Cover photo courtesy of Jean Arthur

Sunrise promises a sparkling midsummer morning at 6,644 feet elevation at the summit of Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass. A dozen vehicles snug into parking spots on an August morning as hikers lace boots for early starts on Glacier National Park’s famous Highline Trail. My family plans to hike another popular trail from the parking lot at Logan Pass, the Hidden Lake Trail to Hidden Lake Overlook, a 2.7-mile climb among wildflowers, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, ermine and the occasional grizzly bear. 

We know from experience that the parking lot—all 236 spots—fills by 8 a.m. on July and August mornings. Until about 7 p.m., drivers will troll the parking lot to find a spot, testing patience and pleasantries. Occasionally arguments break out and rangers must intervene.  

The bustle begs the question: Are we loving our national parks to death? Between resource depletion, crushing roadway overuse, damaging pollution, and resource defilement due to garbage, trampling and theft, park lovers are demanding changes. 

Rangers and park staff can barely keep pace. Since the beginning of 2025, permanent park staff positions decreased by 24% for all parks according to the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association. In Grand Teton National Park, the Trump administration’s budget cuts eliminated 16 of the park’s 17 supervisory positions. 

Glacier, which is America’s 10^th national park and spans 1.2 million acres in northwest Montana, has experienced explosive visitor numbers in the past decade, as have other public lands, challenging the resources, park staff and visitor restraint. 

I have frequented Glacier National Park for five decades. My group and I hit the park early to try to beat the new summer crowds. Tailgate coffee, locally grown fruit and prebaked muffins entice our sleepy crew out of warm vehicles to our truck where my husband cranks up the camp stove and makes a couple of bistro’s worth of coffee. To my family, this morning is reminiscent of two decades ago when there was available parking, room to hike without crowding and lots of wildlife.  

We lock up leftovers and head up the paved trail that climbs to a boardwalk, then dirt, and then a snow-covered route with just a few other humans. Brilliant pink heather hugs the ground. The higher we climb, the more glacier lilies—yellow sprites of the high country—shiver in the breeze. A sizable herd of bighorn sheep skitter across rocks then settle for naps with their lambs.  

With so few boots on turf this morning, it’s hard to imagine the significant increase in visitation that Glacier has endured. In 2024, more than 3.2 million people entered Glacier, its third-highest visitation year ever and an increase of 300,000 visitors from 2023.  

Glacier’s 40 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2024 is not an anomaly. According to Zion National Park Superintendent, Jeff Bradybaugh, in a letter to Congress, “There are 423 park units in the National Park System encompassing over 85 million acres across our nation, but visitation trends among the individual parks greatly vary. In 2020, overall visitation dropped to a 40-year low due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” And then spiked. 

In his statement titled, “Lessons from the Field: Overcrowding in National Parks,” Bradybaugh notes that a third of the national parks saw record visitation during the pandemic as people sought outdoor spaces. In 2021, visitation across all NPS units reached 297 million recreation visits, a year when Utah’s Zion National Park alone saw 5 million visitors for the first time in its history and double the number from 2010. Some mitigation efforts are working. Several parks now use timed entry and ticket systems, including Glacier, which piloted vehicle reservation systems for summer months. Because my crew and I visit Glacier often, we know to use Recreation.gov to purchase a park pass and a Going-to-the-Sun Road ticket.  

On our glorious August morning, the road remained quiet at predawn; we only encountered a pair of motorcyclists who cruised the Sun Road to Logan Pass. But by the time we hiked up to the Hidden Lake Overlook, snapped a few photos and walked back, the parking lot was full and the trail overworked.  

“Pack your patience and plan ahead,” reads Glacier National Park’s webpage, “Tips for Dealing with Crowds.” We’ve also packed out other people’s candy wrappers, broken sunglasses and bad attitudes—a visitor aggressively urged us to rush so they could have our parking spot. We left feeling squeezed and a bit Grinchy about sharing our favorite park.  

For national park gateway communities, the tourism boils down to dollars. According to economists at the University of Montana in Missoula, annual nonresident spending in the state totaled $5.82 billion, a two-year average for annual spending. The Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research found that the region surrounding Glacier saw $2 billion in revenue, while the region surrounding Yellowstone averaged $1.3 billion. Yellowstone’s borders also include Idaho and Wyoming. The two Montana regions collectively saw 57% of nonresident travel spending.  

Oregon park visitor Barbara Nelson and her husband encountered long waits when they entered the park’s west gate at West Glacier this summer, even though they had booked tickets for the road and activities in advance. This was not their first park visit, and they’ve witnessed growing wait times at entrance stations, parking lots, trail heads and concession restaurants. 

“We got stopped in the hot sun and felt crowded,” Nelson recalls. “That morning, we started about 9 or 10 a.m. from West Glacier. A busy, August day. Getting behind those red buses is annoying. We got stopped at [the] top of [the] pass and there was still snow. So we had a snowball fight as we were waiting in traffic.” 

The Red Busses offer interpretive tours on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Free shuttles between Apgar near the west entrance and St. Mary at the east entrance alleviate some vehicle traffic, but hour-long standstills still occur, and not always where snowball fights can ensue. There are just many people who want the Glacier experience—including my crew. The park is on pace for another record-breaking summer as of early August 2025, with early counts showing a sizeable increase of more than 12 percent over 2024.  

Overtourism is defined as the phenomenon whereby certain places of interest are visited by excessive numbers of tourists, causing undesirable effects for the places visited. The global nonprofit Responsible Tourism offers a platform for change, helping travelers and communities take responsibility for making tourism more sustainable.  

Locals grasp at reasons for overtourism: short-term rentals alluring and available which push out long-term renters, post-pandemic need for healthy outdoor travel, alluring Instagram images sans mega throbs of tourists, and the Yellowstone Effect, in which people watch Kevin Costner’s television drama “Yellowstone” and visit Montana, Wyoming and Idaho believing a fictional tale of the American West—and wanting a piece of it.  

The “Yellowstone Effect” brought 2.1 million visitors to Montana in 2021, according to the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Fans spent $730 million, yet caused some locals to channel Beth Dutton and mean-mug away visitors—it didn’t work. 

The Tourons of Yellowstone Instagram page, dedicated to documenting bad behavior and egregious offenses, stir up locals’ ire too. The Tourons videos often involve humans (and sometimes their pets) getting too close to wildlife in parks or illegally traipsing near Yellowstone’s extremely hot and fragile hot spring features—and sometimes not surviving. 

Thoughtless visitors trample delicate flora, leave trash and feces, and cause congestion and environmental degradation also felt in housing and infrastructure. Instagrammers sometimes position themselves in precariously dangerous spots for the glory, monetizing the public places. My family witnessed a woman who waded through a swift stream below a waterfall for her ego-driven photo taken by an accomplice. Other visitors, who had to wait 20 minutes for an Instagrammer-free view, did not wish her well.  

The organization Responsible Tourism writes on their website that tourism has breached a tipping point: Hosts and guests are often dissatisfied. “The challenge is to make all destinations sustainable and to avoid spreading the problem. For local government and protected area managers, the key question is: Will the destination use tourism or be used by it?” 

Gateway communities are trying to help visitors find their inner angels. In Jackson, Wyoming, the tourism board adopted a “selfie control” campaign after many tourists got too close to wildlife. Jackson’s “Take care of what takes your breath away” includes signage, advertising and smiling reminders from locals. Bozeman, Montana’s “Becoming Outside Kind” campaign encourages trail etiquette by educating new and longtime residents about how to behave outside. Whitefish, Montana created the “Be a Friend of The Fish” campaign to promote visitor stewardship.  

As Responsible Tourism notes, a global backlash to overtourism and bad behavior has resulted in violence. Protestors in Barcelona, Spain attacked tourists with water guns and called for visitor-accommodation restrictions. Protests against mass tourism and gentrification in Mexico City turned violent, damaging storefronts. Venice banned cruise ships from the city center and instituted a tourist tax. Some cities and attractions now limit the number of visitors, such as Bruges, Belgium, which capped the number of cruise ship arrivals and instead encouraged daytrippers. Solutions remain elusive. 

Summer 2025 saw particularly challenging crowding in Glacier, in part because the much-loved Many Glacier Valley, with its lodge, lakes, campgrounds and trails, underwent extensive utilities reconstruction. Limited parking forced limited access.  

The reward for patience, however, includes spectacular views, cool evenings with remarkable sunsets, and incomparable trails. My crew will wait to camp and hike during the slower season, late September, to avoid the crowds and try to be good stewards of our favorite park. 

Jean Arthur hikes and bikes and boats on public lands and waterways with family, friends and dogs. This fall, she’s picking huckleberries after the early frost sweetens up the hucks and the hues of the backcountry.  

The post Loving a Place to Death: How Overcrowding is Transforming Glacier National Park appeared first on Out There Venture.

Free Outdoor-Themed Entertainment 

• There are several fee-free days coming up for Washington State Parks (as well as lands managed by Washington Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Natural Resources): Sept. 27 marks National Public Lands Day, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, and Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Visit Washington parks without a Discover Pass for each of these. 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust continues to host monthly guided “Hike for Health” events, with hikes planned on Sept. 13 at Cashmere Canyons Preserve and the final hike of the year on Oct. 11 at Saddle Rock Natural Area. Additionally, the group will partner with the Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club (supplying telescopes at the event!) for a guided night hike on Sept. 23. 

• Join Inland Northwest Land Conservancy for a free guided hike at Glen Tana in the Little Spokane River Valley on Sept. 13. This recent conservation acquisition is not yet open to the public, so joining one of INLC’s guided hikes is the only way to get a sneak peek.  

Fundraisers, Contests, and Events 

• Dishman Hills Conservancy will host its annual Wild at Heart fundraiser dinner on Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are available through the DHC website. 

• Join Wenatchee River Institute for its fourth Annual Sunset & S’mores fundraiser on Oct. 1, from 5-7:30 p.m. in Leavenworth. While the event is fee-based, the organization offers “pay what you can” pricing for those wishing to attend. Tickets include dinner, drinks, and organized activities for a family-friendly event. Advance registration required. 

• MedWAR Challenge is coming to Mount Spokane State Park on Oct. 4. Teams of four will tackle an approximately 10-mile course while solving medical scenarios, in an event that is most similar to a Spartan race meeting a wilderness first aid course. A successful team will have a member with a bit of a medical background along with a member who knows a little map and compass (no GPS allowed). Registration of $250 per team includes event t-shirts, post-race dinner, and on-site camping. 

• Washington State photographers, take note. The annual Washington Trails Association photo contest is currently open, with a deadline of Oct. 6. Photographers can submit multiple photographs in each available category for a chance to win fun prizes. There are several main categories, along with a bonus category depicting random acts of kindness captured on trail. See Wta.org for full contest rules and to submit your entries. 

• Have a photo of a National Recreation Trail? American Trails hosts an annual photo contest for photos taken on a designated National Recreation Trail. That deadline is Dec. 15, which gives photographers plenty of time to capture fantastic fall color shots from our region’s trails. 
  
  

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

• The Idaho chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers will be partnering with OnX for a Public Lands Packout along the lakeshore of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area on Sept. 13. Hike from the Clark Fork Drift Yard Boat Launch, or bring your own boat to explore and lend a hand to clean up the shoreline. The event will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m., followed by a barbecue. 

• Chelan Douglas Land Trust will mark “Make a Difference Day” with a day of maintenance work at Saddle Rock on Oct. 25. 

• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is hosting Larch Fest on the Kettle Crest, Oct. 2-5. There are multiple days of riding and socializing, with a trail maintenance project planned for Oct. 4. 

• Friends of Palisades will host its annual fall cleanup event on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Palisades Park west of downtown Spokane. Plan to arrive a little early to enjoy coffee, hot cider, and cookies ahead of the event. 

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 with a maintenance project on East Fork Trail #563 followed by a fun cook-out event at the trailhead. The last project of the season will occur on Oct. 1 on the Star Gulch Trail. Advance registration required. 

• Great Burn Conservation Alliance is offering a noble reason to make the trek to Weir Creek Hot Spring on Sept. 20, as they are hosting a beginner-friendly site cleanup activity to mark World Cleanup Day. The group will meet at the Lochsa Lodge to enjoy breakfast, followed by spending a couple hours devoted to the site cleanup, and then participants may choose to stick around for an optional soak in the spring. 

• Idaho Trails Association will celebrate National Public Lands Day on a project with fantastic views. Join them on Sept. 27 for maintenance work on the Chimney Rock Trail. 

• Join members of the Northeast Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society for a series of fall cleanup events. The group will start on Sept. 5 at Underhill Park in Spokane. On Sept. 13 the focus turns to Polly Judd Park, and on Sept. 19 a project is planned for the Fearn Conservation Area at Riverfront Park. The work will include a general cleanup of each park, along with a main focus of removing invasive plant species in order to replant with native plants. Advance registration is requested. 

• Spokane Nordic will be hosting a series of trail maintenance days, aimed at preparing the Mount Spokane State Park Nordic Trails for early grooming as soon as snow returns to the mountain. Lend a hand Sept. 6, 7, and 27, as well as Oct. 11 and 12. 

• Washington Trails Association will be gradually moving from the mountains toward the valley as the fall progresses, with fall projects planned at Fishtrap for National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 along with multiple project days at Mount Spokane and Mica Peak throughout September. By October, the work will move to lower areas to provide some fall maintenance for the trails before winter. 

The post Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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 of USFS

If someone puts up a sign next to a hiking trail, I’ll stop and read it. If I’ve read it before, even multiple times, I’ll still stop and read it since I’m not at the top of the rankings for reading retention. 

A hiking trail with interpretive signage is a pleasant curiosity that adds enjoyment to a hike. I’m an avid hiker and often do demanding, day-long hikes that go deep into remote areas where I don’t see another person all day. But I also like interpretive trails that are close to towns, short, and can be busy with hikers. 

That’s the case with the following hiking areas. When the rare pleasant spring day comes along, combining a scenic drive in the country with a short, informative hike and a stop for food and drink can be as fun as a grueling sun-up to sundown 20-miler, though I think most people would say the scenic drive and short hike sounds a lot more fun. 

The following hikes’ interpretive signage provides information about the unique natural and human history of the site. 

Pioneer Park Kalispel Heritage Trail—This recently reconstructed trail, a couple miles outside Newport, Wash., has a dozen new interpretive signs that explain the archeological finds of a former Kalispel tribal encampment on the banks of the Pend Oreille River. I found the information about how traditional Native Americans lived and used the site very interesting. Despite much reading on this topic, some facts were new to me. 

Less than a half-mile long, consisting of paths and a boardwalk, the trail is within a Forest Service campground, Pioneer Park, and accessed when the campground is open, from the Friday before Memorial Day to the last Monday in September. Unless you’re camping, there’s a day use fee of $10. During the off season, an employee at the Newport Ranger Station told me locals often park at the gated entrance to walk about the campground. You may be able to do so as well as long as you don’t block the way in case access is needed. 

Pulaski Tunnel Trail—Just outside Wallace, Idaho, this well-maintained trail has a dozen fairly new signs. The first 725 feet of the trail is ADA compliant, and you’ll find several interpretive signs; however, to reach the tunnel where Pulaski and his men sheltered from fire it’s an out-and-back hike totaling 4 miles with a few short, steep sections, several bridge crossings, and 800 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows a creek at the bottom of a deep ravine and in March, may still be snow-covered, which was the case when I hiked it, thus a hiking stick or trekking poles would be helpful. 

The signage gives details about the The Big Burn, the well-known 1910 wildfire that scorched millions of acres. Led by Ed Pulaski, a Forest Service ranger, a group of firefighters made it to a mining tunnel as the uncontrolled blaze ravaged everything around them. Sheltering in the tunnel allowed 39 of the 45 men to survive. No fee or pass required to hike. 

Waikiki Springs Natural Area—On the outskirts of Spokane along the Little Spokane River, this area gets lots of visitation. With its open ponderosa forest and southern exposure, you may find wildflowers blooming by the end of March, the earliest of all these areas. It’s about a 2-mile round trip to peruse the half dozen interpretive signs on the north side of the river. I used to live near this preserve and regularly ran there in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, with an assist by the Washington Trails Association, have since constructed more trails to go with the signs, which is a nice add-on should you opt for additional hiking. 

The site used to be a large dairy in the early 20th century. It was owned by Jay P. Graves, a wealthy landowner who donated other land for Manito Park and Whitworth University. The signage details this use as well as info about geology, wildlife, first peoples’ history, and efforts to restore the river ecosystem. A Washington State Discover pass is required for trailhead parking. 

Log Flume Interpretive Trail—Sitting next to Highway 20 a bit more than 10 miles west of Kettle Falls, Wash., this rest stop has a half-mile, paved trail. In the early 20th Century, the Kettle Range was heavily logged, and part of a log’s journey here was via a log flume, traveling downhill, pushed by water flowing in the flume. Flume remnants can be seen along with interpretive signage explaining the history of early day logging in the Kettles. No fee or pass necessary.  

Mill Pond Historic Site—About 5 miles from Metaline Falls, Wash., near Sullivan Lake, this is the site of a dam on Sullivan Creek that was built to store water for a flume that powered a hydroelectric generation plant downstream and was removed in 2017. The drained pond has been returned to its former natural condition and updates to the Mill Pond campground, day use area, trails, and interpretive signs were completed. There are no day use fees. 

A couple miles of trails run through and around the former Mill Pond. The interpretive signs give information about the site and early Metaline Falls history. 

Mullan Trail Historical Site—Adjacent to I-90 and about 13 miles east of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, remnants of the Mullan Trail can be seen, a road constructed through what was then unsettled wilderness beginning in 1859. It ran from Fort Benton, Mont., to Fort Walla Walla, Wash. The half-mile trail is in need of a little maintenance, but the signage is still readable. Just off the exit at the top of Fourth of July Pass, the site is well-wooded, but with the freeway nearby, it’s not as quiet as the other hikes. 

Unless maintenance work is being done, these sites can be accessed year-round. Information and directions for each can be found by Googling the hike name. 

James P. Johnson has been using his running lifestyle blog, IMustRunEverywhere.com, as a construct for absurdist humor. Despite doing it since 2013, he continues to crave whatever chuckles it can elicit. 

The post 6 Interpretive Trails in the inland nw to Hike this Spring  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Priest Lake Watersports

If this list doesn’t send you into a race-registering frenzy, I don’t know what will. Our region is packed with incredible options for running, riding, triathlon-ing, and getting outside from March through October. The only problem, my friends: you can’t be in two places at once.  

ROAD RUNNING Note that USATF-sanctioned events do not allow strollers.  

St. Paddy’s Five Miler (March 9): This family-friendly road run starts and finishes at Spokane Community College and is an official Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race. “Lucky Leprechaun Jig” (free) hosted for kids 6 and under. 

Shamrock Shuffle (March 16): An early spring half marathon, 10k and 5k, with Kids’ Fun Run, organized by Negative Split. All distances wind through Riverfront Park in Spokane.  

Rapid Rabbit Run (March 23): 3-mile & 5-mile runs (virtual options). Proceeds benefit East Valley High School’s senior class (Spokane Valley). The 5-miler is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race.  

Yakima River Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon (March 29): USATF-certified course with views of the Yakima River Canyon make this a scenic, early-season Boston Qualifier marathon with half marathon option. 

Only Fools Run at Midnight 5k (March 29): Run the streets of downtown Medical Lake starting at 11:30 p.m. and finish at the Pizza Factory in this 47^th Annual Run. Organized by Medical Lake Lions Club. Virtual Options. 

The Split Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 13): This Negative Split event is a flat, scenic course through Riverfront Park and along the Spokane River. Kids’ fun run also offered. 

Jr. Bloomsday (April 13): A 1-mile race for kids grades 3-7 aimed to foster a love for fitness and fun. Located at Spokane Falls Community College campus with an awesome prize pack for participants. Supports Active4Youth nonprofit. 

Hauser Lake Icebreaker Run (April 19): 5k and 10k runs around the lake in Hauser, Idaho, are a fundraiser for the special-needs rescue dogs at Double J Dog Ranch. 10k course is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. Walkers and friendly dogs welcome. Finish medals for humans and finish bandanas for canines. 

Wenatchee Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 19): Paved activity trails follow the Columbia River and offer beautiful spring views of the Cascades. USATF-certified with a Boston-qualifier marathon, this TedDriven race supports cancer research.   

Run the River (April 19): Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5k and Kids’ Marathon courses run on paved paths along the Columbia River through all three cities of the Tri-Cities. Flat and fast with a Boston-qualifier marathon. 

Spring Dash (April 26): Take on a Half Marathon, 10k, 5k or Tot Trot (10 and under) from Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park on out-and-back paved routes with views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. USATF certified; 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier.  

Apple Blossom Run (May 3): 10k, 5k, and kids’ 2k are a part of the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival.  

Lilac Bloomsday Run (May 4): The iconic Spokane 12k race. Challenging, fun course for runners, walkers and wheelchair participants to celebrate the spirit of the Lilac City. 

Long Bridge Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k (May 10): This Sandpoint, Idaho, race  includes over 3 miles of running over beautiful Lake Pend Oreille with a start at Sandpoint City Beach Park. Run this race and do the Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 2) to earn the Long Bridge Duathlon medal. Organized by Priest Lake Multisports.  

Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf (May 11): The Mai BlumenLauf (May Flower Run) is a new event by TedDriven with half marathon, 10k and 5k courses through the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth and on its river-front trails. USATF certified.   

The Ta Ta Dash (May 17): Run through beautiful Manito Park in this run put on by Beyond Pink to help prevent and screen for breast cancer. 10k, 5k, and kids’ ⅓ mile distances available. 

Windermere Marathon (May 18): Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and kids’ fun run options take runners along the scenic Centennial Trail and Spokane River in this point-to-point certified Boston Qualifier that ends at Riverfront Park.  

Race to Remember 5k (May 24): This fun run through Fairmount Memorial Park pays tribute to fallen officers on Memorial Day with a course decorated with American Flags and benefitting the Beyond the Call of Duty program. 

Coeur d’Alene Marathon (May 25): Scenic race with a start/finish at McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hosted by Negative Split. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and kids’ fun run available. USATF certified Boston qualifier.  

Priest Lake Spring Fun Run (May 25): Run along the lakeshore at beautiful Priest Lake with a 10k, 5k, or kids’ dash. Lines up with Priest Lake Spring Festival.  

T9 Mermaid Run (May 31): Hosted by Title 9, the Mermaid Series is a celebration of women’s movement. New Half Marathon distance this year in addition to 10k, 5k and mermaid dash (ages 6-12). Start/finish at Riverfront Park. 

Metaline Falls Bigfoot 5K (June 14): Takes place in the historic town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County in conjunction with the town’s unique Bigfoot Festival. Additional kids’ color run option on June 13.  

Missoula Marathon (June 27-29): The “Last Best Race” offers Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k distances over the weekend with a Friday night beer run and 1-mile kids’ marathon. A scenic race named Best Marathon in the US several times. 

Spokenya Run/Walk 7k (July 2025): A race designed to raise money for clean water acts in rural Kenya. 

Wallace Huckleberry Festival 5k (Aug. 18): This 5k in North Idaho is part of the 40^th annual Wallace Huckleberry Festival, a weekend with vendors, music, and huckleberry pancake breakfast. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome. 

Run the Night (Aug. 23): An evening glow run offering distances of Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids’ Fun run. Start/Finish at Spokane Fairgrounds.  

Deutschesfest Fun Run (Sept. 18-21): German community festival in Odessa, Wash., includes a parade, fun run, brats, brews and more. 

Run the Dam Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (Sept. 20): Run across Grand Coulee Dam and along Banks Lake as part of the Run the Dam Festival in Grand Coulee, Wash. 

Boulevard Race (Sept. 21): A fun and fast 4-mile race benefitting the Community Cancer Fund beginning at the McCarthey Athletic Center and running downtown. Includes wheelchair division. 

Valleyfest River Run (Sept. 21): 10k and 5k distances start/finish at Plante’s Ferry in Spokane Valley, running mostly on the Centennial Trail. Bloomsday qualifier.  

Leavenworth Marathon & Half Marathon (Oct. 4): A mix of paved roads, wooded trails, and dirt paths take runners through the stunning fall terrain of Leavenworth’s Icicle Canyon and downtown. A USATF-certified Boston Qualifier race by TedDriven, supporting cancer research.  

Jackass Half Marathon & 5k (Oct. 4): This point-to-point race along the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes will run through the beautiful fall scapes of the Silver Valley from Wallace to Kellogg, Idaho.   

Hayden Lake Marathon (Oct. 11): Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5k and kids’ fun run starts and finishes at Honeysuckle Beach, running along beautiful Hayden Lake.  

Spokane Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k (Oct. 12): Proceeds from this Boston Marathon qualifier race benefit local high school cross-country programs. The 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. 

Halloween Hustle (Oct. 26): Spooky Half Marathon, 10k and 5k event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, organized by Negative Split.  

Race to Feed Our Vets (Nov. 9): A 5k run through Riverside Memorial Park to benefit Meals on Wheels of Spokane, with free beer and chili at the end of the race.  

TRAIL RUNNING 

Badger Mountain Challenge (March 21-22): Ultra distances of 100 miles, 100k, 50 miles, and 55k with a 15k option offer expansive views of the Columbia Basin. Proceeds support WTA, Friends of Badger Mountain, and Girls on the Run. USATF sanctioned event. Register by March 16.  

Ancient Lakes 50-mile, 50k, 25k & 10k (April 5-6): Experience the unique desert landscape of the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy, Wash., with this single-track race that includes a scenic waterfall. 

Yakima Skyline 25k (April 13): An out-and-back course in the high desert of the Yakima River Canyon outside Ellensburg, Wash., with open views and 4,700 feet of elevation gain. 

Caveman Roar & Pour (April 26): Run through the Cave B Winery estate in Quincy, Wash., overlooking the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Caveman/cavewoman costumes encouraged. Wine tasting and live music afterward. 

Spokane River Run (April 27): This race through Riverside State Park’s trails offers many distances: 5k, 10k, 25k, 25k Challenge, 50k, 50k team relay, and a new 25k Tag Team (2-person relay). New finish line amenity: Garland Brew Werks Beer Garden. Fundraiser for Garfield Elementary A.P.P.L.E. program and others. 

Run Like the Wind Running Festival (April 27): 5k, 10k and kids’ dash along the trails, paths and roads at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Ellensburg, Wash.; benefits Kittitas County Search and Rescue. 

Sun Mountain Trail Races (May 17 & 18): Run in the wildflower-carpeted Methow Valley in a 50-miler, 50k, 20-miler or 25k with stunning views of the Cascades at the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness.  

Hiawatha Trail Run (June 8): An epic run down Idaho’s Hiawatha Trail, cruising on crushed-rock rail trail and through old railroad tunnels that require headlights. 50k, 25k, 15k, or 10k available. Organized by Negative Split.  

Kaniksu Trail Runs (June 14): Multiple lengths available: Long Walk 100k, Kaniksu 50-mile, Blister Club (Solo Ruck), Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race, Sweet 50k, Tall Trees 29k, Herman’s Half, and SERE Beer Mile. Events take place in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range of Colville National Forest. 

“The Kan” Mountain Ultra Trail Race (June 14): 50k, 25k, and 10k options at Mount Spokane State Park traverse alpine meadows and old pine forests.  

Trail Rail Run 50-mile, 50-mile relay, 50k, 30k, 12k and 5k (June 21): A run from Mullan, Idaho, to St. Regis, Mont., along the old Milwaukee and Northern Pacific Railroad grades. 

Race the Wolf (June 21-22): Enjoy the flowy and challenging trails on Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho, with a Marathon, Half Marathon or 5-mile race. A straight uphill 1-mile “sky climb” also offered, with a ride down the mountain via ski lift. Part of the GRIT North Idaho Trail series.   

Mountain Magic Trail Run (June 29): 25k, 10k, and 5k options, with a new 35k Grand Tour distance. Experience the summer trails of Mount Spokane State Park.  

The “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run (July 27): Clothing-optional 5k trail run/walk at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park near Loon Lake, Wash. 

Rams Twilight Trail Run 5k (July; TBA): A 5k run along the trails near Riverside High School in Chattaroy that starts at 7:30 p.m. (headlamps highly encouraged); trail marked by glowsticks. Organized by Riverside’s Cross Country Team. 

Tartarus Backyard Ultra (Sept. 6): A “Last Person Standing” ultra race for runners and ruckers through Riverside State Park.  

Jump off Joe Marathon (Sept. 6): Gravel roads on and around Jump off Joe Mountain near Kennewick, Wash., provide great views from the top of the hill; half marathon and marathon course make the summit. Also a 10k option.  

Mt. Spokane Trail Run (Sept. 7): This Negative Split trail run has three scenic course options that start and finish at Selkirk Lodge on Mount Spokane. 25k, 10k and 5k distances. 

Priest Lake Marathon, Half Marathon & 50k (Sept. 13): Wilderness trail run through cedar groves and along lakeshore in the Panhandle National Forest. Part of The GRIT North Idaho trail run series organized by Priest Lake Multisports. 

Moscow Mountain Madness Half Marathon, 50k & 5-Mile (Oct. 5): Challenging course along technical single-track and logging roads. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners in Moscow, Idaho. 
Wild Moose Chase Trail Run (Oct; TBA) 25k, 10k and 5k trail runs at Riverside State Park hosted by Eastern Washington University’s PT department students. Larch Madness Trail Races (Oct. 12): A challenging run on the eastern edge of the Cascades in the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, alight with golden larch trees this time of year. 50k, 25k, 15k and 5k options. 
Sekani Trail Run 10k, 5k and 1k Kids’ Run (Oct; TBA): Adventure run/hike/walk on trails typically held at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane; this annual fall trail run is a fundraiser for Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program. 

Fall Flash 10k Race & 5k Fun Run (Nov; TBA): Course is a combination of paved and gravel roads and rolling hills of the Palouse countryside. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners, based in Moscow, Idaho. 

ROAD CYCLING 

Bike Everywhere Month Spokane (May): Events and activities typically include a Bloomsday bike corral, a pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park, and energizer stations for morning commuters. Organized by the Spokane Bicycle Club. 

Lilac Century Ride (May 18): Fun, scenic and challenging road tours (25-mile, 50-mile, 66-mile, and 100-mile). Start/finish at Big Barn Brewing Company in Green Bluff. 32-mile gravel option.  

CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo (June 14): Gran fondo scenic ride—not a race—starting from City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho, and riding along Lake Pend Oreille into Montana. Route options include road rides of 150, 80, 40 or 25 miles, a 55- or 75-mile gravel ride, and a family fun ride. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary; proceeds support a literacy program benefitting Pend Oreille School District students. 

Spokane Summer Parkways (June 17): A free route for bikes, pedestrians, and other human-powered transportation in the South Hill Manito/Comstock neighborhoods. Family-friendly event with fun, snacks and entertainment along the way. 

Cycle Chelan (June 21): This event is celebrating its 20^th anniversary ride this year with the Metric Century Challenge (100 km, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain), Lake Loop (45 miles), and Cycle di Vino (30 miles) around stunning Lake Chelan. E-bikes welcome. 

Northwest Tandem Rally (July 4-6): Hosted in Spokane Valley, Wash., this year by Valleyfest, tandem bike riders enjoy scenic rides and tandem bike community.  

Tour de Whatcom (July 19): Ride distance options include Century (100 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), 44 miles, or 22 miles. Scenic course, with start/finish in downtown Bellingham, Wash. 

Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (July 27): Organized by Valleyfest, ride options include a 10-mile “Family-Friendly” route, 25-mile “Adventure Ride,” and the 50-mile “Hills Around the Valley.” 

RIM Ride (Sept. 6-7): “Rotary in Motion” routes offer both flat and elevation rides 5-mile family bike ride on Saturday, followed by 15-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides on Sunday; hosted by the Rotary Club of Liberty Lake, Wash. 

WaCanId Selkirk Loop Ride (Sept. 8-13): A six-day ride over 395 miles making a supported scenic route around the Selkirk Mountains. Route includes two international border crossings (between U.S. and Canada), check WaCanId.org for event updates. 

Mt. Baker Hill Climb (Sept. 14): A 22-mile race with over 4,000 feet in elevation gain takes riders up a winding, rugged highway into the alpine. There are three categories—social, recreational and competitive. Benefits the Shifting Gears program. 

Coeur d’Fondo (Sept. 20): Ride along beautiful Coeur d’Alene lake and choose from five distances—Gran Fondo (116 mi.), Medio Fondo (86 mi.), Centro Fondo (47 mi.), Piccolo Fondo (36 mi.), and Family Fondo (14 mi.). Centro and Piccolo courses include a boat cruise.  

MOUNTAIN BIKING/GRAVEL RIDES 

Echo Red to Red XC MTB Race (March 15): Cross-country mountain bike race begins in the historic town of Echo, Oregon, with most of it on trails at Echo West Ranch & Vineyard. 

Gran Fondo Ephrata (March 23): A spring classic on remote back roads of Central Washington. Grand (85 mi.) and Medio (45 mi.) options with plenty of climbing. Register by March 20.  

Hilly Nilly Gravel Series (Monthly, March 17-June 16): Self-supported free group rides monthly (usually the 3^rd Sunday) in the months of March, April, May, and June. Course and starting point out of the Coeur d’Alene area posted a week ahead on Facebook. 

Washington Student Cycling League—Spring League (Spring): Co-ed mountain biking development program and spring race series for riders in grades 6-12, beginners through advanced, organized by the nonprofit Washington Student Cycling League. School-based and composite teams, with high school and middle divisions. Individuals can also participate and compete as an independent rider. Volunteer coaches are encouraged to start new teams. 

Hub-a-Palooza (April 11-13): A three-day mountain bike festival with downhill and enduro races at Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani in Spokane, hosted by Velo Northwest. 

Evergreen East—Classes & Clinics (April-Oct.): Mountain Bike Foundations classes start in April, with sessions offered both weekends and weeknights. Options include beginner, intermediate, freeride, technical descending, jumps classes, women-only classes, and private lessons. Classes are located at Camp Sekani unless otherwise noted. Scholarships available. 

Wednesday MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (May 1-June 26): For nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, this popular annual event features a different race course each week. Free entry for age 18 and younger. 

3/4 Minus Cykeltur (May 3): The ¾ Minus Cykeltur is a gravel gran fondo with a 52-mile route and 75-mile route starting out of Sandpoint, Idaho. Concludes with party and award ceremony at Matchwood Brewing with food, drink and live music. This is the first stage of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. 

Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League (May-October): Race series for youth in grades 6-12. 

Gran Fondo Leavenworth (May 18): A tough race with lots of climbing, Grande (82 mi.) and Medio (40 mi.) distances traverse mountain passes and forest service roads with updated 2025 routes.  

The Lilac Gravel Flamdangle (May 18): A 32-mile gravel ride, with half the course on unpaved/gravel surfaces. Start and Finish at Green Bluff’s Big Barn Brewery. Part of the Lilac Century event.  

24 Hours of Riverside (May 24-25): The ultimate 24-hour MTB team relay at Riverside State Park with racing and camping. Can also compete as a solo rider. Race is Saturday to Sunday, with a kids’ bike parade Saturday night. 

Climb for the Cure (June 21): A gravel and mountain bike race that starts/ends at Big Barn Brewery and summits Mount Spokane in the middle. New route options include a 22-miler and 50-miler. It’s a race to end cancer. Win up to $12,000 in prices, gear, and discounts when you participate. New pedal assist category open.  

Monarch Grind (June 28): This 70-mile gravel gran fondo starts and ends just outside of Clark Fork, Idaho, and loops in the iconic peaks above Lake Pend Oreille. Event number two in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. 

Northwest Cup (July 25-27) Silver Mountain Bike Park hosts one of the stops for this seven-race series across the Northwest. 

The Last Best Ride (July 27): Ride the gravel backroads of Whitefish, Mont., with challenging terrain and stunning views in the state known as “The Last Best Place.” You’ll have to get on the waitlist for “The Big Horn Sheep” 95-miler, and there are a few spots in “The Mountain Goat” 51-miler open.  
Aether’s Traverse (Aug. 16): A 35-mile gravel ride that departs Sandpoint and climbs up and over the Selkirks into the Priest River drainage basin before a return climb of 6,300 feet up to Schweitzer’s Sky House for a final chairlift ride down for the post-ride party. 

TRIATHLON/WATERSPORTS/MULTISPORTS 

Leadman Triathlon (April 19): Participants ski or snowboard a mile down Silver Mountain, then bike 7 miles down into Kellogg, Idaho, for a final 4-mile run. BBQ lunch and live music in the Gondola Village after the race. 

Rage in the Sage Duathlon (May 3): A 2.5-mile cross country run and 10 mile mountain or gravel bike section beginning at Kiona Vineyards in Benton City. Relay options. 

Onion Man Triathlon (May 18): Olympic distance race at the base of the Blue Mountains, USA Triathlon Sanctioned. Relay and Aquabike options.  

Ski to Sea (May 25): A multi-sport relay adventure race with teams of 3-8 people. Starts at Mt. Baker Ski Area and finishes in Bellingham Bay. The seven different sport legs include: cross-country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, running, road bike, canoe, cyclocross bike and sea kayak. 

Medical Lake Trailblazer Tri/Du/5k (June 21): Sprint distance triathlon with 350-meter swim, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; Duathlon with 1-mile run, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; and 5k run. Starts and ends at Coney Island Park in Medical Lake, Wash. 

Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene (June 22): Half Ironman race based at City Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene includes 1.2-mile lake swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. 

Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon (July 12): A swim in the Columbia River kicks off this sprint tri with relay options. Mountain bike leg goes from Howard Amon Park to the Chamna Nature preserve with a final 3-mile foot path run.  

Hayden Sprint Triathlon (July 12): Swim, run and bike solo in this sprint triathlon, or register with a team to compete in the relay. Starts/ends at transition area at Honeysuckle Beach on Lake Hayden.  

Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 2): A 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille, aside the Sandpoint, Idaho, iconic Long Bridge. 30^th Annual event. 

Coeur d’Alene Triathlon/Duathlon (Aug. 9): Three registration options for this Coeur d’Alene event: Olympic triathlon (swim 1.5k, bike 40k, run 10k), scenic sprint triathlon (swim 0.5k, bike 20k, run 5k), or duathlon (run 5k, bike 40k, run 10k). 

Tri-Town Float Down Poker Paddle (TBA): Paddle the Pend Oreille River from the town of Ione to Metaline Falls, Wash. Event tentative; check Facebook for details. Raises funds for cancer patients and veterans.  

Swim the Snake (Aug. 9): An open water swim, kayak or stand-up paddle across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina near the town of Starbuck, Wash. Fundraiser for Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and local youth summer swim teams. 

Priest Lake Triathlon (Aug. 23): Choose between a sprint off-road triathlon or the sprint road bike course in the beautiful area around Priest Lake. Compete individually or as a team; start/finish near Hill’s Resort. 

Jen McKenna Paddle and Run (Sept. 6): Get the best of both worlds and kayak or SUP 1.6 miles from Higgens Point (CDA, Idaho) before running 4 miles along the Centennial Trail. New this year: a new long course with 3-person team option (two runners, one paddler). Event honors Jen McKenna, who died of complications from cystic fibrosis. Proceeds benefit Companions Animal Shelter. Post-race food and beer, plus great race swag. 

Diamond Tri Your Best Triathlon (Sept. 6): Event takes place at the Cowles Scout Reservation in Diamond Lake, Wash., and includes a SuperSprint (200-yard swim, 6-mile bike, 1.5-mile trail run; ages 11+); Sprint Tri (400-yard swim, 12-mile bike, 3-mile trail run; ages 18+); and Olympic Tri (1,600-yard swim, 23-mile bike, 6-mile trail run; ages 18+). Registration includes lunch from David’s Pizza. 

 

OUTDOORSY EVENTS 

Ask a Mechanic Anything (March 14): Learn bike maintenance tips and win prizes at Two Wheeler Dealer bike shop in Hayden, Idaho.  

OutLive Film Festival (March 20): Second annual festival of films that tell true cancer survivor stories of courage and healing lived outdoors. 7 p.m. at the Washington Cracker Co. building downtown Spokane. 

Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show (March 20-23): Gear and resources for fishing and boating, hunting, backpacking, and shooting sports. Hosted by Inland Northwest Wildlife Council at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. 

Reel Rock 19 (March 23): A fundraiser for the Bower Climbing Coalition at the Washington Cracker Building in downtown Spokane (4-8 p.m.). Climbing films, food and drinks, silent auction, and gear raffle. 

Wild & Scenic Film Festival (March 28): Films to inspire activism and a love for nature at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. A benefit for Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. 

The Lands Council 40^th Anniversary Auction (April 5): Help protect the Inland Northwest’s forests, waters, and wildlife while bidding on outdoor packages and other cool items including a canoe formerly owned by Eddie Vedder of the band Pearl Jam. 

Ice Age Floods Presentation Series (April 15, 28, & May 14): Spokane County Library District hosts these three presentations from the local chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute (pre-registration is required).  
Spokane Bike Swap (April 19): The biggest bike sale event of the year. Buy or sell used bikes and check out biking and outdoor recreation booths at the Spokane Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit local cycling-related non-profit projects. 
Spokane Riverkeeper Earth Day River Cleanup (April 19): Be a part of the community effort to keep our river clean at this family-friendly Earth Day cleanup from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. at High Bridge Park near downtown Spokane.   

Stonerose Fossil Site Members’ Weekend (April 25-27): A members’ only fossil digging weekend at Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site near Republic, Wash., (8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day). 

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project (April 26): Help with wildlife habitat restoration work at the refuge near Cheney, Wash., including tree potting, tree planting, fence removal, and tending to a pollinator garden. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Turnbull NWR. 
Range to Ranch Overlanding Gathering (June 19-22): Nestled between Idaho’s rugged Sawtooth Mountains and the Lost River Range, this event at Swenson Butte Ranch offers a blend of off-road exploration, community connection, outdoor adventure, and camping in one of Idaho’s most scenic landscapes.  

Editor’s Note: Did we miss your favorite race, ride or outdoors event? Email lisa@outthereventure.com, and we will do our best to include it next year. 

The post Race, Ride, & Event Guide 2025  appeared first on Out There Venture.

In September 2004, I was a relatively new teacher trying to land that elusive continuing contract at one of our local school districts. Most of my free time was spent running on local trails, but that fall I joined my first volunteer trail work crew at the urging of a friend. It’s fun to look back at that moment now, as it took a lot of convincing to get me to join that initial crew; 20 years later I’ve left the indoor classroom behind and trail building and maintenance are the main subjects I teach. I consider myself fortunate to have an insider’s view on some of the processes that lead to our region’s fantastic recreation opportunities. 

Conservation Futures Parks Expand 

One of the best recreation ideas for the Spokane area has actually been around for 30 years now, and it helps explain why some of my favorite local trail systems didn’t yet exist in 2004. It was 1994 when Spokane County voted in favor of a Conservation Futures tax and began to build the fund that would ultimately lead to some of the best close-in parks in our region. By 2004, nineteen properties had been secured through this funding source; today there have been over 50 acquisitions and park expansions, with nearly 10,000 acres protected for future generations. 

The Conservation Futures program serves multiple purposes: from protecting larger areas of open space from development, to providing wildlife habitat and migration corridors and connectivity, to creating recreational opportunities for nonmotorized activities. In the early days of the program, the “trails” a visitor might be able to expect were generally leftover from whatever the original use of the property was. Iller Creek was already public land in 2004, but the trail system at the time was a holdover from old logging operations and the bulldozer fire lines from Firestorm ’91. The majority of my personal backyard favorite, Antoine Peak, was acquired in three phases from 2007 to 2011. It took a few extra years to establish a true parking lot for both the east and west sides (with a third parking area added for Etter Ranch in 2021), and the trails consisted of logging skid and haul roads, along with the summit road for access to the communications towers. 

Most land managers don’t have staff with singletrack trail layout and design training, and even when they do, it can be a lengthy process to work through property acquisition to trail plan development, followed by acquiring necessary permits, and then final layout, design, and build. It can take a long time to transition a property from double track roads designed to skid trees to single-track trails designed for nonmotorized multi-use recreation. In the case of Iller Creek, the work was done gradually and retroactively, starting with the steepest and most heavily eroded sections. Some double track sections will likely always be a holdover on most conservation area properties, but thanks to the efforts of several local trail organizations, our trail systems have been gradually transformed to include more user-friendly and sustainable singletrack trails that have been purpose-built to minimize erosion damage while maximizing views, user safety, and fun. 

By the time Spokane County Parks acquired the Phillips Creek property in Spokane Valley’s Ponderosa neighborhood in 2018, the planning process had shifted significantly through lessons learned in earlier projects. Within the first year of ownership, and before the property was open to the public, County staff was holding public meetings to gather information, working through permitting for a new trailhead, and meeting with regional nonprofit organizations to develop a trail plan. By 2019 the trail plan was finalized, and work was able to begin in 2020; by the time the trailhead opened to the public that fall, the Flying L trail was already complete through the behind-the-scenes work of volunteers with the Dishman Hills Conservancy, Spokane Mountaineers, Washington Trails Association, and Evergreen East. 

Community Forests & Open Space Protection 

For areas that don’t have a Conservation Futures fund available to help grow conservation and recreation areas, land trusts and community forests are on the rise as a means of securing popular recreation sites close to towns in our region, through grassroots fundraising along with state and federal grant programs. What ultimately happens with the land and the types of recreation available to the public can vary from site to site and are at the discretion of the community group that manages the forest.  

Indian Creek Community Forest northwest of Newport was created in 2012 and is managed by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. The trail development process for this site mirrored the later planning processes of Spokane Conservation Futures properties, with public meetings to gather community input, and a management plan focused on a light recreation touch and offering more education opportunities through scheduled forest health workshops. The site is open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers, but closed to bike and equestrian use.  

Sandpoint’s Pine Street Woods was acquired in 2019 and is managed by the Kaniksu Land Trust for a wider variety of nonmotorized use. Equestrians are discouraged but not banned (due to lack of parking for horse trailers), and dogs are allowed off-leash with voice control except for a short period during the early summer to help protect young fawns.  

Gold Hill Community Forest near Chewelah was acquired by the Chewelah Valley Land Trust in 2021, and the trail system was designed with mountain biking in mind. Teanaway Community Forest near Cle Elum is the largest in Washington at over 50,000 acres, a recently completed trail plan that is in the process of being implemented, and even boasts several Department of Natural Resources-run campgrounds that are first-come/first-served with a Discover Pass. 

National Forest Trails & Access 

Our region’s National Forests are also figuring out new ways to both maintain existing trail systems and expand recreation opportunities when possible. But a common theme for most public lands, and especially for the United States Forest Service (USFS), is a lack of funding to help make trail improvements and additions a reality. According to a 2023 report on all USFS lands, trails are facing a maintenance backlog of over $237 million with an additional $62 million in deferred maintenance for trail bridges. Funding made available through the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) has helped and will continue to do so through at least 2025 when the funding runs out unless Congress votes to continue the program.  

While GAOA funding is helping to tackle the big-ticket items in the USFS deferred maintenance backlog, it is primarily the regional nonprofits chipping away at the annual maintenance needs. Both the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and the Umatilla National Forest have staff trail maintenance crews, but the Colville National Forest (CNF) does not. If you happen to run into a trail crew in the backcountry on the CNF this summer, chances are they are with Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, or Washington Trails Association. Using a combination of USFS funding along with grants and private donations, and leveraging this funding through recruitment of volunteers, nonprofit partnerships have become one of the main ways annual maintenance is accomplished. For the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho Trails Association serves in a similar capacity, as does Trailkeepers of Oregon to the south. 

If you’re ready to get involved as our regional land managers begin to write the next chapter, there are many opportunities to dig into this work. Sign up for the email lists and press releases, attend the public meetings, provide public comment, write letters of support for grant applications, and become a member of your favorite regional nonprofit(s). Our region’s trails will continue to improve through the next 20 years through the help of recreationists, no major career change necessary unless you dive in a little too deeply like I did!  

Holly Weiler is a long-time recreationist who now helps build and maintain some of our region’s favorite trails through her work with Washington Trails Association. 

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In this special Anniversary section, we took time to reflect on how things have changed in conservation and recreation in our region since 2004. A few positives: the number of new, high-quality trails in recent decades; urban public lands (like Conservation Futures conservation and recreation lands in Spokane County); climbing area improvements; and trailhead/put-in/access facilities across the region that likely wouldn’t have been possible without more of us advocating. It’s pretty staggering to think about the change that the growing population of outdoor enthusiasts have been able to bring about. (Read Holly Weiler’s article page 62 in the print edition for that breakdown.) More invested people advocating for conservation and restoration of our public lands and fish and wildlife, including the region’s Native American Tribes and non-profit conservation organizations, have also led to some pretty dramatic success stories. (Check out Adam Gabauer’s article in this section about the incredible work of local Tribes on page 66 and the Public Lands Guide on page 26 in the print edition.) 

At the same time, our region has long suffered from a surplus of neglected, unmaintained trails; threatened wildlands and urban open spaces; and a dearth in advocates to stand up for them. Which is why Out There has long dedicated many pages of each issue toward educating readers on conservation and outdoor recreation topics with the goal of leaving our natural wonders better off than they were before.  

We don’t shy from encouraging more readers to visit neglected trails that would benefit from improvements. The same goes for out-of-the-way destinations and communities that have become more invested in protecting their nearby natural areas and trails when their local economies have benefited from an increase in visitors. (Give our Fall Road Trips Guide a read on page 38 in the print edition.) But our staff and editors have also become increasingly careful about over-promoting some of the more overcrowded trails and ecologically sensitive places.  

Trade-offs like these in our rapidly-growing corner of the country can be tough to rationalize at times, especially when you’re sitting in traffic on your way out of town itching to get to the trailhead or have to pause your ride or hike over and over to let others pass. No doubt Out There will continue to grapple with these issues and do our best to adapt and evolve to best serve our local outdoors community and amenities, local economies, and the natural wonders that sustain it all in the years ahead—all while striving to provide inspiring, educational, and engaging content for a growing readership.  

In this special anniversary section, we interviewed past Urban Outdoors columnist Jess Walters, asked a few of our long-time writers to reflect on the magazine or their favorite articles, and interviewed Out There founder Jon Snyder about the start of the magazine and what he thinks of it now. Here’s to 20 more years of Out There in print! 

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Pack up your fishing pole, hiking boots and festival chair for a fall road trip that blends the best of Inland Northwest culture and the scenic, wide-open landscapes and uncrowded lakes surrounding Moses Lake. Only an hour-and-a-half west of Spokane off I-90, Moses Lake makes for a quick trip. To maximize the fun, plan your adventures around one of the community’s unique fall events. Excellent in-town and nearby fishing and desert hiking mean you can get your nature fix and experience some of the coolest festivals around all in one weekend. 

Moses Lake Fall Festivals 

Rock out to grunge anthems, partake in an eclectic celebration of the region’s Hispanic culture, sip and stroll your way along the streets of downtown, or celebrate and taste the best of the fall harvest at one of these events. 

Sip & Stroll with Art on 3^rd & Car Show Sept. 14: Taste Washington wines, ciders, and spirits on this downtown wine walk with art, live music and a car show.  

UMANI Festival Sept. 28: This incredible festival celebrates the area’s diverse Hispanic heritages, cultures and people from 12-6 p.m. The highlight of this 3rd annual festival is the traditional Lucha Libre wrestling in the streets of downtown Moses Lake! Masked contestants use rapid aerobatic techniques in this signature type of wrestling that originates from Mexico. Watch the action from the ringside beer garden and then listen to live Latin American music, check out the lowrider car show, browse the art and craft vendors and sample authentic eats from food trucks and vendors. Games and kids’ activities make this an excellent family event. 

90’s Flannel Fest Oct. 4-5: Take a musical tour back to the ‘90s with 10 of the Northwest’s grunge and alternative tribute bands at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake. Start practicing your stage dive and crowd-surfing moves and relive your grunge-era memories or experience the music from the bands you never got to see. Multiple tribute acts will be playing favorite tunes from Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Sound Garden, Foo Fighters, Tool, Green Day and more. Overnight camping is available. All festival attendees must be 21 or over (valid ID required).  

Moses Lake Fall Harvest Festival Oct. 26: This family-friendly extravaganza brings together the best of the autumn season with local produce, wine tasting, music, crafts, pumpkin-themed activities and more family-friendly fun from 2-5 p.m. on the streets of downtown Moses Lake. 

Fish, Hike and Explore the Columbia Basin’s Great Outdoors 

Moses Lake and the nearby Potholes Reservoir offer excellent fishing. Catch a wide range of species, including the chance at some lunker smallmouth bass (some in the 5-lb.-plus size range), largemouth bass, rainbow trout, bluegill, black crappie, and yellow perch. Fish from the shore in town or head out to the Potholes for excellent angling and some hiking. Find boat launch info and other fishing tips at Tourmoseslake.com/fishing. Hikers can explore the surrounding high desert at the Desert Wildlife Area or the Columbia Wildlife Area. A wide range of wildlife call these sage-steppe landscapes home, including a variety of birds, deer, coyotes, rabbits, and rattlesnakes.  

Plan your Moses Lake road trip and find the right accommodations at Tourmoseslake.com. 

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Goshawks, Accipiter atricapillus, are the largest member of the three North American woodland hawks, which include sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks. These agile, acrobatic forest hunters are collectively known as accipiters. They all use their relatively narrow wings and rudder-like tail to navigate dense branches and shrubs. You can identify the larger goshawks compared to Cooper’s and sharp-shinned hawks by their dark slate grey coloring, dark head with white eye stripe, and their yellow to amber eyes. You can also look for piles of feathers on the forest floor and you may be under a plucking perch. 

They range primarily in western North America, where they nest in tall mature and old-growth trees. They prefer areas with fairly closed canopy where the shade helps to keep the undergrowth at a minimal. These older trees have branch formations not found in younger trees that are suited for their nests. Being stealthy forest predators, they perch on high trees, attacking with incredibly agile flight. They glide between slow wingbeats, tucking and gracefully maneuvering through trees. It is worth watching some slow-motion videos. Goshawks are adept predators and use their agility to catch songbirds in flight, squirrels directly off the branch, or snowshoe hare on the ground. They will even go after much larger prey, including pileated woodpeckers and forest grouse. 

Goshawks put a lot of energy into nest building and frequently will repair or shore up the same nest season after season. Females will work for hours each morning gathering or breaking off sticks, and they will continue to re-line the bowl of the nest with leaves throughout nesting. These nests can span up to four feet wide and two feet high. If you have a keen eye, particularly in winter, you can spot them in the forest canopy. 

But goshawks are not to be trifled with. For one, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife classifies these birds as a species of concern, meaning the “species require protective measures for their survival.” The primary causes of the low numbers of goshawks are lack of prey and dwindling habitat due to intensive logging practices that are changing the forest structure. The other reason to be wary is that you’d need to wear a helmet and back protection if you approach an active nest. I am thankful I had at least a hat and pack the first time I found a nest. These birds do not fear divebombing, you, talons-first, in order to protect their nests. 

That first summer, our field crew walked for hours every day on a proposed logging project, stopping every half mile to play a CD of a goshawk call, waiting for a reply.  Although we did see some goshawks out of that project area, we only got responses from inquisitive mimicking grey jays and larger territorial red-tailed hawks.  

Thinking back, I wonder what was so intriguing about this forest tucked in the northeast corner of Washington—the prospect of hot summer field work (I can’t remember it ever raining) or even the opportunity to see this elusive forest hunter—that I packed up my little two-wheel drive truck with a mountain bike and all my climbing gear and left Rhode Island, taking the first of what would be many cross-country roads trips. After all this time, I still crave a long field day in the woods. Just a few weeks ago, I was back on the Colville, once again calling for that elusive goshawk. 

Adam is eagerly awaiting his next goshawk encounter while trail running or working in the Colville National Forest. Between some fun on the forest and water, he will be conducting stream habitat surveys and trying to get humans to coexist amicably with beavers. 

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The view from Oroville’s Cactus Mountain

Hiking Oroville, WA: Where the Cascade Foothills Meet Desert Country

Oroville sits in a scenic transition zone between the Cascade Mountains and eastern Washington’s arid, sage-dotted landscapes, making the area a unique hiking destination. The town and trails around it sit at the midway point along the Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail (PNT), a 1,200 mile-long hiking trail that runs from the Pacific Ocean to the Continental Divide in Montana.  Within walking distance of downtown Oroville, you can trek for a few miles or days on the PNT.

The Whistler Canyon Trail southeast of town offers scenic views, wildlife spotting, and multiple hiking length and route options, including side-trail excursions on the Frog Pond and Black Diamond trails. Northwest of Oroville, the Similkameen Trail rail trail (a 4-mile, mostly flat roundtrip hike) offers stunning scenery, historical interpretive signs, a chance to cross the 375-foot Girder pedestrian bridge that spans the river and a destination in the historic Enole Dam. Another locals-favorite hike is the Cactus Mountain Trail, aka “The Oroville Grind,” a climb of 699 feet of elevation in 1.3 miles that takes you to the top of the mountain with expansive views of Osoyoos Lake and up the valley into British Columbia.  

Miles of Low-Traffic, Winding Road Biking Routes

Starting at Oroville’s Depot Museum, which has a bike repair station if needed, there are several out-and-back and loop biking options that range from short mellow rides to all-day epics on north Okanogan County roads with light traffic. Ride destinations include lakes, historic sites, parks, and other small towns. Plan your ride routes with this handy, printable map that includes route descriptions and details.

Water Sports and Camping on Osoyoos Lake

Beautiful Osoyoos Lake, a 14-mile-long oasis, offers a wide range of water sports, swimming, and camping based out of the Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park. The warm summer waters and shallow shoreline make it a great family swimming and paddling option. There are two public boat launches too, including one at the campground, for heading out on the water for lake cruising or wakeboarding, wake surfing or tubing. 

Excellent Fishing at Oroville, WA Lakes and Rivers

Oroville lakes and rivers feature excellent fishing for steelhead, salmon, perch, trout, and other species, including world-class bass fishing on Osoyoos Lake, which hosts several bass tournaments a year. Read more about Osoyoos Lake fishing here. The Similkameen and Okanogan rivers also boast some fine fishing for a wide range of fish species.

Oroville, WA Ghost Towns and Museums

Old Molson ghost town and Molson School Museum are a short drive from Oroville. In Old Molson, you can poke around the historic buildings and pioneer equipment and learn about their origins. The Molson School Museum includes a restored classroom, the original school library and wonderful artifact displays. The Oroville Depot Museum right in town includes a permanent display and a section that is updated annually. The permanent display features Oroville’s rich history, including information on the region’s railroad history as well as Native American influence and culture.

Super-Scenic Golfing in Okanogan County

Get back to the roots of golfing at the Oroville Golf Club. While the no-frills, uncrowded nine-hole course with dual tee layout and interesting elevation changes is a unique draw itself, it’s the stunning scenery that makes golfing here so memorable. Perched above the Similkameen river, the course features spectacular mountain and river views. Visit the Oroville Golf Club for more info.

Authentic Small-Town Charm

Walk the idyllic downtown streets of Oroville past historic buildings, unique shops and eateries, and enjoy several pieces of public art that tell the stories of Oroville’s history, its people, and their dreams. Plan your Oroville walking-tour around the Farmers’ Market with its local produce and hand-crafted items from local artisans. Find the market on Saturdays from May to October behind the Oroville Library. The market has plenty of picnic tables and a playground for picnic stops. 

Plan Your Oroville, WA Road Trip

Start planning your Oroville road trip at Discoverorovillewa.com. Time your stay for one of these unique Oroville-area events. The Chesaw Rodeo July 4th includes a children’s chicken scramble, good times in the historic Chesaw Tavern, and the opportunity to sign up to ride a wild cow. And don’t miss the on-water spectacle of the Lake Osoyoos Cup Jet Ski Races, August 3-4. The event features live music, a beer garden, and Oroville’s Summer Family Festival happening simultaneously at Deep Lake Park. Discover the golden outdoor recreation and rich history at the end of the road just 3.5 hours northwest of Spokane and 4.5 hours northeast of Seattle! 

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