A serious, full-time hiker friend of mine, Dick, who also goes by the trail name “Hike On,” shows up in town every year or so to visit family and friends between long strolls in the backcountry. He has thru-hiked all three of the major American long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail back east; the Continental Divide […]
Backcountry alpine lakes are the summer equivalent of a hidden powder stash: highly coveted, accessible for only a short part of the year, and all the more special for the human-powered effort required to find them. To outsiders, the Inland Northwest is not known for its alpine lakes; the Central and North Cascades to the
15 Backcountry Lake Hikes Worth the Walk Read More »
Cycle Celebration was founded in 2013 as part of ValleyFest thanks to Bill Gothmann. Learn how his love of cycling inspired this annual community event.
Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration Founder Bill Gothmann Read More »
Northern Idaho’s Lake Pend Oreille is so deep that it supports U.S. Navy submarine tests and persistent reports of mysterious lake creatures. Its 111 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline, much of it U.S. Forest Service lands, also offer uncharted territory – if you’re willing to walk, boat or paddle. Below, find three great places to
Going to the Lake: Lake Pend Oreille–Beachside Camping for Hikers and Boaters Read More »
Once you’ve tasted an organic carrot, grown with a combination of Inland Northwest soil, sun, and rain, you can never go back to eating store-bought organic carrots. Never. That’s what farmers’ market vegetables will do for you – forever transform your perspective about fresh food. My family’s affection for farmers’ markets started as newlyweds when
Make Visits to the Farmers’ Market Your Regular Food Ritual Read More »
With beaches and public access that wrap the city’s shoreline; a vibrant, laidback tourism scene; and an active water sports community, Coeur d’ Alene may be the perfect stand up paddleboarding town. Stand up paddleboarding (or SUP) has exploded in popularity at lakes and rivers around the region and is now the most popular outdoor
Going to the Lake: Lake Coeur d’Alene–The Summer of SUP Read More »
A weekend adventure is always great. Of course it’s even better when it involves six to 12 equally crazy friends who have similar poor judgment and a love of running and napping. In a van. And hopefully one of them is a massage therapist. This August 15-16, the Spokane to Sandpoint relay offers you exactly
Spokane to Sandpoint Relay: A 200 Mile Party Read More »
Waterfront Park at Medical Lake Fed by natural springs, Medical Lake west of Spokane is a tranquil gem that’s fairly shallow, with an average summer-time water temperature of 74 degrees. Waterfront Park, located on the lake’s south end, provides a small sandy beach and roped-off swimming area, with a nearby restroom (checked daily during summer)
Lake Swim Spots for Kids: Fun Family Favorites Read More »
Local bike shops do more than sell and repair bicycles. Many shops host one or more shop rides. Almost all are no drop, meaning you won’t be left behind. They’re a great way to learn cycling skills, make new friends, find new places to ride, and have fun. For the most part, road bikes are
Join Your Local Bike Shop For a Ride Read More »
Summer is a great time to hike or mountain bike to the summit of Quartz Mountain and see the historic fire lookout.
Hike to Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout in Mount Spokane State Park Read More »
