Each February, Wallace, Idaho, remakes itself into something no one expects: a snow-filled, high-velocity, urban slopestyle battleground. The quiet historic streets transform into a two-block terrain park lined with lights, cheering crowds, an ice bar, and enough adrenaline to power the town’s neon signs for a year. This is Extreme Skijor, the Silver Valley’s most extreme winter festival and one of the most unusual competitions in the Northwest, happening Feb. 13-16, 2026. 

What started eight years ago as a quirky way to liven up a holiday weekend has evolved into a legitimate draw for high-level athletes. Riders now travel from across the country to throw down in front of thousands of spectators for a share of the $10,000 prize purse. They’re not just here to compete; they’re here to put their stamp on what may be the only event where big-mountain attitude meets urban rail-park creativity, all at 30 miles per hour behind a roaring, tracked ATV. 

A Wild Idea That Became Wallace’s Biggest Weekend 

Traditional skijoring involves a horse pulling a skier through a timed obstacle course. But Wallace didn’t have horses; it had snow, grit, ambition and a fleet of ATVs. The founders decided to do something radical: bring the competition downtown, close the streets and dump in hundreds of cubic yards of snow. The first year drew curiosity. The next year drew spectators. Soon, it became a phenomenon. 

Today, Extreme Skijor is one of Wallace’s busiest weekends of the year, filling hotels, packing restaurants, and turning the quiet town into a shoulder-to-shoulder winter celebration. Families come for the sledding hill and kids’ zone. Adventurers come for the ice bar and nightlife. Riders come to push their limits in a competition unlike any they have encountered before. As Ski Wallace president Siobhan Curet puts it, “This event is for everyone: families, locals, pros and the brave souls who want to send it harder than they ever have. You’ve got to experience it for yourself.” 

Friday Night Lights: The Rail Jam 

This year’s festival kicks off Friday night, Feb. 13, with the rail jam, an event that has earned a reputation all its own. Under the glow of downtown lights, skiers and snowboarders drop into a rail garden built right in the middle of Cedar Street. The setup includes a mellow rainbow rail, a long kink rail, a user-friendly flat rail and a 20-foot fun box. But the showstopper for 2026? A fully repurposed Ford Pinto race car acting as a massive jib feature. 

Riders throw spins, presses, taps and transfers while crowds cheer from the barricades. Creativity and style score big here. Winners walk away with medals, cash and a healthy boost of hometown glory. 

Engineering a Downtown Terrain Park Overnight 

Once the rail jam wraps, the real work begins. An excavator, a loader, a snowcat, and a hand crew take over Cedar Street, reshaping it into a slopestyle course capable of hosting X-Games-caliber tricks. By morning, the transformation is complete. 

The signature format is simple—a tracked ATV tows riders at highway-offramp speed into a 30-foot money booter, sending them skyward. The landing flows straight into the rail garden, where judges are ready to score amplitude, trick difficulty, clean landings, technical rail execution and overall showmanship. It’s controlled chaos; the kind spectators love. Qualifiers run Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and finals launch Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Big Mountain Talent Meets Urban Mayhem 

Wallace Extreme Skijor has quickly become a stage where freeriders, freestyle skiers and snowboarders can show off their full skill set. Big-mountain athletes often arrive with the biggest airs of the weekend, applying their backcountry send-mentality to an urban park environment. Meanwhile, dedicated jib athletes clean up on the rails with tech-heavy tricks that make the crowd erupt. Corks. Switch 540s. Double flips. Disaster transfers. And, of course, the wipeouts, which sometimes earn just as much applause as the podium runs. Extreme Skijor offers multiple categories: youth (rail jam only), women, skier and snowboarder. There’s no age limit beyond the ability to hit the course safely.  

A Weekend That Fuels a Town 

Beyond the snow and spectacle, this event is an economic powerhouse. Wallace sees its winter population swell dramatically as spectators flood into bars, shops and restaurants. Lodging fills up months in advance. Locals plan their winter around it. Extreme Skijor reflects the attitude of the Silver Valley itself: scrappy, creative and always willing to build something wild if it means a good time. 

Why Athletes Should Add Wallace to Their Competition Calendar 

For high-end competitors used to the touring circuit, the Wallace Extreme Skijor offers a unique hybrid format; it’s part freeride, part slopestyle and part urban rail jam, with crowds lining the course and a festival atmosphere. Athletes compete to win big-air, best trick, rail-jam and crowd-favorite cash bonuses, all in a tight, supportive, rowdy atmosphere unlike anything else in the Northwest. 

It’s the rare event where a backcountry charger can throw down alongside a terrain-park technician and both walk away heroes. If you’re a rider looking for a challenge, an audience and a reason to push yourself harder than you have all season, Wallace wants you here! 

A Winter Tradition That Keeps Growing 

In its eighth year, Extreme Skijor has become more than a festival, more than a competition and more than a weekend party. It is a celebration of winter, creativity, small-town energy and the pure joy of watching talented athletes do outrageous things on snow. And in the heart of it all stands a two-block stretch of downtown Wallace, proving that sometimes the wildest terrain isn’t found on a mountain. It’s found right on Main Street. 

Extreme Skijor is organized by Ski Wallace! Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting winter activities in Wallace, Idaho. Funding for the event is made possible through generous donations and fundraising events. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteering or exploring our other events, visit Skiwallace.com. (Article provided by Ski Wallace) 

The post Extreme Skijor Turns Wallace Into an Urban Winter Arena  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Lookout Pass

 Lifts: 5 (2 quads, 2 triples, 1 double) 
Vertical: 1,650  
Skiable acres: 1,023 
Number of runs: 59 
Terrain parks: 3 
Annual snowfall: 450 inches 
Operating schedule: With 100% natural snow, Lookout opens as soon as conditions permit. Seven-day-a-week operations pre-Christmas through April 20 (conditions permitting). 

Season Deals 
Lookout Pass is the mountain for anyone who wants to ski natural snow without draining their wallet and is known as one of the most affordable mountains in the region. Check out these deals:  

• Score two lift tickets for a total of $75 on Thursdays with the Bring a Friend Thursdays promotion.  

• Ski free on your birthday when you show ID or a birth certificate.  

• Make a reservation for lift tickets online by 11:59 p.m. the day before you arrive and save money.  

• If you have a season pass from any other mountain in the world, show your valid pass at the ticket window to get half-price lift tickets Monday through Thursday with the Golden Pass deal. With that offer, an adult can get a full-day lift ticket for just $31.50. 

Why ski Lookout Pass? Because the only thing better than its fresh powder and reliable grooming is knowing you saved enough to buy a round or two at après. 

Ski and Stay Packages 
Lookout Pass partners with lodging establishments in Wallace, Idaho, including the Wallace Inn, the Stardust Motel and The Brooks, to offer ski and stay packages. Contact lodging partners directly for pricing and options. Learn more at Skilookout.com/silver-valley. 

Lessons for Everyone 
Lessons are available for ages 2 through adult, with both group and private options. A few lesson highlights include: 

• Private Lesson 5-Pack: For ages 2 and up, consider a five-pack of private lessons for $375 (regular private lessons are $99 per hour). It’s a solid deal and a great stocking stuffer.  

• Group lessons are offered from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and are $65. Rentals can be added for $20. Lift tickets are sold separately.  

• The Kids’ First Timers Learn to Ski or Snowboard package is $199 and valid for any three days this winter. Participants receive three lessons, three rental setups and three lift tickets. Valid for kids ages 7 to 12. Similar offerings are available for older kids and adults. It’s best to commit to three days when first learning to ski or snowboard. 

Lookout’s World-Famous Free Ski School 

For kids ages 7–17, this program has been running since 1940. It is the longest-running free ski school in the country. Ski or snowboard lessons are offered on seven specific Saturdays during the winter (participants must attend one of the first lessons to participate throughout the season). Children are placed in groups based on age and skill level and receive roughly an hour and a half of instruction. It’s an excellent program for first-timers as well as committed young skiers or riders looking to progress and have fun on the mountain. Sign-ups begin in early to mid-December. FreeSkiSchool.org 

Lookout Pass strongly suggests that all students purchase a season pass or a lift ticket three-pack so they can continue to ski before or after their lessons. Lookout also offers affordably priced, season-long rental ski or snowboard packages.  

More Space to Relax 

With the grand opening of the Snow Globe—a sprung structure that opened last year—Lookout continues to offer additional space for skiers and riders to warm up and refuel. The Snow Globe includes comfortable couches, large-screen TVs and a more relaxed vibe than the historic lodge next door. 

The original historic lodge (the second-oldest in the Northwest) still serves hot breakfasts, hearty meals, pizza, chili, hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, along with hot and cold drinks. Guests can also find a selection of healthier menu options, beer, good coffee, and warm beverages in the Snow Globe. 

The Loft Pub offers options for the 21-and-up crowd, including cocktails, beer on tap or in cans, wings and other snacks. With even more room to kick back, it’s an easy place to unwind after a day on the slopes. 

Featured Events this Season 

Lookout Pass hosts some creative events and competitions, from the Cardboard Box Derby to Kids Snow Bowling, where parents compete using their kids used as bowling balls! Check Skilookout.com/events for the full event calendar. 

• Dress Like Santa Ski for $20: Dec. 22 

• Torchlight Parade: Dec. 31 

• Rail Jam: March 29 

• Ski Golf: April 4 

• Easter Egg Hunt: April 5 

• Hawaiian Luau & Cardboard Box Derby: April 12 

Sponsored

The post Your Complete Winter Guide to Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area appeared first on Out There Venture.

SNEVA MFG Skis

Win a Toyota-branded pair of skis from Spokane’s SNEVA MFG that are handmade in the USA! SNEVA makes around 1,000 premium skis or snowboards in a year so this grand prize will deliver some smiles.

Lift Tickets to Inland NW Resorts

We are giving away one lift ticket to one of the five Inland NW resorts to each of our three prize package winners!

 

 

Alpine Tune w/Stone Grind from Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer

One winner will get their boards tuned on the house courtesy of Hayden, Idaho’s Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer! ($60 value) 

One lucky winner will pick up a Swix North Tune ski/board tune kit and some other gear from Spokane Alpine Haus! 

Two winners will enjoy a night’s stay for two people at the Wallace Inn in historic Wallace, Idaho, PLUS two lift tickets to Lookout Pass! Enjoy historic, walkable Wallace and the town’s excellent eateries, breweries and bars after a day on the slopes!

One winner will score up to $500 redeemable towards any in-stock snowboard or skis (men’s or women’s, any size) that they have down at the Solnix shop in Spokane on Division Street! To illustrate how this killer prize could work, if you choose a $450 board, you pay nothing, or alternately, if you pick a $700 pair of skis, you would only pay $200. And so forth.  

Each of our three lucky winners will score a $100 gift card to Solnix ski & snowboard shop in Spokane courtesy of Out There Venture!

Each sweepstakes winner will receive 2 tickets to the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo happening Feb. 21-22, 2026 or the 2027 event.

Crazy Creek from Red Lodge, Montana, makes awesome outdoor adventure chairs, and two winners will take home either a Hex Original chair or a Rachel Pohl Snow Ghosts Hex Original chair plus a Crazy Creek hat.

The post Toyota Get Out There Winter Sweepstakes 2025/2026 appeared first on Out There Venture.

The Inland Northwest ski and snowboard scene is unique in that it still offers an affordable gateway for kids to learn to ski or snowboard. Parents can ski or snowboard with them, or even learn themselves for the first time, with relative affordability. These deals from the region’s five ski areas offer up a world of winter fun for the whole family on the mountain. 

5^th Graders Ski or Snowboard Free at Four Spokane-area Resorts 

The Ski the Northwest Rockies Association’s 5th Grade Ski & Ride Passport allows parents of any 5th grader across the region to apply to the program, which grants three complimentary days at each participating hill. That includes familiar names like 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash.; Lookout Pass near Wallace, Idaho; Mt. Spokane just north of Spokane; and Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. The program opens up multiple options to introduce a 5^th grader to different local ski areas without paying for the student’s lift ticket (gear and lessons not included).  

To register, submit an application to Ski the Northwest Rockies and pay a $28 one-time processing fee. You’ll then receive a digital version of the passport that can be printed or shown on a phone at the ticket window (parent must be present). Blackout dates may apply; check participating resorts’ schedules for details. As a bonus, some ski areas include special deals on equipment rentals and lessons with the passport.  

The 5th Grade Passport Program is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce your child—or your whole family—to exploring four of our region’s resorts on skis or a snowboard. Find more information or apply starting Oct. 1, 2025, at Skinwrockies.com. 

Free Skiing for 5th and 6th Graders at Schweitzer and Other Idaho Resorts 

Parents can also take advantage of Ski Idaho’s Peak Season Passport program for 5th and 6th graders to ski or snowboard multiple mountains for free. For a one-time $29 processing fee, the passport provides 5^th graders with three free lift tickets and 6th graders with two free lift tickets at each of 17 participating Idaho resorts, including Schweitzer, Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass (some blackout dates apply). Families don’t need to be an Idaho resident to take advantage of the program. Parents must be present with participating children and need to present their passport in print or on a phone. Find details and register at Skiidaho.us. 

The Most Incredible Learn-to-Ski Deal for Kids and Adults 

The four Ski the NW Rockies Association resorts around the Spokane area offer one of the most affordable and easy ways for kids or adults with no skiing or snowboarding experience to lock in an all-inclusive, total-beginner’s package. Sign yourself or your kids up and hit the slopes the right way for their first time. The EZ Ski 1-2-3 program is a three-visit package that bundles lessons, lift access and gear rental for one low price, typically $175-$300, depending on the resort.  

The package is available at all four participating association resorts—49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, and Silver Mountain. Typically, the first two days focus on beginner terrain and learning the basics, while the third may include exploring other areas of the mountain. The structured pace serves beginners of any age well—building skills, confidence and enjoyment in rhythm with the slopes. 

At the end of the program, some resorts offer a discounted season pass for participants to continue learning their new winter sport at a bargain rate. Each resort handles pricing, program details and scheduling availability slightly differently. Find program details and sign up at Skinwrockies.com. 

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies

The post Affordable Ways for Families to Hit the Slopes  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles

Ever had that feeling that it’s September (already?!), and you haven’t had your fill of hiking, pedaling, kayaking or huck picking? What the heck happened to summer? Well, you’re in luck. With cooler fall temps promising perfect outdoor adventure weather, the good times out on the trails are not over yet.   

The Inland Northwest is crisscrossed with incredible long-distance rail trails, cycling routes and pathways that seem to get better every year. The Route of the Hiawatha is at its smooth, gravelly prime. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s famed moose and great blue heron sightings are plentiful. More and more family and friends are embarking on the Bitterroot 300, enjoying the sleepy Saint Joe River wilds as well as the Route of the Olympian rail trail heading deeper into Montana. The North Idaho and Spokane River Centennial trails continue to be improved upon, raising the recreational experiences of walkers, cyclists and dogs alike.   

As fall draws ever closer, the only climate-change positive is a longer cycling season expanding well into October and beyond. If you are hoping to fit in a fall ride on the Route of the Hiawatha, you’ll need to make it happen by Sept. 21, when the “Tunnel” shuts down for the season. The fall cycling season is the best, with little to no precipitation, no bugs, and few people, which means the trails are wide open to ride.  

With another summer trails season behind us, I want to take the opportunity in this public-lands focused edition of Out There to draw attention to an issue that continually jams my saddle: poor trail etiquette. When I ride, which I do almost as much as possible or as long as a pair of clean bike shorts are available, I am all about enjoying the aesthetics of the trail I’m on. Be it the wilderness-like Hiawatha or more urban-focused Centennial, I am in the moment of the “the ride.”  

I stop frequently to enjoy the flora and fauna, chat it up with other cyclists, and soak up the glorious recreational amenities we have such easy access to. My focus, naturally, is not on who is speedily coming up from behind me hell-bent on a Tour de France-type ride. I am looking around, checking out flowers, wildlife prints in the mud, the sound of the river or wind in the trees. Many other riders out there on our shared trails are similarly absorbed in their own in-the-moment experience much of the time and not looking out for potential moving hazards either. This is where trail etiquette comes into play. It’s every trail user’s responsibility to do their best to keep each other safe and take care of the trail and surrounding environment. 

Trail Etiquette for Cyclists, Hikers and Dog Walkers  

Here are some trail-behavior basics we all need to follow to keep it fun and safe out on our region’s trails (especially when they are long and straight rail trails). 

Be Courteous: 

• Stay to the right when enjoying the trail. 

• Slower traffic and pedestrians have the right of way. 

• Make yourself known when overtaking another user by announcing something like “on your left” or deploying a bike bell. 

• Always pass other trail users on the left (assuming they are following the rules and are on the right side of the trail). 

Ride Safely and Responsibly: 

• Avoid sudden changes of direction. 

• Announce yourself when stopping or turning. 

• Yield when entering or crossing roadways. 

• Don’t block the trail. 

Protect Natural Resources: 

• Pack out all of your trash and strive to leave no trace. 

• Enjoy wildlife sightings, but don’t disturb or get too close to wildlife. 

• Stay on existing trails to reduce erosion and avoid trampling plants. 

Control and Pick Up After Your Pet 

• Leashes are required for dogs on Idaho and Washington state park trails unless otherwise posted. 

• Always pick up and pack out your best friend’s droppings. 

• Don’t let your dog chase after other trail users, other pets or wildlife. 

By making a small effort to use the above trail etiquette tips, we can all more fully enjoy our trails and public lands. Learn about more trails in the Idaho Panhandle and find more trail etiquette recommendations at Friendsofcdatrails.org. Feel free to contact me with any trail comments or questions at wallacepm56@gmail.com. See you out on the trails! 

The post Sharing the Trails: Fall Adventures and Friendly Reminders Cycling, hiking and dog walking with respect for nature and others  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Idaho’s Silver Valley is a fall adventure hub, where crisp mountain air and golden leaves set the stage for everything from biking iconic rail trails to exploring historic mines. This stretch of the Idaho Panhandle offers a perfect mix of outdoor recreation, small-town charm, and history. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a race, pedaling through tunnels and trestles or along the Coeur d’Alene River, or hiking to alpine lakes to earn that post-hike craft beer, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. Here are nine adventures to inspire your fall trip to North Idaho’s Silver Valley.

Go for a Hike and Check Out Local Craft Breweries

Spend the day hiking one of the many trails in the Bitterroot Mountains above Silver Valley, and then hit up one of the valley’s craft breweries. Take your pick from these favorite Silver Valley–area hikes. Once you’ve worked up a thirst, pay a visit to Wallace’s City Limits Brew Pub, Wallace Brewing, or Radio Brewing in Kellogg.

• Stevens Lake near Lookout Pass: This 4+-mile round-trip hike climbs 1,600 feet and includes some steep sections of trail. It’s considered a challenging hike, but the subalpine lake and mountain views are worth it.
• Blossom Lakes Trail: Heading out from Thompson Pass, the 6-mile round-trip hike to Lower Blossom Lake climbs just over 1,100 feet, making it a moderate-to-difficult trek. The lush forest can make for great fall colors if you time it right.
• Revett Lake: This 4-mile round-trip hike into the high country climbs 500 feet in elevation from the trailhead at Thompson Pass but is considered an intermediate hike on a well-worn trail that’s great for hikers of all ages and abilities. Highlights include the beautiful lake, towering Granite Peak, and a waterfall.
• Pulaski Tunnel Trail: A little over a mile from downtown Wallace, the Pulaski Tunnel Interpretive Trail—the site where Ed Pulaski found his crew of 45 men trapped and surrounded by the August 1910 wildfire—is a 4-mile round-trip hike with historical signs. With around 800 feet of elevation gain, this hike is rated as an easy-to-moderate trail.
  
  

Riding the NorPac Trail near Lookout Pass. Photos courtesy of Carol Corbin

Explore Lesser‑known Idaho Panhandle Rail Trails by Bike

If you are looking for a new rail-trail route to ride this fall, spend a few days exploring the Old Milwaukee Railroad Trail, Northern Pacific (NorPac) Trail, or the Route of the Olympian. These routes offer quiet gravel or mixed‑surface rides through forest and mountains and are best ridden on mountain or gravel bikes. Find routes and other information at Friendsofcdatrails.org.

Photo courtesy of the Historic Wallace Chamber

Ride the Sierra Silver Mine Trolley and Tour a Real Mine in Wallace, Idaho

Ride an open‑air trolley through Wallace’s historic district up to the Sierra Silver Mine. Retired miners lead you into a sideways cut in the mountain. The tour typically runs through mid-October.

Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

The 73‑mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes unfurls across evergreen forest, autumnal wetlands, and river corridors, offering a quiet, wildlife‑rich ride through fall color. You can roll directly from your Wallace lodging, pedaling east toward Mullan or west through Silver Valley. Out‑and‑back rides are popular, or you can arrange a shuttle. Deer, elk, swans, moose and other wildlife are often spotted along the way.

Take a Walking Tour of Wallace, Idaho Mining Museums and Historic Sites

Wallace, Idaho, has multiple museums and historic sites in town that you can explore on foot, as well as a walking tour of the many buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Museums include the Mine Heritage Exhibition, Northern Pacific Depot Museum, Barnard-Stockbridge Museum and Wallace District Mining Museum.

Moose along the Coeur d’Alene River. Photo courtesy of Bradley Bleck

Tour the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, Idaho

Step back into Idaho’s mining past with a visit to the Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg, the first hard-rock gold mine in Idaho that opened in the 1880s. After being abandoned for nearly a century, the mine was opened to the public for guided underground tours. Visitors will see veins of gold and other minerals still visible in the rock, learn about early hard-rock mining methods, and hear the mine’s story. Kids especially enjoy the chance to pan for gold and gems at the end of the tour. Tours typically run through the end of October.

Ride the Route of the Hiawatha

This stellar 15‑mile rail‑to‑trail ride includes seven sky‑high trestles, 10 tunnels, and a spectacular journey under the Bitterroot Mountains via the 1.66‑mile Taft Tunnel. It is typically open through late September. Lookout Pass offers trail passes, bike and gear rentals, and shuttles to simplify logistics so that you can focus on riding this historic route.

Scenic gondola rides run into September. Photo courtesy of Silver Mountain Resort

Take a Scenic Gondola Ride at Silver Mountain Resort

Silver Mountain offers the longest gondola ride in North America. Just off I-90 in Kellogg, the scenic ride travels over three miles as it climbs 3,000 feet up the mountain to the Mountain House Lodge. The ride takes 20 to 30 minutes each way, and you’ll want to plan time for a hike and fall huckleberry picking. The gondola runs on a few weekends in September before closing down for the season.

For more trip planning ideas and information including lodging options in North Idaho’s Silver Valley, visit the Historic Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Run the Jackass Half Marathon and 5k on Oct. 4

The Jackass Half Marathon and 5k Race offers a scenic run or walk along the Coeur d’Alene River on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Both courses are point-to-point and mostly downhill between Wallace and Kellogg. The 2025 half marathon and 5K only had a few spots left as of early September but there were spots available for the kids’ race. This is the perfect race for beginners or casual joggers or walkers and a fast course for competitive runners.  

(Sponsored)

The post Fall Adventures in Idaho’s Silver Valley appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Amy McCaffree 

Cover photo courtesy of Amy McCaffree

Looking for outdoor community this summer for you and your dog? Your local off-leash dog park is one such place.  

Seriously—where else can Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X and Boomers come and go randomly, mill about and chitchat, and where formal introductions are optional? At the dog park, the only expectations are to clean up after your dog and ensure your dog plays nice, which means respecting and following off-leash park rules. There is unique camaraderie because of a shared value, a love for dogs. Dogs also inspire humans to be more like them: friendly, non-judgmental, carefree, eager to play outdoors.  

As a societal microcosm, a dog park is fascinating. My young dog, Layla, and I started going to dog parks last summer, when she was 6 months old. Visiting our local one is now part of our regular routine. I’ve had more conversations with random Boomer men than ever before, especially on weekday mornings. It’s where I regularly cross paths with people in their 20s-30s. No visit is the same. For me, the wonderful array of breeds and dog personalities is the best part. From corgis and chow chows to huskies and Newfoundlands, dogs are joyfully entertaining. And I consider providing play opportunities for Layla my dog-mom duty. 

Dog Park Etiquette 

Every off-leash park has the same general rules, which can be found online or posted on-site. Mostly common sense and etiquette stuff: only fully-vaccinated dogs allowed, clean up after your dog, no fighting. 

Dog parks are highly stimulating and unpredictable; therefore, drama happens. Dogs well-suited for an off-leash park environment are “typically young (between 6 months and 2 years old), outgoing, love to play, friendly, and forgiving,” says Terry Ann Fernando, creator and host of “The Accidental Bird Dog” podcast. Less suited for the dog-park environment, according to Fernando, are:  

1. Very young puppies (4-6 months old; puppies 16 weeks or younger should not visit). 

2. Shy or aloof dogs, who might act defensive or snappy when surrounded by a group of dogs or simply prefer one-on-one play with a dog friend rather than random new ones. 

3. Adult dogs who have grown out of the playful stage of life, which varies by breed and temperament. Some seniors dogs, age 7+, are still spry and active, while some 4-5 year-olds act grumpy and tired.  

4. Small or fragile breeds, unless in a “small dog” area of an off-leash park—tiny dogs should never be in the same area as big breeds. 

5. Aggressive dogs, without exception. (Even at an off-leash area, owners are liable for their dog’s actions and any injuries or damages to other dogs or people, regardless of the dog’s behavioral history.) 

6. Under-exercised dogs, who have been confined or not walked for a stretch of time—or are infrequent park visitors—can cause trouble when they arrive “like a drunk college student at a frat party,” Fernando says. 

7. Intact males can attract negative attention from neutered males and may also attempt to dominate female dogs; also, female dogs in heat should not visit dog parks.  

It’s recommended that dogs new to off-leash play areas first visit during off-peak times, such as early morning or weekdays before 3 p.m.—same for older or less playful dogs. Be sure to know and understand “dog language” and follow park rules for a positive experience with other park visitors. 

Spokane and North Idaho Dog Parks 

Standard amenities include a double-gate entry/exit system; separate/divided sections for small and large breeds (unless otherwise noted in list below); dog bag dispensers, drinking fountains, benches, shelters and picnic tables; open dawn to dusk (typically). Use this guide to plan a day trip or for road-trip stops along the journey to a summer vacation. (Note: “Dog park” info from Yelp, Google Reviews and BringFido.com is not 100% accurate—a “dog friendly” park doesn’t mean off-leash use is allowed.) 

Spokane County 

• High Bridge Dog Park: 9.3 acres, recently renovated, layout includes three separate fenced play areas with the large area, featuring rugged terrain, best suited for large breeds. 

• South Hill Dog Park: 1.8 acres, opened fall 2024, partially paved and gravel walking path. No separate area for small dogs; no picnic tables or shelter. 

• Riverside Dog Park: triangle-size “pocket” park (.07 acre) created for residents/dog owners of downtown and Browne’s Addition. (Note: As of April 2025, both gate latches were broken, posing a safety risk.) No shelter or tables. 

• Valley Mission Dog Park: Has agility features and dog wash station. 

• Patricia Simonet Laughing Dog Park: Located at Gateway Regional Park, I-90 Stateline exit, managed by SCRAPS. 

• Cheney Dog Park: Opened in summer 2023, corner of Presley Drive & Hwy 904. 

Coeur d’Alene/Kootenai County 

• McEuen Dog Park: Located within McEuen Park. 

• Riverstone Dog Park: Walk-in only, accessible off the Centennial Trail; 0.5 acre; drivers can park at Riverstone Park. 

• Cherry Hill Dog Park: 0.68 acres. 

• Central Bark Dog Park: Located within Northshire Park. 

• Atlas Water Dog Park: ADA-accessible off-leash area within Atlas Park, along the Spokane River, includes a beach and Spokane river access.  

• Croffoot Dog Park: Located in Hayden at Croffoot Park and Sports Complex. 

Sandpoint Area 

• Dog Beach Park: Walk/bike-in only; off-leash beach located off Serenity Lee Trail, south of downtown Sandpoint. 

• Ponderay Pet Safe Dog Park: Located by Panhandle Animal Shelter, fully ADA-accessible with ramps, access points, and pathways; dog agility course. 

• Pine Street Woods: Conservation property, 180 acres, managed by Kaniksu Land Trust; dogs allowed to be off-leash if “within voice control.” 

• Sam Owen Campground (Hope, ID): Off-leash dogs allowed on the rocky beach, adjacent to the day-use area. 

Silver Valley & Missoula, MT 

• Wallace Dog Park: Opened in 2022; solar-powered lights for after dark, covered patio area. 

• Missoula: MRL Park Dog Area, Fort Missoula Regional Sgt. Bozo Dog Park, and Jacobs Island Bark Park.  

Palouse/Whitman County 

• Pullman Pooch Park: Managed by Whitman County Humane Society; $5 day pass or paid membership required. 

• Moscow Dog Park: Located by Humane Society of the Palouse. 

Lewiston/Clarkston 

• Lewiston: Penny’s Memorial Dog Park. 

• Clarkston: Eagle Scout Dog Park and Pippin’s Island Off-Leash Area.  

Did You Know? 

• 66% of American households own at least one pet, predominately a dog. 

• 30% of pet owners are from Millennial Generation (born between 1981 and 1996; currently those age 29-44), followed by Gen X and Baby Boomers (25% each of pet-owner population) and Gen Z (20%). 

Source: American Pet Products Association’s 2025 National Pet Owners Survey 

More Dog Parks in Eastern/Central Washington 

• Moses Lake: Basin Homes Dog Park 

• Wenatchee: Hale Park Off-Leash Area 

• Ellensburg: 2 off-leash areas, Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park and Rotary Park. 

• Walla Walla: Fort Walla Walla Dog Park. 

• Yakima: Randall Park off-leash areas. 

Additional Inland Northwest Off-Leash Areas 

Offering more off-leash dog areas (OLA) is good public relations and marketing for communities. According to the “City of Spokane Dog Park Guidelines,” published in Oct. 2022, the city needs six off-leash dog parks to meet local demand. Standard planning for the people-dog ratio population is 38,000 people or 25,000 dogs per facility. Local survey data was used to project that 90% of Spokane residents are dog owners, with an estimated dog population of 150,000. In a ranked list of similar-sized cities, Boise, Idaho, is #1 for providing 16 dog parks, which equates to use ratio of 9,536 dogs per facility. (In 2022, Spokane’s ratio was over 74,000 dogs per facility.) 

With too few off-leash areas (OLA), dog-owners tend to take matters into their own hands, which results in hiking areas and other public parks becoming de facto off-leash areas—and this causes more problems. Typically, local governments enact and enforce dog-leash laws. In Washington, there is no statewide leash requirement except for one pertaining to state parks; however, there is a law prohibiting “animals at large” off private property. To meet demand for off-leash recreation, SnipSpot.com is a platform for private property owners to become a “host” and dog-owners pay an hourly fee for their dog to run around off-leash. 

Notable Dog Parks in Western Washington/Puget Sound Area Cities 

• Bellingham: Squalicum Creek Park, Fairhaven Dog Park, Arroyo Park, Lake Padden Park Off-Leash Area. 

• Everett: Howarth Park Off Leash Area, Lowell Riverfront Dog Park, Loganberry Lane Dog Park 

• Redmond: Marymoor Park (40-acres). 

• Seatac: Grandview Park (37 acres).  

• Seattle: Jose Rizal Park (Beacon Hill), Genesee Park Off-Leash Area (southeast Seattle), Golden Gardens (Ballard), Magnuson Park (Sand Point). 

• Tacoma: Point Defiance Dog Park, Swan Creek Off-Leash Dog Park. 

Resources: 

my.spokanecity.org/parks/dogs 

https://www.cdaid.org/726/departments/parks/park-list

Amy McCaffree is an OTO senior writer who has been contributing to Out There since 2016. If you see Layla and Amy at a dog park, say hello! Follow her outdoor recreation and #dogmom adventures on Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane or TikTok @pnwadventureamy. 

The post Where Paws Meet People  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.

By Bradley Bleck

Cover photo courtesy of Bradley Bleck

Looking for bike rentals in Spokane or North Idaho? These Inland Northwest shops offer a wide range of rentals, from e-bikes to fat bikes. Each shop suggests reserving a bike well in advance of when you plan to ride. It’s also advisable to bring a helmet and your pedals if you prefer clipless.

Spokane

Hillyard Bicycle (part of North Division Bicycle) offers over 50 rentals, including mountain, gravel, hybrid, fat, and electric bikes. Rentals start at $45 a day for hybrid/comfort bikes, $50 for a hardtail mountain bike, and $60 for fat bikes. E-bikes start at $100 a day. Racks and helmets are available. northdivision.com

Spoke ‘n Sport rents flat-bar road bikes and kids’ bikes along with bike racks, starting at $40 a day. Each rental includes a helmet. Tire repair kits, locks, and tubes are available. A deposit is required. Rentals are for paved road use only; ideal for urban riders and families. spokensportinc.net

Bike Hub stores on the South Hill and in Spokane Valley have e-bikes that start at $65 a day or $325 for the week. Gravel bikes are $75 a day and $375 a week. Mountain bikes range from $75 to $100 a day and $375 to $500 for a week. Electric mountain bikes are $150 a day or $750 for the week. Weekend pricing is available. thebikehub.com

Idaho Panhandle

The Coeur d’Alene Bike Company has e-bikes starting at $65 for four hours. Comfort, gravel, and road bikes start at $40 for four hours. Tandem bikes, beach cruisers, and children’s bikes are also offered for a variety of riders. For The Route of the Hiawatha, rentals from the Kellogg location are for a full day at $65 for a comfort bike and $50 for a kids’ bike. No e-bikes are available for The Route of the Hiawatha. Lights are $10 for each bike. cdabikeco.com

Spokehaus in Wallace offers only electric bikes, perfect for exploring the Silver Valley. For Route of the Hiawatha use, the bikes cannot be placed on the shuttle, so must be ridden back up the trail. Tailgate protector pads are available for pickup trucks. Transport of the bikes is available by reservation. Daily rental prices start at $100. Bikes for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Silver Valley/Wallace are available starting at $35 for two hours. thespokehouse.com

The Cycle Haus Bikes and Brews in Harrison, Idaho, has several electric models available, starting at $40 for two hours. Standard pedal bikes and step-through models start at $30 for two hours. thecyclehaus.com/bikes/bike-rentals

Sandpoint’s Syringa Cyclery has cross-country, downhill, fat, and gravel bikes with one e-mountain bike available for half-day, full-day, or weekly rental. All mountain bike rentals are full-suspension for trail-ready performance. Prices start at $50 for a half-day, $90 for a full day, and $450 for a week. syringacyclery.com

Bicycle Adventures and Bike Wallace are partnering with the Stardust Motel to provide shuttles up to the Route of the Hiawatha. Rates start at $90 a day for mountain and fat bikes and $125 a day for gravel and e-bikes. Helmets, water bottles, and lights are provided. bikewallace.com

Bradley last wrote about professional mountain biker Hannah Otto and the improving cycling scene in Spokane in the Spring issue of Out There. He’ll be spending the summer riding one of his bikes in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

The post Where to Rent Bikes in Spokane and North Idaho appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Justin Short 

Cover photo courtesy of Justin Short

A few years back, a friend found an interesting bikepacking route out of Coeur d’Alene on the North Idaho Bikepacking page (Facebook? Web? Yellow? I didn’t ask). I was immediately intrigued because The Idaho Panhandle Ramble, or “PanRam” as we’ve come to call it, promised to scratch my “going places I’ve never been” itch in a big way. At 320 miles with 30,000+ feet of climbing, this ride is YUUUGE, but not so huge that we couldn’t knock it out over our three-day weekends that magically coincided in mid-July. 

Our plan was to ride two big days and one easy day. There would be no easy day. When it was all said and done, my mind was blown. This thing needs to become a showcase bikepacking event for the Inland Northwest, I thought, so I tracked down and spoke with route designer Eric Deady and told him just that.  

My first impression of PanRam was that a normal person would want to ride this route. Let me qualify that by saying that I meant a “special” kind of normal. I mean, there aren’t any cliffs to rock climb up with a loaded bike, or unrideable mountains of fist-sized boulders to stumble over for six hours, or even any river crossings teeming with alligators. However, you will be climbing 3,000 feet in the first 20 miles, mostly on rocky double track blown out by summer moto traffic.  

The gravel is comparatively nice after that, but the elevation profile is off the hook all the way through, so you’ll want to be ready for that. I’m also referring to a normality that includes laying down and splashing about in every creek, pond, lake, or occasional horse trough to cool off. It also goes without saying that our “normal” PanRam candidate will be filtering water from streams and filling every bottle, and perhaps even pockets, with ice anytime that’s available… which isn’t often.  

The inaugural PanRam grand depart was then organized and set for mid-July in 2023. Fifteen riders registered and eight actually showed up, which ain’t a bad turnout for this kind of thing when it’s blistering hot and people are having weddings and trips to “the lake” sprung on them. The weather was definitely hot for 2023, but this route is pretty forgiving with plentiful water sources, tree cover, and creek-dunking opportunities. I rode out the first 50 miles with my friends, camped for the night and rode home for work the next morning, wishing I could be out there for the whole shenanigan once again. 

PanRam is not billed as an official race, but more of a bikepacking odyssey, so it’s not governed by the usual rules of unsupported ultra-distance bikepacking races, which prohibit receiving outside support of any kind. Nonetheless, you can count on a small handful of goofballs attempting to set the Fastest Known Time, or “FKT” as it’s called in bikepacking circles. The first person to do this was none other than John Stamstad who came out for an ITT (individual time trial). That’s what we call it when a rider makes an official run on a route outside of a grand depart event. And when John rides your route, it’s like having Babe Ruth play your baseball field. It gets noticed. One could say he’s been an influential figure in the ultra-endurance mountain biking world. Among other things too numerous to mention, he was the first person to race pace the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route from Canada to Mexico, basically turning the 2,700-mile Tour Divide into the Tour de France of the bikepacking world that it is now. He was also the first rider to solo a 24-hour mountain bike race when he entered a four-man team under four different iterations of his own name because he was told by the race organizers that soloing was too hard. (On a side note: I’m soloing the 24 Hours of Riverside MTB race this year, soooo thanks, John!)  

I honestly don’t know if it was John’s influence that got PanRam listed as a featured route on bikepacking.com or if it was entirely Eric Deady’s efforts. Either way, the word is out and 75 riders signed up for the 2024 edition of PanRam, this time set for mid June to avoid the mid-summer heat. Of those 75 riders, 35 actually showed up for the grand depart. Once again, these are solid numbers, and there were riders from the west side of the Cascades, Montana, and British Columbia. I didn’t know everyone there, and that’s getting rare these days. Outside of the grand departs, there have been hundreds of riders who’ve experienced PanRam at this point.  

So where does PanRam go, anyway? The route begins and ends at the moose by the lake. Which moose? Well, you had to do some hunting if you showed up at a moose statue on Lake Coeur d’Alene that didn’t have a bunch of bikepackers gathered around it. From there the route heads northeast with, as previously mentioned, some serious climbing. But the grade and gravel both mellow out significantly on the way to Magee Air Strip, as a lush green valley opens with Tepee Creek snaking through the meadow below. You can stop to relax in the AC at the Starbucks outside of TSA at the air strip, or at least that’s how we refer to the little wading pool in the creek under the bridge before the 8-mile climb up Spyglass Peak. It’s a charming spot for a break and highly recommended during the heat of the day.  

Somewhere out there on a high exposed ridge, I caught a glimpse of Silver Mountain in the distance, just long enough to wonder if I had really seen it. And that’s something that really inspires me about traveling through these mountains: seeing prominent peeks from hither-to unexperienced perspectives. The route heads south over more mountains to the first resupply point in Pritchard where you can count on a huckleberry milkshake to get you over Dobson Pass into Wallace, Idaho, if you’re not stopping to camp. There’s also some excellent barbecue there, and you might not want to miss that.  

In an official race, staying with a friend on the route is a big no-no, but PanRam, as we have said, is not a race, so I was free to crash with a couple riders at my friend Emma’s house in Wallace. I had joked with Eric about making Emma’s house a mandatory stopover for all riders on PanRam without telling Emma, but only half joking. That would really take this event up a notch.  

After Wallace was Moon Pass, which had a huge landslide last year, requiring a re-route. There were a couple options, and I chose to ride over Mullan Pass, dipping into Montana to take the Route of the Hiawatha, which is always a delight. Farther down the dusty trail, there’s an opportunity to stop for ice cream at the fly-fishing shop in Avery. Say hi to owner Dan Mottern, he’s a rider and one hell of a runner, having participated in the Boston Marathon a good 10 times.  

The route rolls out of Avery farther south, climbing through Fishhook Creek Canyon where tall craggy rock formations reach for the sky out of the densely green cedar groves that cover the steep canyon walls, offering a bit of comforting shade. The next segment over the Grandmother Mountain Wilderness Study Area is where I ran out of water in mid-July. There was a big surprise waiting for all of us in mid-June, though, in the form of a 12-mile snow traverse that took six hours to clear. My friend George and I dragged it at night, witnessing a moonrise that left us in rapturous spasms of awe that I will carry for the rest of my days. It’s a long way from there back to the moose with many more mountain vistas, and spectacular jaw-dropping moments, as well as the obligatory bushwhacking section called The Maze that always leaves folks wondering if they’ve lost their way. It got me thoroughly confused both times I’ve “ridden” it, and it definitely will again this year.  

Eric Deady’s inspiration behind PanRam was to give riders the flavor of the remoteness of North Idaho with small town charm and easy resupply: “It’s a way to connect with friends and build memories, and discover yourself and the Idaho Panhandle along the route.”  

PanRam is not an easy ride by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s definitely worth the effort, and there’s no reason not to con a friend into driving a sag wagon out to some of the prime camping spots along the way to lighten your load. The 2025 grand depart will begin on June 20. For more information go to lifeonbikes.com/panram-bikepacking-route-1 and we’ll see you Out There! 

Out There Venture contributor Justin Short has ridden PanRam twice, if the article didn’t make that abundantly clear . . . but that’s not nearly as many times as he’s planning to ride it.  

The post The Idaho Panhandle Ramble   appeared first on Out There Venture.