK SPOKANE, WASH.

June marks the return of Wednesdays in the Woods events, sponsored by Riverside State Park Foundation. The popular free events that are open to the public are a great way to learn about local wildlife, Spokane day hikes and Washington’s largest state park.

The presentations kick off June 4 with the “Hoot Show” with both live owls and raptors and free ice cream. June 11 will focus on “Butterflies of Northeastern Washington,” and June 18 will feature a presentation

titled “Moose, Cougars and Bears, Oh My!” with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The June 25 event will feature “Best Spokane Area Day Hikes” and will again include free ice cream for attendees.

The first three events will take place at Bowl & Pitcher’s outdoor amphitheater, and the June 25 event will happen at the Riverside State Park picnic shelter. While the events are free, a Discover Pass is required for parking. (Holly Weiler)

YOUTH PADDLE SAFETY PROGRAM RETURNS THIS SUMMER SPOKANE, WASH.

Washington State Parks’ Recreational Boating Safety Program is bringing back its popular paddle safety initiative for young people this summer. The program invites youth ages 11-18 to learn essential water safety skills through hands-on instruction both on the water and on shore.

Participants will receive comprehensive training in paddle safety fundamentals, water competency and teamwork in small group settings of 15-20 students. Each participant will receive a complimentary

life jacket and four hours of instruction, including two hours of on-water paddle training with experienced instructors.

The program aims to build confidence and safety awareness among young paddlers while fostering an appreciation for water recreation. Classes will be held at the 9-Mile Recreation Area from July 22-24, 2025. Space is limited, and advance registration is recommended. For more information or to register, email boating@ parks.wa.gov or visit the Washington State Parks website for program details. (OTO) PADDLING SAFETY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

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The Trailhead

Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News By Holly Weiler FREE OUTDOOR-THEMED ENTERTAINMENT

• There are several Discover Pass feefree days coming up! Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding a Free Fishing Weekend on June 7 and 8, where neither a fishing license nor a Discover Pass will be necessary.

All catch rules will still apply. (Idaho will be hosting its own Free Fishing Day on June 14.) June 19 and Aug. 9 are also Discover Pass fee-free days on Washington’s public lands, where parking fees are not required at State Parks.

• National Trails Day is on June 7. The Friends of Palisades is hosting a geologyfocused hike through Palisades Park, with advance registration required.

Dishman Hills Conservancy will mark the occasion with hikes guided by Washington State Naturalists within the Dishman Hills Natural Area from Camp Caro. The hikes will begin every 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 2:30 p.m. with no advance registration required, so an adventurous hiker could join both outings for maximum trail time on this day celebrating trails!

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness free summer hike series includes a hike at Settlers Grove followed by a visit to the Sprag Pole Museum (June 12), a hike with a whitebark pine specialist on Scotchman Peak (June 14), a backpack trip to Little Spar Lake (July 11-12), two “Hike and Read” events co-hosted by Lincoln County Library (July 18 and 25), and more!

OUTDOOR CULTURE & HISTORY EVENTS

This year marks the bicentennial of Fort Colville on the Columbia River just west of Kettle Falls, with several events planned throughout the year to mark the occasion.

On June 20 the organizers have coordinated with the Colville Confederated Tribes to observe the Salmon Ceremony. Event carpooling meets at the Kettle Falls Historical Center at 9 a.m. Additionally, June 21 and 22 will be a Native Culture Weekend at the Kettle Falls Historical Center with history displays and presentations.

FUNDRAISERS & CONTESTS

• Okanogan Highlands Alliance will host its annual fundraiser Get Lost Trail Race at Lost Lake on July 13. There will be a service project the day before the event, with optional camping at Lost Lake Campground. This CCC-built campground is by itself worth the visit, and the race has distance options at 3 miles, 7 miles, and 11 miles to take in the views on the surrounding trails.

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• Plan a visit to Teanaway Community Forest this summer and capture photos for the annual photo contest. There will be five total categories with individual prizes, plus a grand prize. Teanaway Community Forest has several DNR campgrounds which are first-come, first-served with Discover Pass as the only fee, along with miles of trails.

Follow Teanaway Community Forest on Facebook for additional details.

VOLUNTEERS MADE TRAIL #182 HAPPEN // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

STEWARDSHIP, CONSERVATION, & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will be hosting bi-weekly “Waikiki Wednesdays” and “Glen Tana Thursdays” throughout much of the summer season.

Keep in mind that Glen Tana is not yet open to the public, so joining a stewardship project is the best way to get a sneak peek at this fantastic future park, along with helping to make improvements to the property. See the INLC website to sign up.

• Chelan Douglas Land Trust is hosting Weed Warrior Wednesdays in early June to tackle noxious weeds growing around Lower Sleepy Hollow. The group will meet in the morning on June 4 and will host both a morning and an evening session on June 11. Advance registration required.

• On June 12, join Kaniksu Land Trust and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness for an “Intro to Trail Work” evening work party at Pine Street Woods. Advance registration is required. Additional trail maintenance projects with the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will take place throughout the summer, so be sure to check the website for the full list.

• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is teaming up with Idaho Trails Association for a weekend of trail work on the Fault Lake Trail in the Idaho Selkirks, July 25-27. Additionally, ITA will be teaming up with Friends of the Great Burn Wilderness to host trail work events on the Idaho Centennial Trail (on the Idaho/Montana divide) from Aug. 3-9.

ITA has additional fantastic offerings throughout the state, so check the website for more.

• Washington Trails Association will be hosting both day-long trail work at Mica Peak Conservation Area plus weekend backpacking trail work projects in the Colville National Forest. Highlights include trips to the Salmo Loop and Shedroof Divide within the Salmo Priest Wilderness. See WTA’s website for the full list and to sign up.

SUMMER HIKE SPOTLIGHT

NEW TRAIL 182 AT MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK

MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING, Mount Spokane’s Trail 182 is ready for visitors!

Initially included in Mount Spokane State Parks’ trail plan over a decade ago, and after several summer seasons of build work, the trail wrapped up construction in the late fall of 2024. However, summer is the prime time to visit this lushly forested trail on the southwest side of the park. Start from the quiet Green Bluff entrance where Day Mount Spokane Road dead ends at a park gate. Hike a short distance up the old double track road, originally a main park entrance and now a service road plus hiking trail, watching for the new trail signs for Trail 182 on the left approximately 0.2 miles beyond the gate.

The trail ascends gradually, gaining over 900’ elevation in 3.2 miles. There are occasional peekaboo views into the distance, but the main attraction of this trail is the diverse forest. Despite the trail never crossing running water, this side of the park hosts a beautiful and lush old growth forest featuring cedars in the wettest areas, giant ponderosa pines in the drier sections, and Douglas fir and grand fir throughout. In June, the forest floor is additionally carpeted in arnica blooms with the occasional lingering calypso orchid. By July and August, watch for spiky pine drops and vivid white ghost pipes, plants that thrive in the shady forest despite having no green leaves because they are parasitic rather than relying on chlorophyll for nutrients. As the summer progresses, the understory of ninebark is among the first to begin to show hints of fall colors to come.

At the top of the climb, Trail 182 intersects Kit Carson Loop Road about a mile west of Smith Gap. Hikers can choose to remain on singletrack by turning around and retracing the route back to the bottom, or can make a loop of it by turning right and hiking downhill on the Kit Carson Loop Road until reaching the junction with the Day Mountain Road (a park trail from the trailhead gate).

Descend Day Mountain Road to return to the start, passing a picnic area and historic marker along the way. The full loop totals 6.5 miles.

GETTING THERE: FROM GREEN BLUFF, FOLLOW DAY MOUNT SPOKANE ROAD 4.9 MILES TO WHERE IT JOINS BIG MEADOWS ROAD. TURN RIGHT AND CONTINUE 1.9 MILES ON DAY MOUNT SPOKANE TO A 3-WAY INTERSECTION WITH POOR SIGNAGE. THE MIDDLE ROAD IS THE CONTINUATION OF DAY MOUNT SPOKANE, WHICH BECOMES NARROW IN ITS LAST 0.5 MILES TO WHERE IT DEAD-ENDS AT A PARK GATE. PARK WELL TO THE SIDE AND DO NOT BLOCK THE GATE.

GET OUT THERE

Where to Rent Bikes in the Inland Northwest

E-bikes, mountain bikes, gravel and road bikes available across Spokane and North Idaho By Bradley Bleck range from $75 to $100 a day and $375 to $500 for a week. Electric mountain bikes are $150 a day or $750 for the week. Weekend pricing available. Thebikehub.com IDAHO PANHANDLE

HILLYARD BICYCLES E-BIKES FOR RENT // PHOTO: BRADLEY BLECK

THE FOLLOWING BIKE SHOPS in the Inland

Northwest have bicycles available for rent.

Each shop suggests reserving a bike well in advance of when you plan to ride. It’s advisable to bring a helmet and your pedals if you prefer clipless.

SPOKANE

Hillyard Bicycle, an extension of North Division Bicycle, has 50 rental bikes, including mountain, road, gravel, hybrid, fat, and e-bikes. Rentals start at $45 a day for hybrid/comfort bikes, $50 for a

hardtail mountain bike, and $60 for fat bikes. E-bikes start at $100 a day. Racks and helmets available. Northdivision.com Spoke ‘n Sport rents flat-bar road bikes and kids’ bikes along with bike racks, starting at $40 a day. Each rental includes a helmet.

Tire repair kits, locks, and tubes available.

Deposit required. Bikes are for on-road use only. Spokensportinc.net Bike Hub stores on the South Hill and in Spokane Valley have e-bikes that start at $65 a day or $325 for the week. Gravel bikes are $75 a day and $375 a week. Mountain bikes

The Coeur d’Alene Bike Company has e-bikes starting at $65 an hour for four hours.

Comfort, gravel and road bikes start at $40 for four hours. Tandems, beach cruisers, and kids' bikes are available. For The Route of the Hiawatha, rentals from the Kellogg location are for a full day at $65 for a comfort bike and $50 for a kids’ bike. No e-bikes for The Route of the Hiawatha. Lights are $10 for each bike. Cdabikeco.com.

All of Wallace’s Spokehaus bikes are e-bikes. For Route of the Hiawatha use, the bikes cannot be placed on the shuttle, so must be ridden back up the trail. Tailgate protector pads are available for pickup trucks. Transport of the bikes is available by reservation. Daily rental prices start at $100.

Bikes for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Silver Valley/Wallace are available starting at $35 for two hours. Thespokehouse.com The Cycle Haus Bikes and Brews in

Harrison, Idaho, has several electric models available, starting at $40 for two hours.

Human-powered bikes include standard and step-through models, starting at $30 for two hours. Thecyclehaus.com/bikes/bike-rentals Sandpoint’s Syringa Cyclery has x-country, downhill, fat, and gravel bikes with one e-mountain bike available for half-day, fullday, or weekly rental. All mountain bikes are full suspension. Prices start at $50 for a halfday, $90 for a full day, and $450 for a week.

Syringacyclery.com Bicycle Adventures and Bike Wallace are partnering with the Stardust Motel to provide shuttles up to the Route of the Hiawatha. Rates start at $90 a day for mountain and fat bikes and $125 a day for gravel and e-bikes. Helmets, water bottles, and lights are provided. Bikewallace.com Bradley last wrote about professional mountain biker Hannah Otto and the improving cycling scene in Spokane in the Spring issue of Out There. He’ll be spending the summer riding one of his bikes in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

What happens on the river stays on the river.

Or so goes the saying. But maybe it’s time to rethink that. Why leave the good vibes at the take-out? Guide-inspired for ultimate utility on and off the water, our 2025 apparel collection keeps your watch set to river time—on the trail, on your travels, in the brew pub, and even (worst-case scenario) at the office. Expanded women’s and men’s assortments have you covered dawn ‘til dark, day after day, from the river to town, to the mountains and back.

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nrs.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

15

EVERYDAY CYCLIST

Sweat, Salt & Saddle Sores

Electrolytes and other spring awakening rituals By Justin Short

ILLUSTRATION: JUSTIN SHORT

IT HAPPENS TO ME EVERY YEAR. At some point while April showers are giving way to May flowers, I’m out riding on a day that is creeping above 60 or 70 degrees after I’ve slogged through a long, cold winter. It always occurs on a tough climb, usually one of those steep roller coasters in the Palouse: I sweat into my eyes for the first time of the season. “Aaagghhh, it buuurrrns,” I invariably shout as I’m temporarily blinded. But it’s a shout of joy, because the season of warmth has returned and the season of having to pack a snowmobile suit to descend whatever hill I’ve ridden up is going away. It’s the season to think less about the layers I’m wearing and more about what’s in my water bottles. It’s time to think about electrolytes.

It’s hard to imagine that once upon a time I left the house in the dead of summer on a bike with no water bottle. It was 26 miles to the BMX track where I’d meet up with the guys, and smack dab in the middle of that ride was a gas station where I’d get an 8-ounce courtesy cup and refill that thing 19 times at the sink. That got me to the BMX track, where I drank hose water all day until it was time to depart for home, whereupon I’d make a second dromedary stop at the aforementioned gas station. If I was splurging that day, I carried a dollar for a hot dog 16

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

to pair with the two raw potatoes I had on hand. I did that three times per week and raced on the weekends, and somehow I never cramped.

The dreaded leg cramp is the arch nemesis of every cyclist, and science isn’t entirely clear about why cramping even happens.

But leg cramps in general have a strong correlation with overexertion, dehydration, and depletion of electrolytes, so we’ll start there. For starters, the wisdom of long-distance cyclists says that you can ride in a single day your average weekly mileage. If you join an early-season event like the Lilac Century, you can begin training by adding 10 percent to your weekly mileage without stressing yourself out. If you get conned into the Cascadia Super Gravel in Olympia, you’re going to need some good old-fashioned off-the-bike leg strengthening to deal with the elevation profile in Capitol Forest, because those kinds of hills are still buried in snow out here on the East Side at that time of year.

There’s a good chance any early season bike event you may be targeting will be your first hot ride of the year (if it’s not snowing), so, for the love of God, don’t put sunblock on your forehead or you’ll be blinded until September when that stuff seeps into your eyes with perspiration. A

cycling cap will protect your forehead quite nicely and should be worn both on and off the bike so that everyone knows you’re a cyclist.

But now that it’s hot out and you’re barely acclimated to it, you must get strategic with hydration. There’s a mathematical formula that would boggle the mind of Stephen Hawking to calculate the water-to-electrolyte ratio you must consume while biking in the blistering heat to keep your electrolytes balanced. Electrolytes are ionized minerals that permit fluid to travel inside and outside of the cells in your body. You want to keep these things balanced, because too many electrolytes, and you’ll have problems with water retention, and too little and the water will go right through you, causing dehydration that gets oddly worse the more water you drink.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to keep your electrolytes in balance, and that is to carry two bottles, one with straight water and the other with some electrolyte mix or another, then about every 10 minutes or so take a drink of whichever one you thirst for. It’s that simple, your body knows. This method sustained me on a two-day, 300-mile ride out to St. Regis, Mont., for a huckleberry milkshake during one of those early season heat waves we had a few years back. I learned

it from Dr. Allen Lim of Skratch Labs on a cycling podcast, and this wisdom has carried me through many sweat-soaked misadventures.

I tend to carry four or more varieties of electrolytes with me on the bike, Skratch Labs among them. They all have different formulations of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other stuff. Some electrolyte mixes have caffeine, others have calories. I don’t really pay attention to that. I just know that I’m thirsty for different ones at different times.

Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do, and you’re going to cramp on a ride. Some folks swear by pickle juice shots; I, for one, prefer leg cramps. As far as scientists can tell, pickle juice confuses your senses to the point that your muscles forget to cramp. In researching this article, I stumbled upon a cramp remedy on the Selle Anatomica website (they make leather saddles): pop a couple of Tums when cramps start. The calcium in Tums doesn’t absorb well, but apparently it’s enough to stave off cramps once they begin.

I hope I don’t need to try it soon.

OTO writer Justin Short has been saving his Oxford commas for years and trading them in for double and triple exclamation points.

He also bikes around a bit too.

PEDAL ASSIST TOWNIE BIKE WITH THROTTLE BIKE RENTALS NOW AT HILLYARD BICYCLE

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North Division Bicycle Shop 10503 N. Division 509-467-BIKE (2453) www.northdivision.com

Now Open Hillyard Bicycle 5002 N. Market SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

17

RUN WILD

Trading pavement for pines and podcasts for birdsongs

MARATHON

By Sarah Hauge

SEPTEMBER 13 Lakeshore 10km 13.1mi · 26.2mi · 50km

WATCH

ON THE INTERURBAN TRAIL NEAR BELLINGHAM. // PHOTO: SARAH HAUGE

LET ME START WITH TOTAL TRANSPARENCY:

Mountain lakes.

Mountain air.

Escape the fray and Swim-Bike-Run WILD with us.

TRIATHLON

AUGUST 23 Road · Off-Road

priestlakerace.com

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I am not a trail runner. I have no expertise in this area. I run dozens of miles every week, but almost every one of those miles is on pavement.

That’s not to say I’ve never tried it. I’ve run with friends through Riverside State Park. I’ll veer off the paved loop to forge my own path through a field of flowers in Upper Lincoln Park. But those forays have been a blip in my running life. For one thing, I don’t like heights; my fingertips go tingly and my imagination plays a slideshow of imminent death at the hint of a sheer drop-off.

And truthfully, I love my road runs. I love tooling around the neighborhood, saying hi to friendly dogs, looping through favorite parks, and crisscrossing the bridges that span the river. I love seeing how familiar sights shift and cycle over time, like the slender but vibrant strip of poppies along the sidewalk near my kids’ school that bursts into bloom as a forerunner of summer. Even along the well-paved path, you’ll see a kaleidoscope of wildflowers, marmots snuffling among the shrubbery, or a bison or two grazing in their field.

Recently, though, my family visited my brother and sister-in-law in Bellingham.

They live mere footsteps from the Interurban Trail, the former rail trail that stretches from the historic Fairhaven neighborhood to Larrabee State Park. With zero sheer drop-offs and the easy access to their house, I became a committed trail runner…for exactly two days.

It was everything I didn’t know I’d been craving. The tree canopy protected me from the rain, parting just enough to reveal expansive views of the bay. I passed not one, not two, but three waterfalls. I almost always listen to a podcast or audiobook while I run, but it was obvious that for these mornings, the trail itself would provide my soundtrack.

My runs were meditative and serene, with chipmunks and birds as my main companions.

As I ran back to my brother’s house the second morning, I felt refreshed and rejuvenated. Energized. I pushed the pace, easily ending my trail experiment feeling strong and powerful. I cruised past a man and his dog and zipped past a pair of walkers, surging toward the open path ahead. It felt good to be in nature, strong and fast and lost in my thoughts.

And that’s when I heard voices from behind me. Not just a couple of voices, but many, many voices, approaching rapidly. Very rapidly. They must be on bikes, I thought, naively. What else could explain my powerful trail-runner persona being so swiftly overtaken?

I’ll tell you what: I was about to be passed by dozens of members of some kind of elite men’s running club. They blew past me, chatting easily, not the least bit winded as they sailed ahead toward a narrower stretch winding down the hill. How far would they go? I couldn’t say. From the looks of it, probably forever.

I was a little irked by the disruption, by their effortless speed, by the subconscious ease and sense of safety a group of young men together exude—which was in direct contrast to my stark awareness of my vulnerability as a woman running alone, anywhere, ever.

But also: I loved what they were doing. A nice long run through gorgeous scenery with a group of friends on a weekend morning?

There’s not much better.

I arrived home tired and content, holding on to a few takeaways: 1) Experiment with more trail running close to home. 2) Skip the headphones every now and then.

3) If you’re going to get a small dose of humility, you might as well get it somewhere beautiful.

Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and kids.

She is looking forward to floating the Little Spokane for the first time this summer.

Literation

Reading Is Activism

By Ammi Midstokke

PHOTO: DERRICK KNOWLES

ONCE, MY FRIEND LARRY told me that if I want to be a good writer, I must learn to read poetry. But we all know Larry is crazy, and so after I stumbled through a few New Yorker poems like a kid trying to sprint through tires in gym class, I set them aside and declared myself an aficionado of complete (if not run-on) sentences.

Then I went to Oahu and I listened to some poems by the very souls who wrote them, and it was as though the broad gates to an unapologetic world of perspectives flung open and invited me in. I sat rapt and wrapped in their words as my head and heart

filled with stories of birds, of battles, of battered ecologies and the oppressed, and the dead-and-dying languages, and I fell asleep that night with whispers of them all in my dreams.

I sipped, like hot tea, the poems of “Green Leaves” by Eric Paul Shaffer, stuck in one titled “Whales at Sunset.” Shaffer carried me through a sunset, the sound of waves, the distant viewing of whales—things written about as often as they have happened, but somehow individual, precious in their uniqueness. I am on the beach, I hear the waves, I see the whales. “Centuries ago, the

sea seethed / with the play of whales. Now the ocean blackens with night,” Shaffer writes.

I feel the loss, the rage, the hopeless resignation to the truth that humanity is as humanity does and because I am reading a poem, I too am human. The only balm to this tragedy is the beauty we occasionally, accidentally, impermanently produce. But the animals and trees and oceans cannot read our poems.

Back in the Northwest, I see the world in a different kind of broken prose and pause.

Each observation has a new depth and curiosity to it, as though perhaps we don’t need as much context to understand the complexity of a wondrous thing. It is spring and will become summer and I am watching nature in the punctuated, spaced lines of poetry.

It brings a childlike curiosity to my observation of flowers, the shades of green in different flora, and suddenly I am so careful, so careful to not tread on the yarrow or the lupine as I weave my way between the shadecrowded pines and find safe soil on which to step. In a world where we are losing tolerance for anything longer than a TikTok, poetry may save us from ourselves, guide our return to the senses and sensible.

It is more forgiving than trying to drag my ass through “The Overstory” or “The Monkey Wrench Gang,” which I have only read because they are a social-literary rite of

passage and cause to nod knowingly at parties with conservationists, but not because I particularly liked them.

Ah, but poetry! If you’ve ever met a poet, you know they are in a sophisticate class of their own, a group of people who love being misunderstood as much as they love being understood. The message they all share, the one imperative we learn—whether we understand the allusions or not—is to slow… the…eff…down…and pay attention.

If we were a world of poets, surely we’d find more commonalities than disagreements. We’d argue over comma scarcity perhaps, and the only harm that would come would be a forced reading of William McGonagall and overconsumption of herbal teas.

As for me, I’ll take another stab at it.

(Reading, that is, for the true scourge of humanity would be proven should I ever try to write the stuff.) The poets of today are activist troubadours on pages, with messages so powerful we can only take them in tiny doses. It is a medicine in which we are of desperate need.

Ammi Midstokke will spend her summer seeking the poetry of the people, from the indigenous wise ones to the biologists, the broken hearted to the proud, from Frost to Vuong and beyond.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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NEW ON THE FLY COCKTAILS BY DRY FLY

DIY OVERNIGHT OATS

Inside the Yaya Brewing building in Spokane Valley, Sauced! is keeping things simple: Detroit-style pizza, wings, and a laid-back spot to enjoy them.

The idea started during the COVID shutdown, when the crew behind Heritage Bar & Kitchen began experimenting with takeout options.

Detroit-style pizza was a hit from the start. Once things opened back up, they headed to Detroit to check out the original spots and make sure they were getting it right. Now it’s the only Detroitstyle pizza shop in the Spokane area.

Detroit-style pizza is rectangular, baked in a deep pan, and layered so the cheese hits the edges and crisps into a golden crust. The sauce and toppings are plentiful, adding to its perfection.

The result is crispy, chewy, and satisfying in a way that’s hard to describe until you’ve had a slice. Try their unique creations like the Spicy Dave & Hot Doug or the White Iverson.

The wings at Sauced! are also center stage— crispy-skinned while juicy and well-sauced or seasoned, without being overdone. It is solid comfort food with attention to detail.

Sauced!’s location has an easygoing vibe with a big patio that’s close to the Centennial Trail, making it a nice stop for anyone out biking or walking nearby. And soon, they’ll be offering ice cream floats with your choice of soda—a fun nod to summer.

There’s nothing flashy here, just good food and a clear sense of what they’re doing. Sauced! was built from a time when people were craving connection and comfort. They’re still serving both. (Alana Livingston)

Dry Fly Distilling and winemaker Charlie Wagner have taken the art of wine-based cocktails to a whole new level, blending high-quality ingredients with creativity and finesse. Made with Bonanza wine and real ingredients, new flavors like Huckleberry Twist and Jalapeño Margarita deliver barquality taste in a can.

From the moment you take a sip, it’s clear these drinks are made with passion. Margarita Remix amplifies the typical margarita with zesty lime, juicy orange and chilled wine.

The Jalapeño Margarita brings some heat with real jalapeños, lime and a splash of orange. Watermelon Squeeze is summer in a glass, blending juicy watermelon, sunkissed strawberry, and wine – no sunscreen required. Huckleberry Twist features flavors of huckleberry, house-made lemonade, and chilled wine. All four flavors are 9% ABV in a slim 12-oz. can.

The convenience of these ready-to-enjoy cocktails also deserves a mention. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just unwinding near a lake or river, the ease of having a delicious, wine-based cocktail at your fingertips is unbeatable. Cans are easy to pack, very compact after they’re consumed, and the aluminum is recyclable. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a cocktail connoisseur, the new Dry Fly On The Fly cocktails deliver a refreshing, elegant experience that's second to none. It’s a brilliant mix of wine culture and cocktail innovation. You can taste the difference in every drop. Cheers to great taste, quality, and unforgettable flavor. (Jon Jonckers)

Start your day with a jar of overnight oats— a quick, grab-and-go breakfast or snack packed with flavor and balanced macros to fuel your outside adventures. Easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and satisfying, this trail-ready staple keeps you energized for whatever the day brings.

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

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SAUCED! DETROIT-STYLE PIZZA

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

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup rolled oats // 1/3

cup Greek yogurt // 1/3 cup milk (any kind: almond, oat, cow’s milk, etc.) // 2 tsp chia seeds // 1-2 Tbsp flavoring of your choice (e.g., peanut butter, pumpkin puree, citrus curd, jam, vanilla & maple syrup, apple butter, pumpkin butter or cocoa powder).

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oats, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, and your chosen flavoring. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is mixed well. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least one hour if you're in a hurry).

TOPPINGS: Before eating, add a combination of toppings for extra flavor and texture.

Suggestions include: • Fresh fruit: berries, banana slices, or citrus segments.

• Crunch: chopped nuts, seeds, or granola.

• Drizzle: more peanut butter, maple syrup, or honey.

• Extra flavor: chocolate shavings, coconut flakes, or a dollop of yogurt.

Enjoy your nutrient-packed overnight oats as a grab-and-go snack or an energizing meal outdoors! (Alana Livingston)

:C

GARDEN PANZANELLA SALAD INGREDIENTS: 1 pint cherry tomatoes or

1 pound slicing tomatoes from Elithorp Farm, cut into bite-sized pieces // 1 tsp salt // ½ loaf of bread from The Grain Shed or Back Pocket Bakery, cut into 1-inch cubes // 2 Tbs + ½ cup olive oil, divided // 1 shallot, minced // 2 cloves garlic from Royal Produce, minced // ½ tsp stone ground mustard // 2 Tbs red wine vinegar // Freshly ground black pepper // 1 medium cucumber from Full Bushel Farm, sliced into thin rounds // ½ cup basil and/or parsley leaves from The Corner Farm.

DIRECTIONS:

INSTRUCTIONS: In a jar or bowl, combine

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1. Place the chopped tomatoes into a colander and set over a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes while the tomato juice gathers in the bowl below.

2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toss with 2 Tbs olive oil.

Bake for 15 minutes until lightly toasted.

3. Set aside the tomatoes. Whisk together the shallot, garlic, mustard, red wine vinegar and tomato juice. Then whisk in the remaining 1⁄2 cup of olive oil. Season with black pepper.

4. In a large bowl, toss together the bread, tomatoes, dressing, cucumbers, and basil/ parsley. Let sit for 30 minutes so the bread can soak in the juices. Toss again before serving. Enjoy!

(Courtesy of LINC Foods)

Smart Use a Commute Option, Track it on CommuteSmartNW.org & automatically be entered into monthly prize drawings!

Only one commute calendar per participant. Winner’s commute calendars will be validated and checked for duplication. If you already have a commute calendar through your employer and meet the eligibility requirements, you will automatically be entered into the prize drawings. For eligibility requirements and to create a commute calendar, go to CommuteSmartNW.org and use passcode PFKB.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

21

Primitive Skills

Become Wild This Summer

What birds and their songs can teach us if we listen By Karie Lee Knoke

AS THE WARMTH OF SUMMER rolls in, the

forest bursts forth with life and the invitation to reconnect with the expressiveness of nature, with each other and with ourselves.

The time for community, for togetherness, and creating the kinds of memories that last forever. This is the season to unleash yourself and be wild again!

Step outside. Kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet. Hike a trail that leads to nowhere but wonder. Jump into an icy alpine lake. Sleep under a sky full of stars and wake to the orchestra of birdsongs instead of alarm clocks.

Do you know which birdsongs belong to whom? It’s an art of musical identification

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that takes a lifetime to master. My favorite songbird is the Swainson’s Thrush. It is the last migratory songbird to show up for summer and the first to leave as the midsummer’s sun starts its retreat. Songbirds give us the perfect excuse to remember to listen.

I love to lie under the stars in my sleeping bag, just as dusk descends. I close my eyes and listen to the birds. Who will be the last to make its final call of the day? The bird on the right? No, the bird on the left. No, now I hear one off in the distance. Then the bird on the right chirps one more time. This goes on and on until . . . nothing but crickets.

Birds are nature’s alarm system. Knowing

their songs and behaviors will give you clues that danger is nearby. The birds will tell you that hikers are coming down the trail, half a mile away. They may even warn you that a mountain lion is nearby.

Have you ever noticed that birds will be singing happily one moment, and suddenly they are silent? Peculiar as it may seem, this is a sign that a predator is so close that they don’t want to reveal their location. This is called the concentric ring of silence. Birds outside of the predator zone warn the rest of the forest that a predator is nearby, while the ones inside the predator zone are silent.

If you ever experience this phenomenon, you may want to perk up your senses and look around.

Once, I was stalking quietly through the woods. I spent the morning sitting under a tree and observing nature. I got cold and decided to stealthily make my way back home. Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks.

I noticed that the songbirds had stopped singing. I shamed myself for being too noisy and causing disruption in the forest, as I was being perceived as a predator.

Then, WHAM! It was as if someone grabbed my head and spun it around. I looked directly eye to eye with a mountain

lion who was stalking me! I had spun around so fast, I startled it. It shook its head in surprise and scampered off as if embarrassed. Just then I realized that I was not the predator—I was the prey! The birds had warned me by their silence.

Nature teaches us if we are willing to tune into her silent, and not-so-silent, messages.

It exists as a complex, interconnected web of relationships, where every element plays a vital role in the whole.

So, this summer, hear the call of the wild.

Not alone, but rather find your people, gather your gear, and go. Sleep under the stars. Listen to the landscapes. And in doing so, you’ll gain not just wilderness skills, but stories of meaningful experiences. Because summer isn’t just a season, it’s an invitation to weave into nature’s wild community!

Karie Lee Knoke is a wilderness/primitive skills instructor and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. She was a contestant on the reality survival TV show, Alone Season 9, on the History Channel.

Go to www.karieleeknoke.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook @ SacredCedarsWildernessSchool or Instagram @karie_lee_knoke

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SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

23

GEAR ROOM GREGORY ALPACA 50L CAMP BOX & UTILITY TOTE

This year, Gregory came out with new additions to its Alpaca Gear Organization Collection, including the 50L Camp Box and Utility Tote. The clear, “smashproof ” lid on the Camp Box allows you to see and easily get your hands on the kitchen crockery, dry goods, bottles, paper towels or other camp things you might store in it. The sealed gasket lid, that hinges from one side or can be taken completely off, keeps everything dry even in a downpour as I learned after leaving my food-loaded Camp Box out in

the rain after a trip ($64.95). The Utility Tote on the other hand is an open-air hauler of items you’ll want easy access to on road trips, car camping or days at the lake and comes in 35L or 50L sizes. It stays upright, keeping contents from spilling out, and inside bottle pockets and zipped pockets inside and out are great for organizing your stuff. Lightweight aluminum handles and padded carrying straps make for comfortable carrying even when loaded down ($84.95-$99.95).

Gregory.com (Derrick Knowles)

IBEX WOOLIES PRO TECH BASE LAYERS

This set of the lightest Ibex base layers ever is ideal for spring-through-fall layering that will come in handy equally on cool summer nights in the alpine, spring skin tracks or fall archery hunts.

Comprised of 85% merino wool, Ibex uses a spinning technology that improves the thermal efficiency of its base layers (the warmth-toweight ratio) by 35%.

At the same time it makes them 85% more elastic and nearly

nine times more durable than traditional ring-spun wool layers. That adds up to an impressive innovation that translates directly into more value and higher performance. The top sports a quarter-zip neck, sleeve thumbholes and a raised collar ($170).

The bottoms are built with the same ultrasoft, innovative weave and flat, chafe-reducing seams as the top as well as a covered elastic waistband for comfort ($115). Ibex.com (Wil Wheaton)

GOSSAMER GEAR TYPE II CLIMA 15 DAY PACK

Ultralight but backcountry-worthy, Gossamer Gear’s Type II Clima weighs next to nothing but provides support enough to make full use of the 15 liters of packable space. I barely notice the pack with a ventilated back panel on day hikes or bike commutes into town. The pack is weatherresistant and features stretchy mesh outer

pockets for water bottles or layers, and an internal bladder or laptop sleeve and compartment for sunglasses. There are also a few external attachment points for trekking poles or other gear, but no unnecessary bells and whistles, making the Clima 15 a minimalist’s dream daypack. MSRP: $120.

Gossamergear.com (Wil Wheaton)

FARM TO FEET CHESTER AMERICAN TRAIL SOCKS

Hiking season is in full swing, which means it’s time for a pair or two of new hiking socks.

There are many options to choose from, but few that take crafting quality socks for hikers as seriously as Farm to Feet. For starters, the North Carolinabased company sources both its merino wool and the synthetic fibers from American sources and the socks are made here too. Farm to Feet is invested in the hiking community and 24

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

supports long-distance trails. The Chester American Trail Sock was tested on the PCT, named after a town near the trail’s midway point and includes the PCT logo on each sock. These socks were built for comfort, durability and with innovations to help with foot fatigue and reduce blisters. Farm to Feet also gives back to trail organizations like the AT and PCT. MSRP: $25. Farmtofeet.com (Wil Wheaton)

SEA TO SUMMIT BOAB SLEEPING BAG (30°F)

Designed for side-sleepers and warmerweather camping, the Boab is as comfortable as any sleeping bag I’ve ever owned with the added benefit of being down-free, a huge relief for anyone with allergies to f e a t h e r- s t u f f e d sacks. The roomy shape accommodates wild sprawling and

the full-length zipper allows for varied ventilation options when temperatures change (it comes in a 15°F rated version for colder sleepers as well). The Boab is made from recycled fabrics with PFASfree water repellent, making it a more planet-friendly pick too. MSRP: $129.

Seatosummit.com (Derrick Knowles)

SEA TO SUMMIT BIG RIVER DRY BACKPACK

Ready to optimize your pack raft, inflatable kayak, SUP or canoe adventures where dry-gear storage space is limited? This dry bag that doubles as a backpack keeps your gear dry through splash zones and unintentional swims and frees up your hands for portages. The rugged 420D nylon is abrasion resistant, and the rolltop seals out the sog. It comes in 30-, 50-, or 75-liter sizes depending on your gear load with added lash loops for securing auxiliary gear. MSRP: $139.95-$199.95.

Seatosummit.com (Wil Wheaton)

KUMA LAZY BEAR DOG BED

Our 50-pound mutt dog Fernie watched aloofly as I unboxed her new doggie throne in the backyard. The Lazy Bear raises the dog-bed bar with its elevated camp-chair design that folds up into a travel bag for transport. Once it was set up in the shade with a perfect view of her favorite squirrel travel routes, I patted the padded, bowl-shaped bed that sits about a foot

WOLVERINE RANCHER PRO BOOT

This classic Western-style boot sports waterproof full-grain leather and stylish looks that serve both aroundtown and outdoor work functions.

The composite safety toe option offers added foot protection for more serious on-the-job applications.

After wearing the pull-on Rancher Pros mostly in non-work settings this spring, they are decidedly more comfortable than the pointy-toed cowboy boots of my childhood, and the slip-resistant outsole kept me on my feet tromping through puddles, mud and slush. MSRP: $169.95.

Wolverine.com (Derrick Knowles)

off the ground on steel frame supports.

“Bed,” I instructed, and she leapt right in and seemed to approve of her new perch. The waterresistant fabric and removable cushion will make keeping it clean a lot easier, especially if she has finally learned to avoid marauding camp skunks.

MSRP: $88.

Kumaoutdoorgear.com (Derrick Knowles)

DRIP EZ SECONDZ

Say goodbye to Ziploc bags full of treasured leftovers getting squished and waterlogged beyond recognition or lost for days in your camp cooler.

Made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone, the Secondz food storage containers hold your goodies like any food storage container but with space-saving collapsible sides that

shrink down for compact packing. We’ve been using the threepiece Starter Set that’s provided plenty of family food storage on multi-day trips. The containers are heatresistant and dishwasher safe with tightsealing lids that have remained leak-proof so far. MSRP: $44.99.

Bbqdripez.com (Derrick Knowles)

KUMA TRAILMATE SPEAKER LANTERN

This hybrid lantern, speaker and charger camp gadget is the new centerpiece for my car-camping adventures. The Trailmate pumps out tunes via Bluetooth when you want them and lights up your camp kitchen or reading chair for up to 10 hours. A rechargeable battery and the built-in power bank is handy for charging phones and headlamps. It’s a fun, functional addition to my camping set up. MSRP: $66.

Kumaoutdoorgear.com (Wil Wheaton)

GEAR ORGANIZING SOLUTIONS PONCHO NUECES SHIRT

Equal parts outdoor adventure performance and outdoorsy style, this shirt will keep you protected from the sun and feeling and looking cool on the trail, river or local brewery.

A full-on technical outdoor shirt, the Nueces is moisturewicking, UPF 50+ sun blocking and has sports mesh back vents to keep you cool and dry. Several styles to

choose from include the Western option with pearl snap buttons that I find more functional and aesthetic than traditional buttons.

A dirtbag’s dream: it’s wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying and pivots beautifully on-the-fly from adventures to social settings.

MSRP: $89.95.

Ponchooutdoors.com (Wil Wheaton)

ALTRA VIA OLYMPUS 2 RUNNING/WALKING SHOE

As a long-time Altra running shoe disciple, the Via Olympus 2 is the first Altra shoe I’ve worn that’s built more for cushioning road runs or walks. This zero-drop, maxcushion Altra shoe has without a doubt provided more cushion on long, mostly-pavement walks this spring than more Spartan Altra trail shoes. The signature wide toe box Altra is known for provides the same toe-sprawling shoe shape my feet need to comfortably pound out the miles. It’s been an

ideal blend of cushy comfort and support for short runs and long walks from tarmac to trail. MSRP: $160. Altrarunning.com (Derrick Knowles)

WITHOUT A FUNCTIONAL, organized system for storing your outdoor gear, your gear

room or garage can quickly start looking like a hoarder’s storage unit. If this sounds familiar or you struggle to find the things you’re looking for when gearing up or packing for an outdoor adventure, consider these tools for transforming your current gear situation into something more manageable.

NewAge Pro Series Steel Slatwalls: These 2' x 4' interlocking panels are made from heavy-gauge steel and come finished in a nice-looking silver diamond-plate pattern. Each panel mounts cleanly into wood studs with hidden fasteners for a seamless appearance.

Piece together as many as you need to fit your space, and then customize your new, slicklooking gear wall with NewAge hooks, baskets and other accessories. Each panel supports up to 75 pounds per square foot and includes a lifetime warranty. It’s a worthwhile investment toward cleaning up your garage or gear room so that you can find the things you need when it’s time to get outside. MSRP: $23.75 per square foot. Shopnewage.com NewAge Pro Series Sports Locker: Built like a tank, this locker is fully customizable to fit a wide range of items in a tall, tight space. Four moveable or removable shelves allow you to customize it for tall items like fishing rods, skis or snowboards or arrange shelves for smaller items like biking gear. A removable closet rod creates options for hanging packs, wetsuits, waders, climbing racks or jackets. The locker also has a built-in charging cable port that’s handy for charging bike lights, headlamps and other electronics, and it locks up to secure your beloved gear. A huge relief since I dread deciphering complex assembly instructions, the Pro Series Sports Locker arrived nearly fully assembled. MSRP: $659.99. Shopnewage.com Keter Cortina 7x7 Storage Shed: Over the years, I’ve cobbled together my share of structurally questionable sheds from free, second-hand building materials, and this Keter Cortina shed is pretty much the polar opposite of those DIY outbuildings. Worthy of a prominent place in your yard for stowing everything from landscaping and gardening tools to outdoor gear, the Evotech™ composite exterior has an attractive natural wood look that won’t rot, rust or deteriorate from the weather. The 7’x7’ footprint offers nearly 300 cubic feet of storage that you can customize with a ton of Keter accessories for hanging bikes or tools or shelving. Hope that you’ll never get the chance to test its 90mph wind-resistant rating that’s made possible with steel-reinforcements. Lockable double doors swing wide for easy access, and six built-in windows provide extra light.

It also comes with a solid floor and ventilation panels to keep out critters and prevent moisture build-up. Our shed arrived in two intimidatingly large boxes, but the assembly instructions’ estimate of two people being able to raise the structure in five hours with basic tools was more or less accurate. MSRP: $1,599.99. Keter.com (Derrick Knowles) Editor’s Note: Unless otherwise stated, product for these reviews was provided by the brand at no cost to the reviewer. Out There strives to only review quality gear and provide honest, thoughtful, and entertaining gear reviews, but readers should always do their own research.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

25

HEALTH & FITNESS

Your Body vs. the Trail

How ground reaction forces impact your hikes, runs, and joints By Trey Nichols

IMAGINE THAT YOU’VE GOT a pea-sized

pebble in your shoe as you’re out on a walk or a hike. Not real comfortable, is it? Now imagine that you’re running or stepping off a big rock with your pack on with that same pebble in your shoe. Now it’s even more uncomfortable! Thankfully, we can easily remedy this problem by taking the pebble out of our shoe.

If you’re a runner, hiker or backpacker,

you’ve maybe been in a conversation that brought up ground reaction forces (GRF).

If you’re like most people who haven’t heard of GRFs and just smiled and nodded your head or changed the subject, you’ll appreciate getting the rundown on GRFs for that next conversation or that next run or hike.

So, what is a GRF? GRF is the force exerted by the ground on a body in contact with

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it. GRF is right in step with Newton’s third law of motion—for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In layman’s terms, think of it like this: if your muscles aren’t strong enough to counter the GRF and carry you to that next step, something is going to give. GRF can be up to 2 to 7 times your body weight! In the most extreme sense, your leg may buckle like you just jumped off a high fence. In the more common case, your knee, foot, ankle or hip may get a little extra stress placed on them that could lead to pain or an injury or decreased performance if left unaddressed.

Just like you can take the pebble out of your shoe, there’s plenty that you can do to counter the GRF on your next run or hike.

First things first, you want to make sure that you have the adequate strength to support the activity. There’s a really simple way to test it. Watch your knee as you’re running or stepping up or down on a trail. Does your knee move inward toward your other knee?

Or does it stay in line over your second and third toe? If your knee is moving inward, that is often a sign that you are putting more load on it than it can efficiently handle.

Before you try to buy Forrest Gump’s leg braces, let’s look into how you remedy GRF

when you’re running, hiking or backpacking.

First, get stronger. A great place to start is with functional movements like squats, lunges, and hip hinges. While you’re not going to squat seven times your body weight, the stronger you are with these movements, the better support your body is going to have while you’re doing those outdoor activities.

Runners—in addition to strength training, you’ll want to pay attention to plyometric movements. Some of our favorite plyometric exercises are box jumps, jump rope, jumping lunges, and lateral step-ups (for speed).

The better you understand and combat GRFs, the better you will enjoy all of your summer adventures and activities after a couple of months, as well as in the years to follow! The stronger you are today, the more you’re going to enjoy tomorrow.

Trey Nichols is a physical therapist at NW Movement Co., where he helps runners, hikers, and backpackers with customized approaches to address pain issues and maximize their activities. This summer, Nichols will be taking his boys for the first time to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, where he and his wife used to guide Peak 7 backpacking trips.

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SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

27

OUT THERE READS

“A Walk in the Park"

by Kevin Fedarko (Memoir, 2024)

“Higher Ground"

by Luis Benitez

WITH SPONSORSHIP from National Geographic to write

(Nonfiction, 2024)

about a planned 750-mile end-to-end backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon, author Kevin Fedarko and photographer Pete McBride thought they could pull it off with minimum preparation.

Discovering four experienced Grand Canyon explorers were doing a 57-day full traverse, they got permission to join for the first 12 days to acclimate to canyon backpacking.

Arriving at the trailhead with empty backpacks and newly purchased gear, McBride and Fedarko created a big pile of discarded packaging and stuffed their backpacks far too heavy.

Without accompaniment, their effort may have been deadly instead of just disastrous. With their heavy loads and lack of physical preparation, they couldn’t keep up. The main party truncated its daily mileage goal so the two wouldn’t fall way behind, yet their condition turned dire, and McBride and Fedarko had to bail, lasting just six days.

Pondering how to give notice they couldn’t do the article, they were surprised when a small community of hikers, intimately familiar with the canyon, offered to support and accompany them. Beginning where they had left off, the pair, with their new hiker companions, broke the hike into segments. Vertical walls and obstructions leave little opportunity for hiking along the Colorado River at the canyon bottom. Numerous side canyons require many detours up and down to get past. A few sheer descents require rappelling.

With 120-degree summer temperatures, it’s not possible to carry enough water. Sources must be known in advance.

Especially scarce in the canyon’s western end, water is found during the “wet season” when depressions and potholes in the bedrock hold rainwater.

Fedarko mixes misadventure with information about history, the landscape, and feats of past Grand Canyon hikers and explorers. I sometimes give up on books that aren’t interesting enough to keep my attention. I had no trouble finishing this epic story. (James P. Johnson) 28

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

“Glacier National Park”

by Jean Arthur (Guidebook, 2024)

WHEN YOU PICK UP A GUIDEBOOK, you’re probably on a

mission for information (starting point, elevation gain, toilets). Secondary concerns might include the views, wildlife, and plants along the way. I, for one, do not expect a guidebook to also be beautiful and interjected with science and history. This second edition of recommended hikes in Glacier National Park written by Jean Arthur achieves it all.

Packed with trail info, as you’d expect, what I enjoyed about this book with “42 must-do hikes for everyone” was its organization. Icons to the side of the main text on each hike highlight info on flora, geology, campgrounds and more. At the end of each hike, there is a list of milestones, a useful cheat-sheet for someone like me to confirm my direction while on the hike. In addition to colored trail maps and elevation maps for each hike, there are stunning photos throughout—taken by Arthur—that make you want to drop the book and start scanning your calendar to plan your trip. Organized by region, recommended hikes extend into Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada.

Standard features aside, what makes this book sing are the love notes from the author. From concise deep-dives into local wildlife habits, like the noise a pika makes when it detects an intruder, to historical tidbits about both the national park and native Blackfeet heritage, it is clear this is a place Arthur knows intimately. She includes insider tips like the best time to go on each hike, whether it is to spot wildflowers or hike early to beat the heat on an exposed trail.

Arthur shares her joys of the place throughout, making this book feel more like an email from an informed friend.

If Glacier National Park is on your bucket list, this book is a must-have. (Lisa Laughlin)

LUIS BENITEZ’S “Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World” is a compelling mixture of personal memoir and environmental advocacy, offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of outdoor recreation. Benitez, a renowned mountaineer and former outdoor policy official for Colorado, intertwines his life experiences with a persuasive argument for the outdoor industry's potential to drive social changes.

As far back as the 1958 presidential panel known as the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, both Democrats and Republicans have been trying to estimate outdoor recreation’s role and value both socially and economically: “The demand is surging. Whatever the measuring . . . it is clear that Americans are seeking the outdoors as never before. And this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Not only will there be many more people, they will want to do more, and they will have more money and time to do it with,” Benitez writes.

Benitez's narrative begins with his childhood asthma, a condition that confined him indoors and sparked a yearning for the outdoors. This early struggle set the stage for a life devoted to nature and adventure. His ascent from a Missouri high schooler discovering rock climbing to leading blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer to the summit of Mount Everest exemplifies his resilience and passion to keep moving forward.

Beyond personal stories, “Higher Ground” delves into the economic significance of the outdoor recreation industry.

Benitez highlights that the sector contributes approximately $1.1 trillion and over 5 million jobs annually to the U.S. economy, surpassing the automotive and pharmaceutical industries combined. He argues that this economic clout positions the industry as a bipartisan force capable of uniting diverse communities and driving policy change. This book is not your typical policy paper—it’s a page-turner that resonates with a broad and active audience. (Jon Jonckers)

OUTDOOR LIVING

5 Basic Rules for Winning at Gardening By Ammi Midstokke being a speciality of mine because weeds are what I most effectively grow. Though I have read many gardening books, I’ve retained very little. If I plant a garden based on companion planting, an aphid plague appears. If I focus on aphid mitigation the next year, some mold appears. And it does not seem to be true that, despite the book’s title, carrots love tomatoes.

I have decided that the simple foundation of a garden is what supports the amateur gardener in having a less devastating, or expensive, annual experience. Here are my Basic Rules for Winning at Gardening:

THE AUTHOR AT WORK IN HER GARDEN // PHOTO: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

AFTER

YEARS

OF

SEMI-SUCCESSFUL

gardening with a low bar, I consider myself a connoisseur of radishes, interbred squashes and edible weeds. The latter

1. Keep out critters. When you’re building your garden, it’s the critters that can destroy months of hard work in a single night. If you have deer, make sure your fence is high enough. If you have rabbits, make sure your fence is narrow enough.

If you have raised beds, line them with chicken wire. If you see an aphid, use Neem Oil spray and buy a bunch of ladybugs. If you see slugs, they will make condos out of your cabbage: Sharp mulch, such as pine bark and eggshells, is a great deterrent. Some people call it a garden; I call it a vegetable fortress.

2. Have the right ingredients. Soil, water, and sun: These are the three ingredients of every plant. Some need more or less, but remember, we’re beginners, so we’ll start with the less finicky frisée before we get to specialized salads. The best gardening investment I ever made was an automatic watering system (known as “my husband”— then he replaced it with a drip system). It was amazing to see my plants still thriving in August long after I cared about gardening anymore.

3. Start small and pace yourself. It’s true that I dedicated a significant portion of my life each spring to nursing seedlings and drafting gardening diagrams and scouring seed catalogs. By July, I’d be tired of weeding. By late summer, I could hardly bother to water. Consider what parts of gardening you love (harvesting and eating) and which parts you loathe (critter control) and plant your garden accordingly. For example, this spring we’ll dedicate much time to building a new garden, so we’ll purchase starts at the farmers market rather than try to grow them.

4. Consider the comfort of raised beds.

These are amazing when it comes to managing pests, but also lovely for their accessibility benefits. The deep soil allows for dense growing, so you get more garden out of small spaces that are easier to maintain. After much research on metal versus wood, I opted for metal beds this year for their low maintenance, easy movability, and durability.

5. Grow what you like to eat. Aside from the mental and physical health benefits of gardening, not to mention the potential decrease in your summer lettuce costs and plastic waste, there is nothing quite like wandering into your yard to pick food for dinner. So grow the things you love and slowly expand from there. Just remember, you can only eat so many tomatoes.

Ammi Midstokke lives on a sunny slope in North Idaho. Her new garden fence can withstand moose, hurricanes and foraging Sasquatch. This summer, she’ll be growing some new radish varieties and maybe even some beets.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Backyard Catios and Coops

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How one local business is bridging the gap between pets and the wild outdoors By Alana Livingston

food & Drink Tours CATIOS GIVE CATS A PLACE TO PLAY OUTDOORS WHILE PROTECTING BACKYARD BIRDS

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in a backyard, but Jonathan Bowser would beg to differ. As a conservation biologist, outdoorsman, and skilled carpenter, Bowser is the founder of “Catios and Coops,” a Spokane-based business crafting custom outdoor enclosures for cats, chickens, and other animals—each one custom-built with careful consideration.

“Conservation on even a small scale brings big results,” Bowser says. That belief is at the heart of everything he builds, from cozy catios to spacious coops. For him, conservation doesn’t have to mean sweeping legislation or remote wildlife preserves. It can begin at home, with intentional designs that protect both pets and wild creatures.

The concept behind Catios and Coops is simple: give animals the chance to safely experience the outdoors. Cats can climb, explore, and soak up the sun without harming local birds or squirrels. Chickens can scratch and peck in comfort, shielded from predators. These enclosures create a space where animals can engage all their senses—watching, sniffing, stretching, and lounging in the fresh air.

Bowser’s background in biology gives him a unique perspective on how animals interact with their environments. He’s not just building boxes—he’s designing spaces that support physical and mental well-being.

“These enclosures allow animals to utilize all their senses and have all the benefits of being outdoors,” he explains. “It increases bonding with their owner, too.”

That idea hits home for anyone who spends time outside. Being in nature calms

the nervous system, boosts our mood, and helps us feel more present. Animals experience similar benefits when given the chance to safely connect with the world beyond four walls.

It doesn’t take a major remodel to improve a pet’s environment. “Even something as simple as a shelf can greatly improve an animal’s quality of life,” Bowser says. A full-blown catio might be a long-term goal, but adding a climbing surface or shaded perch can make a noticeable difference.

The builds are customized to suit each animal and space, using all-natural, pet-safe materials that reflect Bowser’s commitment to sustainability and comfort.

That care extends to the aesthetic, too. His work isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s thoughtful, creative, and always tailored to the client’s needs. A sleek, modern catio might blend seamlessly into a balcony, while a rustic chicken coop can nestle into a backyard garden looking like it has always belonged there.

In a time when many of us are looking for ways to live more intentionally, Catios and Coops offers a reminder that even small actions—like building a perch or enclosing a porch—can have a real impact. It’s about creating safer spaces for animals, protecting the wildlife around us, and finding more connection in the places we call home. To see examples of recent builds or learn more, visit Catiosandcoops.com.

Alana Livingston volunteers regularly with the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and has a passion for conservation.

The Trail of the Nomadic Herder By Adam Gebauer PINE STREET WOODS WEED EATERS. // PHOTO: FIONA HICKS COURTESY OF KANIKSU LAND TRUST

WHEN A COLLEAGUE MENTIONED seeing

a small herd of exotic animals going up Highway 20 near the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area in Northeast Washington, I had to see where this story led. My colleague had grown up in this part of the state and worked for several natural resource agencies, so I listen when something sticks out as unusual—like seeing a few camels, a yak, and some goats with a minimally clad herder heading up the highway.

I started making phone calls and sending emails to any connection I could make.

Did anyone have information on this nomadic herder? I started with the WDFW at Sherman Creek Wildlife Area, but the staff I talked to hadn’t heard these stories of a few camels walking by. Then I asked the Colville National Forest. They had no direct knowledge of this person and his flock. But I did learn that recreational grazing is allowed on National Forest as long as there are no negative impacts.

I got wind of a landowner in the Rice area who might have something, including a name, Chris. Chris had overwintered with his herd on a neighbor’s property, trading work around the property for housing his stock and himself, presumably. The neighbor reported that Chris frequently and seasonally moved his animals from the Okanogan to Northeast Oregon. I started looking for news from other forests. One fateful day, I was talking with another colleague on an entirely unrelated topic and heard about an organization that focuses on natural living, bush craft, and other closeto-the-land skills. On their website, I saw an instructor bio for Chris who taught about mixed herd management, but not too much more. Did I finally have a last name?

Yes, I did! Another Google search and there it was, an article about Chris grazing his animals for the Kaniksu Land Trust right in Sandpoint. Chris was using his animals to graze the weeds at the popular trail system, Pine Street Woods. These animals are reducing weeds and putting back some fertilizer, all without using herbicides.

Grazing on public can be a hot topic in

the conservation world.

Many of our public lands, particularly the Forest Service and BLM, are managed for multiple use and allow commercial grazing under the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934. This act broke grazing into allotments and uses a permit system to manage livestock grazing. This substantially reduced the impacts of grazing, but cattle and sheep can still have an impact on the landscape.

In certain areas, these hooved animals can impact water quality and stream habitats.

Their feces can add E. coli and other bacteria, affecting drinking water supply.

They congregate along streams and water sources, mowing vegetation and trampling the shoreline. This adds to increased erosion and sedimentation in the streams affecting fish habitat. Protecting water sources with fencing and hardened crossing along with moving livestock regularly can reduce these impacts.

Grazing can also come into conflict with predator reintroduction and management.

Large predators play a key role in ecosystems: maintaining populations levels, increasing biodiversity, and helping to shape habitats. Although there are management practices that can reduce predation, it is still an economic impact to a business with tight margins.

In many parts of the West, public land grazing helps economically support rural livelihoods, which maintains undeveloped private ranch lands—key wildlife habitat and movement corridors—from being developed.

Virtual fencing technology is further improving range management. Think of an invisible dog fence for cows. Several members of the herd wear collars, ranchers use special cell towers and an app to draw fence boundaries. Is there a known wolf den?

Keep the cows out. Want to knock down cheat grass or mow a fire break? Congregate the cows to mob graze at the optimal time to knock the vegetation down.

This trail didn’t lead where I thought.

Chris does not have much internet presence and probably likes it that way. He certainly lives an interesting life moving his small exotic herd throughout the region to improve habitat. However, this path did give me a chance to review both the support and opposition to grazing on public lands.

This summer, Adam is on the hunt for large old trees in the region. He will try to keep up with his running into the hot weather to help with some long hikes planned.

Taste & Trek Spokane Sept 26-28 Food & Wine Tours Guided hikes with Outdoor Survival Experts/Local Historian and Exclusive access to land not yet open to the public

Don’t miss this special event celebrating Spokane’s urban and outdoor soul.

book your reservation

wanderspokane.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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YEAR-ROUND SPRINGS FROM THE SPOKANE VALLEY RATHDRUM PRAIRIE AQUIFER KEEP WATER TEMPERATURES IN THE LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER MODERATE, IDEAL FOR NATIVE FISH. // PHOTO: CAROL CORBIN

ROOM TO ROAM ALONG THE LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER Glen Tana to add public lands and trails to Riverside State Park

BY CAROL CORBIN

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY people on my trail? Ever had that thought creep in as you're lacing up your trail runners, clicking into your pedals, or setting off with a fly rod in hand? Out here in the still-wild Inland Northwest, we’ve long enjoyed the quiet thrill of having a trail, a river, or a ridge seemingly to ourselves. No endless parking lot loops, no Instagramfamous switchbacks packed shoulder-toshoulder—just space, sky, and the rhythm of your own breath.

But even here, the word’s getting out. And with fewer than 10% of Spokane County’s lands open to the public, we’re already feeling the squeeze. As more people fall in love with this place (and who can blame them?), the pressure on our public lands is growing fast.

Thankfully, land management agencies— State Parks, County and City Parks, BLM, DNR, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and WDFW— are working to keep wild places wild and accessible. But they can’t do it alone. They rely on community muscle—from volunteer trail builders with Washington Trails

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Association and Evergreen East to the stewardship of everyday hikers, bikers, and boaters who treat the land like it’s home.

Because it is.

And that’s where Inland Northwest Land Conservancy comes in. Over the past few years, we’ve rolled up our sleeves for projects that give outdoor lovers more room to roam: linking Riverside State Park to Palisades through Rimrock to Riverside, expanding the trails and terrain of Saltese Uplands, securing access on Beacon Hill, and protecting Waikiki Springs—aka “the Switchbacks”—for hikers, families and river lovers.

1,000 ACRES OF FUTURE PUBLIC LAND AND TRAILS COMING SOON

Now, we’re stepping into our biggest adventure yet. Last year, the Conservancy acquired Glen Tana—1,000 acres of ponderosa forest, basalt cliffs, and sweeping river views just upstream from Waikiki Springs. Once it’s transferred to Washington State Parks, this land will become part of a major Riverside State Park expansion, opening up miles of new trails and more intimate access into the Little Spokane River Valley.

While the land is temporarily closed as trail plans are finalized and long-term

Glen Tana Isn’t Open to the Public Just Yet Join a guided hike to get a sneak-peek of this incredible place

WE KNOW there's nothing more exciting than new trails, and we thank our commu-

nity for respecting the private ownership of Glen Tana. Want a sneak peek before State Parks takes over ownership and management? Sign up for a guided hike at InlandNWLand.org/events. Our small but dedicated staff and volunteer crew who work tirelessly to care for this huge and beautiful place thank you for staying on public lands and trails!

(SPONSORED)

stewardship gets set, the vision is clear: protect the wildlife-rich heart of Glen Tana while giving people unforgettable ways to explore, recharge, and reconnect.

A CONSERVATION DREAM REALIZED—WITH MORE WORK AHEAD

Thanks to hundreds of local outdoor lovers, the capital campaign to secure Glen Tana for future generations is now complete—raising over $4 million to protect this extraordinary landscape. But our work doesn’t stop here.

Your continued support fuels projects just like Glen Tana—projects that preserve wild places, expand public access and keep the Inland Northwest wild and welcoming.

If you love wildflowers underfoot, river bends that reveal herons or moose, quiet singletrack through towering pines or just having one more place to breathe deeply and move freely—your gift today helps make sure there’s always another place like Glen Tana to protect. Support the next conservation success by giving to Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. Big or small, every donation helps keep the trail ahead wide open.

FLASHBACK

Hiking & History

Exploring the landslides at Sherman Creek Wildlife Area on Lake Roosevelt By James P. Johnson DESTRUCTION CAUSED BY NOVEMBER 2024 LANDSLIDE // PHOTO: JAMES P. JOHNSON

I’M ALWAYS LOOKING for new areas

to day-hike within driving distance of Spokane. The Sherman Creek Wildlife Area just west of Kettle Falls is a place I’d heard of but never hiked until last year. With several miles of trails along the west shore of Lake Roosevelt and the typical ponderosa forest so common across Eastern Washington, I expected mostly flat terrain and pleasant, but unspectacular scenery. That’s the case, but while exploring the trail system, which runs from the wildlife headquarters at the north end to Haag Canyon Campground at the south, I came across some interesting history.

The first indication is the old, but elegant, bridge spanning Sherman Creek at one of the trailheads, much larger than necessary for a pedestrian crossing. Finding pavement underneath the pine needles on the other side, it is apparent the trail is a former road. Just a 10-minute walk from the trailhead, it ends abruptly. A long section of road, along with tons of sand and silt, now sits at the bottom of the Columbia because of a 1952 landslide.

Thinking it’d be nice if there were interpretive signs explaining what happened, I hiked another 10 minutes on a trail that circumvents the slide and my wish was fulfilled. Photocopied pages from a United States Geological Survey (USGS) study, stapled to a wooden bulletin board, give details about multiple slides that have occurred over the years.

Layers of sand, silt and clay were deposited here by receding floodwaters of melting glaciers at the end of the last ice age, around 12,000 years ago. These soils are susceptible to saturation during heavy snowmelt or

rain. As the saturated soil approaches liquefaction, it loses structure and slides into the river.

Though there’s evidence of a history of landslides, the first known landslide within the prone area, now part of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area, occurred in 1894.

Witnesses reported the slide reached the opposite side of the river, piling debris on shore. For about an hour, the Columbia River was blocked. Farms and orchards behind the landslide dam flooded.

After the completion of Grand Coulee Dam and establishment of full pool in 1942, landslides have occurred more frequently.

The raised water table increases the possibility of soil saturation during heavy rain or snowmelt.

This spring, I returned for another hike after reading of a large landslide last November. According to news reports, this was the largest to hit the area in decades. I found a slide area littered with downed trees and bare, earthen slopes. The slide edge is now within 10 feet of the surviving old road.

The landslide triggered a wall of water that crossed Lake Roosevelt, hitting an area known as Colville Flats on the other side. Water flowed onshore, and when it drained back into the lake, it took out trees, vegetation, and swept away enough soil to make the new shoreline about 150 feet farther inland than before.

For a pleasant hike and a view of the landslide’s effects, drive about two miles on Highway 20 after crossing the bridge over the Columbia River. Turn left on Mellenberger Road and go about one mile to the trailhead at the bridge. The USGS study documenting slide activity in this area can be accessed at Pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0367/report.pdf.

A longtime runner, James P. Johnson writes an absurdist blog about running at IMustRunEverywhere.com.

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CASTING FOR THE FAMILIAL UBUNTU FLY ANGLERS CREATE SPACE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE OUTDOORS "We know from our lived experiences how hard it is to become what you do not see.

We also know how important it is to be in 'right relations' with nature and to protect it. These two things drive our why." [ BY DR. ROBERT L. “BOB” BARTLETT ] overwhelmingly white environmental organizations.

Demographers have long predicted that non-Hispanic whites will be the minority in this country by 2045. Who among this predicted black and brown majority are going to be fly anglers, river warriors and environmental activists? It is important that people who look like them reach them and teach them to claim their place in green spaces.

Ubuntu Fly Anglers are committed to providing safe spaces for them to gather and learn and to help provide opportunities for them in our natural world.

We know from our lived experiences how hard it is to become what you do not see.

We also know how important it is to be in “right relations” with nature and to protect it. These two things drive our why.

FINDING THE FLY

THE AUTHOR ON THE NORTH FORK OF THE COEUR D'ALENE // PHOTO: HEATHER HODSON

I’VE BEEN A ‘LONE’ BLACK FLY angler in pur-

suit of wild fish in some pretty wild places—but I’ve never been lonely. So, it’s hard to describe feeling lonely in tame spaces like full board rooms, as a member of a fly-fishing organization, or when attending conservation events. I have spent several decades being the only black or brown person, doing what I love to do where I love to do it. Now in my mid-70s, I began focusing my energy 34

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on casting for a family of fly anglers who look like me in order to combat the frequent loneliness.

My search led to the 2023 creation of a nonprofit, the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network.

We are a group of black and brown fly anglers and environmental activists from across the country and Canada, founded in the Spokane Valley.

Over my 50-plus years as an outdoorsman

and fly angler in the American West, I never met another black or brown person streamside, on a mountain trail, or as a member of a local environmental group. There are both economic and racial barriers as to why that is so. Like any hobby or passion, fly-fishing gear can be spendy and fly anglers are overwhelmingly white, particularly in the West and Pacific Northwest. Out here, they fish overwhelmingly white places and belong to

I was 16 when The American Sportsman TV show hosted by Joe Foss and later Curt Gowdy debuted on ABC. Gowdy and his guests fly-fished big western rivers and they always caught lots of big fish, mostly trout.

My dad and I rarely missed the show.

Gowdy and his guests cast flies that fooled fish. I’m almost certain we never saw a black person on the show. However, my Pops didn’t see fly fishing as a “white only thing.”

He just wanted to fish their way, and we had local fish to fool. If they could fool trout with a fly, so could he.

Pops taught himself, then me, everything he knew about fly-fishing, which wasn’t much. Catching and releasing fish caught in the lip extended the experience for the two of us. Usually, we did not hunt or fish for sport. Fishing with a fly rod felt sporty and we loved it.

Growing up as a member of a small black rural community back east formed me and shaped the cultural lens through which I see and interpret the world and my place in it. I spent a lot of time alone on my local water and in the surrounding mountains, but I was never lonely. I had a family and a community to return to.

I never imagined that someday I would settle in the Pacific Northwest. An Army snafu in orders sent me to Colorado after over a year tour of duty in Vietnam in 1972.

At first, I was upset at not being assigned closer to home, but I soon fell in love with the vastness of the West. I began fly fishing premium Colorado trout streams not yet

ABOVE: UBUNTU LEADERSHIP FAMILY AFTER A DAY OF FLY-FISHING THE SPOKANE RIVER. PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER HODSON

“found.” It would be 20 years before the movie “A River Runs Through It” would bring the crowds to Western trout streams.

I also hunted big game there with bow and gun and hunted birds and ducks. Graduate school eventually brought me and my young family to Washington State in the early 80s, and we have been here ever since.

CASTING FOR FAMILY

Forty years later, in early spring 2023, I gave a presentation via Zoom, hosted by another Spokane angler Heather Hodson titled “Flyfishing through mid-life and beyond.” There was one black person in attendance—a life resident of Los Angeles, California. At the end of the presentation, we promised to connect, and we did. We came to the conclusion that surely there are other black and brown fly anglers out there and we agreed to be intentional in finding them.

We soon started connecting with others like us through social media. Not surprisingly, there were and are others who were also looking for safe, familial company and a sense of belonging. We shared similar stories of what being the only one like us feels like in the places we fish, and in the organizations we belong to.

By summer of 2023, the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network was officially founded by me and that lone black person in Los Angeles that I met during the Zoom presentation, Carl Crawford. We agreed to embrace the values and practices of Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is a set of cultural understanding, values and practices that comes from the South African Bantu people. Ubuntu acknowledges that we are part of a larger and more significant communal, environmental, and spiritual world. There is a sincere

warmth with which people treat others, both strangers and members of their community.

It is a philosophy that values collectivism over individualism, as in, “I am because we are.”

After a year of planning and fundraising, nine of us agreed to gather in Spokane for four days in mid-October. We shared living space, ate meals together, floated and fished the Spokane River and caught wild native redband trout. We hosted a catered dinner for 45-50 donors and friends and did some strategic planning. We also spent some quality time in a local city park, where we put fly rods in the hands of some black and brown kids.

That time together from Ubuntu’s first gathering was so affirming. We stayed up late, played board games and laughed until our sides ached. It was as if we had known one another for years and not hours—and maybe we had. It is gratifying to learn that I am not the only one who feels alone in a crowd.

across the country and Canada. We also provide in-person, free fly-fishing clinics and outdoor experiences for black and brown youth.

The gathering last year was a first for Spokane. We decided to create our own space in this outdoor industry that is overwhelmingly white. We are intentional in our outreach to black and brown youth, professional and hobby fly anglers and business owners everywhere, and we continue to grow. Our sharing of resources and educational offerings will remain free. We depend solely on donations from our allies, corporate sponsors and grants.

If you self-identify as a black or brown angler or environmental activist and would like to join our network, please reach out to

me. We are committed to keep casting for others like us, using a slightly modified 10-2 rhythm.

Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Bartlett retired from Gonzaga University in 2007 and Eastern Washington University in 2020. He is a storyteller, published author, fly-fishing instructor, life member of Trout Unlimited, a passionate fly angler and co-founder of the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network. He has served on the board of directors of the Spokane Riverkeeper and writes a monthly column for “The Black Lens.” He can be reached at Ubuntuflyanglers@gmail.com. You can follow the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network on Instagram @ubuntuflyanglers and on Facebook @ubuntuflyanglers.com.

EXPANDING THE NET

I still miss the mountains and rivers of my youth, especially in the fall. However, what I have missed most is the everyday company of black and brown faces in green spaces, pursuing wild fish. I long to see more of us in boardrooms, at large fly angling gatherings, and I long to read their stories featured in print.

This new Ubuntu family has already made such a positive difference in the lives of others and in the industry. Ubuntu hosts and offers free, virtual fly-fishing educational programs. We host a podcast series, called “On the REAL,” where we interview other black and brown anglers and activists from

UBUNTU PUTTING FLY RODS IN THE HANDS OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF RIVER ACTIVISTS AT CORBIN PARK IN SPOKANE // PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER HODSON

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SMOKE SIGNALS FROM THE

Fireline

HOW FEDERAL LAYOFFS AND BUDGET CUTS ARE RESHAPING WILDFIRE SEASON ON PUBLIC LANDS

BY BRI LOVEALL

T

hink of a big fire. Pull it up in your mind. I can picture the Carlton Complex fire of 2014 in the Methow Valley, when the sun was a constant circle of fiery red, barely visible through the smoky sky, and the AQI (Air Quality Index) hovered in the 500s for weeks. My throat felt raw after only minutes outdoors. I kept Visine in my day bag to alleviate the constant grit I seemed to have in my eyes. The Carlton Complex fire burned a little over a quarter of a million acres in the course of its six-week burn, with almost 3,000 personnel working the fire. And, as you know, there have been many wildfires in the Inland Northwest since then.

As devastating as it is, wildfire isn’t an inherently bad thing. In fact, fires are an essential part of a healthy forest ecosystem, recycling nutrients back into the soil and clearing out dead or diseased vegetation so that other healthy plants may grow. But the effects of climate change, increased humancaused fires, and other complex dynamics mean that many present-day wildfires are larger, more destructive and difficult to manage.

Aside from some vague, Hollywoodesque images of firefighters running through a burning forest, I had no real knowledge about how wildland fires were fought. Nor did I understand the complex level of communication and collaboration that happened between multi-jurisdiction agencies, which are dependent upon a healthy working budget and adequate staffing. While budget cuts and seasonal employee layoffs are a routine fixture in any organizational setting, the recent financial decisions of the Trump administration have generated a lot of cause for concern for the coming fire season.

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MONKEY WRENCHING WITH WILDLAND FIREFIGHTING AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Initial hiring freezes ordered by the Trump administration in early 2025 sent shock waves of concern through many of the federal and state agencies we rely on to combat wildfires. While wildland firefighters were eventually deemed exempt due to their critical public safety duties, the federal workforce layoffs that followed led some federally funded public land agency employees to take to the internet with tweets, posts and videos lamenting layoffs of critical wildland firefighting support staff, a move they say will hinder wildfire preparedness and response.

When I spoke with Ryan Rodruck, Public Information Officer with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), he assured me that local teams of wildland firefighters would have no trouble managing the fires in their jurisdiction (smaller fires that begin on DNR land) this year.

Since the DNR is a state agency and adheres to a state budget, it is not affected by federal cuts. In the last three years, 90% of fires in the northeast Washington region have been contained to fewer than 10 acres.

This is thanks in large part to the DNR’s aggressive fuel management efforts, forest health management, prescribed burns and other wildfire prevention programs. The concern, Rodruck told me, is in the larger, multi-jurisdiction fires that exceed 10 acres.

These larger fires are assigned to an incident management team (IMT), a group of people from various agencies: DNR, the Bureau of Land Management, USFS, local fire districts, and even the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The people who serve within these organizations typically have day jobs that are unrelated to their roles in fighting wildfires, but they are crucial to the functioning of

complex interagency wildfire response teams. With the projected layoffs and budget cuts that multiple public land agencies are experiencing, it’s unclear if the employees with dual roles will be there when they’re needed.

ON THE JOB AS A WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER

Andrew Stenbeck is a veteran DNR wildland firefighter. During the off season he works with the DNR managing state lands, which includes timber harvest, planting trees, fuel reductions, and firefighting training.

During the fire season, Stenbeck is a part of a Type 3 team, one that specializes in responding quickly to local fires and taking over the fire management from local resources.

As Stenbeck described his 35 years as a wildland firefighter to me, I was surprised by the level of communication happening between multiple public land agencies. At the incident command post, or base camp, a slew of operations management teams (all staffed by members from different agencies) gather morning and night to create an Incident Action Plan, a detailed list that discusses safety, logistics, finances, and media plans. An incredible amount of planning happens before a firefighter ever steps foot

onto the fireline, with multiple agencies working together to create a cohesive plan to safely contain a wildfire.

At an incident command post (ICP) camp, firefighting personnel spend 14 days at a time (but sometimes up to 21 without reprieve), sleeping on cots, in tents, or on the ground as they work nonstop to fight fire. ICPs are usually located a safe yet practical distance from the wildland fire, though Stenbeck says he has been stationed as many as 45 minutes away. “It isn’t ideal,” Stenbeck tells me.

Rodruck agrees, explaining that driving is the second most dangerous thing firefighters will do during fire season as they move back and forth from base camp to the fire line.

Increases in wildlife movement, narrow (and often) gravel roads, as well as general fatigue on behalf of the drivers puts personnel at increased risk for accidents.

When I ask Stenbeck what he likes about this job, he smiles and says he likes to be outdoors. I try to imagine what the fire line looks like before Stenbeck confirms that yes, it is hot, but the weather is still happening as a fire is raging. During the last fire of the season in 2024, Stenbeck awoke to find frost covering his tent. He then donned his gear—a heavy ensemble that includes Nomex pants and jacket,

fire-resistant boots like Nick’s or Whites, as well as a hard hat, water, hand tool, firstaid kit, and fire shelter—and got back to work fighting fire.

Fire bugs, the nearly 40 species of insects that are drawn to heat and smoke, pose another added risk to firefighters on the line. In the last season alone, Stenbeck watched three firefighters airlifted to medical facilities after entering anaphylactic shock from stings. In one summer, he counted 37 stings himself.

Bears, displaced, fatigued, and sometimes injured, remain outside the perimeter of the fire as they search for food, often in the form of a firefighter’s lunch sack. As firefighters traverse on foot toward the fire line, mosquitoes are a near constant whine, and among the litany of precautions a person takes every day, they’ll also be checking for ticks each night.

UNCERTAINTY AS WILDFIRE SEASON APPROACHES

With recent layoffs across multiple federal agencies, there might be fewer boots on the ground facing those hazards as the summer progresses. For instance the return of Incident Management Team staff meteorologists—team members

supplied by the NOAA who are essential to fighting fire—may also be in jeopardy. The meteorologists work closely alongside the DNR and other agencies to give accurate predictions of when fire season might start and how the weather will influence a fire incident.

“We don’t know what the status of these employees are going to be during this round of layoffs,” Rodruck says. It’s these “small, downstream-type effects,” that will ultimately determine how well agencies are able to fight fires this summer. What will those downstream effects mean for our public lands? According to Rodruck, it’s too early to tell.

Stenbeck, along with others on his team, will be preparing for the 2025 fire season with the mentality that it isn’t a sprint, but a marathon. “It isn’t a matter of if it starts, but when,” Stenbeck says.

Will those who are needed make it to the fire line this season? Let’s hope so for the sake of our communities, wildlife and the forests and trails we love.

Until completing this interview, Bri Loveall had never considered what wildland firefighting looked like. She wishes all firefighting personnel a safe fire season.

OPPOSITE PAGE: SWAUK CREEK FIRE // CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: FIREFIGHTERS ON A PRESCRIBED BURN // REMOVING A HAZARD TREE ON A FIRE // AN ENGINE COMPANY PREPARING TO ENGAGE A FIRE // KEEPING WATCH ON A FIRE // PHOTOS COURTESY OF WA DNR

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Bikepacking TURN YOUR NEXT MUSIC FESTIVAL INTO A BIKING ADVENTURE // PHOTO: DERRICK KNOWLES

HONESTLY, the musical genre barely regis-

tered when Out There Outdoors publisher Derrick Knowles invited me and several other riders to bikepack from Spokane to Medical Lake, Wash., for the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival in August 2024. It takes very little for me to say “yes” to bikepacking and since my weekend was free, it was a no-brainer. But the promise of a homegrown, small-town feel with some of the best bluegrass bands around added to the appeal. And I discovered that a music festival has some great perks as a bikepacking destination.

The Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival has welcomed musicians and fans from all over the nation since 2002. World-class music is offered at the modest festival, with camping fees that spoke to my dirtbag heart. The festival’s proximity to Spokane’s urban core promised a pleasant, scenic pedal to buzzing Medical Lake Waterfront Park.

While it would be easy enough to load up the bikes with gear and pedal straight to Medical Lake, there are enough scenic routes between downtown Spokane and the Waterfront Park to encourage gravel-centric routes through the West Plains and around the lakes in between. Our route took us south on the Fish Lake Trail and then west through Cheney and Four Lakes. While spending hours on Ride with GPS finding the best routes isn’t my cup of tea, I’m grateful to have lots of adventure buddies who love this aspect of trip planning and always

and Bluegrass

by Carol Corbin

find interesting, challenging, beautiful routes to take.

Approaching Silver Lake from the east was sobering as evidence of the 2023 catastrophic wildfires greeted us. Though many homes are being rebuilt, the blackened trees and earth are a stark contrast to the sparkling lake. It’s easy to pedal along, spinning out about the increasing impact that wildfires are having on our beautiful, pedalable home.

With four riders, lots of gear, and plenty of time, we took snack and drink breaks and paused to enjoy wildflowers. I’m assuming the others waited patiently for me to catch up. While much of the weight on my bike was vital camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, festival chair), I needn’t have packed so much food. The best (and most eye-opening) thing about bikepacking to a festival was the awaiting food trucks! From Feast World Kitchen’s tofu pad thai to a truck selling hot coffee in the morning, my freeze-dried meals just couldn’t stack up, so they stayed packed away. Since Medical Lake is a delightfully small town with wide streets, it wouldn’t have been hard to pedal into town for a bite or beverage if needed.

Bands performed throughout the day, with the start-ups and regional players performing during the day, and the national headliners taking the stage in the evening. The Saturday night headliners, New Dangerfield, was introduced by the festival organizer who calmly assured the audience that in 22 years, they’d never been rained

out … even as the inevitable thunderclouds that follow me everywhere gathered on the horizon and rumbled over the rolling hills.

My travel companions glared at me as they pulled out their rain jackets. But, I did warn them.

Knowing at least some rain was on the way, our cozy campsite right on the water’s edge was secure with rain flys zipped and bags packed away. We kicked back, enjoyed the music, and watched festival staff and volunteers scramble to right the canopy sheltering the sound system as gusts of wind brought the storm ever closer. The musicians, professional performers, carried on with their set, bringing the audience to their feet with toe-tapping tunes and classic sounds of Appalachia.

Most people who were camping for the weekend were using trailers and RVs, but those of us sleeping in tents for the night were relieved when Mother Nature left just a few drops and carried the thunder and lightning to the north instead of raining on our parade. The next morning, as we packed to leave, I was pleased to see musicians young and old gathering at picnic tables and under trees for a series of music workshops–generations sharing their art and carrying on the language of string-based bluegrass for new audiences and generations to come.

Pedaling away from the bustle of the campground reminded me that bikepacking truly is my favorite way to adventure.

The freedom of circumventing crowded

parking lots and lines of vehicles, carrying everything I need on my bike, pedaling until I’m tired, then sleeping, then pedaling again, is my perfect adventure. Sharing conversation, suffering, and camaraderie with others turning pedals with (or usually far ahead of) me–there’s just nothing like it.

The Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival (happening Aug. 8-10 in Medical Lake this summer) isn’t the only festival ripe for the pedaling. The Inland Northwest boasts a lineup of festivals for many genres, schedules, camping experiences, and price points. The events themselves are well-supported, with camping, restroom amenities, concessions, and other comfort services. They provide community and something fun to look forward to during your miles of pedaling. And they’re typically close enough to “somewhere” that you can access a fairly easy exit strategy if things go sideways.

If bikepacking has been on your “want to try” list, find a fun, local festival, pull whatever bike you have out of the garage for a quick tune-up (at least lube the chain and pump up the tires), throw a tent and a sleeping bag in a backpack or some panniers, and get out there, pickin’, singin’, and pedalin’.

Carol Corbin is looking for ways to monetize the rain that follows her on all her outdoor adventures, having recently achieved international notoriety by breaking an unseasonable dry spell with four days of biking in England.

MUSICIANS PLAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AT BLUE WATERS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL // PHOTO: DERRICK KNOWLES

SETTING UP CAMP ON THE SHORES OF MEDICAL LAKE // PHOTO: DERRICK KNOWLES

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NIGHTTIME TUNES AT THE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL // PHOTO: CAROL CORBIN

NW MUSIC FESTIVALS YOU CAN BIKEPACK TO (OR DAY RIDE FROM)

Here is a lineup of summer outdoor music festivals around the Northwest that you can bikepack to and camp or drive and bring your bike to for rides in between live music sets. Check out Bikepacking.com for packing and route planning tips.

KETTLE RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL - CURLEW, WASH. (AUG. 1-3, 2025) BIKE IT: Bikepack from Republic on the Golden Tiger Pathway and then the Ferry

County Rail Trail or ride sections of the FCRT from the festival or head up to the Kettle Crest for epic singletrack. Kettlerivermusicfestival.org

YELLOW PINE HARMONICA FESTIVAL / YELLOW PINE, IDAHO (JULY 31-AUG. 2) BIKE IT: Bikepack from McCall, Idaho, over a steep mountain pass and then along the

South Fork of the Salmon River to remote Yellow Pine. For an incredibly scenic dayride or overnighter from the festival, pedal the 33 miles of rugged back road to the community of Big Creek for an excellent meal at the Big Creek Lodge at the airstrip.

Then ride back or take your pick of nearby campsites. Yellowpinefestival.org

NATIONAL OLDTIME FIDDLERS' CONTEST & FESTIVAL / WEISER, IDAHO (JUNE 17-21) BIKE IT: Bikepack from New Meadows or McCall, Idaho, incorporating the

84-mile-long Weiser River Trail or day-ride this scenic rail trail from the festival.

Fiddlecontest.org

JUNIPER JAM / ENTERPRISE, ORE. (AUG. 30) BIKE IT: Bikepackers looking for an epic challenge can start from Asotin, Wash., or

farther south at Heller Bar on the Snake River and ride gravel and eventually dirt two-track climbing up through the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area to the rim above Hells Canyon for a 100+ mile grind to Enterprise with incredible camping options along the way. Less zealous riders may want to opt for day rides from the festival exploring the gravel roads leading up out of Enterprise into the nearby Zumwalt Prairie. Juniperjam.com

FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT / SANDPOINT, IDAHO (JULY 24-27 & JULY 31-AUG. 3) BIKE IT: Create your own ideal bikepacking route to the festival from your front door

with a mix of trails, pavement or gravel. The nearby trails at Pine Street Woods are an easy ride from the festival for day trippers. Festivalatsandpoint.com

THE GORGE AMPHITHEATRE / GEORGE, WASH. (MULTIPLE FESTIVALS) • BEYOND WONDERLAND (JUNE 20-22) • WATERSHED FESTIVAL (AUG. 1-3) • BASS CANYON FESTIVAL (AUG. 15-17) BIKE IT: Bikepack to the festival from the Spokane area on the Palouse to Cascades Trail

or day ride the trail as part of your festival trip. Gorgeamphitheatre.com

BLUEWATERS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL / MEDICAL LAKE, WASH. (Aug. 8-10) BIKE IT: Bikepack on the Fish Lake Trail from Spokane then along back roads to the

festival. There are miles of back roads to explore around Medical Lake between music sets once you’re there, too. Bluewatersbluegrass.org SHAMBHALA MUSIC FESTIVAL / SALMO, BRITISH COLUMBIA (July 25-28) BIKE IT: Bikepack from Spokane and link up with the International Selkirk Loop route

then on to Salmo for this eccentric, electronic music festival in the Kootenays just north of the border. Or ride from Nelson, B.C., on the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail which makes for excellent day rides from Salmo as well. Just don’t forget your passport!

Shambhalamusicfestival.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

39

Climbing the Inland Northwest from inside out

By JP Vallières

IN MY 20S, I’d drive a full hour on a grid-

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locked Long Island Expressway to rock climb. In a gym. On the long, rude drive (full of honking and middle fingers) I’d dream of someday living in distant cities that were near crags: Salt Lake City, Boulder . . . Spokane.

Eventually, through determination and youthful recklessness, I headed west to live in a place I’d never visited. I’ll never forget witnessing all those mountains, the wild spaces, seemingly endless opportunities for adventure. Before that moment, I figured all those pictures in the magazines were lies.

That was the only way I could rationalize the unimaginable beauty I was missing out on. Suffice it to say, these last 14 years, I have been climbing in the gyms and outdoors around Spokane.

At first, I didn’t know where to begin.

Climbing is weird like that. Sure, you can buy the guidebook, but often the guidebook gives you just enough information to get you lost, down some herd path, forever. The most reasonable option was to head to the local gym.

It’s the best place to meet people who know when to bang a right at the pile of moose scat followed by a left where the granite is shaped like a tea kettle. You follow them, and eventually, you’re the experienced one, knowing exactly where the best climbs are.

In the Inland Northwest we have three great public gyms: Coeur Climbing Company, Wild Walls, and Bloc Yard as well as the non-profit Sandpoint Rock Gym open to gym members. These places are packed with people who want to tell you everything they know about the sport, even if you didn’t ask.

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GYM

TO

CRAG

If you’re into a more structured approach on how to climb in the outdoors, check out Coeur Climbing Company’s first-ever Gym to Crag Climbing Course. Once you know basic climbing skills, learned from the Intro to Rock Climbing Course, you will plunge into a four-day accelerated path that will teach you everything you need to know. The skills, techniques, all the gear, and the cool climber lingo: gaston, dyno, crimp, sloper. And how to stay safe while having the best time of your life.

Spokane Mountaineers Rock School has a similar annual course, where you’ll be trained in the basics and instructed by topnotch climbers who have been doing this longer than any multipitch route in

Gy Cr FROM

These courses will lead you into three potential styles of climbing: bouldering, sport climbing, and traditional climbing.

For all three, you’ll need a pair of climbing shoes. Get a good tight fit, like a small glove that eventually stretches. Second, chalk and a chalk bag. Now you’re set up for (arguably) the purest form: bouldering. Think of bouldering as climbing to a reasonable height, until you either get to the top or fall on your friend’s cushy “crash pad.” I can’t tell you how many climbers start off with the goal of scaling Everest but decide, after a few weeks, to stick to bouldering. It’s just that much fun.

But for others, there’s still the lure of great heights. These folks need more gear.

Harness, helmet, and a trusted climbing partner. Between the two of you, a dynamic rope, various cords / webbings, and a plethora of hardware will get you safely up any local climbing route. It might seem like a lot, at first, but you don’t need every piece of gear right away. Climbers are great at sharing, as long as you repay the favor with a future belay.

Most people I meet in the gym are total newbs, buying their first pair of climbing shoes, a chalk bag, and just bumming around.

Climbing is a very social sport, attracting all personalities, even those who claim to be antisocial. We all hang out between climbs and sit around and talk. Everyone has something to say, because we’re so happy to be here. At some point, we make plans to climb outside.

We check the weather report and meet up on the day it’s dry and cool. After the hike in, we climb something easy, an established route, one we’ve all done before. Once we’re warm and ready, we look to test ourselves on the route we’ve been dreaming about for weeks, months, maybe years. We’re wondering if all that time in the gym has prepared our forearms for the real thing. We look at each other and ask, “So, who wants to lead?”

Everyone wants to, even if we’re afraid to admit this thing we do is a little crazy.

Humans weren’t meant to live so high up, right? But honestly, the best thing about climbing, the thing that makes us return to the crag every week, is once we grab that first hold, all life’s distractions fade away. There’s no social media or suffering economy or gridlocked traffic. Nothing left to do, nothing left to think, but climb.

JP Vallières is the author of the novel, “The Ketchup Factory: a love story.” You can find him climbing at Q’emiln Park in Post Falls.

DELANEY ADLARD BOULDERING THE STEEPNESS AT COEUR CLIMBING COMPANY // MIDDLE LEFT: JP VALLIÈRES CHALKING UP ON "QUIT YOUR WHINING," Q’EMILN PARK // MIDDLE RIGHT: ANNA MOSCATELLI CRUISING THROUGH THE UPPER SECTION OF "ROLLING THUNDER," Q’EMILN PARK // BOTTOM: ANNA MOSCATELLI ORGANIZING THE GEAR PILE // PHOTOS: ANGUS MEREDITH

bouldering • roped climbing • kids climbing area • fitness & cardio • yoga studio • youth camps & teams • groups & parties

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coeurclimbing.com 208-777-9253 764 S. Clearwater Loop Suite 101 Post Falls, ID 83854

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41

DISCOVERING SAILING ON LAKE PEND OREILLE // RIGHT: DOGSMILE RACE TEAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS AND VETERANS // BELOW: YOUTH ADVENTURE CAMP WITH SPECIALIZED NEEDS RECREATION // PHOTOS: ACTION SPORTS MEDIA COURTESY OF DOGSMILE ADVENTURES

From the San Juans to the Soul Sailing toward something better

BY CHRIS MACCINI

ON ANY GIVEN DAY THIS SUMMER, you’re likely to find Jon Totten sailing the waters of Lake

Pend Oreille aboard one of the boats owned by the nonprofit he started in 2021, Dogsmile Adventures. On board, you’ll find a somewhat unusual crew. It might be a group of veterans, youth with special needs, or adults with disabilities. But there’s one constant, the facial expressions that give the organization its name: wide, toothy grins like you’d see on the face of a happy puppy. A “dog smile.” And that smile is not just a side effect, it’s the whole purpose of the organization.

Dogsmile is a “therapeutic sailing” program. Unlike other boating organizations that may be focused purely on recreation or instruction, Dogsmile’s emphasis is on creating “powerful opportunities for people to discover healing and potential through sailing adventures.”

Through their partnerships with other local organizations, Totten and his small team are helping people in the Inland Northwest discover the healing power of wind and waves.

sailboat named Dogsmile—from Grenada to Florida, and then had it shipped to North Idaho.

He cashed out his retirement account from his time at North Idaho College and launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the startup capital to launch his dream of a therapeutic sailing program.

Totten was an experienced sailor, and he’d seen firsthand how impactful sailing could be, but he had no experience running a nonprofit. For help, he turned to an industry that has been providing experiential therapy for decades. “The people who had the most influence on me are the equine therapy folks,” Totten says. “What they've done with people and horses is what I want to do with people and sailboats.”

Totten connected with leaders of equine therapy programs and learned everything he could from them. He even borrowed their templates for his website and 501(c)3 nonprofit application. By the summer of 2021, Totten was ready to officially launch Dogsmile Adventures.

AN INLAND SAILOR

THERAPEUTIC PARTNERSHIPS

Totten’s journey to founding a sailing nonprofit began when he was a student at the University of Idaho. As an undergraduate, he got involved with the school’s outdoor recreation program and fell in love with the mountains and waters of the Northwest. Soon after graduation, he landed a job 90 minutes north, helping coordinate the Outdoor Pursuits program at North Idaho College (NIC). One aspect of that job included managing a fleet of five small sailboats on NIC’s Lake Coeur d’Alene waterfront. Totten had never sailed before, but he picked it up quickly and soon discovered that sailing gave him a feeling unlike any other.

“There was just something different about sailing that really captivated me, and it took me a long time to really put a finger on it,” Totten says. “It’s not as hard physically as climbing a mountain, but it takes immense concentration and real coordination. When I got done sailing, I just had this feeling of relief. And it just made me feel better.”

That feeling developed into a passion that eventually led Totten to get a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License and find work as a sailing instructor. For years, he bounced between Washington’s San Juan Islands, Idaho, and the Caribbean, leading sailing trips, guiding on rivers, and working in campus recreation.

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into everyone’s lives. The recreation industry was particularly hard hit. At the time, Totten was living on the Caribbean island of Grenada, watching his water-based livelihood dry up. That’s when he decided to act on an idea he’d been mulling for years.

“The longer we were down there, the bigger the boats got, the more wealthy the clientele,” Totten says. “When you're living in a place that has so much poverty, it started to get to me.

And so it was like, god, it'd be great if I could do something with more purpose, and try to use sailing to do good. But it was no more than an idea until the pandemic, when I literally had no option other than starting a business.”

Totten’s approach—again borrowed from equine therapy—was to partner with existing service organizations to bring his new idea to people who could benefit. His first partner in the summer of 2021 was a program based in Coeur d’Alene called Specialized Needs Recreation (SNS), which coordinates recreation and socialization opportunities for children and adults with special needs.

“Initially I was like, okay, let's go on a boat ride. We’ll see how this goes,” says SNS Executive Director Lindsay Patterson. “But instantly what I observed with a variety of our participants is an overwhelming sense of calmness and peace that literally takes over their whole being the second they step on the boat. It’s like nothing I've seen when they participate in any other activity.”

Sailing has since become the top-requested summer activity for SNS participants.

Meanwhile, Totten has gone on to partner with several other area organizations, including those that work with veterans, individuals with ALS, college students, and underserved youth.

He’s also expanded his fleet, adding two smaller sailboats alongside the original Dogsmile.

With each outing, Totten—along with a small staff and volunteers—is able to tailor the sailing experience to each group’s needs and abilities. It’s an approach that Lindsay and SNS especially appreciate. “He’ll find a very specific, targeted task that he needs help with,” she says. “Maybe it's just stacking the life jackets in the cabin, or maybe it's holding onto a rope that really doesn't do anything. But sure enough, they feel like they've really contributed to the experience.”

This summer, Totten is hoping to create new partnerships and get more people on the water. He also offers private sailboat charters for tourists and other visitors—which in turn helps subsidize the therapeutic sailing trips. You can learn more about Dogsmile Adventures or book your own sailing voyage at dogsmileadventures.org.

SAILING WITH A PURPOSE

Chris Maccini is a writer and audio producer based in Spokane. This summer, you can find him hiking the trails of the Northwest with his dog Hank.

Once Totten had made up his mind to start a nonprofit, he sailed his J/105—a 35-foot racing 42

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43

RIDING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

BY BRADLEY BLECK

CLIMBING MT SPOKANE FROM SPIRIT LAKE // PHOTO: BRALDEY BLECK

GPS, you will find a 31-mile loop leaving from the Safeway at Regal and South 57th.

This route is roughly 57 percent gravel, where you’ll tackle grades up to 15 percent.

With nearly 3,400 feet of climbing, this is mostly Category 1 and 2 gravel, meaning washboards and loose gravel likely.

Highlights include the Elder Road climb through the California Creek drainage and the Wood Memorial Cemetery, the final resting spot for many of Valleyford’s early settlers. Plan on it taking close to three hours if you are fit.

SPANGLE (South Spokane County)

GRAVEL ADVENTURE RIDES IN SPOKANE COUNTY

O

NE REASON GRAVEL BIKING is popular is because it taps into the joy many

cyclists felt when they first learned to fly on two wheels. This joy can be found along the nearly 1,200 miles of unpaved roads in Spokane County.

This abundance of gravel is almost too much of a good thing for the uninitiated.

To help with that, what follows are several rides, from beginner to advanced in order of difficulty, that can either be your gateway to gravel cycling or some new routes to explore. GPS information for your phone or cycling computer is provided for all but Saltese Flats.

PALISADES PARK (Spokane)

Close to the Spokane city center and a great place for novice gravel riders is Palisades Park. The essentially flat route, found by searching “Rimrock, Houston, Grove, Mission” on Ride with GPS, is 95 percent gravel if you ride it end to end.

There are minor undulations and great views of the city and beyond. Parking is available at Greenwood and Basalt Roads or at Houston and Rimrock Roads, soon to be home to a new trailhead. There are six miles of mostly Category 1 gravel, making for up to 12 miles of out-and-back riding.

SALTESE FLATS WETLAND (East Spokane County) The Saltese Flats Wetlands offers 4.5 miles of trails around the wetlands, leaving from the trailhead on S. Henry Road, adjacent to the Saltese Uplands. Depending upon the time of year, you’ll be able to spy migrating waterfowl along with other birds and critters that make the area their home. The Category 1 gravel is largely flat, with two out-and-back routes.

meadowed plains, terraces and Ponderosalined buttes and scabland near Cheney.

About 40 percent is unpaved. On Ride with GPS, search “Slavin Gravel” where you will find what is described here and both shorter and longer routes.

GREEN BLUFF (North Spokane County)

A significant step up in terms of the challenge is the “Rotary Gravel Flamdangle” as found on Ride with GPS. The route’s 32 miles and 3,000 feet of climbing starts and ends at Big Barn Brewing on Green Bluff. With roughly 40 percent gravel, there are steep climbs, some over 13 percent (meaning 13 feet of elevation gain for every 100 feet traveled). This route showcases wide open fields, pastureland and forested dells. The surface is mostly Category 1 gravel. The steeper climbs will challenge all riders. It’s also one of the Lilac Century route options for this Rotary Club event held in May.

A step up in terms of difficulty starts and finishes at the Slavin Conservation Area. This 26-mile route has a little over 800 feet of climbing running through the 44

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

ANTOINE PEAK

Another popular route is the “Antoine Peak Loop” on Ride with GPS. The route has about 3,200 feet of climbing over about 26 miles and is 70 percent gravel. The ride begins in the Antoine Peak parking area and the plains surrounding Mount Spokane before climbing the mountain’s forested flanks. There are three climbs over a mile long, the longest being 2.6 miles. A few paved miles along the Newman Lake shoreline provide some respite before the climb up Antoine Peak itself, which is single and doubletrack. Nothing is overly steep, but this is a more advanced ride.

The gravel is Category 1 on summer and logging roads.

MOUNT SPOKANE

MORAN SLAVIN CONSERVATION AREA (South Spokane County)

One of my favorite gravel rides starts and finishes at the Harvester Restaurant in Spangle. Several routes can be found by searching “Spangle Gravel” on Ride with GPS. This description is a 36-mile option with 2,400 feet of climbing that is roughly 90 percent unpaved. This tough route will take at least three hours while traversing pastureland, creek drainages and rolling wheat fields. The longest sustained climb is just over a mile-and-a-half but the persistent and steep rollers will sap your legs. This is Category 2 gravel.

PRAIRIE

(Southeast

Spokane

County) On the Moran Prairie, there are countless gravel riding possibilities. If you search “Moran Prairie Valleyford” on Ride with

Next on the list of gravel challenges is “The Mount Spokane Gravel Loop” as found on Ride with GPS. Beginning and ending at Mount Spokane High School, this route covers 53 miles with over 6,000 feet of

climbing. The route is roughly 50 percent gravel, some of it double-track (Category 3) through the shaded slopes of the lower mountain. You can bypass nearly 1,000 feet of climbing and a handful of miles if you skip the final paved miles to the summit.

But do that and you’ll miss the views and the sense of satisfaction that comes with conquering the highest point around, along with the bathrooms and water at the top.

Once you begin exploring the nearly limitless options for riding gravel around Spokane, you’ll see new opportunities for

cycling around nearly every bend in the unpaved road. Keep in mind that with many gravel rides there will be no services along the way, so bring the necessary food and drink and have someone along who has mechanical skills and the necessary tools to get everyone home.

Bradley Bleck last wrote about professional mountain biker Hannah Otto and the improving cycling scene in Spokane in the Spring Out There. He’ll be spending the summer riding one of his bikes in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

GET YOUR GRAVEL GRIND ON AT THESE RACES & RIDES The Inland NW gravel scene continues to evolve, with several second-year events making a comeback this season and two new races on the calendar: Aether’s Traverse out of Sandpoint in August and a yet-to-be-named (as of late May) new gravel event happening at Spokane’s Riverside State Park on October 11. These races and rides include some awesome, creative routes and bring together a unique and passionate community of riders. Sign up for one or all of them!

CHAFE 150 GRAN FONDO / Sandpoint, Idaho / June 14

The CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo in Sandpoint invites cyclists to tackle one of the Northwest’s most scenic and celebrated charity rides. The event features multiple paved route options, as well as two gravel distances (75 and 55 miles) that take riders off the beaten path through the scenic Selle Valley. Riders of all abilities can expect a fully supported experience. Proceeds from the ride benefit local youth and educational initiatives. E-bikes are welcome on all routes. Chafe150.org

CLIMB FOR THE CURE / Spokane, Wash. / June 21 Climb for the Cure returns to Spokane for its second year, offering cyclists two mostly-gravel loop options on the flank and foothills of Mount Spokane. The chiptimed race that raises funds for cancer research welcomes riders on any gravelworthy bike (including electric-assist bikes) to test their legs and lungs. Climb for the Cure is a fully self-supported race, so all riders must carry with them whatever they may need to complete their chosen route. The “A-Route” loop covers 50 miles with 6,242 feet of elevation gain while the “B-Route” loop is 22 miles with 2,652 feet of climbing. Both options start and end at Big Barn Brewing where the after-party will also go down. Climbforthecure.org MONARCH GRIND / Clark Fork, Idaho / June 28 The Monarch Grind, part of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series, takes racers on a rugged 70-mile route boasting over 8,200 feet of elevation gain on 98% gravel roads along the east shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The course promises a mix of demanding climbs, fast descents and some excellent views with two aid stations along the way to brighten up your grind. The Monarch Grind is a race for true gravel enthusiasts seeking a backcountry challenge and the camaraderie of a close-knit community. A meal and beverage at the finish are included with registration. Panhandlegravel.com AETHER’S TRAVERSE / Sandpoint, Idaho / August 16

This new addition to the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series is also the final race of this season’s series. The Aether’s Traverse rolls out from Sandpoint on a predominantly gravel route culminating at the top of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This point-to-point gravel race covers 35 miles with around 6,200 feet of elevation gain on its way to the finish and post-ride bash at Schweitzer’s Sky House. Race proceeds benefit Pend Oreille Pedalers and KRFY—Panhandle Community Radio. Panhandlegravel.com

GREY GHOST PURSUIT / Rossland, B.C. / September 27 & 28 The Grey Ghost Pursuit features one- or two-day options on some of Southern B.C.’s finest dirt and gravel roads just north of the border. Riders can choose between the “Dig Deep” route (89 miles, 10,630 feet of climbing) and the “Just Right” route (40 miles, 8,070 feet of climbing), culminating in a lively post-race celebration with food and drinks. The event highlights the region’s fall colors, mountain scenery and a spirit of camaraderie, with a Sunday social ride and pre-ride breakfast rounding out the weekend. Greyghostpursuit.com (OTO)

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45

Where Paws Meet People Your Inland Northwest Guide to Off-Leash Parks

summer for you and your dog? Your local off-leash dog park is one such place.

Seriously—where else can Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Boomers come and go randomly, mill about and chitchat, and where formal introductions are optional?

At the dog park, the only expectations are to clean up after your dog and ensure your dog plays nice, which means respecting and following off-leash park rules. There is unique camaraderie because of a shared value, a love for dogs. Dogs also inspire humans to be more like them: friendly, nonjudgmental, carefree, eager to play outdoors.

As a societal microcosm, a dog park is fascinating. My young dog, Layla, and I started going to dog parks last summer, when she was 6 months old. Visiting our local one is now part of our regular routine.

I’ve had more conversations with random Boomer men than ever before, especially on weekday mornings. It’s where I regularly cross paths with people in their 20s-30s. No visit is the same. For me, the wonderful array of breeds and dog personalities is the best part. From corgis and chow chows to huskies and Newfoundlands, dogs are joyfully entertaining. And I consider providing play opportunities for Layla my dog-mom duty.

DOG PARK ETIQUETTE

Every off-leash park has the same general rules, which can be found online or posted on-site. Mostly common sense and etiquette stuff: only fully-vaccinated dogs allowed, clean up after your dog, no fighting.

Dog parks are highly stimulating and unpredictable; therefore, drama happens.

It’s recommended that dogs new to offleash play areas first visit during off-peak times, such as early morning or weekdays before 3 p.m.—same for older or less playful dogs. Be sure to know and understand “dog language” and follow park rules for a positive experience with other park visitors.

Dogs well-suited for an off-leash park environment are “typically young (between 6 months and 2 years old), outgoing, love to play, friendly, and forgiving,” says Terry Ann Fernando, creator and host of “The Accidental Bird Dog” podcast. Less suited for the dog-park environment, according to Fernando, are: 1. Very young puppies (4-6 months old; puppies 16 weeks or younger should not visit).

2. Shy or aloof dogs, who might act defensive or snappy when surrounded by a group of dogs or simply prefer oneon-one play with a dog friend rather than random new ones.

3. Adult dogs who have grown out of the playful stage of life, which varies by breed and temperament. Some seniors dogs, age 7+, are still spry and active, while some 4-5 year-olds act grumpy and tired.

4. Small or fragile breeds, unless in a “small dog” area of an off-leash park—tiny dogs should never be in the same area as big breeds.

5. Aggressive dogs, without exception.

(Even at an off-leash area, owners are liable for their dog’s actions and any injuries or damages to other dogs or people, regardless of the dog’s behavioral history.)

6. Under-exercised dogs, who have been confined or not walked for a stretch of time—or are infrequent park visitors— can cause trouble when they arrive “like a drunk college student at a frat party,” Fernando says.

7. Intact males can attract negative atten-

Standard amenities include a double-gate entry/exit system; separate/divided sections for small and large breeds (unless otherwise noted in list below); dog bag dispensers, drinking fountains, benches, shelters and picnic tables; open dawn to dusk (typically). Use this guide to plan a day trip or for road-trip stops along the journey to a summer vacation. (Note: “Dog park” info from Yelp, Google Reviews and BringFido. com is not 100% accurate—a “dog friendly” park doesn’t mean off-leash use is allowed.)

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

• Dog Beach Park: Walk/bike-in only; offleash beach located off Serenity Lee Trail, south of downtown Sandpoint.

• Ponderay Pet Safe Dog Park: Located by Panhandle Animal Shelter, fully ADAaccessible with ramps, access points, and pathways; dog agility course.

• Pine Street Woods: Conservation property, 180 acres, managed by Kaniksu Land Trust; dogs allowed to be off-leash if “within voice control.”

• Sam Owen Campground (Hope, ID): Off-leash dogs allowed on the rocky beach, adjacent to the day-use area.

SPOKANE COUNTY

• High Bridge Dog Park: 9.3 acres, recently renovated, layout includes three separate fenced play areas with the large area, featuring rugged terrain, best suited for large breeds.

• South Hill Dog Park: 1.8 acres, opened fall 2024, partially paved and gravel walking path. No separate area for small dogs; no picnic tables or shelter.

• Riverside Dog Park: triangle-size “pocket” park (.07 acre) created for residents/ dog owners of downtown and Browne’s Addition. (Note: As of April 2025, both gate latches were broken, posing a safety risk.) No shelter or tables.

• Valley Mission Dog Park: Has agility features and dog wash station.

• Patricia Simonet Laughing Dog Park: Located at Gateway Regional Park, I-90 Stateline exit, managed by SCRAPS. • Cheney Dog Park: Opened in summer 2023, corner of Presley Drive & Hwy 904.

COEUR D’ALENE/KOOTENAI COUNTY

• McEuen Dog Park: Located within McEuen Park.

• Riverstone Dog Park: Walk-in only,

HUMANS AND HOUNDS MAKING NEW DOG PARK FRIENDS // LET THEM OFF LEASH THE RIGHT WAY AT YOUR LOCAL DOG PARK // PHOTOS: AMY MCCAFFREE

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accessible off the Centennial Trail; 0.5 acre; drivers can park at Riverstone Park.

• Cherry Hill Dog Park: 0.68 acres.

• Central Bark Dog Park: Located within Northshire Park.

• Atlas Water Dog Park: ADA-accessible off-leash area within Atlas Park, along the Spokane River, includes a beach and Spokane river access.

• Croffoot Dog Park: Located in Hayden at Croffoot Park and Sports Complex.

SANDPOINT AREA

SPOKANE AND NORTH IDAHO DOG PARKS

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

LOOKING FOR OUTDOOR COMMUNITY this

tion from neutered males and may also attempt to dominate female dogs; also, female dogs in heat should not visit dog parks.

SILVER VALLEY & MISSOULA, MT

• Wallace Dog Park: Opened in 2022; solar-powered lights for after dark, covered patio area.

• Missoula: MRL Park Dog Area, Fort Missoula Regional Sgt. Bozo Dog Park, and Jacobs Island Bark Park.

PALOUSE/WHITMAN COUNTY

• Pullman Pooch Park: Managed by Whitman County Humane Society; $5 day pass or paid membership required.

• Moscow Dog Park: Located by Humane Society of the Palouse.

LEWISTON/CLARKSTON

• Lewiston: Penny's Memorial Dog Park.

• Clarkston: Eagle Scout Dog Park and Pippin's Island Off-Leash Area.

Amy McCaffree is an OTO senior writer who has been contributing to Out There since 2016. If you see Layla and Amy at a dog park, say hello! Follow her outdoor recreation and #dogmom adventures on Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane or TikTok @pnwadventureamy.

25 YEARS

OF ROASTING COFFEE, MAKING CONNECTIONS, AND GROWING OUR COMMUNITY. THANKS FOR BEING A DOMA COFFEE FAN.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Bike, Boot, or Running Shoe Tackling Rossland, B.C.’s epic Seven Summits Trail your way IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN to Rossland, B.C.,

Canada, a quaint mountain town roughly 121 miles north of Spokane, make sure to put it on your to-do bucket list this summer.

Mostly thought of as a winter destination, you will be pleasantly surprised with the number of activities this town has to offer in the summer months—usually the locals’ favorite season for a reason. With over 124 miles of accessible trails right from town, all you’ll need is your bike, your boots or running shoes and an adventurous spirit (okay, and maybe some snacks).

Designated as an IMBA Epic by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the Seven Summits Trail is the crown jewel of Rossland’s trail network— and definitely not for the faint of heart.

Stretching 19 miles one way, with over 3,395 feet of elevation gain, this remote alpine trail

typically takes six to 10 hours to complete depending on your pace and equipment of choice.

The suggested route is to start at the North Trailhead off Highway 3B with parking at the Strawberry Pass, maintained by the Friends of the Rossland Range. You will either need to drop a car at the Dewdney Trail (at the end of the trail) or book a shuttle with Kootenay Mountain Biking, a local biking and guiding company, before heading out.

The trail is very remote, with no water sources, limited cell service, and minimal shade. It kicks off with a punchy climb that eventually opens up to one of Rossland’s most iconic viewpoints: Old Glory. About 5 miles in, you’ll hit the trail’s highest point at 7,218 feet. Pause, deeply breathe in that fresh mountain air, and soak in the 360° views of the Rossland Range. Here, you might even

OLD GLORY SIDE TRIP // PHOTO: RYAN FLETT, COURTESY OF TOURISM ROSSLAND

forget that you are not even halfway! From there, the trail flows through exposed ridge lines, loose rock sections and open alpine meadows. The ever-changing landscape will keep you engaged and may even distract you from how far you still have to go.

Local pro tips: start early. Whether hiking or biking, beating the midday sun and giving yourself extra daylight is key. August is the best time to see wildflowers.

Now that you sort of know what you’re in for, let’s discuss how you would like to experience the Seven Summits Trail. Most adventure seekers choose to mountain bike it, due to its length and varying terrain.

But if you are an experienced hiker or trail runner who enjoys a serious challenge and a long day of ups and downs, tackling the trail on foot may be the choice for you. This will be a true test of stamina, as you hike or run through the forest, meadows, valleys, ridgelines and everything in between. It will feel more like a backcountry expedition than a casual walk or run in the wilderness, and you should pack and prepare accordingly. If you’re not quite ready to commit to the full length, you can divert off the Seven Summits Trail and use the Plewman or Old Glory Trail down to exit for a shorter route.

If you're up for a bonus side trip, consider hiking up the Old Glory Trail to the summit.

Standing at 7,799 feet, it's the highest peak in the Rossland Range and rewards your efforts with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. At the summit, you'll also find the remnants of a historic fire lookout and weather station, a fascinating monument to explore the area's past.

If you choose to experience the panoramic vistas of the summits by mountain bike,

you should prepare for a technical, lungburning, leg crushing ride that somehow still feels like a celebration. Expect long climbs, exposed ridgelines and challenging technical descents—but also flowy, thrilling downhills that will earn you local bragging rights and leave you grinning like your Strava says “legend.” Riders often describe the trail as a perfect mix of punishment and joy. There is nothing quite like it. And just a heads-up: E-Bikes are not allowed. This one has to be earned the old-fashioned way.

Whether you choose to hike, run or bike Seven Summits, the best months to take on the trail are from July-October. Don’t be a hero and push it beyond your means. This is an expert level trail that requires both physical fitness and mental preparation.

Pack smart, check the weather and conditions and make sure you are equipped for all situations—from a flat tire to a bear encounter. The good news? No matter how physically challenging this trail may be, the good folks at The Kootenay Columbia Trail Society—a nonprofit powered by passionate volunteers and riders—maintain the trail to the highest standard.

The Seven Summits Trail is a classic Kootenay experience that will push your limits—and reward you tenfold. Where else can you climb through thick forest, cross wildflower meadows and rip along rocky ridge lines, all in one epic day? And this is just one of many incredible Rossland-area trails within 2.5 hours of Spokane. So grab your friends, your gear, and your dog—and spend the weekend filling your adventure tank. Rossland is waiting, and the Seven Summits won’t hike or bike itself. Plan your adventure at Tourismrossland.com.

BIG SKY VIEWS ALONG THE SEVEN SUMMITS TRAIL // PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN, COURTESY OF TOURISM ROSSLAND

What to Bring on the Trail

SEVEN SUMMITS is a true backcountry trail that requires self-sufficiency, so come

prepared with these recommended essentials: 2 liters of water, high-calorie snacks, layered clothing (it can get chilly at elevation, and the weather can change at any moment), a first-aid kit, bear spray (declare it when crossing the border), and a trail map or GPS. Bikers should pack repair tools, a spare tube or tire sealant and a pump. Hikers and runners should wear sturdy, comfortable boots or running shoes and consider bringing trekking poles. Remember to tell someone your plan and estimated time, as there is patchy cell service on the trail.

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Photo: Ashley Voykin SCAN ME

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Five Courses, One Epic Loop Tee Off Around Kootenay Lake might draw you here, but the attractions and amenities will make you want to stay.

A short 30-minute drive east is the highly rated Balfour Golf & Recreation course. This quiet gem serves up stunning views, wellmaintained holes and quality food. The first half of the course takes advantage of the surprisingly level terrain. If that feels like a walk in the park, save your energy for the back half of the course, which rises and falls while incorporating twisting creeks and towering cedars. Saving the best for last, the course offers one of the best finishing stretches you’ll ever play.

Half an hour north is Kaslo, one of the prettiest towns in Canada, and home to an inviting 9-hole course. Try not to get distracted by the towering Purcell Mountains or lofty lake views; you’ll need your attention for this short but challenging course.

Relax on the patio or indoors in the impressive timber frame clubhouse, but save some time for exploring Kaslo’s other attractions, including the SS Moyie sternwheeler, beautiful nature paths and its bucolic downtown. And don’t miss a dip at LOOKING TO TAKE YOUR GOLF GAME to

new heights this summer? Nestled between the water and the edge of the mountains, you’ll find five courses in the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region that make this the ultimate golfer’s getaway.

If you’ve yet to visit our unique corner of British Columbia, you’re in for a treat. And if you’ve already visited, consider this our invitation to return and make new memories on the greens and off. After all, there’s more to a golf trip than just golfing (right?). You won’t find any tariffs to cross the border either, as our door is always open to our American neighbo(u)rs (it’s true, we still love “u”!).

As the closest major city on either side of the border to Nelson, Spokane is an easy three-hour drive from the Kootenay Lake region. The mountains get bigger and closer as you head north, while even the speed limits seem greater (almost—it’s that sneaky miles-to-kilometers conversion).

And although we can’t guarantee our holes are any longer than your local course, we can confidently say you’ll want to take an extra moment to pause and soak in the views. All five courses offer stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding mountains, including Granite Pointe Golf Club in Nelson. If there’s such a thing as a “mountain course,” surely this is it. Built on the edge of the hillside, holes climb and descend, following the hilly grade, while granite outcroppings dot the course, adding rugged appeal and the occasional hazard.

The elevated vista is ideal for looking down the lake and the snow-capped summit of 50

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

Grays Peak in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Anchored by historic Baker Street, Nelson’s charming downtown offers plenty to see and do when you’re off the links.

Independent shops and galleries are packed tightly along the main street, offering the best in brands, selection, and a friendly shopping experience. Many stores are located in colourful heritage buildings, while public art installations big and small add to the cosmopolitan cultural scene.

Take your pick from three breweries or over a dozen cafes and bakeries with freshly baked goods and locally roasted beans. You’ll also find a surprisingly diverse selection of cuisines represented along with traditional North American fare. Whether it’s a steakhouse or a cozy sushi spot, Nelson’s food scene punches well above its weight. Good thing for that strong US dollar.

Nelson offers a wide range of accommodations to put your feet up postgame (this is a vacation, right?). Book a waterfront room at the Prestige Lakeside Resort for the ultimate private patio experience. If a boutique heritage hotel is more your thing, stay at the historic Hume Hotel with multiple restaurants, including an outdoor summer beer garden on site. The Adventure Hotel is a downtown favourite for groups, while the Baker Street Inn, Savoy Hotel, Alpine Inn & Suites, Prestige Inn and Cloudside Hotel complement dozens of quality vacation homes in the area.

Fancy a trip back in time? Hop aboard streetcar #23 along the shores of Kootenay Lake, a truly unique experience. The golf

Ainsworth Hot Springs. Halfway between Kaslo and Balfour, it’s the perfect way to soothe your body before another round.

Returning to Balfour, you’ll cross Kootenay Lake on a scenic free ferry to reach the East Shore, home to two nearby golf courses. The Riondel Golf Club is a 9-hole executive par 30. Run by a non-profit, and with rates starting at $20 (Canadian!), it earns its feel-good reputation.

Just down the road is Kokanee Springs Resort in the artisan community of Crawford Bay. The gorgeous course should be a bucket list trip for any golfer, and with accommodations and eateries on site, it’s worth staying a while. Whether it’s a short and sweet round or a “must do” 18-hole course, the East Shore will have you coming back for more.

Even if your drive isn’t up to par, the route to get here certainly is. These five fantastic golf courses and friendly communities along Kootenay Lake are conveniently accessible from Spokane, offering the opportunity for a scenic loop drive. Whether you’re a first timer or a long timer, we’re excited to welcome you to our special corner of B.C.

STELLAR VIEWS AT THE BALFOUR GOLF COURSE // PHOTOS: KARI MEDIG, COURTESY OF NELSON KOOTENAY LAKE TOURISM

(SPONSORED)

No Better Time. No Better Place.

Start your day where mountain peaks rise above lush fairways and almost every swing comes with a lakeside backdrop. Whether you’re here for the challenge or the chill, the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region is where your next golf getaway begins.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM Ainsworth Hot Springs • Balfour • East Shore • Kaslo • Nelson • North Kootenay Lake

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JUST A COUPLE HOURS north of Spokane, tucked along the quiet shoreline of Lower Arrow Lake in British Columbia, Lakeside Castlegar Cabins offers the kind of escape that feels like stumbling into a happy accident. It’s not polished or fancy, and that’s exactly its charm.

The off-grid cabins are painted in vibrant, unexpected colors, like a slice of the Mediterranean dropped into the Canadian wilderness. Surrounded by forest and perched at the edge of the glassy lake, the setting is simple and stunning.

Mornings can start slow with Oso Negro coffee and soft light over the water while

the world stays quiet.

Days are meant for the lake. Guests can rent paddleboards or just float in the cold, clear water. Fire pits are available for cooking dinner or gathering under the stars with something local in hand.

If you’re ready to explore, Syringa Provincial Park is nearby with mellow hikes and swimming coves. Climbing at Lion’s Head is just up the road. And Castlegar has it all: river trails, great food, breweries, and the largest bike skills park in the Kootenays.

You don’t have to try too hard here. Just show up, settle in, and let the place do what it does best. (Alana Livingston)

A Kootenay Gem Worth the Journey

Mountain biking and hiking in B.C.’s Arrow Slocan Valley

Photo: Slocan Lake by Field & Forest / KootenayRockies.com

IDAHO PEAK NEAR NEW DENVER, B.C. // PHOTO COURTESY OF ARROW SLOCAN TOURISM

TUCKED INTO THE B.C.’S wild West Kootenays, the Arrow Slocan region is a dreamscape of mountains, lakes, rivers and trails. For Spokane-area outdoors lovers searching for off-radar adventure, the fourhour drive delivers epic mountain biking, spectacular hikes, hot springs and a laid-back vibe. Anchored by the welcoming towns of Nakusp and New Denver, this area blends wild alpine landscapes and sprawling lakes with authentic small-town charm.

THE SCENIC WAY THERE (AND BACK AGAIN)

Getting to Arrow Slocan is half the fun.

Whether you're winding through the Selkirk Mountains past crystal lakes and verdant forests or stopping to grab coffee or a bite, the drive is an experience worth savoring. Turn the drive home into its own adventure on the West Koot Route from New Denver over the mountains to the village of Kaslo and on to Nelson along Kootenay Lake. With light traffic and unbeatable views, it beats I-90 any day.

BIKE THE LATEST KOOTENAY MTB HUB: MT ABRIEL

Just north of Nakusp on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake lies Mt Abriel Recreation Area, an incredible and relatively new mountain bike trail system. The trail network boasts over 40 miles of trails catering to every skill level, from flowy beginner routes to intermediate XC loops and more advanced jump and tech lines. Riders can warm up on the pump track or practice skills at the skills park before heading out. Best of all, there’s an expansive campground with trails in all directions.

Families rave about Mt Abriel for its inclusive atmosphere—parents can rip a few laps on the expert trails while kids get their confidence up on the mellow green loops or at the pump track. It's one of those rare places where different ability levels can all ride, relax and regroup at a single basecamp.

HIKES FOR EVERY PACE AND PANORAMIC PREFERENCE

For hikers, the Arrow Slocan region dishes

up a wide range of alpine treks and forest walks. Starting at Nakusp Hot Springs, the Kimbol Lake Trail (around 6 miles roundtrip and 1,600 feet elevation gain) offers a moderate climb to a backcountry lake. For a quick hit of scenery, Vicky’s View is a Nakusp locals’ favorite. Just a short forest stroll off Kuskanax Mountain Road, this easy-access overlook rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding Monashee and Valhalla ranges. Near New Denver, try the Galena Trail for an out-and-back of whatever distance you’re up for. The trail follows an old railway bed, complete with a ride over Carpenter Creek in a hand-operated cable car.

SOAK AND STROLL IN NAKUSP

After logging boot or bike miles, recover in the mineral-rich pools at Nakusp Hot Springs, only a 20-minute drive from town. After your soak, stroll the lakeside Waterfront Walkway back in Nakusp, grab a beverage or ice cream and cool off and relax at the public beach and waterfront park.

LOCAL FLAVOR AND LAID-BACK LODGING

Cap off your Arrow Slocan adventure with a taste of Kootenay culture. In Nakusp, hit up the Arrow Lakes Tavern for casual après on the outdoor patio or try a locallysourced, Mediterranean-inspired meal at Bella Soriah. In New Denver, the Apple Tree Sandwich Shop offers tasty eats with small-town ambiance. As for places to stay, you’ve got options as quirky and scenic as the region itself. Take your pick from glamping domes, cabins, B&Bs or a range of clean, budget-friendly lodging. Find the perfect place to rest up for the night that fits your style and budget at Kootenayrockies. com.

The best place you’ve never heard of Welcome to Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley where alpine trails, expansive lakes, and forest-lined backroads come together to offer something rare: space to roam, slow down, and actually feel the place you’re in. North of the border in British Columbia, it’s all here.

A journey worth taking.

With a mix of wild adventure and quiet comfort, the Arrow Slocan region feels like the kind of place you stumble into once and come back to for years. Make this your summer to discover it.

(SPONSORED)

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Hiking Trails and Healing Waters Why Ainsworth Hot Springs is the perfect hikers’ base camp VIEW ALONG THE KASLO RIVER TRAIL // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE sliding into naturally heated mineral waters after a day out on the trail. At Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort north of Nelson, B.C., there are so many hiking options nearby that it makes an ideal destination for pairing of hikes and hot springs.

Perched on the shores of Kootenay Lake, Ainsworth has been drawing visitors to its therapeutic waters for over a century, but it's the surrounding mountains that transform a simple soak into an adventure paradise. The resort sits at the convergence of some of the

Kootenays' most spectacular hiking terrain, making it the ideal base camp for those who believe the best hot springs sessions are earned through sweat equity.

Spend your days exploring alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers or navigating rocky ridgelines with views of the Purcells and Selkirks, then returning to the resort's hot springs pools where the mineral water will work its magic on trail-weary limbs. Summer brings the region's hiking season into full swing, with endless trails nearby. Whether you're seeking gentle river strolls or challenging backcountry ascents, the diversity of terrain means you’ll find your ideal trail.

For those who prefer to extend the experience beyond a day trip, the resort's comfortable and modern on-site accommodations also come with extended guest-only soaking hours. The resort’s restaurant, the Ktunaxa Grill, serves locallyinspired meals all day with panoramic lake views. This is adventure travel at its best—where the journey rewards you not just with summit views and wildflower meadows, but with a restorative soak and chance to truly relax. Plan your trip at Ainsworthhotsprings.com.

YEAR-ROUND ENJOYMENT

Recommended Hikes Near Ainsworth The hiking and backpacking possibilities in the mountains surrounding Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort would take years to fully explore, but here are a few favorites trails to get you started. For more options and detailed hike descriptions and maps, pick up a copy of the “West Kootenay Hiking” guidebook by Abby Wilson.

TOAD MOUNTAIN (Nelson area) 5 miles roundtrip with 1,821 feet of elevation gain Hike a ridgeline with panoramic views over Nelson, Kootenay Lake and surrounding peaks.

KOKANEE GLACIER TRAIL TO KASLO LAKE & GLORY BASIN (Nelson area)

13 miles roundtrip with 2,830 feet of elevation gain This Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park hike leads from the Gibson Lake Trailhead to Kaslo Lake, passing Kokanee and Garland lakes along the way.

JUMBO PASS (Kaslo area) 6.2 miles roundtrip with 2,625 feet of elevation gain Panoramic views of the Purcell Mountains and the Horseshoe Glacier reward hikers who take on this moderately challenging hike. The two-hour, dirt-road drive to the trailhead from Kaslo can make this a less-crowded option.

KASLO RIVER TRAIL (Kaslo area)

1.9 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain A scenic trail that winds along the Kaslo River right on the edge of town with interpretive signs, connections to other trails and river crossings on red-painted foot bridges. (LEFT: TRAIL VIEWS // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES) (SPONSORED)

Experience our hot springs pools and cave, contemporary guest rooms, Spirit Water Spa and savour culinary specialties created by Executive Chef Cory Chapman at the Ktunaxa Grill. ainsworthhotsprings.com | Proudly owned by Yaqan Nukiy

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From Powder to Pedals

RED Mountain Launches Lift-Accessed Bike Park

RED MOUNTAIN // PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN

SOMETHING BIG IS COMING to the Kootenays this summer, and it’s not snow.

RED Mountain Resort in Rossland, B.C., one of North America’s top 10 largest ski resorts, is officially flipping the switch on lift-accessed mountain biking with the grand opening of the RED Mountain Bike Park on June 21, 2025. It’s the next bold step in RED’s evolution into a four-season hub for world-class adventure, and it’s going to be a game-changer for mountain bike enthusiasts across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Built with vision and grit, the RED Mountain Bike Park is the product of a multiyear, multi-million-dollar commitment to create a destination where riders of all styles and abilities can progress, explore and be challenged. Phase One, debuting this summer, unlocks access to a mix of brandnew and reimagined trails via the Silverlode Chair, with flow, tech, singletrack and jump lines designed for everyone from first-timers to seasoned shredders.

This isn’t RED dipping a toe into summer. It’s a full send. With trail design led by Gravity Logic (the same crew behind Whistler and more than 70 bike parks globally), this phased project is packed with purpose. RED is building a bike park where beginners feel like pros and experts can still be humbled. Every trail is crafted for smart progression, letting riders grow their skills

lap after lap, season after season.

But here’s what really sets RED apart: this isn’t just a standalone park. It’s a seamless extension of Rossland’s iconic trail network in what’s proudly known as Canada’s Mountain Biking Capital. Home to the internationally recognized Seven Summits Trail—an IMBA Epic—Rossland has long been a pilgrimage site for riders chasing big terrain and even bigger views. The new lift-accessed bike park doesn’t replace this legacy, it amplifies it. Ride lift-served laps in the morning, then drop into alpine epics or handcrafted singletrack by afternoon. Here, gravity and backcountry flow together.

This moment has been a long time coming. For decades, Rossland has quietly built a reputation as a biking powerhouse, producing iconic trails and pro athletes alike. RED’s Bike Park is a celebration of that legacy and a look toward the future.

With long-term plans to expand the network across the next four years, including more trails and enhanced connectivity with town and the backcountry, the park is poised to redefine summer in the Kootenays.

The RED Mountain Bike Park opens June 21, 2025. Come for the riding. Stay for the community. Rediscover Rossland, only a 2.5-hour drive from Spokane, as your basecamp for every season of adventure. Plan your trip and stay updated at Redresort.com/bikepark.

(SPONSORED)

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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100 +SUMMER ADVENTURES YOUR ULTIMATE INLAND NORTHWEST GUIDE FOR HIKES, FLOATS, BIKE RIDES, FISHING SPOTS, HISTORY AND ADVENTURE

FLOATING THE SPOKANE RIVER MADE EASY WITH TUBE RENTALS AND A SHUTTLE WITH FLOW ADVENTURES

Long days, cool waters and mountain trails—summer in the Inland Northwest is pure magic. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or searching for serenity, you’ll find the right outdoor adventure to match your mood in this year’s roundup of summer adventure ideas.

TUBE OR PADDLE THE LOWER SPOKANE RIVER Nothing beats floating the Spokane River on an inflatable tube on a toasty summer day. The water is cool and the rapids are relatively tame on a float from Peaceful Valley downstream from downtown to the take out at T.J. Meenach Bridge, which avoids expert-only rapids farther down river (life jackets required).

Local river guide and outfitter FLOW Adventures makes this classic Spokane float even easier and more enjoyable with tube rentals and a shuttle service. FLOW also rents cooler tubes for keeping your lunch and refreshments cold. Take your time to stop to look for crawdads, chill on a beach and soak up the slow summer pace of our beautiful urban river.

VISIT THE HISTORIC KETTLE FALLS HISTORICAL CENTER Learn about the fur trade and Native American history at the Kettle Falls Historical Center. The area, once a major 56

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trading hub, offers exhibits and a rich history of both settlers and Native Americans that gives insight into the area's past. It’s a great way to experience both history and natural beauty in one spot. The nearby Sherman Creek Wildlife Area offers several hiking trail options to make this a history and hiking trip.

TRY THE LATEST MOUNTAIN BIKES AT SPOKATOPIA

RIDE A SECTION OF THE TRAIL OF THE COEUR D'ALENES Spanning 73 miles through Idaho’s Silver Valley, the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a flat, paved trail with many trailheads to plan a ride of whatever distance your group is up for. This incredible trail includes options for swimming in Lake Coeur d’Alene on the public beach in Harrison, grabbing a bite to eat in one of several towns and viewing wildlife along the trail.

EXPLORE THE ROSS CREEK CEDARS Take a walk through one of the few remaining old-growth cedar forests in the region.

Located in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains, the towering trees are a wonder to experience up close. A short loop takes hikers past informative signs where you can learn about the role old-growth forests play in the natural world.

SPEND THE DAY WITH YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE AT SPOKATOPIA JUNE 21 June 21 is the 10th anniversary of this awesome Spokane mountain bike festival that goes down at Camp Sekani Park. One of the highlights of Spokatopia is the opportunity to test the latest mountain bikes with the local bike shops and other demos that will be there. It’s also the only day of the year that you can skip the ride up to the top of Sekani and catch a shuttle to the top of the trails for all-downhill rides. Try your hand at a Poker Ride, where you pedal your way to different trail checkpoints to collect cards for the chance to win prizes if you have one of the top three hands. A beer garden benefitting Evergreen East and local trails is open all day. Drawings for some awesome outdoor and biking gear prizes will happen every hour. Kids ages 5-10 can sign up for the Spokatopia MTB Kids Camp to learn some new skills while parents have their own fun. There’s also a mountain bike Jump Exhibition featuring top local riders. Expect big air, tough tricks and raw talent on display. Get your tickets at Spokatopia.com.

STAKE YOUR CLAIM ON ADVENTURE

FISH

Legendary flyfishing on the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene & Saint Joe rivers

IN IDAHO’S SILVER VALLEY

RUN

Jackass Half Marathon & 5K Oct 4

HIKE

GO NOW!

Hike the historic Pulaski Trail or highcountry lakes near Lookout Pass

RIDE

Take your pick from gravel, paved path, or downhill thrills!

Explore tunnels, trestles, and history on the Route of the Hiawatha

Experience lift-assisted downhill thrills at Silver Mountain Bike Park

Pedal scenic lake-and-river-side sections of the 72-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

<<< START EXPLORING AT SILVERVALLEYCHAMBER.COM >>> Your gateway to summer adventures in the heart of the Bitterroot Mountains SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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SKY HIGH ABOVE LAKE CDA

ZIP THROUGH THE TREES ABOVE LAKE COEUR D’ALENE

Turn a typical summer day into something extraordinary. Timberline Adventures in Coeur d’Alene offers multiple adrenaline-fueled ways to experience the Lake City’s spectacular forest-and-lake views in a whole new way. Timberline Adventures offers tour options that include seven ziplines, two sky bridges and a treehouse perched 30 feet above the forest floor—all set against sweeping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. For a summer evening adventure, check out the “S’mores & Soar” option featuring golden-hour zipping and fireside treats at the treehouse.

JOIN A DAY FLOAT ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER

RAFT THE CLARK FORK RIVER The Clark Fork River offers thrilling Class III rapids only a couple of hours from Spokane, making it a perfect adrenalinepacked day on the water. Experienced rafters with their own gear should definitely get to know this Class II and III whitewater

run through stunning canyons. If you aren’t set up for rafting on your own, book a guided trip with ROW Adventures to safely experience this wild and incredibly scenic whitewater. Guides will share their knowledge about the river canyon and wildlife and find the best swimming spots to cool off between rapids.

ADVENTURE IN YOUR BACKYARD

More Pacific Northwest Multi-Day Whitewater Trips than Any Other Outfitter

FIND OUT MORE

1-Day Rafting on the Clark Fork, Lochsa and St. Joe Rivers

RAFTING, HIKING, BIKING & FLY FISHING TRIPS FROM 1-17 DAYS 58

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Fly Fishing on the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe Rivers

3-6 Day Whitewater Adventures on the Snake, Salmon, Owyhee, Rogue and Bruneau Rivers

www.rowadventures.com

5-Day E-Bike Tours

208 765 0841

HUNT FOR REAL FOSSILS AT STONEROSE FOSSIL SITE IN REPUBLIC, WA The Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Site allows visitors to split rocks and search for fossils while learning about the prehistoric past of the region.

The site is rich in ancient plant fossils, making it a great destination for geology lovers and families alike. Dig your own fossils, explore the interpretive center, and discover the ancient history that shaped the land. Don’t miss the free interpretive center where you can learn all about the fossils you’ll be searching for.

TRY MOUNTAIN BIKING AT RIVERSIDE STATE PARK Riverside State Park near downtown Spokane offers a wide range of mountain biking trails for riders of all abilities and is one of the most beginner-friendly trail

systems in the Inland Northwest. The forgiving trails are perfect for trying mountain biking for the first time or getting kids introduced to singletrack riding. Trails wind for miles through pine forests and along the Spokane River and basalt cliffsides with plenty of mostly-flat trails that take it easy on lungs and legs.

GO FISHING AT FISH LAKE REGIONAL PARK If you live near downtown Spokane, Fish Lake Regional Park near Cheney is a quiet, quick fishing getaway. Only electric boat motors are allowed, which lends to the peaceful vibe on the water that makes this 43-acre lake popular with paddlers and small boats. Landlubbers also have plenty of shoreline to explore while fishing for brook, tiger and rainbow trout among other species. The paved Columbia Plateau Trail passes above the lake and, with the

WILD ADVENTURES AWAIT IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WA

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TAKE AN ADVENTURE ROAD TRIP TO BELLINGHAM, WA

Looking for a weekend adventure hub that’s easy to reach and packed with outdoor options? Bellingham and Whatcom County offer some of the best mountain biking, hiking, paddling and road biking in the Northwest. Ride Galbraith Mountain’s 65+ miles of well-built singletrack, or head to Lake Whatcom’s Chanterelle Trail for a rewarding hike with great views. For another solid hiking option, try the Chain Lakes Loop near Mount Baker. It offers big mountain scenery without the need for mountaineering gear.

Road cyclists can take part in the Tour de Whatcom, known as “the Northwest’s most beautiful ride,” on July 19. This popular ride offers gorgeous routes ranging from 22 to 100 miles. Paddlers will find easy kayak or SUP access at Wildcat Cove in Larrabee State Park or the boat launch at Lake Samish. Paddle routes around Chuckanut Bay’s rocky shoreline or explore the freshwater calm of Lake Whatcom.

Back in the vibrant, hip town of Bellingham, you’ll find amazing restaurants, cool shops and plenty of in-town lodging options or endless camping possibilities in this corner of the Cascades. Plan your trip at Bellingham.org.

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SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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EXPLORING DOWNTOWN WITH WANDER SPOKANE

GO AHEAD AND JUMP!

SKYDIVE INTO SUMMER

Ready to add some adrenaline to your summer? Take the plunge and sign up for a tandem skydiving jump with Skydive West Plains, just 45 minutes from Spokane.

First-time jumpers are in expert hands—professional instructors handle all the safety while you soak up the free-fall thrills. Plus, you can capture every exhilarating moment and your sky-high grin with optional video and photo packages. It will be the ultimate memory even if you think it’s a bit outside your comfort zone.

Buckle up, breathe deep and let yourself fly.

exception of a several mile trail gap between the lake and Spokane, the Fish Lake Trail provides a scenic, paved option for biking to the lake for your angling outing.

KAYAK THE LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER The Little Spokane River, known for its calm waters and largely wild shoreline, is a peaceful paddling option for kayakers and

Experience breathtaking views and heart-pounding thrills Enjoy a scenic shuttle ride to Beauty Bay, then soar up to 400 feet above the forest floor with 7-World Class Ziplines, 2 breathtaking Sky Bridges, and 2 thrilling Auto-Belays.

Book Your Experience Today 7 Line Zip Tour Smores Treehouse Adventure Treehouse Lunch & Full Zip Tour Treehopper Tour

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paddle boarders, especially since floating the river in tubes as well as swimming and consuming alcohol are not allowed. Paddle through the serene landscape, passing by acres of conservation and park lands that moose, elk, deer and other wildlife call home. It’s a great way to connect with nature and slow down summer. Simplify your float by taking advantage of the Spokane Parks and Recreation river shuttle.

IDAHO’S

Wildest

LEARN ABOUT DOWNTOWN SPOKANE HISTORY ON A WALKING TOUR Step back in time with a guided walking tour of some of Spokane’s little-known history and other hidden sites with Wander Spokane. Choose from different themed tours and discover the city’s rich history and beautiful trails and urban wild areas.

From historic buildings to significant landmarks, tours offer a deeper understanding of Spokane’s heritage with some tours making stops at craft eateries, breweries and wine-tasting spots.

THEME PARK

HIKE THE DISHMAN HILLS IN SPOKANE VALLEY Choose from an extensive network of trails that lead hikers through diverse ecosystems, including ponds and wetlands, forests and grasslands. It’s an easy in-town option for a full-day hike with a picnic, or short evening or morning loop hike suitable for all abilities and ages. The area’s tranquility and beauty on the edge of the city makes a hike here feel like a wilderness experience without the long drive. The Dishman Hills Conservancy hosts regular guided hikes and other events where you can learn about this incredible urban wildland.

BIKE THE COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL The full length of the Columbia Plateau Trail stretches 130 miles from Pasco to Cheney, offering scenic views of the surrounding channeled scablands past lakes, wetlands, forests and grasslands. Start your ride in Cheney for an out-and-back pedal, passing through a portion of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, or arrange a shuttle from one of several trailheads to see more of this crushed-rock rail trail. Time your ride in the morning or evening for the best chance at viewing birds and other wildlife including moose and elk.

The Route of the Hiawatha isn’t just a bike trail; it’s an easy, scenic ride, winding gently downhill through 15 miles of jaw-dropping mountain views with 7 sky-high trestles and 10 dark tunnels. When the ride’s done, hop on a shuttle back to the start.

Forget the roller coasters.

This is the ride you’ll actually remember.

START IN MONTANA, END IN IDAHO. RIDE & STAY

PLAN YOUR TRIP

RideTheHiawatha.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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WHERE EVERY DAY FEELS LIKE SUMMER BIKE THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA

LEARN TO SURF, GRAB A DRINK, AND ENJOY THE VIEW

ALWAYS FREE ADMISSION! lakesidesurf.com | 106 Waterslide Dr. | Chelan, WA

A must-ride route that should be on everyone’s bucket list, the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha near Lookout Pass passes through tunnels and over trestle bridges in Idaho’s Bitterroot Mountains. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and interpretive signs to learn about the history of the trail and nearby

communities. It’s also a relatively easy ride with a shuttle option, making it suitable for families and groups of mixed fitness and physical ability. Trail passes are required for the Hiawatha and can be purchased online with shuttles or at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, where you can also rent bikes and other gear for the ride.

Headlamps required.

EXPLORE LOCAL PARKS WITH THE GREATER SPOKANE PARKS CHALLENGE

We wanted a place in the woods to camp in our RV,� ALONE� . A quiet, private place with all the hook-ups� but without all the other RVers, where we could relax,� enjoy the wildlife, hear the birds, see the stars, and� really camp.�We never found one.�

SO WE BUILT IT.�

Water/sewer/power� Sit on the patio by the fire� No worrying about full tanks� and star gaze.� or running out of water.� Killer mountain biking out� Families, hermits, hikers,� the back door.� bikers, urban refugees wel-� Satisfaction guaranteed. *� come.� *See site for details.� 1 RV - $75/night, $425/week. 2 Rvs - $110/night, $660/week.� Only 1 ½ hours north of Spokane, 10 miles east of Colville.�

Info and photos at www.thewilds.camp� Just you, the woods, and the wildlife.� Call or text:� (509) 640-4220� US Coast Guard� 62

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

Email:�

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EXPLORE SPOKANE-AREA PARKS AND WIN PRIZES

The 4th annual Greater Spokane Parks Challenge runs throughout this summer, offering fun, themed challenges and prizes just for exploring our parks, trails and pools. Sign up to take the parks challenge with the easy-to-use online platform and you’ll be helping to support local parks thanks to Spokane City Credit Union and the Spokane Parks Foundation. Whether you choose to hike, bike, paddle, swim or have a picnic, you’ll have fun outside and help make a difference. Sign up and start exploring the incredible public parks and outdoor spaces around Spokane at Sccu.net.

PEDALING THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA // PHOTOS: CAROL CORBIN

UNDISCOVERED POST FALLS, IDAHO

PEDAL THE RAILS ON A RAILRIDER TOUR This unique and active tour involves pedaling retired railroad tracks on a railbike near Metaline Falls in Northeast Washington.

Travel through scenic areas that were once only traversed by trains. Tours typically sell out in the summer months, so plan ahead or book a fall trip.

GO BIRDWATCHING AT TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney is a prime spot for birdwatching, with diverse habitats supporting a variety of wildlife. In the summer months, many birds can be observed near ponds and lakes on the 17,000-acre refuge. There are several short trails and wildlife viewing areas along the auto-tour loop with signage.

Get ready for an epic adventure to North Idaho’s Base Camp.

Imagine flowers in full-on color parade, lakes and rivers begging for kayaks, and squirrels itching for adventure. You’ll conquer scenic mountain bike trails, superhero hiking paths, rock faces with views so breathtaking you’ll do a double take, and paddle through waters so pristine, they make bottled water jealous. Pack your sunglasses and sense of adventure. Uncover the magic of Idaho, summerstyle. Trust me, you’ve never discovered anything this good. Got a camera ready for those epic shots?

You’re welcome.

EXPLORE THE LITTLE PEND OREILLE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE AUTOTOUR LOOP The Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge near Colville, Wash., has a 10-mile auto-tour loop that tours through diverse forest habitats. Drive or bike the loop with stops for short hikes and to read the interpretive signs. Morning and evening outings are best for wildlife viewing. There are some excellent riverside campsites too.

Gravel bikers and bikepackers can connect additional forest roads for longer day rides or bikepacking adventures.

RENT A KAYAK, SAILBOAT, OR PADDLEBOARD ON LAKE COEUR D'ALENE Rent the paddle craft of your choice right on the beach from the North Idaho College-run Sunspot at Ya-Keehn-Um Beach in Coeur d’Alene. Paddle along the lakeshore for a unique view of downtown Coeur d’Alene or explore the waters where the lake and Spokane River meet.

visitpostfalls.org

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GO PADDLING // PHOTO: CAROL CORBIN

PEDAL A FOUR-SEATED RAILRIDER ALONG THE NORTH PEND OREILLE RIVER BOOK NOW FOR AUTUMN RIDES! > SEPTEMBER 27 & 28 > OCTOBER 4 & 5

2 HOURS • 9 MILES ROUNDTRIP Get tickets: www.l i o n s r a i l r i d e r s .com or call 844-724-5743

BIKE THE KETTLE RIVER HERITAGE TRAIL IN GRAND FORKS, B.C. This super scenic 17k trail just north of the border from Washington follows the path of a historic railroad between Grand Forks and Christina Lake. The rustic crushed rock trail passes through forest and grassland, including the Gilpin Grasslands Provincial Park. Bring your swim suit for a dip or two in the Kettle River. Be sure to check out the spectacular Cascade Gorge Falls near Christina Lake as part of your trip.

KAYAK THE COEUR D’ALENE RIVER CHAIN LAKES Paddle through a series of interconnected lakes with a good chance of seeing moose and many types of birds. Launch in Harrison, Idaho, and explore multiple connected lakes along the Coeur d’Alene River.

RIDE & DINE SERIES EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT

June 20 - August 29

Scenic gondola ride, live music and a savory mountain top BBQ

BREWSFEST

August 9

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AT SILVERMT.COM

Every package includes indoor waterpark access for 4 LOCATED OFF I-90 IN KELLOGG, ID. 1 HOUR EAST OF SPOKANE SILVERMT.COM • 855.976.0984

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WATERPARK

Included with stay Open daily

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE • Trail options for beginner and advanced riders!

• Huge verticals – 3400’ or 800’ with two lifts • 72 miles of paved trails following the river • Hiking and berry picking

PADDLE TO YOUR OWN BEACH HANGOUT // PHOTO: LISA LAUGHLIN

PADDLE, SWIM OR BOAT AT LAKE ROOSEVELT This stretch of the Columbia River in Lincoln County is your answer to hot summer days. Paddle a kayak from Fort Spokane to Hawk Creek, where basalt cliffs rise over secluded coves perfect for a midday swim. Cast for walleye or smallmouth bass near Seven Bays, or launch your boat from Two Rivers Resort and find your own quiet spot to cast a line, take a dip or listen to the water lapping at your hull. Camping at Porcupine Bay will extend your time exploring the waters of this massive eastern Washington lake.

Something For Everyone!

• Fishing • Hunting • Camping • Boating • Golfing • Museums • Hiking - Bike Riding • ORV • Trails • Ice Age Floods • Wildlife • Bird Watching • Restaurants • Churches • Wineries • Towns • Community Festivals • Craft Breweries • Parades • Geocaching • County Fair • Rodeo • Lodging • Motels • Bed & Breakfasts • Vrbo • Airbnb

LINCOLN COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

Lincoln County Economic Development Council - 303 5th Street - PO Box 1304 • Davenport, WA 99122 (509) 368-7085 - Email: info@lincolnedc.- www.lakerooseveltandmore.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OROVILLE INITIATIVE

LAKESIDE ADVENTURE MEETS SMALL-TOWN CHARM IN OROVILLE, WASH. Tucked into Washington’s northern edge, just miles from the Canadian border, Oroville offers the kind of under-the-radar escape that’s becoming harder to find.

Whether you're pitching a tent lakeside, cruising scenic trails, or digging through the racks at the region’s largest thrift store, Oroville invites you to slow down, look around and dive into an unforgettable mix of nature and nostalgia.

CAMP BY THE WATER

Set up camp at Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park, where you’ll find shady trees, a sandy beach and stunning lake views. The park’s campground is the perfect spot for both relaxation and a variety of outdoor activities, with pickleball courts, a beach volleyball setup and a boat launch. Rent paddleboards, kayaks or Jet Skis from the on-site water sports facility and spend the day enjoying the lake.

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN OROVILLE

Downtown Oroville is a short walk from the campground, where local flavor awaits. Grab your morning brew at one of the cozy coffee shops, then browse through a treasure trove of thrift stores, including the largest in Okanogan County. If your day needs a little extra sparkle, unwind at a local winery like Esther Bricques. On Thursday evenings, the winery hosts music on the patio. Or catch Wine Wednesdays at Taber’s Fruit Barn.

PLAY OUTSIDE

SUP IT UP AT MEDICAL LAKE // PHOTO: AMY MCCAFFREE

STARGAZE AT STEPTOE BUTTE STATE PARK Rising nearly 1,000 feet above the rolling Palouse hills, stargazing in the Inland Northwest doesn’t get much better than Steptoe Butte. Drive to the summit at dusk, spread out a blanket and witness the Milky Way spread across the dark sky. The minimal light pollution and 360-degree views make this one of the region's premier stargazing locations, especially during meteor showers.

ROCK CLIMB, PADDLE OR SWIM AT Q'EMILN PARK IN POST FALLS Q'emiln Park offers over 40 established rock-climbing routes on its quality granite walls. With options for beginners to experienced climbers, the park provides a perfect introduction to outdoor climbing in a beautiful setting along the Spokane River.

After your climb, or if you don’t rock climb, cool off with a swim at the park's beach or launch your paddleboard or kayak for a serene paddle on the still waters of this section of the Spokane River behind Post Falls Dam. Bring your bike and pedal across the bridge into town for a craft beer or bite to eat in downtown Post Falls.

SURF’S UP IN CHELAN

Whether you're into scenic strolls, two-wheeled adventures, or a casual round of golf, Oroville offers easy access to the great outdoors with options for all ages and activity levels.

• Golf: Oroville has a great family-friendly golf course. The Oroville Golf Club is a scenic nine-hole course with a dual tee layout. It’s affordable, welcoming, and often open to walk-ons.

• Bike: Join the growing number of cyclists who rave about biking "The Loop"—a favorite local road cycling route through the Okanogan Highlands.

• Hiking: Oroville sits at the halfway point of the Pacific Northwest Trail. You can experience a short stretch of that long-distance trail with a hike along the Similkameen River Trail to the Girder Bridge or Enloe Dam. The hike up Cactus Mountain is another option, with lake views as a reward for the climb.

HISTORY & HORSES

Don’t miss the Molson Ghost Town, a preserved outdoor village filled with century-old buildings and the fascinating Molson Museum. For a unique way to explore the scenic hills and valleys around town, book a guided horseback riding adventure with Eden Valley Guest Ranch.

SUMMER EVENTS

Time your visit right and catch the Deep Bay Boom fireworks show over Osoyoos Lake on July 4, a dazzling community event put on by the Chamber of Commerce.

Or check out the old-school excitement of the Chesaw Rodeo, also on the 4th.

Later in the summer, the Osoyoos Lake Cup Jet Ski Races & Family Festival brings bands, food and tournaments to town.

For a quiet town, Oroville buzzes with activity—a hidden gem where every turn offers a new way to explore.

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GO SURFING IN CENTRAL WASHINGTON AT LAKESIDE SURF

Perched above Lake Chelan, Lakeside Surf delivers an inland surf experience like no other. Home to the world’s largest stationary deepwater wave—powered by citywave® technology—this wave offers endless riding potential for surfers of all levels.

Public sessions are available most weekends and daily during peak summer. Firsttimers can take advantage of the “Learn to Surf ” package. Beyond the wave, enjoy Surfside Tacos, Twocan Jenny’s Surf Bar, sand volleyball, panoramic views and the adjacent Slidewaters water park.

JOIN A TREE IDENTIFICATION OUTING WITH SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD ON MEDICAL LAKE Just west of Spokane, Medical Lake provides a perfect setting for stand-up paddleboarding with its calm waters and nowake policy. The lake's compact size makes it ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can explore the entire perimeter. Early morning paddling offers the best chance to see local wildlife and enjoy glassy water conditions.

HIKE OR MOUNTAIN BIKE THE TRAILS AT 4TH OF JULY PASS NEAR COEUR D’ALENE Located between Coeur d'Alene and Kellogg right off of I-90, this mellow trail system includes miles of rolling trails on decommissioned forest roads that are used for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. A great option for families or those looking for a close-to-town forest escape.

MOSES LAKE SUNSET PADDLE

PADDLE THE MOSES LAKE WATER TRAIL Explore this desert lake east of Spokane on a paddleboard or kayak with a selfguided tour of popular shoreline sites and hidden inlets. Launch from Blue Heron Park or Connelly Park and cruise along the lake shore keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife. Both parks also offer shoreline fishing access, or you can try your luck from your paddle craft casting for bass, trout or panfish.

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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SULLIVAN LAKE VIEWS // PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

2025 LAKE-VIEW RIDING AT SCHWEITZER

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GET OUTDOORS

MOUNTAIN BIKE THESE SANDPOINT TRAILS

for Summer Adventures

June is the best summer month to ride most of Sandpoint’s trails for peak conditions and low trail traffic. But later in the summer as trails dry out in the high country is when most of Schweitzer’s trails really shine. Whether you’re looking for lift-served descents, mellow forested rides or routes with big lake views, these Sandpoint trails have it all.

Brought to you by the library!

Sign up for Tree Identification Walks as we explore Medical Lake, the Indian Painted Rocks area, the GlenroseDishman Hills area, and along the Appleway Trail.

SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT: Schweitzer and the adjacent Selkirk Recreation

District offer an ever-expanding system of over 30 mountain bike trails. While the trails outside of the resort require climbing back up (or using a shuttle) after a descent, Schweitzer has a great trail network with trails for a range of abilities and a chairlift assist back to the top for endless 1,700-foot, gravity-fueled rides back to the Schweitzer Village.

Register for Wilderness and Urban Survival presentations at scld.org/events.

PINE STREET WOODS AND SYRINGA: A short ride from downtown Sandpoint, Pine Street Woods offers a mix of wide, rolling trails and more advanced options. It connects to Sherwood Forest and the VTT system to form the larger Syringa Trail System, with more than 20 miles of trails.

Plus borrow things such as pickleball sets and birding or Discover Pass backpacks to create your own adventures at scld.org/things.

GOLD HILL TRAIL: A local favorite, this 3.7-mile trail climbs through shaded for-

est to sweeping views of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Located off Bottle Bay Road, it’s a solid intermediate ride, often tackled as an out-and-back.

scld.org

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LOST LAKE AND MINERAL POINT TRAILS: Located 14 miles south of town, this area combines gentle singletrack and tougher climbs with stunning lake views. Riders can cool off at Green Bay’s rocky beach after looping Lost Lake or tackling the more challenging Mineral Point Trail.

GO FOR A GRAVEL RIDE IN THE CHANNELED SCABLANDS EXPLORE THE SULLIVAN LAKE TRAIL Sullivan Lake near Metaline Falls, Wash., offers a gorgeous 8.2-mile round-trip trail along the east side of the mostly undeveloped lake in the Colville National Forest.

The lake is clean, clear and great for swimming at a few spots along the trail and at the campground beaches at both ends of the trail.

Explore the unique landscape of the channeled scablands on hundreds of miles of gravel roads southwest of Spokane. These quiet, lightly traveled backroads wind through dramatic coulees, past pothole lakes and across rolling farm and ranch lands. Create your own route linking up sections of gravel road with paved-road stretches by starting in Spokane for a longer ride or the college town of Cheney for more manageable options.

SLIDE ALL SUMMER LONG IN MOSES LAKE, WA

COOL OFF WITH THE KIDS AT SURF ‘N SLIDE WATER PARK IN MOSES LAKE Looking for a splash-filled summer adventure? This premier outdoor aquatic center in Moses Lake, Wash., has attractions for all ages, including two 200-foot water slides, a 300-foot lazy river, the FlowRider surf simulator and a zero-depth entry pool. Kids will love Treasure Island and the splash pad. The park is open all summer through Labor Day Weekend.

Discover New Summer Memories

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GO HUNTING FOR GOLD

HIKE PINE STREET WOODS

FIND PEACE AND QUIET AT THE WILDS RV CAMPGROUND

GO GEOCACHING IN RIVERSIDE STATE PARK Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt in one of Washington's largest state parks.

There are plenty of geocaches hidden in Riverside to keep you busy searching using GPS coordinates. This family-friendly activity combines hiking with problemsolving and can be tailored to any fitness level, from short walks to longer day-hikes.

Get started at Geocaching.com.

BIKE THE OLD SPIRAL HIGHWAY NEAR LEWISTON, IDAHO Experience a cycling challenge with spectacular views on the Old Spiral Highway near Lewiston, Idaho. This historic road climbs 2,000 feet via dozens of curves and switchbacks, offering increasingly panoramic vistas of the Snake River and surrounding landscape. The 7.3-mile ascent is a favorite among local cyclists looking to test their climbing legs.

CANOE OR KAYAK THE LOWER PACK RIVER This section of the Pack River near Sandpoint in the summer is a gentle float suitable for beginners and families. Expect a peaceful paddle through forest and wetlands with frequent wildlife encounters.

The slow current and multiple access points make it easy to plan trips of various lengths.

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GO GOLD PANNING This summer, try your luck at recreational gold panning in North Idaho. Pick up a basic gold pan and classifier to screen out large rocks and grab a shovel. No permit is needed for most public lands, but always check current rules and avoid disturbing sensitive aquatic areas. A great option is the privately-owned Eagle City Park gold panning area near Wallace, Idaho. A fee is required to pan this former gold mining hotspot.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF ON MICA MOON’S AERIAL PARK If you’re craving a treetop thrill, Mica Moon’s aerial park tucked in the mountains near Liberty Lake, Wash., is packed with swinging bridges, balance lines, and ninjastyle elements to test your balance and agility. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure course perfect for families and groups of friends. Mica Moon also offers tours on its nine ziplines.

RV CAMP WHERE IT’S TRULY WILD Tucked into the quiet wilds of Northeast Washington, the Wilds RV Campground is where solitude seekers and outdoor lovers find their sweet spot. This remote private campground offers dispersed-style RV and campervan sites, meaning no shoulderto-shoulder parking—so you can enjoy the stars and the sounds of the forest.

Basecamp here for day trips to nearby Colville National Forest trails and lakes.

HIKE THESE SANDPOINT-AREA TRAILS Sandpoint is a great basecamp for exploring trails throughout the Idaho Panhandle. Choose from lower-elevation trails near water that are great for swimming or high-country hikes with summer wildflowers and mountain views. Here are a few local favorites.

KOOTENAI NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: There are a number of easy trails at this

beautiful area 45 minutes north of Sandpoint that are perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife. There’s also an auto tour route.

MICKINNICK TRAIL: This forested trail, only a few miles from downtown, offers several miles of hiking trails with wildflowers often lingering through June.

SCOTCHMAN PEAK TRAIL: This strenuous hike climbs 3,500 feet to views you won’t soon forget with the chance of viewing resident mountain goats.

SCHWEITZER: Head up to Schweitzer for spectacular sub-alpine hikes. The resort recommends the 2.5-mile Nature Trail that starts near the Village. Or, take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and hike Stewart's Loop (0.3 mile) or the Summit View Loop (0.5 mile).

PINE STREET WOODS: Just two miles from downtown, there are around a dozen wooded trails to explore with miles of hiking possibilities.

find your

Deeper wild here!

don’t misS tHESE EVEntS! CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo - June 14

Mountain goat in the Cabinet Mountains

Monarch Grind bike ride - June 28

boating. And from the top of Schweitzer peak

places with some superb cultural happenings –

Sandpoint BeerFest - July 5

to downtown Sandpoint, there cultural haps

then beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho, has your num-

Northwest Wine Fest - July 19-24

If your idea of a wild time combines untamed

ber. The Selkirk and Cabinet mountains serve up a heaping dose of hiking and biking, from

Festival at Sandpoint - July 24-Aug 3

mild to wild. Magnificent Lake Pend Oreille

Long Bridge Swim - Aug 2

provides sublime paddling, swimming and

Schweitzer Fall Fest - Aug 29-Sept 1

galore, with top-flight music and entertainment, fine dining at more than 40 excellent restaurants, a terrific winery and brewpubs, plus eclectic shops and galleries. Make the most of summer. We’ll see you here!

Visit Sandpoint and put some WILD in your life

MTB Schweitzer trails

Hiking Selkirk Mountains

Paddling Lake Pend Oreille

Get visitor information at 208.263.2161 • www.visitSandpoint.com SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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DRY FLY DISTILLING

PHOTO COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN

THE OUTDOORS ARE CALLING...

ANSWER IT. SIP IT. LIVE IT. ON THE FLY.

RIDE SILVER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK Silver Mountain Bike Park turns gravity into your best friend. Load your bike on the gondola, climb 3,400 feet without breaking a sweat, then drop into over 30 miles of trails ranging from beginnerfriendly green trails to rooty, rowdy blues and blacks with plenty of jumps and features to challenge yourself.

TAKE A SCENIC GONDOLA RIDE AND A HIKE AT SILVER MOUNTAIN The gondola at Silver Mountain Resort is North America’s longest, floating you quietly above the trees and canyons for expansive views of Idaho’s Silver Valley. At the top, stretch your legs with a high-country hike and hunt for huckleberries.

MADE WITH

www.dryflydistilling.com

6 WAYS TO GET OUTSIDE THIS SUMMER WITH THE SPOKANE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT Join guided group outings to Spokane-area natural areas where you’ll learn about and engage with local history, native plant and wildlife identification, outdoor survival, art and more. Some events are adults only and may require pre-registration.

Sign up at scld.org/events LEARN ABOUT NATURE AT BEAR LAKE JUNE 7: Learn the names of the plants and

animals at Bear Lake Regional Park near Chattaroy with guidebooks and specialized apps.

MEDICAL LAKE GEOLOGY WALK & WATER SAMPLING AUG. 6: Walk along the trail around Medical Lake with Chad Pritchard, professor of geology at EWU, to learn about the lake’s history and natural science.

INTRODUCTION TO WILDERNESS SURVIVAL (AUG. 5, 13, SEPT. 18): Gain insight on ways to bolster your outdoor skills and survivability in our local wilds with an experienced U.S. Air Force survival instructor.

INTRODUCTION TO URBAN SURVIVAL (AUG. 26, SEPT. 24): Learn about some of the

basic urban survival techniques such as procuring food and water, ensuring personal safety and security, and dealing with inherently unsanitary conditions.

TREE IDENTIFICATION WALKS (JUNE 6, JULY 11, AUG. 8, SEPT. 5): Educators from

The Lands Council will introduce the fundamentals of tree identification during these interactive walks. Locations will include Waterfront Park in Medical Lake, Indian Painted Rocks, Dishman Hills and the Appleway Trail.

OUTDOOR PAINTING (JUNE 21, JULY 12 & 19, AUG. 2, SEPT. 27): Bring your own art supplies to paint or draw en plein air at multiple local outdoor settings. Learn from experienced artists how to better replicate your surroundings in your art.

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NINJA NATION SPOKANE

ADVENTURE KIDS

Jump, Climb, and Conquer This Summer at Ninja Nation Spokane WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF looking for a fun, active and confidence-boosting activity for your kids, let them unleash their inner ninja! Ninja Nation Spokane turns every visit into an adventure where kids become stronger, more confident and resilient. Whether your child is racing up the warped wall, swinging through obstacles or cheering on a friend, Ninja Nation gives kids a positive outlet for their boundless energy and cultivates a love for movement.

From unlimited open gym sessions to skillfocused classes and unforgettable birthday parties, Ninja Nation is Spokane’s go-to destination for high-energy fun.

UNLIMITED OPEN GYM ACCESS: THE BEST DEAL IN SPOKANE

If your kids love to move, climb and play, Ninja Nation’s unlimited open gym membership (only $49.99 per month) is a total game-changer that includes access to a fun, safe and structured environment with professional-grade ninja equipment. It’s handsdown one of the best values for active families that comes with unlimited access to open gym sessions every month and one free buddy pass for a friend each month.

The membership pays for itself if your child comes just three times in a month since a single 1-hour open gym session is $18.

SIGN THEM UP FOR SUMMER NINJA CAMPS TO LEVEL UP THE FUN

This summer, give your kids a week of movement, motivation and ninja magic.

Ninja Nation summer camps are open to kids ages 5 to 14, with full-day and half-day options available. Camps focus on building core ninja skills like grip strength, coordination and obstacle technique; boosting confidence through goal setting; and supportive coaching and creating a positive community where encouragement and energy are at the heart of every activity. Camps include snacks and lunch, so all you have to do is drop them off and let the fun begin.

WEEKLY NINJA CLASSES: BUILD SKILLS AND STRENGTH

Ninja Nation’s weekly classes offer structured training for kids who want to develop their skills and track their progress over time. Taught by certified coaches, classes focus on obstacle technique, body awareness, agility, and strength. With different skill levels and age groups, there’s a class for every young athlete or aspiring ninja.

HIGH ENERGY BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITHOUT THE STRESS

Want a birthday party that’s exciting for the kids and stress-free for you? Ninja Nation’s got you. Party hosts lead ninja obstacle games and stations that keep everyone moving, laughing and having a blast. Parents can relax while Ninja Nation takes care of everything—activities, set-up and clean-up.

GROWN-UP NINJAS GET THEIR NIGHT TOO

Adults can join the fun during scheduled adult nights, where the arena becomes a playground for grown-ups who want a unique and active way to spend an evening. Whether you’re trying out the warped wall or racing a friend through the course, it’s a great way to challenge yourself in a fun, supportive space. Please note, childcare is not provided at adult nights.

READY TO START YOUR FAMILY’S NINJA JOURNEY?

Visit Spokane.ninjanation.com for more info or to sign up for memberships, book camps or schedule a birthday party, or follow them on Instagram @ninjanationspokane. Ninja Nation Spokane is located at 8016 N Division Street.

Ninja Nation Spokane helps fund the nonprofit work of owners Sarah and Alexi Matousek that supports surgical care for rural communities in Haiti. Watch the short video about their inspiring work at Youtube. com/watch?v=E4lKqStkH7E.

(Sponsored)

MAKE THIS

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NINJA NATION SPOKANE IS THE ULTIMATE INDOOR SPACE FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES TO MOVE, CLIMB AND PLAY ON PROFESSIONAL-GRADE NINJA EQUIPMENT! OBSTACLES AND CHALLENGES ARE UPDATED WEEKLY.

OPEN GYM SESSIONS DROP IN FOR FREEPLAY AND PRACTICE ON COURSE OBSTACLES *UNLIMITED OPEN GYM MEMBERSHIP ONLY $49.99 PER MONTH!!

SUMMER DAY CAMPS KIDS AGES 5-14 LEARN MOVEMENT, MOTIVATION AND NINJA SKILLS

BIRTHDAY PARTIES PARTY HOSTS LEAD NINJA OBSTACLE GAMES AND STATIONS

WEEKLY CLASSES

STRUCTURED TRAINING & NINJA SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG ATHLETES. 8016 N DIVISION ST. SPOKANE, WA 509.606.5991 WWW.SPOKANE.NINJANATION.COM SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ADVENTURE KIDS

SLIDE, SPLASH, AND SOAK UP SUMMER!

FAMILY FUN STARTS HERE! PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW AT SLIDEWATERS.COM slidewaters.com | 102 Waterslide Dr. | Chelan, WA

StoneRose

Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site

Slide into Summer at Slidewaters in Chelan, WA ONE OF THE THINGS that sets Slidewaters

apart from any water park you’ve ever been to is the gorgeous, crystal-blue Lake Chelan views. Of course, once you and your family start exploring the 12-acre water park’s 12 water slides and other water features, you’ll be having too much fun to gawk at those lake and mountain views for long.

Slidewaters caters to all ages and thrill levels, from the gentle curves of Bonzai Pipeline to the wild twists of Sidewinder.

The Downhill Racer allows you and your kids to race to the finish side-by-side. For those under 48 inches tall, the Aqua Zoo is a safe and fun water play area, and the zerodepth beach zone features a 150-gallon tipping bucket and spray features. Families can spend some quality time together floating the Lazy River, which gives you a chance to check out those views again. Adjacent to

Slidewaters, Lakeside Surf is home to the world's largest stationary surf wave, where adults and kids ages 10 and up can give surfing this magical wave a try (surf session pass required).

Slidewaters makes lunch or snack time easy at the River Run Grill that serves a variety of kid-friendly options. There are plenty of hangout areas in and out of the sun too, and you can rent private cabanas to have your own shaded retreat and basecamp for the day. Slidewaters operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and offers discounted rates for children under 48 inches and free entry for kids three and under. A family trip to Slidewaters may end up being the most memorable adventure you have together this summer. Start planning your getaway at Slidewaters.com.

(Sponsored)

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. (Significant finds may be retained for research)

Road Trip to Republic for the 2025 Stonerose Auction July 12 Supporting Citizen Science divorce - parenting plans workplace mediation

Fair - Focused - Efficient Fossil Site, Interpretive Center & Gift Shop open Tues-Sun 8am - 4 pm all summer through Labor Day weekend

15 N Clark Ave, Republic, WA -509-775-2295 - Stonerosefossil.org 74

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

509-230-8953 |

SyringaMediation.com

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE KIDS

LITTLE RIDERS, BIG MOUNTAIN TRAILS // PHOTO COURTESY OF MT. SPOKANE

Summer on the Summit MT. SPOKANE'S 2025 KIDS’ DAY CAMPS

This summer, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park invites young adventurers to trade ski boots for hiking shoes and bike helmets. The 2025 camps emphasize outdoor fun, skill-building and environmental learning all at Spokane’s namesake mountain playground.

What sets Mt. Spokane’s day camps apart, says outdoor recreation director Katrin Ferraro, is the wildness of the mountain and the surrounding state park. “Our day camps feel a lot like an overnight wilderness camp— kids get many of the same experiences without needing to stay overnight.” Many campers are already skiers, she says, but for a lot of them, it’s their first time seeing the ski area up close without the snow, which helps cultivate a stronger connection to the mountain.

Both the Mountain Adventure and Mountain Bike camps are built to boost kids’ confidence and outdoor skills—without overdoing it. Leaders also focus on fun and play, creating space for campers to be kids, says Ferraro. “We do an activity where one of the counselors dresses up in a bear costume, and the kids practice what to do if they see a bear—being big and loud, using squirt guns as bear spray.” While bear encounters at camps are unlikely, it’s a fun, memorable way to teach wildlife safety and appreciation.

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CAMPS

Designed for children ages 5–13, this three-day camp immerses participants in the natural beauty of Mt. Spokane State Park. Activities include hiking, climbing, crafts, and games, all emphasizing nature appreciation. Choose from three Mon.Wed. sessions: June 23–25, July 14–16, or July 28–30. Each session runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($209 registration fee includes a t-shirt).

MOUNTAIN BIKE CAMPS

Mt. Spokane offers some of the only kids’ mountain bike camps in the region, including options for new and experienced riders. The four-day mountain bike camps for kids ages 7–15 encourage them to build mountain bike skills and confidence. Some

of the camps even offer the chance to shuttle some of the trails.

• Beginner Camp: July 7–10, focusing on foundational skills on double-track trails.

• Advanced Skills Camp: July 7–10, for riders ages 10–17 with prior singletrack experience.

• All-Levels Camps: July 21–24 and Aug. 4–7, accommodating various skill levels with group placements based on ability.

AT MT. SPOKANE AGES 5–13 $209

AGES 7–15 $329

ADVENTURE MOUNTAIN BIKE DAY CAMPS SKILLS CAMP JUNE 23–25 JULY 14–16 JULY 28–30

JULY 7–10

BEGINNER & ADVANCED

JULY 21–24 ALL LEVELS

AUGUST 4–8

Each mountain bike camp runs Mon.– Wed. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thurs. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ($329 registration fee includes a t-shirt). Participants must bring a mountain bike with at least seven gears, front suspension and no pedal brakes, along with a helmet and other appropriate safety gear.

“It’s incredible how much confidence kids build—on the trails, in themselves, and in the outdoors,” says Ferraro.

ALL LEVELS

JUNIOR CAMP COUNSELOR PROGRAM

New this year, this two-week program offers teens ages 14–16 a chance to gain leadership experience while assisting with both camp types. Participants develop mentoring skills, boost their biking abilities, and learn what it takes to be a future camp counselor ($199 registration fee and reliable transportation required).

Session options run June 23–25 and July 7–10, July 14–16 and July 21–24, or July 28–30 and Aug. 4–7.

PARENTS CAN WORK IN THE LODGE OR HIT THE TRAILS WHILE KIDS PLAY

Simplify your drive to and from Mt. Spokane’s day camps by staying up on the mountain to get some work done (or go for a ride or hike yourself!) Parents can use Lodge 2 as a workspace or relaxing place to read with Wi-Fi and a coffee shop or hit the trails.

As a non-profit, Mt. Spokane prioritizes making its camp experiences accessible to all by offering a limited number of camp scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to register, visit Mtspokane.com/summercamps.

(Sponsored)

CAMP

REGIS

T R AT I

ON NO

W OPE

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W W W. M T S P O K A N E . C O M / S U M M E R C A M P S SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ADVENTURE KIDS CONNECTING WITH THE WILDS AT TWIN EAGLES CAMPS

Why Real Wilderness Still Matters for Kids

Twin Eagles camps and programs help kids reconnect with the natural world IN A WORLD INCREASINGLY dominated by screens, schedules and artificial stimulation, something essential is slipping through our children’s fingers. Kids today are growing up without deep connection— to the Earth, to others and to themselves. At Twin Eagles Wilderness School, we’re here to change that.

Our summer camps offer more than just outdoor fun. Rooted in the ancient art of

nature-based mentoring, we guide kids into meaningful experiences that awaken their senses, challenge their edges and nurture their spirits. Whether it’s the spark of lighting their first fire by friction, the quiet pride of carving a spoon from wood or the thrill of moving silently through the forest like a fox, our campers are invited into a deeper way of being.

At our Wilderness Survival Day Camp

and in Emerging Wild Leaders, kids dive into hands-on skills like shelter-building, knife safety, foraging and wildlife tracking.

But what truly sets Twin Eagles apart is our mentoring. Our experienced guides walk alongside youth with care and curiosity, helping them grow in confidence, creativity, leadership and resilience. We foster not just competence, but a sense of connection and wonder. Over time, something begins to

shift. Children return home standing taller, more rooted and alive, carrying the wild in the way they see, listen and move through the world.

This summer, give your child the gift of real wilderness—a journey that lives both on the land and within. Learn more about Sandpoint, Idaho-based Twin Eagles Wilderness School and register at Twineagles.org.

(Sponsored)

e Woods

y’s in th Wednesda

Every Wednesday in June!

6:30pm - 8:00pm Location: Riverside State Park Bowl & Pitcher

June 4

THE HOOT SHOW:

Love Owls and Raptors, presented by West Valley Outdoor Learning Center (Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheatre)

BUTTERFLIES OF NORTHEASTERN WASHINGTON Presented by John Baumann, long time butterfly enthusiast, author and member of the Washington State Butterfly Association. (Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheatre)

June 11

June 18 100% Outside · Wilderness Survival · Animal Tracking Nature Adventures · Stealth & Camouflage · Epic Games Wild Edible Plants · Storytelling & Songs Mentoring the Whole Child

Sandpoint, CdA, Spokane

www.TwinEagles.org 76

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

MOOSE, COUGARS and BEARS - OH MY!

A show-and-tell about these four-legged creatures with Matt Brinkman, wildlife biologist with Washington State Fish and Wildlife. (Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheatre)

BEST SPOKANE AREA DAY HIKES

Presented by Holly Weiler, Senior Eastern Washington regional coordinator for the Washington Trails Association (Bowl & Pitcher Amphitheatre)

Fun & Free!

Family Friendly Drawings & Giveaways

June 25

Location: Bowl & Pitcher Riverside State Park

Discover Passes are required in all Washington State Parks.

Presented by the Riverside State Park Foundation

Info: www.riversidestateparkfoundation.org

Viewpoint Hikes for Kids NOTHING AGAINST CARROTS, but spending two hours outside every day is a better way to protect children’s eyesight. With screentime at record highs, the rate of children in the U.S. developing myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, has increased by 25% since the 1970s, according to a Sept. 2024 NPR news story by Maria Godoy, published by NPR. Optometrists and myopia researchers, backed by studies, conclude that spending one to two hours outside every day significantly decreases the risk of children developing myopia. Bright outdoor light stimulates healthy eye development, and activities that don’t require close-up focus allow eyes to relax. Although myopia can be inherited, lifestyle habits like too much screentime and not enough outdoor time increase the risk.

The earlier someone develops myopia, the greater the lifetime risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and other conditions.

Outdoor recreation provides breaks from near-focus tasks and helps young, developing eyes practice distance viewing—whether it’s looking far across a lake or at a horizon view. The natural light combined with focusing on faraway distances slows down eye elongation, thereby preventing the rapid eye growth that leads to myopia.

So, take your kids hiking this summer

to destinations ADVENTURE KIDS with horizon vistas. Because not only is it good for their eyes, but the views also reveal how big and beautiful our Inland Northwest landscape is. Here are 12 destinations, hiking trails and summits to choose from. A few are easy, but many are best suited for ages 10 and up, depending on fitness level and tolerance for hiking.

SPOKANE COUNTY DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVATION AREA

• The Cliffs Trail (Glenrose Unit): Hike Glenrose Trail to The Cliffs Trail and continue on for overlook views of Spokane Valley, Mica Peak and Mount Spokane.

• Blue Bunch Loop (Glenrose): 0.9-mile trail (doable for preschoolers) with overlook of Moran Prairie and downtown Spokane to the northwest.

• Nimbus Knob Loop (Camp Caro): Ascends to rocky overlook of Spokane Valley; 3 miles roundtrip.

• Rocks of Sharon (Iller Creek Unit): 3.3 miles roundtrip from Stevens Creek Trailhead; view of Palouse farmland and faraway Steptoe Butte.

ANTOINE PEAK CONSERVATION AREA:

Emerald Necklace Trail is for older youth

and strong hikers; 5.7 miles, 780 feet of elevation gain for views of Spokane Valley and surrounding landmarks.

MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK: During

summer and fall, you can drive the North Summit Road to the historic Vista House, which is the true summit (5,853’).

Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s east side; 3.3 miles roundtrip, 700 feet of elevation gain.

SCOTCHMAN PEAK TRAIL: For teens and adults who can endure a physical challenge, this strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike ascends 3,700 feet of elevation to the highest point in Bonner County.

THE PALOUSE STEPTOE BUTTE: At Steptoe Butte State

(Note: This article isn’t meant to replace medical advice from a certified optometrist or ophthalmologist. Annual pediatric eye exams are recommended to promote lifelong eye health.)

KAMIAK BUTTE: Pine Ridge Trail at Kamiak Butte County Park ascends 900 feet to the 3,641-foot summit; 3.5-miles roundtrip.

Amy McCaffree recommends enticing kids and teens to go hiking by bringing along “fun” snacks.

For young kids, this could mean motivating with candy, like Skittles or M&Ms, at each switchback—which is how she got her son, then three years old, to hike the trail to Avalanche Lake at Glacier National Park.

Park Heritage Site, drive to the 3,612-foot summit and hike around.

EASTERN WASHINGTON STEAMBOAT ROCK: Panoramic views

from the butte’s 2,250-foot summit via a steep, 6-mile round-trip hike; located at Steamboat Rock State Park.

NORTH IDAHO SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT:

Ride the Great Escape quad-chairlift to the summit ridge for 360-degree views. Return to the village via a round-trip chairlift ride (or you can hike down).

MINERAL RIDGE NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL: Trailhead at Beauty

ADVENTURE KIDS

Kids Reach New Heights at Wild Walls’ Climbing Camps LOOKING FOR A SUMMER adventure that gets kids off screens and climbing someone else’s walls? Wild Walls Climbing Gym in Spokane offers week-long kids’ climbing camps from June 23 to Aug. 21. Kids aged 7 to 14 will learn the fundamentals of climbing, safety techniques and teamwork, all while having a blast on indoor climbing walls. Camps run Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and cost $325-$375 per child, per week, depending on if you’re a Wild Walls member or not.

Each week features different themes

and challenges, ensuring returning campers always find something new to conquer.

What sets an indoor climbing camp apart?

It’s more than just a physical activity; it's a holistic experience that boosts confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. Kids develop strength and coordination in a supportive, fun and safe environment. Don’t miss out on this chance for your kids to scale new heights—literally! Visit Wild Walls’ website to register and learn more.

Wildwalls.com

(Sponsored)

SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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LAST PAGE Love of Labor

Connecting to the world through trail work By Claire Thompson

LEFT: THE AUTHOR TAKES IN THE VIEW OF POET RIDGE FROM UPPER INDIAN CREEK // ABOVE: THE LONG, WILD WALK TO A WILDERNESS TRAIL WORK SITE // BELOW: A WILDERNESS FOOTBRIDGE THE AUTHOR'S TRAIL CREW CONSTRUCTED ON THE INDIAN CREEK TRAIL // PHOTOS: XANDER DEMETRIOS

NOT FAR FROM THE TRAILHEAD on the Indian Creek trail in the North Cascades’ Glacier Peak Wilderness, an unnamed side stream spills from the eastern flanks of Mount David into the White River. A few summers ago, my Forest Service trail crew and I spent many weeks on Indian Creek, replacing a bridge that had buckled under winter’s heavy snows. We hiked the first two miles of that trail over and over, hauling tools into and out of the bridge site, often with the help of our string of mules.

That side stream—steep, rock-tumbled, and log-jammed, its banks clotted with brush—proved tricky for the mules to cross, so we spent half a June day making it more passable for stock. We brushed the banks, rearranged boulders, and cut and moved waterlogged wood, our fingers growing numb from repeated plunges into water that had been snow hours before. Through July and into August, I’d pause at that stream on my way to or from the bridge, to top off my water bottle and rinse the sweat from my face. By September, the stream crossing lay dry as a bone, just a spray of cobble across the trail.

I was first drawn to trail work out of a typical twenty-something hunger for adventure and novelty. I kept at it because I loved how it challenged me mentally and physically. I loved the people I met, every one of them with stories and experience to share, and I felt at home in the quirky community to which I now belonged.

Mostly, I couldn’t imagine anything better than getting paid—however poorly—to camp, hike, and work my body to exhaustion 78

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SUMMER 2025

every day in wild places. Eventually, I kept at it because I couldn’t imagine anything else.

I loved the way trail work activated my imagination, changing the way I saw the world around me. Working on a Forest Service trail crew means covering the same routes over and over, stopping for minutes or hours to work in places a hiker would never pick for a snack break. You end up noticing things—like the seasonal fluctuations of a minor stream, or the sheer quantity of squirrel caches in a stand of fir—that might not otherwise draw your attention.

Insignificant parts of the overall scenery become familiar, take on meaning. The rock halfway up Buck Creek the exact shape and size of a throne; the lone larch growing in a scree field off the switchbacks below Stuart Pass. Working on trails strengthens a connection to the wild landscape as a whole, yes, but also to certain of its individual parts, denizens you’ve grown to recognize and depend on as markers of both constancy and change.

We build connections with the morethan-human world the same way we build any relationship: through interaction, cooperation and friction, intimacy and specificity. An admiration for the wild can come from the wonder of summit views or wildflowers on windswept ridges. But for me, the real intimacy is in the smaller things: the comfort of reaching an unassuming camp where I’ve sheltered before, of touching the skin of a cedar whose shape I remember, of tracking the recede and return of trickles not marked on maps. Of returning to places with which I have a bond built by labor,

not passive appreciation. By lingering, not passing through.

It’s only recently, as political chaos has forced me to face the end of my time as a professional trail worker, that I’ve started to understand the deeper reason I’ve stayed all these years. Every day I spend doing trail work, even the sloggy, tedious ones with wet socks or stubborn logs or silly spats with colleagues, reinforces my relationship with the land and landscape, and reminds me how that relationship has shaped my own life and understanding of the world.

I want everyone to have the chance to experience that intimacy, to feel our innate connection to the more-than-human. To touch grass—and sage, and huckleberry, and spruce bark and snowmelt. Trails themselves are, quite literally, conduits for such connection. When I’m clearing trails, I can tell myself I’m also, in a way, clearing some of the gunk out of a clogged-up system

that has tried for too long to separate us humans from the wild world we’ve always been a part of.

Last September, my crew spent six days clearing the Indian Creek Trail. For all my time on its first few miles, I’d never made it to Indian Creek’s upper reaches. As we pushed toward Indian Pass from our base camp nine miles in, stopping along the way wherever the work demanded it, I felt the heady rush of discovery—peaks and meadows and oldgrowth groves I’d never seen before—begin to mingle with the warmth of familiarity. A slow burn of belonging not unlike falling in love.

Claire Thompson worked on and led trail crews on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for eight years. She teaches English at Wenatchee Valley College and is pursuing an MFA in Nature Writing from Western Colorado University.

The PNW’s Ultimate Outdoor Mountain Bike Adventure Festival Returns SATURDAY JUNE 21ST, 2025 AT CAMP SEKANI!

All - Day Bike Demo’s

Test ride the latest bikes from top brands like Pivot, Devinci, Mondraker, and more. If you’ve been itching to upgrade, this is your chance to ride before you buy.

Huckwagon Shuttle We’ll keep you spinning lap after lap with shuttles running all day to the top of Beacon Hill. Generously sponsored by Huckwagon Ride more, hike less.

Poker Ride

Pedal your way through checkpoints, collect cards, and enter to win! Best 3 hands at the end of the ride wins a prize!

Giveaways.

Every. Single.

Hour.

from brand partners 100%,, Troy Lee Designs, Smith, Oakley, Grio, Stanley, Arcade, Chums, Black Diamond, Petzl and more!

Cap it all off with

Buy Tickets Early

and save 20% (excludes bronze pass) USE CODE KILLERDEAL20 at checkout.

Spokatopia.com

• Ice Cold Beer Garden • Kids Camp • Movies on the Big Screen • Food Trucks • Good Vibes • Tons of Exhibits • Dirt Jump Show • Community Environment SUMMER 2025 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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