The preshow event begins at 5 p.m. on Jan. 10 and includes first-choice access to seats along with appetizers from Feast World Kitchen and beverages from Townshend Cellars. One hundred percent of the VIP ticket price is directed to the local nonprofit you choose at checkout. General admission, VIP and a three-day bundle of tickets are available. If you want your VIP purchase to benefit a specific group—such as Dishman Hills Conservancy, Friends of the Bluff, Spokane Riverkeeper, The Lands Council, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, Spokane Nordic and others—use their code when you buy your tickets. Whether you’re chasing ski stoke, big-wall stories, or human-powered travel in far corners of the globe, Spokane’s Banff stop is a midwinter highlight and an easy way to support local conservation and outdoor nonprofits. Get your tickets at Foxtheaterspokane.org. 

The post Banff Mountain Film Festival Spokane Tour Stop Spokane, Wash.  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 Barbara Chase Fine Art Photography

Spokane Riverkeeper is on the water, in the spreadsheets and in the halls of government using science and community power to protect the Spokane River. Since our founding in 2009 by a small group of lawyers frustrated with unchecked pollution, we’ve combined hands-on river work with relentless advocacy to protect the river for everyone. 

At the heart of our approach is a model that combines science with community engagement, turning volunteer-collected data into real-world policy impact. Volunteers gather water samples, track pollution, and submit data that actually influences state policy. For example, our community-collected data helped the state officially recognize the impairment caused by Hangman Creek sediment pollution in the Spokane River.  

Now we’re applying that same model to tackle trash in the river, turning observations into actionable solutions that make the river cleaner and safer for everyone. Some threats, like PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” require specialized equipment and labs, but the principle is the same: informed, engaged communities are a powerful force for protecting clean water. 

The Spokane River thrives when people show up. By volunteering with Spokane Riverkeeper, you don’t just collect trash or data; you join a movement that turns knowledge into action, holds polluters accountable, and defends the river for generations to come. Our approach shows that protecting clean water isn’t just about science. It’s about people coming together for the river.  

The post Turning Science into Action: How the Community Protects the Spokane River  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Brian Muegge

Have you ever seen a tree so big it takes your breath away? Well, funny enough, I’ve never really had that experience. Not that I can remember, at least. And I spend a lot of time around trees.  

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve definitely seen some giant trees in my life. Growing up at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, some of my earliest core memories were camping with my family among coastal redwoods. We’d visit public areas up and down the redwood territory of California, from Mendocino County to Yosemite National Park. I’ve seen, with my own eyes, trees that were nearly 300 feet tall, and some averaging 20 feet in diameter. A lot of them. 

I definitely took these relic behemoths for granted growing up in such close proximity to them from such a young age. I didn’t have the pleasure of first experiencing these trees as an older visitor from another place, so I can’t recall that moment of pure bewilderment and astonishment that most get from seeing these trees for the first time. That moment of magic. The presence of those big, beautiful trees had become normalized for me. 

I have the protection of public lands to thank for this. From local, county, state to federal, I’m grateful for these protected and publicly accessible places codified by past generations. I’m certainly acutely aware of that privilege today, particularly in light of what is happening with our public lands in 2025. 

Truly, our public lands are under attack. We saw earlier this year Utah Senator Mike Lee’s quest to fulfill Project 2025’s playbook and privatize over 3 million acres of public land within the drafting of the “Big Beautiful Bill.” His proposed land rollbacks so his developer buddies could amass and exploit our nation’s public land caused an immense backlash, unifying a massive bipartisan swath of citizens to oppose the sale. A rare win in our divided society. 

But this shadowy quest for public land theft by corporate interests even extends into our Spokane community. Just this past fall, the DNR came painstakingly close to exchanging 200 acres of forestland off Thorpe Road on U.S. 195 with a developer for a grocery store in Bellingham, under the false pretense that this public parcel had “low ecological and recreational value.” As new information came to light of the previous commissioner’s perversion of process with that exchange, over 100 organizations statewide, many local, rallied together in unity to sway the DNR that this was an unjust deal for our community. At the 11th hour this summer, the developer backed out of the exchange due to the backlash.  

Everyone should be able to experience a childhood like mine—reveling in so much accessible natural beauty, that you damn near take it for granted. Sadly, corporate interests want to deprive us of this right. Now more than ever is the time to educate and unify in defense of public lands so future generations of humans and wildlife can live in perpetual harmony in our community and beyond. Together as one, our voices are strong.  

Brian Muegge is a Spokane conservationist working to promote land stewardship enhancement and protections across working and wildlands of the Pacific Northwest. He sits on the boards of both the Spokane Riverkeeper and Washington Wild, and is passionate about educating the community on the value of public land and watershed health.  

The post Defending Public Lands: Why Protecting America’s Natural Legacy Matters Now More Than Ever appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Spokane Riverkeepers

Last summer, the Spokane Riverkeeper tested the Spokane River for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) as part of a national study with the Waterkeeper Alliance. They found significant hazardous levels of PFAS in the Spokane River and have pinpointed at least one likely source: land-applied biosolids.  

Land-applied biosolids refer to treated sewage sludge that is spread on land as fertilizer. Innovative upcycling, perhaps, but it is being done without testing for PFAS compounds, which accumulate in our environment. Additionally, the effectiveness of PFAS filtration at our city’s water reclamation facility, which dumps treated sewer water into the Spokane River, has not been evaluated.  

When the Spokane Riverkeeper collected water samples downstream of the Spokane Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility, they found concentrations of four types of PFAS that exceeded the EPA’s level to safely ingest water, fish or shellfish.  

PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in everyday products such as waterproof rain jackets, pesticides, ski wax and firefighting foam since the 1950s. Health impacts from PFAS have been linked to cancer, liver and kidney damage, hormone disruption and more. The national Waterkeeper Alliance writes that PFAS chemicals are present in at least 45% of tap water in the United States today.  

Now that we know biosolids-linked PFAS are in our local waterways, the question becomes not how to get rid of these chemicals (they’re called “forever chemicals” for a reason), but how to stop contamination at the source. We’re looking to stem the bleeding, and the Spokane Riverkeeper is on triage. 

With movement toward federal-level rollbacks on drinking water regulations, it will be up to local organizations like the Spokane Riverkeeper, the Washington State Department of Ecology, Spokane County and the City of Spokane to call for regular PFAS testing and regulation to prevent our waterways from further mass contamination.  

The Spokane Riverkeeper will work with the Department of Health in coming months to create a consumption advisory for anglers, since eating contaminated fish is a significant way humans ingest PFAS chemicals. “Eating a single serving of contaminated freshwater fish can be the equivalent of drinking water contaminated with a high level of PFAS for a month (Barbo, et al, 2023).,” wrote Katelyn Scott, attorney and water protector of the Spokane Riverkeeper, on the organization’s online River Journal in June.  

Scott is committed to creating testing regulations for the local PFAS problem, pointing out that it is a matter of social justice when PFAS-related health issues will affect low-income and tribal subsistence fishing communities most. “When fish are no longer safe to eat, these groups bear the disproportionate burden of both health risks and the loss of access to traditional and affordable food sources,” writes Scott. 

Learn more about the issue and stay informed at Spokaneriverkeeper.com or Waterkeeper.org/pfas. You can also follow the Spokane Riverkeeper on social media. 

The post PFAS Chemicals Discovered in Spokane River  appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Dr. Robert L. “Bob” Bartlett  

Cover photo courtesy of Heather Hodson

I’ve been a ‘lone’ black fly angler in pursuit of wild fish in some pretty wild places—but I’ve never been lonely. So, it’s hard to describe feeling lonely in tame spaces like full board rooms, as a member of a fly-fishing organization, or when attending conservation events. I have spent several decades being the only black or brown person, doing what I love to do where I love to do it. Now in my mid-70s, I began focusing my energy on casting for a family of fly anglers who look like me in order to combat the frequent loneliness.  

My search led to the 2023 creation of a nonprofit, the Ubuntu Fly Anglers Network. We are a group of black and brown fly anglers and environmental activists from across the country and Canada, founded in the Spokane Valley.  

Over my 50-plus years as an outdoorsman and fly angler in the American West, I never met another black or brown person streamside, on a mountain trail, or as a member of a local environmental group. There are both economic and racial barriers as to why that is so. Like any hobby or passion, fly-fishing gear can be spendy and fly anglers are overwhelmingly white, particularly in the West and Pacific Northwest. Out here, they fish overwhelmingly white places and belong to overwhelmingly white environmental organizations.  

Demographers have long predicted that non-Hispanic whites will be the minority in this country by 2045. Who among this predicted black and brown majority are going to be fly anglers, river warriors and environmental activists? It is important that people who look like them reach them and teach them to claim their place in green spaces. Ubuntu Fly Anglers are committed to providing safe spaces for them to gather and learn and to help provide opportunities for them in our natural world.  

We know from our lived experiences how hard it is to become what you do not see. We also know how important it is to be in “right relations” with nature and to protect it. These two things drive our why. 

Finding the Fly  

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

Gowdy and his guests cast flies that fooled fish. I’m almost certain we never saw a black person on the show. However, my Pops didn’t see fly fishing as a “white only thing.” He just wanted to fish their way, and we had local fish to fool. If they could fool trout with a fly, so could he.  

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

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

I never imagined that someday I would settle in the Pacific Northwest. An Army snafu in orders sent me to Colorado after over a year tour of duty in Vietnam in 1972. At first, I was upset at not being assigned closer to home, but I soon fell in love with the vastness of the West. I began fly fishing premium Colorado trout streams not yet “found.”  It would be 20 years before the movie “A River Runs Through It” would bring the crowds to Western trout streams. I also hunted big game there with bow and gun and hunted birds and ducks. Graduate school eventually brought me and my young family to Washington State in the early 80’s, and we have been here ever since. 

Casting for Family  

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

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

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

Ubuntu is a set of cultural understanding, values and practices that comes from the South African Bantu people. Ubuntu acknowledges that we are part of a larger and more significant communal, environmental, and spiritual world. There is a sincere warmth with which people treat others, both strangers and members of their community. It is a philosophy that values collectivism over individualism, as in, “I am because we are.”   

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

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

Expanding the Net  

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

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

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

If you self-identify as a black or brown angler or environmental activist and would like to join our network, please reach out to me. We are committed to keep casting for others like us, using a slightly modified 10-2 rhythm.  

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

The post Casting for the Familial   appeared first on Out There Venture.

According to Washington Parks spokesperson Rianna Bidon, Riverside received 1,613 hours of community service, while the Spokane Centennial Trail received 403 hours, and Mount Spokane received a whopping 6,158 hours. These numbers are collected from volunteers, as well as campground hosts, but does not include time from the Spokane Riverkeeper, the Washington Trails Association or local police agencies cleaning up illegal camps. These sweaty hours showcase how much the parks are appreciated—however, love and trail maintenance is not enough. 

For example, the agency is readily seeking volunteers for 2025 to paint the Selkirk Lodge, upgrade over 25 picnic tables, stock firewood throughout Mount Spokane warming huts, and recruit volunteers for Lake Spokane, Columbia Plateau, Gardner Caves, and Crystal Falls areas. They also need assistance with tool maintenance, saw training, and possibly some work to fight certain invasive plant species. 

If you or any of your social groups would like to help, you can reach out to the Washington State Parks website. You can also learn more from Friends of the Centennial Trail, Spokane Riverkeeper, Friends of Riverside State Park, Evergreen East, or the local Washington Trails Association chapter. Equally important, don’t forget about the Idaho State Parks like Farragut and Heyburn. Last but not least, the above institutions will always take donations. Even better, when you give to a local non-profit, the money is invested in local projects, instead of traveling to Olympia or Boise and back again. Finally, thanks again to everyone that volunteered in 2024.

The post Love Washington State Parks? Step Up to Volunteer!   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles

• Washington State Parks will hold fee-free days (no Discover Pass required) on March 9 to mark Billy Frank Junior’s birthday, March 19 to mark the anniversary of the creation of Washington State Parks, and April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Please note that SnoParks on Washington State Park property are not included in fee-free days, with SnoPark season extending until the end of March. 

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is planning two fantastic events in March to close out the winter hiking season! Hike to eat by joining the Spar Lake Grill Out on March 8, or opt for a more challenging snowshoe hike to Star Peak for St. Patrick’s Day on March 16.  

• Pend Oreille Pedalers will host weekly no-drop road bike rides every Saturday in March, starting at 9 a.m. and meeting at Evan’s Brothers Coffee in Sandpoint. Trail maintenance opportunities with POP begin in mid-April.  

• Spokane Women on the Fly and Spokane Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited are hosting Hackle & Hops events on March 2 and April 13. Both events take place at Lumberbeard Brewing in Spokane from 2-4 p.m. Learn how to tie the Renegade fly pattern in March and the Brassie fly pattern in April. 

• Plan ahead for the ultimate birding weekend with the Wenas Audubon Campout, May 30-June 2. This annual event takes place at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at Wenas Creek Campground southwest of Ellensburg. There will be birding and wildflower walks during the day, and campfire presentations with guest speakers during the evening on both Friday and Saturday. A Discover Pass is required for camping at this DNR campground, but the rest of the activities are free and the event is family-friendly. 
  
  

Outdoor Education 

Are you interested in learning more about Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or needing to recertify? A WFA class provides an excellent foundation of skills for anyone who spends a lot of time in the backcountry. Longleaf is hosting a class at St. George’s School May 9-11. Tuition is $275. 

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

• Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative will host its spring Hells Canyon service project the weekend of April 26-28. Trip details are in the process of being finalized, but spring is a fantastic season to visit Hells Canyon while helping to maintain trails damaged by winter weather. 

• Spokane Riverkeeper will host an Earth Day River Cleanup event on April 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Bridge Park. Please register in advance so organizers know how many to expect. 

• Idaho Trails Association is in the process of planning its most robust North Idaho trail work schedule to-date with 26 total trips in North Idaho, ranging from Upper Priest River and Priest Lake to the St. Joe River. Trips open for registration in early March!  

• Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association (WMHCTA) is continuing a project to replace trail signage damaged by the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Locations where signage is needed have been noted, and the group seeks volunteers (in groups of two or more) who are willing to hike in the needed trail signage and install it. The dates can be flexible, so turn your backpacking trip into a service project by signing up to help! 

• Washington Trails Association will be hosting both day-long trailwork trips near Spokane and also kicking off Backcountry Response multi-day backpacking and car camping trips. March and April will see annual maintenance trips to local conservation areas impacted by winter storm damage, along with a partnership project with Friends of Palisades and Inland Northwest Lands Conservancy at Palisades Park on March 29.  

• Wild Montana hosts volunteer trailwork trips throughout Montana, with 2025 trip registration opening March 10. These multi-day trips are always popular, so check the offerings and sign up early! 

The post Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News  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.

Get ready for a night of river stories and socializing in this event benefitting our local nonprofit the Spokane Riverkeeper (SRK). At this annual fundraiser, river stories will be shared by local artists in addition to a cocktail and appetizer hour, silent auction, and year in review by the Spokane Riverkeeper. Guest speakers include Marc Fryt, Greg Gordon, Heidi Lasher, and Mery Smith.  

“I think, deep inside each of us, there is a story about a river,” says Heidi Lasher, writer, SRK board member, and Out There contributor. “By sharing these stories, we understand what connects us to place and each other.”  

\The evening will take place at the Spokane Convention Center from 5:30-8 p.m. The Spokane Riverkeeper organization monitors 111 miles of river, collects water data, engages in community education, removes trash, and uses law and policy to defend clean water. And they need our community support to continue. Tickets are on sale now for $85 at Spokaneriverkeeper.org.

The post Spoken River Event appeared first on Out There Venture.