Many field guides or flora and fauna books fail because they are twice as thick as this one and try to cover too much area. Sometimes writers aim to cover all the species in North America or provide a complete guide to every species on the Pacific West Coast. This book succeeds with hundreds of photographs and line drawings, plus the book offers strong visual support for step-by-step identification. This helps a lot when you’re examining bark, leaves or cones. The book features several hand-drawn illustrations and more than 1,400 photos in 400 pages. 

Even within the Pacific Northwest, tree appearances can vary due to factors such as microclimates and cultivars versus wild trees. As with any field guide, expect to adapt and verify in the field.  

This guide builds beginners’ confidence by providing the tools and steps to start identifying regional trees. Any nature enthusiast, gardener or landscaper will appreciate the book, which would make a great gift for anyone living near Spokane’s Manito Park or Finch Arboretum.

The post The Trees Around You: How to Identify Common Neighborhood Trees in the Pacific Northwest By Casey Clapp  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers

For The River Beer stands out not because it’s trying to reinvent the wheel with uplifting flavor, but because it nails its promise: a refreshing, accessible lager made with community, place, and purpose in mind.  

Ten percent of proceeds go to Spokane Riverkeeper’s mission toward protecting the Spokane River. This Wildland Cooperative brewery release, an American light lager, is equally crisp and refreshing by the river or sitting on the tailgate with your friends after a long hike or mountain bike ride. Style wise, it features 4.9% ABV and an IBU around 18; we recommend that you serve it ice cold. 

The main highlight of the beer is the taste, but a close second might be the can’s label featuring the native redband trout, a species iconic to the Spokane River watershed and a symbol of ecological resilience. This partnership also brings together purpose-driven agriculture with Salmon-Safe-certified hops and grain, community advocacy and local Green Bluff craft, resulting in a product that’s flowing with impact. 

The Spokane Riverkeeper is a vigilant advocate for the Spokane River and its watershed. They envision a Spokane River where wild native fish thrive, pollution is eliminated and the whole watershed community is engaged in the river’s protection. For The River Beer is just one small step in that direction. 

Wildland Cooperative is giving back in other ways too by designating areas of their land as wildlife corridors and spaces to remain wild, preserving natural habitat and supporting biodiversity. Their Green Bluff Taphouse is the ideal place to have a pint or pick up a four-pack, but the beer will also be sold at many other local craft-beer outlets.

The post For The River(keeper) Beer  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers

First published in 1987, “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” became an instant success. The popular guide is one of four guidebooks published by Rich Landers, an award-winning outdoors writer and avid outdoorsman best known for his long career at The Spokesman-Review. For more than 40 years, Landers inspired readers with stories from his adventures that celebrated the natural beauty, wildlife and outdoor traditions of the Pacific Northwest. His writings blend deep ecological knowledge with a lifelong passion for hiking, hunting, paddling and other outdoor pursuits. 

“Ira Spring and Harvey Manning launched the 100 Hikes series with an environmental edge,” says Landers. “That paved the way for me to enhance ‘100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest’ with the environmental watchdog themes I’d already introduced to the region’s Outdoors coverage in The Spokesman-Review. If I was going to invest years into this project, it was going to be much more than a trails guidebook.” 

Roughly 15 years later, Landers published the second edition, which included some new hikes, some spur trails, some backpacking loops and additional information. When asked about working on the second edition with his publisher, he recalls, “Mountaineers Books has been a leader introducing the public to outdoor recreation and the responsibility that goes with it to protect our natural resources. The editors I’ve worked with have been excellent.” 

A few years after the second edition gained notoriety, Landers joined Facebook. At the time, he still worked at the Spokesman, and he had written a few other books, so naturally he started writing posts about anyone who had completed all 100 hikes. Years later, he’s still posting about century hikers. Many of the hikes are difficult, many have been affected by wildfire and many have near-impossible roads to reach the trailhead. But it’s worth mentioning that two people completed all 100 hikes in 2025. 

Just as any parent refuses to admit to having a favorite child, Landers refuses to admit to having a favorite hike. But he will admit to liking certain hikes for certain reasons and seasons. However, when asked which hike he believes is the most difficult when you factor in elevation, remoteness, high-clearance vehicle requirements, and shortest season, he had a great answer. “Right now, that would be British Columbia’s Earl Grey Pass Traverse in the Purcell Wilderness, which is basically closed because of enormous damage by wildfire and wind. Too bad. It’s a fantastic route. Jump on it if it’s ever reopened.” 

But keep in mind that Landers is a well-documented prankster. He’s the kind of hiker who might tell you that you’re almost there, even if you have seven miles to go. Technically, the route is closed at this time, and it could just as easily be his favorite hike or somewhere far down the list, so do your own conditions research before attempting it.  

Finally, if you’re a fan of “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest,” do yourself a favor and check out his other books at your favorite local bookstore.  

The post About “100 Hikes” Author Rich Landers  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Trailbreaker Cider’s new downtown outpost brings a fresh and friendly cider bar to River Park Square. Expect a fun, casual atmosphere with outstanding crafted ciders and tasty bites.  

It’s ideal for an afternoon cider flight or a casual evening hangout before or after a movie at the AMC. Located on the third floor between the theatre and the food court, the open layout offers a view into the heart of the mall. There’s seating for about 40 guests, making it a cozy yet lively gathering spot. This new cider house features 12 cider handles and four rotating beer handles from Spokane’s Brickwest Brewery, Uprise Brewery, and Lumberbeard Brewery, just to name a few. 

Like a backpacker’s compass, Trailbreaker follows cider flavors in every direction. Beginning with 100% Washington-grown apples, it’s not uncommon to find ciders featuring hints of plum, or mint, or cucumber, or pear, or watermelon. This ensures they always have something for everyone. Among the favorites, Blueberry Sage (5.2% ABV) is a tart but refreshing herbal cider that’s also available in a can. In fact, lots of their crowd-pleasing flavors are available in cans so you don’t have to haul around any glass on your next adventure. 

In the backcountry, a trailbreaker sets the course for everyone else to follow. A trailbreaker is a pioneer through thick brush or deep snow, and they are often unappreciated for their hard work. This is NOT true with Trailbreaker Cider. Their efforts are appreciated with every pint they pour, and the owners are making huge strides promoting delicious hard ciders in Liberty Lake and now downtown Spokane. (Jon Jonckers) 

The post Trailbreaker Cider Moves Downtown  appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Jon Jonckers

Across Spokane County, so many regional parks and trailheads underwent dramatic upgrades and improvements that it’s impossible to pick a favorite in 2025. Beginning last May, Liberty Lake Regional Park received an expanded and paved parking lot with 88 regular and three accessible parking spaces, new lighting, and improved stormwater management, all connected via a new sidewalk to the beach area. Zephyr Road, leading into the park, was widened, repaved and improved to accommodate RVs and buses.  

Located in north Spokane County, Bear Lake Regional Park received an entire facelift. Shorelines were improved for launching kayaks and paddleboards, and the county added three 10footwide fishing docks with lowered-rail design to improve safety and usability. The main restroom facilities were also fully upgraded, and a new lakeside picnic shelter was built on the site of the former caretaker’s house. 

The addition of a trailhead at the popular Knothead Loop hike is a major boost for Riverside State Park. Not too far from the Little Spokane River, the new trailhead features a gravel lot with roughly 38 regular and two accessible parking spots, a vault toilet, a kiosk and overnight gates about 300 yards north of Indian Painted Rocks on Rutter Parkway. This radically improves the parking problems at the Painted Rocks trailhead. 

The Liberty Lake community also gained an improved launchpad for running, walking or cycling at the Harvard Road Trailhead for the Centennial Trail. The fresh design for this trailhead includes ADA access, improved parking, two EV charging stations, a vault toilet, as well as a new water station for people and pets.  

Last but certainly not least, construction began at Pines Road and Trent Avenue for a new roundabout. This is part of a larger project involving BNSF Railway and the adjacent intersection. This project will take up to two years, but the endgame includes a new Centennial Trail trailhead and adds sidewalks and shared-use paths for the safety of pedestrians, schoolchildren and cyclists. (Jon Jonckers)   

The post Spokane County Parks See Major 2025 Upgrades with New Trailheads and Accessibility Improvements appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers

In the heart of downtown Spokane below the Monroe Street Bridge, tucked against the roaring Spokane Falls, is a stunning urban escape that offers both scenic beauty and historical significance. Originally established in the early 1970s as part of the Monroe Street Dam redevelopment in preparation for Expo ’74, Huntington Park has morphed into a remarkable public space. 

Although in some ways it may be overshadowed by the size and spectacle of Riverfront Park, Huntington features several unique aspects that are highly uncommon for its size and location. From City Hall Plaza, winding paths of stone and gravel offer progressively immersive views down to the cascade of the lower falls. Interpretive signs detail local culture, ecology and energy history. Engaging art installations, including towering tribal figures and sculpted salmon scenes, educate and honor the spiritual and cultural importance of the falls. In the spring, the mist and the noise from the falls are breathtaking. In the fall, the color from the fiery foliage is a photographer’s dreamscape. 

Huntington Park is named after David L. Huntington, the third president of Washington Water Power (now Avista). David L. Huntington started working for Washington Water Power in 1884. Beginning as its treasurer, he quickly climbed the ranks and assumed the role of president in 1910. Under Huntington’s leadership, Washington Water Power gained over 50,000 accounts and was providing services to 10 counties in Eastern Washington and six counties in North Idaho.  

The dramatic river and falls views may be the park’s primary draw, but the Monroe Street Bridge, towering above downstream, is an engineering spectacle worth pondering. Strangely enough, it’s the third bridge constructed at that location. When the current bridge was completed in 1911, it was known for being the largest concrete arch bridge by length in the United States. The design of the Monroe Street Bridge was largely copied from the Rocky River Bridge in Cleveland, Ohio, but was built one foot longer to make it the longest concrete arch in the country at the time. 

Visitors looking up may also see the SkyRide gondola that begins and ends at Riverfront Park on the ride’s tour of the falls. The lilac-colored cars travel the entire length of Huntington Park, twice, offering an alternative aerial tour of the river canyon. Also, while it technically isn’t part of Huntington Park, plan a walk through A Place of Truths Plaza near the Monroe Street Bridge and Downtown Library on the south rim of the gorge. The plaza’s name is presented in both Salish and English on interpretive signs and the plaza offers spectacular views of Spokane Falls and Huntington Park. Large metal statues of native wildlife and fishing scenes commemorate the river’s importance as a historic tribal salmon fishing ground, and a poem by Sherman Alexie titled “That Place Where Ghosts of Salmon Jump” is etched into a granite spiral at the west end of the plaza. 

Huntington Park and A Place of Truths Plaza are more than a city promenade; these public spaces serve as an interactive reminder of the significance of the Spokane River that stretches back thousands of years and invite reflection on our connection to the river, the tragic history of the Spokane region’s Indigenous inhabitants, and the loss of the river’s once-abundant salmon runs. Open year-round and free to visit, Huntington Park offers a powerful urban nature experience where art, history and nature converge in a walkable tribute to the city’s defining feature: the Spokane River.  

A quick search on the Out There Venture website brings up over 200 articles written by Jon Jonckers. He’s been a constant contributor since 2006, and he still enjoys sharing his love for the region with anyone willing to listen. 

The post A Park for All Seasons: Exploring Downtown Spokane’s Huntington Park  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers

Without a doubt, Jackie Van Allen proves that decades of running is one of the greatest investments that one can make in oneself. Whether it’s miles on the road or personal milestones, she keeps going with heart and grit, and her journey is an inspiration to everyone watching from near or far. 

Jackie stands taller than most runners, frequently wears sunglasses and a running hat with a floppy brim, and she beams a wonderful smile whenever any conversation turns toward running. Since she doesn’t harbor any vanity or ego, people listen whenever she speaks. She features a recognizable gait wherever she runs. It’s usually easy to pick her out of a race crowd, because she really loves pink running shoes. Some even argue she has the largest collection of race t-shirts in Spokane. She’s been running with the Spokane Swifts, a women’s running team, for a couple of decades, and she recently completed her 75^th marathon and 80^th half marathon. 

“I didn’t start running until I was 21,” recalls Jackie. “Back in the 1980s there was the Jane Fonda workout VHS tapes. It included limited cardio, but I read in a magazine that Jane trained and ran a 10km fun run. I thought if she could run it, I should be able to run it too. I was living in Dickinson, North Dakota, a rural area with few runners. It was common for people to stop their car and ask if I needed a ride. They must have thought running was my only mode of transportation.” 

After just a few months’ training, Jackie ran her first Bloomsday in 1985. Shortly after, she picked up “Galloway’s Book on Running” by Jeff Galloway, an All-American collegiate runner and a 1972 U.S. Olympic Team member in the 10,000 meters. The book proved to be a pivotal moment, because “he made training for a marathon sound easy! So, I ran my first marathon in 1988.” Like most runners, Jackie enjoyed some fabulous accomplishments in her career, along with some significant heartaches, but she remained deeply committed to running as regularly as possible. She also likes to point out that running with friends creates some of the most powerful relationships. She adores the talking and sharing that unfolds organically after several miles running together, and she still recommends Galloway’s book. 

Bloomsday holds a special place in her heart, but Jackie definitely appreciates a lot of the newer races that have been popping up in recent years. She loves trail runs, especially the super popular Hiawatha Trail Run, hosted by Negative Split, as well as the Sunflower Marathon in Mazama, Wash., and The Rut in Big Sky, Mont. She figures, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward. 

Whenever people learn just how much running is a part of Jackie’s life, they inevitably inquire about her tips and tricks for staying healthy and injury free. She doesn’t have a secret formula, but she returns to the same core elements over and over again. In no particular order, she emphasizes consistency in running routines, she encourages people to rotate shoes frequently to let shoes ‘recover,’ and she definitely believes in the power of massage and foam rolling. For the record, she burns through about six pairs of running shoes per year. Jackie also begins each morning with a fruit milkshake. 

Perhaps the greatest testament to Jackie’s involvement in the local running community stems from other runners in the region. Her friends and peers on the Spokane Swifts team absolutely adore her, and many of them were eager to say things like “she’s an inspiration,” “she’s the perfect mentor,” and “the world needs more people like Jackie.” Swift teammate Annelie Stockton says, “She is always so kind and has a very positive attitude. You can’t help but feel happy around her.” Swift teammate Heather LeFriec says, “I call her Queen Jackie! Her longevity as a marathon and ultramarathon runner is like no female we’ve ever known. She is someone I’ve known and looked up to for over 25 years. She’s always brought strength and consistency in everything she does, running and personally.” 

Jackie does most of her running in the cool and peaceful mornings because “you encounter fewer scheduling issues.” Since she started tracking her mileage in 1988, she recently surpassed 64,000 miles, and she is on pace to surpass 65,000 miles by the end of the year. Even though she doesn’t run every single day, she still averages around 45 miles per week. When asked what’s the one thing you wish more people knew about running, Jackie responded, “Give running a chance. The first three months are tough, and you may wonder, how could this ever be fun? But it will be fun, just be patient!” 

A quick search on the Out There Venture website brings up over 200 articles written by Jon Jonckers. He’s been a constant contributor since 2006, and he still enjoys sharing his love for the region with anyone willing to listen. 

The post The Queen of Spokane Running: Jackie Van Allen  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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.

The post “Higher Ground” by Luis Benitez  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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 bar-quality 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, sun-kissed 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.  

The post NEW On The Fly Cocktails by Dry Fly  appeared first on Out There Venture.