Each radio features IP67 waterproofing, a shatter-resistant screen, and a thermoplastic shell engineered to perform in subzero temperatures down to -20°F. The lithium-ion battery lasts four to six days, and simple, one-button controls make operation easy with gloves on. Standard functions include privacy codes, scan and lock modes, NOAA weather alerts, repeater compatibility and dual-channel watch. You can also add the Waterproof Hand Mic ($65), featuring a built-in speaker, mic and push-to-talk controls without unholstering the radio. Fully waterproof and snowproof, it clips securely to clothing and stays clear and audible in wind, snow or whitewater. MSRP: $180. Rockytalkie.com

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Designed by a veteran, RecPaks combine MRE efficiency (just add water and shake) with clean, complete energy for a mountain meal on the move. The ‘Paks come in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla chai and coffee, the latter with a dash of caffeine that recommends it as a stove-free breakfast-and-coffee combo. Whether to combat protein bar burnout or to avoid the dreaded dehydrated meal gut bomb, RecPaks make a worthy addition to any pack. MSRP: $38.99 (pack of three). Recpak.co  (Aaron Theisen) 

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Cover photo courtesy of Adam Gebauer

I have come to understand myself to be a bit of a social introvert. It takes me a tick to be comfortable in new social situations, to be able to open up, and to find my voice. But back in my 20s I figured out a hack to jump-start connections, a place where I have a voice of confidence—public lands. These vast, open lands allow many of those embedded self-preservation traits to slip away in the vistas, instead focusing on the tasks at hand and sharing awe with others. 

My early experiences camping as a family, backpacking in Boy Scouts and just exploring the public lands near my hometown in New Jersey were way more engaging than school or hanging out at the mall. So, in my 20s, I ventured to the Southwest to work as a wilderness trip leader. This experience taught me that I was a quiet leader, someone who enjoys sharing excitement and knowledge on everything from how it takes years to create biocrust on the desert floor to demonstrating how to rappel down a sheer sandstone cliff. I found I could create a safe and accepting place where participants could push their comfort zones while also being reflective about the environment that surrounds them. It also helps that being a goofy presence is generally rewarded in camp settings. 

Parts of leading trips on public lands are akin to being a tour guide, one of those people who seem to effortlessly walk backward while also being a skilled public speaker. These experiences unearthed an unknown skill for me: I can be an effective and engaging public speaker. This has led to continued experiences as an educator, where I get to take people out onto public lands where they can get a sense of stewardship and belonging. This also helps me to speak up in technical meetings and when working with landowners, knowing that I have knowledge and authority on a topic. 

Gaining enough outdoor experience through our public lands to climb in the alpine, paddle some whitewater, and be comfortable in uncomfortable situations of bugs, rain, or just the side of a cliff, has given me a shortcut to making friends and creating community. The ability to say yes to a myriad of outdoor adventures has given me an avenue to an amazing network of like-minded individuals. Several days out in the wild under a blanket of stars can open up deep, personal conversations that otherwise could take years of knowing. This has led to a community of outdoor enthusiasts that spans the country and usually provides more outdoor adventure opportunities than I have time for. 

Finally, the love for our public lands has led to my career as the public lands program director at Spokane-based The Lands Council. Digging deep into ecology and wildlife, a care for people who work in and with the lands, and passion to protect and advocate for our public lands evolved into a job where I get to advocate for what I love. 

Adam Gebauer is the Nature columnist at Out There Venture. He is excited to get back on his bike as the weather cools. 

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NewAge Pro Series Steel Slatwalls: These 2′ x 4′ interlocking panels are made from heavy-gauge steel and come finished in a nice-looking silver diamond-plate pattern. Each panel mounts cleanly into wood studs with hidden fasteners for a seamless appearance. Piece together as many as you need to fit your space, and then customize your new, slick-looking gear wall with NewAge hooks, baskets and other accessories. Each panel supports up to 75 pounds per square foot and includes a lifetime warranty. It’s a worthwhile investment toward cleaning up your garage or gear room so that you can find the things you need when it’s time to get outside. MSRP: $23.75 per square foot. Shopnewage.com  

NewAge Pro Series Sports Locker: Built like a tank, this locker is fully customizable to fit a wide range of items in a tall, tight space. Four moveable or removable shelves allow you to customize it for tall items like fishing rods, skis or snowboards or arrange shelves for smaller items like biking gear. A removable closet rod creates options for hanging packs, wetsuits, waders, climbing racks or jackets. The locker also has a built-in charging cable port that’s handy for charging bike lights, headlamps and other electronics, and it locks up to secure your beloved gear. A huge relief since I dread deciphering complex assembly instructions, the Pro Series Sports Locker arrived nearly fully assembled. MSRP: $659.99. Shopnewage.com 

Keter Cortina 7×7 Storage Shed: Over the years, I’ve cobbled together my share of structurally questionable sheds from free, second-hand building materials, and this Keter Cortina shed is pretty much the polar opposite of those DIY outbuildings. Worthy of a prominent place in your yard for stowing everything from landscaping and gardening tools to outdoor gear, the Evotech composite exterior has an attractive natural wood look that won’t rot, rust or deteriorate from the weather. The 7’x7’ footprint offers nearly 300 cubic feet of storage that you can customize with a ton of Keter accessories for hanging bikes or tools or shelving. Hope that you’ll never get the chance to test its 90mph wind-resistant rating that’s made possible with steel-reinforcements. Lockable double doors swing wide for easy access, and six built-in windows provide extra light. It also comes with a solid floor and ventilation panels to keep out critters and prevent moisture build-up. Our shed arrived in two intimidatingly large boxes, but the assembly instructions’ estimate of two people being able to raise the structure in five hours with basic tools was more or less accurate. MSRP: $1,599.99. Keter.com

Derrick Knowles

The post Gear Room Makeover: Storage That Works 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.

Explore these summer outdoor music festivals in the Pacific Northwest that you can bikepack to and camp at—or drive and bring your bike for day rides between music sets. For gear and route planning tips, visit Bikepacking.com, a top resource for adventure cyclists.

Kettle River Music Festival – Curlew, Washington (August 1–3, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from Republic via the Golden Tiger Pathway and Ferry County Rail Trail, or ride sections of the trail system from the festival grounds. More ambitious riders can head up to the Kettle Crest for epic singletrack.
kettlerivermusicfestival.org

Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival – Yellow Pine, Idaho (July 31–August 2, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from McCall, Idaho, over a steep mountain pass and along the South Fork Salmon River to reach this remote Idaho mountain music festival. For an incredibly scenic day ride or overnighter from the festival, pedal 33 rugged miles to the community of Big Creek for an excellent meal at the Big Creek Lodge near the airstrip. Then ride back or stay at one of the nearby campsites.
yellowpinefestival.org

National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest & Festival – Weiser, Idaho (June 17–21, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from New Meadows or McCall, Idaho, incorporating the 84-mile-long Weiser River Trail, one of Idaho’s top rail trails. Or, day-ride this scenic route directly from the festival.
fiddlecontest.org

Juniper Jam – Enterprise, Oregon (August 30, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepackers looking for an epic challenge can start from Asotin, Washington, or farther south at Heller Bar on the Snake River and ride gravel and two-track trails climbing through the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area to the rim above Hells Canyon—a 100+ mile journey with incredible camping along the way. Less zealous riders can enjoy scenic day rides from the festival on gravel roads into the Zumwalt Prairie and surrounding Wallowa Mountains.
juniperjam.com

Festival at Sandpoint – Sandpoint, Idaho (July 24–27 and July 31–August 3, 2025)
BIKE IT: Create your own custom bikepacking route to Sandpoint, Idaho, mixing trails, gravel, and pavement from your home base. The nearby trails at Pine Street Woods are an easy ride from the festival for day trippers.
festivalatsandpoint.com

The Gorge Amphitheatre – George, Washington (Multiple 2025 Festivals)
Beyond Wonderland (June 20–22)
Watershed Festival (August 1–3)
Bass Canyon Festival (August 15–17)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from Spokane on the Palouse to Cascades Trail to the Gorge Amphitheatre, one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in Washington. Or use the trail for a day ride during your festival weekend.
gorgeamphitheatre.com

Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival – Medical Lake, Washington (August 8–10, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from Spokane via the Fish Lake Trail and scenic back roads to this lakeside bluegrass festival near Spokane. Explore miles of quiet roads and countryside around Medical Lake between music sets.
bluewatersbluegrass.org

Shambhala Music Festival – Salmo, British Columbia (July 25–28, 2025)
BIKE IT: Bikepack from Spokane and connect with the International Selkirk Loop bike route, then continue on to Salmo for this legendary BC electronic music festival in the Kootenays. Or ride from Nelson, BC, on the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail for outstanding day rides from the festival. Don’t forget your passport!
shambhalamusicfestival.com

The post NW Music Festivals You Can Bikepack To (Or Day Ride From) appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Derrick Knowles

Honestly, the musical genre barely registered when Out There Venture publisher Derrick Knowles invited me and several other riders to bikepack from Spokane to Medical Lake, Washington, for the 2024 Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival in August. It takes very little for me to say “yes” to bikepacking, and since my weekend was free, it was a no-brainer. But the promise of a homegrown, small-town feel with some of the best bluegrass bands around added to the appeal. And I discovered that a music festival has some great perks as a bikepacking destination.

The Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival in Medical Lake, WA, has welcomed musicians and fans from across the U.S. since 2022. World-class bluegrass music is offered at this modest but memorable festival, with camping fees that spoke to my dirtbag heart. The festival’s proximity to Spokane’s urban core promised a pleasant, scenic pedal to buzzing Medical Lake Waterfront Park.

While it would be easy enough to load up the bikes with gear and pedal straight to Medical Lake, there are enough scenic options between downtown Spokane and the lakefront to encourage gravel-centric bikepacking routes through the West Plains and around nearby lakes. Our bikepacking route from Spokane took us south on the Fish Lake Trail, then west through Cheney and Four Lakes, popular areas for gravel biking in Eastern Washington. While spending hours on Ride with GPS finding the best routes isn’t my cup of tea, I’m grateful to have lots of adventure buddies who love this aspect of trip planning and always find interesting, challenging, beautiful routes to take.

Approaching Silver Lake from the east was sobering, as evidence of the 2023 catastrophic wildfires greeted us. Though many homes are being rebuilt, the blackened trees and scorched earth were a stark contrast to the sparkling lake. It’s easy to pedal along, spinning out about the increasing impact that wildfires are having on our beautiful, pedalable home.

With four riders, lots of gear, and plenty of time, we took snack and drink breaks and paused to enjoy wildflowers. I’m assuming the others waited patiently for me to catch up. While much of the weight on my bike was vital camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, festival chair), I needn’t have packed so much food. The best part of bikepacking to a music festival was discovering the diverse food trucks at the venue—an unexpected culinary bonus after a long ride. From Feast World Kitchen’s tofu pad thai to a truck selling hot coffee in the morning, my freeze-dried meals just couldn’t stack up, so they stayed packed away. Since Medical Lake is a delightfully small town with wide streets, it wouldn’t have been hard to pedal into town for a bite or beverage if needed.

Live bluegrass music filled the air all day, from regional acts and local players in the afternoon to national headliners in the evening. The Saturday night headliners, New Dangerfield, were introduced by the festival organizer who calmly assured the audience that in 22 years, they’d never been rained out … even as the inevitable thunderclouds that follow me everywhere gathered on the horizon and rumbled over the rolling hills. My travel companions glared at me as they pulled out their rain jackets. But, I did warn them.

Knowing at least some rain was on the way, our cozy campsite right on the water’s edge was secured with rain flies zipped and bags packed away. We kicked back, enjoyed the music, and watched festival staff and volunteers scramble to right the canopy sheltering the sound system as gusts of wind brought the storm ever closer. The musicians, professional performers, carried on with their set, bringing the audience to their feet with toe-tapping tunes and classic sounds of Appalachia.

Most people camping for the weekend were using trailers and RVs, but those of us sleeping in tents were relieved when Mother Nature left just a few drops and carried the thunder and lightning north instead of raining on our parade. The next morning, as we packed to leave, I was pleased to see musicians young and old gathering at picnic tables and under trees for a series of music workshops—generations sharing their art and carrying on the language of string-based bluegrass for new audiences to discover.

Pedaling away from the bustle of the campground reminded me that bikepacking truly is my favorite way to adventure. The freedom of circumventing crowded parking lots and lines of vehicles, carrying everything I need on my bike, pedaling until I’m tired, then sleeping, then pedaling again, is my perfect adventure. Sharing conversation, suffering, and camaraderie with others turning pedals with (or usually far ahead of) me—there’s just nothing like it.

The 2024 Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival (August 8–10 in Medical Lake, WA) is just one of many bikeable music festivals in the Inland Northwest. The region boasts a lineup of events for various genres, schedules, camping experiences, and price points. These festivals are well-supported, with camping, restrooms, concessions, and other comfort amenities. They offer community and something to look forward to during your miles of pedaling—and they’re typically close enough to “somewhere” that you can access an easy exit strategy if things go sideways.

If bikepacking has been on your “want to try” list, find a fun, local festival, pull whatever bike you have out of the garage for a quick tune-up (at least lube the chain and pump up the tires), throw a tent and a sleeping bag in a backpack or some panniers, and get out there—bikepacking to festivals is the perfect blend of adventure, music, and outdoor culture.

Carol Corbin is looking for ways to monetize the rain that follows her on all her outdoor adventures, having recently achieved international notoriety by breaking an unseasonable dry spell with four days of biking in England.

The post Bikepacking from Spokane to the Blue Waters Bluegrass Festival in Medical Lake appeared first on Out There Venture.

Recently, I was on a training run on the Centennial Trail with my two kids tucked into a double stroller. It was a Sunday, the trail buzzing with runners, walkers, dogs and cyclists, and I’d had an overwhelming week. The river tumbled like fraying ribbon below, ospreys floated in tight circles above, and my breath came hard as I pushed my bike-trailer-made-stroller and its extra 70 pounds along the concrete.  

Shortly after passing a high-perched osprey nest, I realized the mileage I needed would include running down Doomsday hill, an inclined section of the Centennial that has gained notoriety from the Bloomsday course. I didn’t know this when I headed west from Kendall Yards, because specifics like trail topography are at the back of my mental load when packing two kids for a stroller run. Whatever. I pushed the stroller around the corner that would dip down Pettet Drive and pounded down the hill, weight on my heels.  

On my way back up Doomsday, I crossed paths with a runner on her way down, which I was happy about so that someone might bear witness to the stupidly stubborn feat I was pulling. She shouted “Impressive!” and I was glad about that too, lifting my hand from the stroller bar long enough to give her a wave of gratitude.  

The truth was that running with a double stroller up Doomsday had been the easiest part of my week. A family member had had an unexpected medical emergency, my husband had been sent to Chicago for work, and I was operating on sleep interrupted by long hours of cradling my daughter while her fever raged during an ear infection. The truth was that running up that hill was not as hard as motherhood. Hauling ass with a heavy stroller was something I could control.  

Everyone has a week like that. Or a month. Or a year. But people don’t say “Impressive!” just for making it through the day.  

In that five-second exchange, what that other runner had really said to me was “I see you,” which was not something we say often enough to our fellow humans these days. 

Calves burning with catharsis, I made the top of Doomsday hill. I pushed the stroller back past the ospreys, still circling. I arrived in Kendall Yards sweaty and red-faced, walked the stroller back to the car, and fell into the familiar pattern of buckle, carry, break down, buckle.  

Later, I thought about how other people on the trail that day might have been there to escape life’s stressors. How we turned to the outdoors for neutral space, a place to process, a place to refresh. How a small acknowledgement in that space could resonate as a large kindness. 

What I’d like to say leading into summer, a time when our trails are most packed, is to remember the impact of a five-second wave, a head nod, shakas, a thumbs-up, or whatever gesture you might convey when you’re sweating like hell and breathing worse. It can matter a whole lot to someone when you say I see you. I’m here too. We’re on this trail together, and that’s as good a metaphor as any. 

• Lisa Laughlin, managing editor 

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I’ve been a long-time fan of Crazy Creek’s chairs. This Montana-based company has provided me with years of comfort in camp on dozens of backpacking and bikepacking trips. Last fall on a backpacking trip in the Wallowas I decided to leave it behind at the car to save weight, a move I regretted each day as I leaned awkwardly and uncomfortably into a slouching backpack during my sacred morning coffee and evening happy hour.

Now with their new Aircliner Chair, backcountry skiers, snowshoers and winter hikers, and resort aprè skiers can enjoy on-snow and cold-weather Crazy Creek comfort too. The Aircliner provides a baffled air cushion that’s easily inflatable with five breaths or less, which keeps your bum warm and dry while you chill. The chair is also still highly packable, rolling into a 2.7-inch diameter bundle, and light enough at 29 ounces to justify packing it with you into the snowy wilds. MSRP: 124.95. Crazycreek.com

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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.  

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