Photo by John Roskelley / Nameless Tower on the left and the ski route the team took off the top of Great Trango on the right.

Mountainfilm on Tour returns to Spokane on Sept. 11 with a selection of inspiring films from the flagship Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colo. This year’s film tour screening, brought to town by the Jess Roskelley Foundation, will take place at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center.

Canadian ski mountaineer and professional skier Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger, whose team of three alpinists claimed the first ski descent off the 20,623-foot summit of Pakistan’s Great Trango Tower in 2024, will make a special in-person appearance. The feat, documented in the film “Trango,” promises to be an inspiring highlight of the Mountainfilm tour stop in Spokane. The event includes a selection of other festival films featuring a range of adventure, activism and social justice themes.

Lustenberger will be joined on stage for a Q&A following the film with legendary Spokane mountaineer John Roskelley, who was part of the team of five climbers who pulled off the first ascent of the same Karakoram-region peak back in 1977. As a prelude to the film, Roskelley will also share stories, images and reflections from climbing the peak with Galen Rowell, Dennis Hennek, Kim Schmitz, and Jim Morrissey.

The film “Trango” follows the dramatic and at times emotional two-year attempt at making the first ski descent off the Great Trango Tower by Lustenberger and fellow ski mountaineer Jim Morrison. It’s an exceptional piece of visual ski-mountaineering storytelling with dramatic drone footage that gives viewers unique perspectives on the vast, extreme terrain and the mountaineering and skiing challenges posed by the otherworldly peaks. From avalanches and crevasse crossings in thin air to unpredictable snow conditions and weather, the filmmakers capture the big mountain hazards and raw risk that the climbers turned skiers endured.

The first attempt by Lustenberger and Morrison with Nick McNutt in 2023 was thwarted by poor conditions and altitude sickness. Lustenberger and Morrison returned in 2024 with Chantel Astorga to finally reach the top on May 9, where the team unfurled a Protect Our Winters banner before transitioning for the top-of-the-world ski descent of Great Trango Tower’s West Face, a route that’s been described as some of the most challenging ski terrain on the planet.   

The team’s journey to the top of Trango, which included weeks of living out of tents while waiting for the right weather window, was also a deeply emotional one, heightened by the near-constant physical challenges and risk and the extreme and harsh nature of the place. The film crew eloquently captured the expedition members’ personal reflections on grief, loss, and moving forward in pursuit of dreams, which followed the team into the mountains.

Most notably, in 2022, Morrison lost his ski mountaineering and life partner Hilaree Nelson (after experiencing the crushing loss of his wife and two children in a plane crash in 2011). Nelson was swept away by an avalanche and killed while the pair were skiing together from the summit of Manaslu, and the shadow of that recent tragedy can be felt throughout the film. Lustenberger, at times, also grapples with nagging unease stemming from the enormity of the undertaking and even shame at exposing so many people to so much risk. The 45-minute film is a showcase of the strength and skill necessary to pull off such expeditions, but also the essential role of trust and support among teammates to keep moving forward in the face of suffering, both physical and of the heart.  

That indispensable act of putting trust in your fellow climbers or skiers is one thing that hasn’t changed much in the mountaineering world in the nearly 50 years since Roskelley’s team first scaled Trango. “I can’t say that in 1977 any of us even dreamed of skiing off the top of Great Trango Tower,” Roskelley reflects. Extreme athletes who take on ski-mountaineering projects on remote, difficult, high-altitude peaks like Great Trango Tower prepare physically and mentally for years, he notes, yet the inherent risk is still immense even with advancements in equipment design and weather-forecasting technology. “If you cross a tip, choose the wrong line, hit a small rock sticking out of the ice, death is imminent. All of them understood the consequences of a mistake,” adds Roskelley.

Photo by Galen Rowell / The 1977 first-ascent route up the southeast face with Nameless Tower on the right.

In the final moments of the film, Lustenberger confronts the question that many of us who watch films like “Trango” wind up asking: What drives athletes to risk their lives on such big mountain challenges? “I thought about this a lot,” Lustenberger says. “And it’s the only place where you’re so alive but also the closest to death. To be found is to be in these places.” Those last words in the film, she says, sum up what drives her to continue to take on such truly wild challenges in the face of so much peril. “When you completely find your place—it can be a moment or anything—and yet not feel lost and to feel like you’re just in the right place, the right time in the universe. That is just like those pinch-me moments.”  

Watching the stunning production of the film “Trango” on a big screen will be a treat for any skier, snowboarder, or climber of mountains of any size. “The film has spectacular videography from the DJI drones, as well as GoPro footage from the skiers,” notes Roskelley. “You’ll be at the edge of your seat and wondering, like I did, what were they thinking standing on the very summit of Great Trango Tower just prior to turning their skis and beginning a journey that might not end well. Fortunately, Christina will be there to answer this question.”

The crossing paths of Roskelley and Lustenberger in person at the showing of this film to share stories from their incredible adventures is a unique alignment of the mountaineering world stars. Anyone in the Inland Northwest who has ever dared or dreamed of hiking, climbing, skiing or snowboarding big mountains won’t want to miss it. The Spokane Mountainfilm on Tour event starts at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction. This event is a fundraiser for the Jess Roskelley Foundation, which provides artificial climbing features in public parks around the Spokane region. The foundation works to promote public projects and outdoor activities that were a defining force in the life of Jess Roskelley, while preserving his legacy as a lifelong Spokane native and elite international alpinist. Tickets are available at Jessroskelleyfoundation.com.

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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. 

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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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Their guided zipline tours include seven exhilarating ziplines, two sky bridges, and a scenic treehouse perched 30 feet above the forest floor—all set against sweeping vistas of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a first-timer, the experience combines high-flying fun with the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t miss Timberline’s “S’mores & Soar” evening zipline tour—featuring golden-hour rides and fireside s’mores at the forest treehouse. It’s a one-of-a-kind summer adventure that captures the magic of dusk in the Idaho woods.

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Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers

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 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. 

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. 

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 adrenaline-packed 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.  

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 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 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. 

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.  

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.  

Bike the Route of the Hiawatha  
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.  

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. 

Explore the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge Auto-Tour 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.  

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. 

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. 

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 no-wake 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.   

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.  

Go for a Gravel Ride in the Channeled Scablands  

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.  

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 problem-solving 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. 

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 ninja-style 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 shoulder-to-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.  

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 beginner-friendly 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.  
 

The post 100+ Summer Adventures  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy Paul Delaney

When a group of rafters and kayakers from the Northwest Whitewater Association headed to run British Columbia’s Salmo River in 1993, Pat Harbine tagged along. Reaching the border crossing it was time to pull out the photo identification for Canadian Customs. The best Pat Harbine could do that day was to offer his Costco card. It worked. 

That was just one day in the immense, adventuresome life for Harbine, who at that time was 62 and hanging out with a bunch of 30 and 40-somethings taking advantage of any opportunity to get in more river miles. 

Harbine, an active local outdoors pioneer, passed away Dec. 21, 2024 at 93 and was memorialized Jan. 25. He was honored by his extended paddling and outdoors families, those he worked beside in a physical therapy career, neighbors and friends from Riverview Terrace retirement community, and of course his own family. 

“We’ll miss Pat, he was a great mentor for paddling and an all-round humble good man,” Paul Fish, founder of Mountain Gear, wrote in a Facebook post. Born in Ukiah, Calif., on Dec. 15, 1931, Harbine’s family moved to a ranch near Plains, Mont., where his love of the outdoors grew even more. He grew up working on the ranch, logging with his dad, and playing sports at Plains High School. 

Harbine’s yearn for adventure, perhaps, was part of his DNA. His father, Elwin, stowed away on a freighter in the late 1920s that took him to Tasmania. Returning home, Elwin participated in a Forrest Gump-style run from New York to Los Angeles in 1929 called the Bunyan Derby. 

Working as a smokejumper in 1951, Harbine went from there to service in the Korean War before graduating from the University of Montana as a physical therapist. Harbine married wife Isabelle in 1957 and moved to Spokane in the late 1960s, where they raised a family that included four sons. They were married 66 years before Isabelle passed away in 2023. 

It was also in about the early 60s that Harbine found plans in Popular Mechanics and built his first kayak. “He made one out of wood with canvas and water-tight paint,” son Alan says. “It had a big enough cockpit that fit himself and a couple of his boys. I remember going down the river with him with a homemade paddle.” 

That piqued his love for the water and led to Harbine being instrumental in the founding of the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club as well as the Northwest Whitewater Association. He would paddle into his 90s. 

One of Harbine’s most memorable adventures came in the early 2000s, when, over a couple of years, he paddled the approximately 750 miles of David Thompson’s early 1800s exploration of the Columbia River system. “He had a pretty epic life,” Alan Harbine says. “It was a good example to follow.” 

The post A Pretty Epic Life: In Memory of Pat Harbine  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Paul Delaney

Mother Nature seems to want to protect as best as possible a picturesque canyon south of Spokane that contains Latah Creek. The stream’s banks are largely private property criss-crossed by barbed wire. Access from above is also limited. That leaves the creek itself as the only way to see what’s at the bottom. That, too, comes at the wishes of the weather, most likely in the throes of winter or maybe on the shoulders of spring. 

Commonly now called by its original name, Latah Creek, this narrow water southwest of Spokane still officially carries its darker designation, Hangman Creek. Call it what you will, the stream cuts its 60-mile muddy course from Charles Butte in Benewah County, east of DeSmet, Idaho, and empties into the Spokane River west of downtown, often staining the river with a ribbon of brown. In-between, when the conditions are just right, Latah offers experienced rafters and kayakers a truly unique view of a place that only moving water can take them.

 

Generally that paddling window is from January through March when mid-level (4,000 feet) snowpack is plentiful and a quick melt, abundant rains — or both — drive flows. Latah Creek’s runnable peaks are volatile, often lasting just 24 to 48 hours. The Northwest Whitewater Association website provides a direct link to current flows. 

Suffice to say that in the traditional sense, there is not a hint of “whitewater” on Latah Creek. That’s thanks to the stream being surrounded in large part by agriculture. When the thaw comes to make it runnable, so does topsoil and farm chemicals that give Latah its unique aroma. It is always advisable from those who know to try not to let Latah Creek water enter eyes, nose, ears and mouth, because who knows what bugs that can incubate? The run is still well worth the tiny risk of illness as Latah Creek offers spectacular canyon views, sometimes with frozen water runoff clinging high on the basalt cliffs. 

As for wild (not white) water, there’s that, too. Just enough for a thrill and challenge navigating on the upper section containing Keevey (Class III-IV depending on water levels) and Cliffside (Class III) rapids. The remainder of the run has the benefit of a steady current to push one along. 

Keevey is just a couple of miles into the run and can be seen upstream from the Keevey Road bridge. Its challenging and tumultuous big waves require careful “read-and-run” skills. Latah’s brown water disguises holes and other obstacles quite well. 

Most boaters who run Latah Creek use either catarafts or kayaks. Rafts could easily suffer floor damage from a creek bed littered with sharp basalt rocks ranging up to boulder size. If the notion has not already been enforced, Latah Creek is, for various reasons, not for novices. 

Latah’s water conditions, remoteness and the requirement for the best boating equipment are top considerations. Because of very cold, turbid water, the need for proper clothing—drysuits or at least wetsuits—is imperative. A swim in the generally shallow creek can cause serious injury and is not advised for obvious reasons. 

Here are some logistics if one does decide to give it a go. There are two popular Latah Creek segments. The approximately 11-mile Class III-IV canyon section starts at North Kentuck Trails Road between Rockford and Spangle. It can end at Valley Chapel Road bridge or at an easier exit a couple of miles downstream at Elder and Valley Chapel roads. The launch is just yards west of the place where in 1854 Col. George Wright’s soldiers hung several Native Americans, including Chief Qualchan, which is why this creek is also historically known as Hangman Creek. The site is memorialized and provides parking for boaters. 

The second segment is about six miles in length, offers Class II+ water, begins near Hatch Road off U.S. Highway 195 and finishes either at the Marne Bridge on Riverside Ave. or Peoples’ Park in Spokane. 

According to veteran rafter Larry Johnson who wrote trip descriptions on Latah for the book, “A Guide to the Whitewater Rivers of Washington,” the first consideration is flow. Ideally that’s between 3,000 to 4,000 cubic-feet-per-second on the upper. The meandering lower section can be run from 500 to 1,500 CFS. 

Again, the opportunities to journey down Latah Creek are hit and miss. In any given year there may be several or none. Notable in its recent history, Latah hit an astounding 20,000-plus CFS on Jan. 1, 1997 and stayed at high levels for days. And certainly, out of character was June 14, 2022 where flows topped 5,000 CFS for just a few hours due to heavy spring rains. Seeing boats navigate the creek that day would likely have made for a few double-takes and subsequent bad shots at the adjacent Qualchan Golf Course. 

Paul Delaney has been rafting regional rivers since 1980. 

The post Latah Creek: Spokane’s Local Spring Whitewater Run  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Eric Deady

Winter has landed upon us, and it is time once again to dust off the fat bike. For those of us who enjoy the idea of traveling through the landscape during winter on a bike, or for those who may be considering fat biking for the first time, there are a few things to consider before heading out.  

Where fat-biking in winter differs from other kinds of cycling is in the consequence of failing to get it right. Forgetting critical pieces of the puzzle can leave you in a dangerous situation very quickly, or can just ruin a good time. Getting all the right pieces put together to keep yourself safe and frostbite-free, is, for me, part of the allure of fat biking. I have to be a lot more vigilant in my preparation to avoid serious outcomes. So, here are a few things to consider.  

Be Self-Reliant 

Fat biking is best in remote areas, and we ride during a time of year when there are fewer trail users overall. Self-reliance means safety. Be sure to have a bail-out plan if things go wrong, a good GPS that will work in cold temps, and the correct maps loaded onto it. Be sure to have whatever tools you need on-hand to fix a mechanical problem and the knowledge to use them. Sitting in the snow is never a good time to try and learn how to use that new chain-breaker you got from Santa. Being self-reliant means that you can get yourself to safety and have the gear necessary to keep safe if you get lost or injured.  

Bring the Right Gear 

Fat biking in winter requires more gear, and there’s really no way around it. Outfit your bike with a frame bag, seat bag, or some other way to carry your gear that keeps it off your body and on the bike. This will make swapping layers easier and less time consuming. I prefer a rear rack and dry bags to carry bulky items, and a frame bag for the denser things. Have a small stash spot available to keep your immediate-need items like layers, snacks, and water so you don’t need to dig through your entire kit during a blizzard just to find that Scooby-snack. Outfit your handlebars with a set of Pogies to keep the wind off your fingers and your hands warm and less bulky. Bringing a simple folding stove and a fuel canister, even on short rides, will ensure that you can keep yourself warm and hydrated in an emergency and is also just a great way to have a mid-ride break with a warm cup of your favorite drink or soup. My go-to is a packet of Lipton chicken noodle.  

Stay Warm . . . And Cool 

This third thing may be the most important for your general comfort and overall safety. Layer, layer, layer! “Wetting out” your clothing can spell disaster, and can often lead to hypothermia. The best way to avoid this is through a well-planned layering strategy and by regulating your effort to avoid sweating. Start with thin, next-to-skin layers that wick moisture. Merino wool is a good choice here. Above your base layer, the idea is to allow any moisture wicked away to escape before it can penetrate your clothing and potentially freeze. That’s why you will likely be adding or shedding layers as your body heats up or cools down. Keep spares of safety-critical items like gloves, and know where they are when you need them. Always choose clothing that is easy to get on and off and fits well.  

Keeping those three things in mind before heading out will help you stay organized and hopefully keep you safe should conditions deteriorate or a mechanical problem occurs. 

Eric Deady has been bikepacking and touring around the world for more than 30 years and now shares that love of the outdoors with his children.  

The post Fat Biking Prep and Winter Safety  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Event organizer Penny Burciaga says it will be different than the typical sportsmen-type shows where the main draw is usually commercial vendors selling stuff.  “I really wanted it to be a hunting education event where people can come and learn about hunting ranging from elk all the way to waterfowl. We have over 20 seminars plus demonstrations to give people practical information on how to hunt for different species,” she says.  

Seminars and demonstrations cover a range of topics, from tracking and field dressing to game calling, gear and more. The event will also include competitions, including an elk calling competition, educational exhibitors (all related to hunting), and contests, including a grand prize drawing for a family chukar hunt and fishing expedition for six that’s valued at $2,100 (must be present to win). The $30 fee for adults (kids and youth 17 and under are free) includes a ton of super-valuable hunting education and a chance to learn from experts all in one place (save $5 on a two-day pass with the discount code “outdoormag”). The event was designed to give hunters and prospective hunters the resources they need to get into hunting, says Burciaga. An Idaho native and recent hunting convert, she has spent the past several years trying to learn as much as she could and hopes the event will serve as a gateway for others and an easier path to get started.

Nationwide, hunter numbers have declined in recent years, yet there’s been growing interest in hunting from women and families, including many from urban or suburban areas looking to procure some of their own food in the form of healthy, wild meat. Confirming those trends, Burciaga notes that a ton of women have signed up, and says there is a women-only seminar. Burciaga’s ultimate goal for the event and the non-profit organization behind it is to make hunting education affordable and available to all, including everyone from beginners to more experienced hunters looking for information and advice on advanced strategy. Find more info and tickets at Northwesthuntfest.com. 

The post Event Offers Resources for New Hunters May 10-11 in CDA appeared first on Out There Venture.