Washington Wild announced in September that longtime Spokane conservation advocate Jeff Lambert was named the 2025 recipient of the Karen M. Fant Conservation Award. The annual honor recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional grassroots leadership in protecting Washington’s wild lands and waters. For more than three decades, Lambert has worked to conserve open spaces and natural areas across the Spokane region through groups such as the Spokane Mountaineers, Friends of the Bluff and Dishman Hills Conservancy.

His work has advanced roadless-area protections, watershed restoration and the safeguarding of state forest lands. Most recently, Lambert helped lead the campaign to protect the 200-acre Thorpe property in west Spokane, a Washington Department of Natural Resources parcel once slated for housing development. His coalition-building efforts—alongside nearly 100 statewide partners—helped halt the proposed sale and reopen the path to preserving the land as a future city park. “Jeff embodies the spirit of grassroots conservation leadership that the Karen M. Fant Award was created to honor,” said Washington Wild executive director Tom Uniack. 

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If you are dreaming of sunnier, warmer days outside, the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo is a shot of summer when we need it most in the dead of winter. It’s a lively gathering with experts in the local outdoors community, RVs and outdoor gear on display and for sale, presentations and demonstrations on a variety of outdoor topics, prize drawings, and enough engaging kids’ activities to keep families occupied for hours. Visit Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com for the full schedule and details.  

TONS OF FUN FOR KIDS & PARENTS 

The Spokane Great Outdoors Expo is a savior if your family has been spending their winter days indoors, with enough kids’ activities, entertainment and indoor bike riding to turn another winter weekend at home into an adventure! Parents will find plenty to love, including RVs and outdoor gear, outfitters and gear shops, travel destinations and a full bar. 

Extreme Halfpipe Skateboarding Demos  

Watch rippin’ skateboarders pull off sick stunts on and off the half pipe! Demonstrations happen both days indoors at the Expo courtesy of Hopper Skateboards, Yousta, and sponsor Layne Stoops State Farm, your local Spokane insurance agency. 

Kids’ Adventure Passport Activity 

Kids and parents can explore the Great Outdoors Expo, visiting multiple booths to complete learning activities, art projects and other creative and fun challenges. Kids collect stamps in a passport booklet at each station that can be exchanged for a bag of prizes for kids and parents when they finish. 

Magic Shows by Magician Matthew Vanzee 

Kids and adults will be dazzled by these shows all weekend long by talented local magician Matthew Vanzee. Last year, his shows drew a standing-room-only crowd as he performed tricks that inspired wonder, gasps and laughter. Don’t miss this show! 

Live Wild Animal Presentations 

Get up close and personal with live snakes, other reptiles, insects, and raptors including hawks and owls and learn about these amazing animals (presentations both days). 

• Reptiles Presentation: Learn about the fascinating world of reptiles by getting up close with some live reptiles in a hands-on learning experience. Gain a deeper appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures.  

• Hawk and Owl Presentation: Discover the world of birds of prey and see some live raptors up close while learning about the hunting skills, behaviors, and unique characteristics of these impressive birds as well as the role they play in maintaining ecological balance in the wild.  

Kids’ Indoor Bike Riding Area  

Kids of all ages can try out different bikes, from Strider balance bikes for the littles to BMX bikes for “kids” of all ages including adults in an indoor riding area (all weekend long). 

Archery for Kids and Youth 

Learn about archery with local experts and get the chance to experience the art of the bow and arrow in a safe, educational environment—all indoors.  

Marshmallow Roasting 

Roast free marshmallows at our indoor “Expo Campground” around a faux campfire, complete with live music, camp chairs and games. 

Learn How to Use a Crosscut Saw 

Ever wonder what it’s like to be on the end of a cross-cut saw clearing trail? Give it a try with members of the Idaho Trails Association and learn about ways you can help keep Idaho’s wilderness trails clear and accessible while meeting other like-minded volunteers. 

Indoor Expo Campground 

Enjoy our indoor campground as you dream about next summer’s adventures! Kick back in a camp chair, roast a marshmallow, play yard games, enjoy an adult beverage, check out RVs from R’nR RV and listen to live American string music. The indoor “Campground” is also where we hold hourly drawings for thousands of dollars in outdoor gear and other prizes. 

JOIN NEGATIVE SPLIT’S 5K “SWAG RUN”  

What’s the Swag Run, you ask? If you’re even a casual runner, this is your chance to get outside on a 5K run with other smiling faces and get a morning workout on the scenic trails and pathways around Riverfront Park and the Spokane River. The cool thing about Negative Split’s Swag Run is that participants get to take home leftover swag from past races. The race starts and finishes at the Great Outdoors Expo at the Spokane Convention Center Saturday morning (Feb. 21). Runners also score a free ticket to the Great Outdoors Expo at the finish line! Sign up at Nsplit.com. 

FREE ENTRY INTO THE SPOKANE GOLF SHOW 

Your Expo ticket doubles as entry to the Spokane Golf Show going on in the same space at the convention center.  

PRESENTATIONS ON OUTDOORSY TOPICS  

Learn about wildlife, trails and natural history at presentations by local experts happening all weekend long. Past presentations have covered topics including staying safe in the outdoors around bears and other predators, wilderness survival, local trails and natural areas, navigating the different types of e-bikes and where you can ride them, identifying native birds and more. Check the full schedule at Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com. 

SCORE A FREE BONUS ADVENTURE DEAL WITH YOUR TICKET  

Choose from one of several free bonus adventure deals with your Spokane Great Outdoors Expo ticket purchase while they last. All bonus deals are redeemable only at the 2026 Spokane Great Outdoors Expo with your ticket stub. In past years, bonus deals included discounts on indoor climbing, ziplining, Stonerose Fossil Site digging, Route of the Hiawatha kids’ shuttle, skydiving and more! 

OVER 70 OUTDOOR EXPERTS ALL IN ONE PLACE 

Talk to real human experts on all things outdoor recreation related at the Great Outdoors Expo, from nonprofit conservation groups, public lands managers and outdoor clubs to RV dealers and overlanding companies, travel destinations, outdoor gear retailers, outfitters and guides and more. 

Whether you’re planning next summer’s adventures, looking for family fun in the middle of winter or just wanting to connect with Spokane’s outdoors community, the Great Outdoors Expo is the place to be. Mark your calendar for Feb. 21–22 and get ready to explore the outdoors—indoors. Visit Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com for more info and tickets.  

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Along the Centennial Trail in Riverside State Park. Photo: Derrick Knowles

Bowl and Pitcher, Riverside State Park (Spokane)

If you want a classic that feels like an actual “hike” without leaving town, start here. The Bowl and Pitcher loop is a short but scenic 2.1-mile route with river views, basalt outcroppings and the iconic footbridge over the Spokane River. A Discover Pass is required for parking. Tip for shoulder-season winter: if the trail is icy in the shade near the river, traction can make the walk immensely more safe and enjoyable. Learn more about trails around Riverside State Park here.

Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane Valley)

When the high country is socked in, the Dishman Hills can deliver quick forest strolls ponderosa pine forest and viewpoints that feel surprisingly wild for being on the edge of the city. Routes to destinations like Enchanted Ravine are short (2-miles round trip) and popular. Note that this natural area prioritizes wildlife and native plant preservation, and dogs must remain on a leash. This is one of the best places to catch a winter sunset on a clear day from a high point—just bring a headlamp for the hike back to your car.

When planning a winter hike, avoid muddy trails or trails transitioning between freezing and thawing when hikers can damage trails. Try hiking when trails are frozen or dry or choose trails with trails that drain better. Plan your Dishman Hills adventure here.

Saltese Uplands in late winter. Photo: Derrick Knowles

Saltese Uplands (Liberty Lake area)

Saltese is a strong winter pick when you want open views and a more “wide-sky” feel. The conservation area has more than 7 miles of trail exploring canyons and ridge tops, with views that can stretch toward Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane on clear days. Because it’s more exposed, it can dry out faster than shaded forest trails—but it can also be breezy, so layer up. Learn more about this Spokane County Conservation Futures area and trails here.

Slavin Conservation Area (southwest of Spokane)

For a mellow, low-elevation ramble with wetlands and a pine forest that attract many types of birds and waterfowl, Slavin is a great option. The Slavin Conservation Area is an expansive, rolling landscape with many trail options to create loops of varied length. It’s a nice option when you need to get out of the house in the winter and move your body in a beautiful place without committing to steep climbs and challenging trails. Find more info and a map here.

Post Falls Community Forest and Q’emiln Park (Post Falls)

Right across the Spokane River from Post Falls, this trail network offers lots of choose-your-own loops with river access, basalt rock features and a real “get out of town” feel without a long drive. This park and community forest is also a popular rock-climbing destination but come winter, hikers will generally have the trails to themselves. Find directions here.

Tubbs Hill (downtown Coeur d’Alene)

For a winter hike that pairs perfectly with coffee downtown, Tubbs Hill is hard to beat. It’s a 165-acre natural area owned and maintained by the City of Coeur d’Alene, with multiple access points and a trail around the perimeter. Enjoy views of downtown and Lake Coeur d’Alene on a loop around the hill or create your own extended hike incorporating other trails and loops. You can find a map of the trail system here.

Check out more winter hike recommendations around the region here or read up on the recommended essentials for winter hiking.

The post The Best Winter Hikes Near Spokane and Coeur d’Alene appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Holly Weiler 

Cover photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

Outdoor Reminders 

• Winter conditions can impact access to high-elevation trailheads, so it’s time to double-check your vehicle’s emergency kit to make sure it contains helpful extras for snowy conditions (for instance, a folding snow shovel). It is also a transition time to winter parking permit season, when some high-elevation parking lots have snow removal funded through the purchase of seasonal parking passes. In Washington, Sno-Park season begins Dec. 1 and lasts through March, with over 100 Sno-Park locations across the state, including popular spots like Mount Spokane State Park and Sherman Pass. In North Idaho, a Park N’ Ski permit is required for access to seven maintained winter trailheads, including those at Priest Lake and Fourth of July Pass. Oregon maintains its own Sno-Park system as well but has a reciprocal agreement with Idaho. Purchase a permit for the state you visit the most. 

Free Outdoor-themed Entertainment 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) is hosting an outdoor clothing and gear exchange Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. (location TBD; check the website). This is a free event; no registration required. Please bring clean, functional outdoor clothing and gear to swap. Those who would like to donate without attending the swap may drop off equipment at the CDLT office during the week before the event. It is not necessary to bring trade items in order to participate the day of the event; if you need outdoor gear, please attend.  

• Additionally, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is hosting a Winter Solstice Walk at Castle Rock in Wenatchee’s Lower Castle Rock Natural Area Dec. 20 from 7 to 9 a.m. Advance registration is required to join this 2-mile round-trip hike. 

• Fee-free days at Washington State Parks are scheduled for Jan. 1 and Jan. 20. Additionally, a variety of free First Day Hikes will be offered at Washington State Parks on New Year’s Day (advance registration is required). Please note that Mount Spokane State Park does not fall under fee-free days during Sno-Park season. If you don’t have a Sno-Park permit, watch for the offerings at Riverside State Park and Columbia Plateau State Park Trail instead, where no Discover Pass will be necessary on the holiday. 

• Free Idaho Park N’ Ski Day is Jan. 3, with a chance to visit Idaho’s Nordic and snowshoeing trails without the usual parking fee. Several areas mark this event with activities, including free lessons and guided snowshoe hikes at Indian Creek State Park near Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle Nordic Club’s annual Best Hand Poker XC-Ski and Snowshoe fundraiser. There is a nominal fee to enter the poker competition, because it’s a fundraiser to help support grooming efforts at the Fourth of July Pass trail system; sometimes there are nearly as many raffle prizes as participants! 

• Methow Trails’ Backyard Ski Day is Jan. 30, with free winter trail access across the valley’s vast trail system. There will be free group beginner ski lessons for both classic and skate skiing, free fat bike demos and a free ski wax clinic. A few local businesses are even offering a limited number of free ski rentals for the day. 
  
  

Fundraisers, Contests and Events 

• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will host its Common Ground annual meeting at CenterPlace Regional Event Center Dec. 9. Registration is required and space is limited. 

• Have you visited a National Recreation Trail this year? It’s time for American Trails’ annual photo contest. Photographers can submit up to 10 photos per trail under categories like trail use, trail management, trail features and artistic merit. Be sure to check the database of National Recreation Trails in our region to ensure the trail you visited qualifies. Photos are due Dec. 15, and winners will be announced in February. 

• The Backcountry Film Festival – Winter Wildlands Alliance offers several regional screenings of festival films highlighting human-powered winter recreation. Each showing serves as a fundraiser for the host organization. Catch it in Spokane Dec. 6, hosted by the Spokane Mountaineers. SOLE will host the film festival in Sandpoint Jan. 9. The University of Idaho Outdoor Program will bring the show to Moscow Jan. 28. On Feb. 3 the film festival will be shown in Whitefish, hosted by Wild Montana. Chewelah Valley Land Trust, Montana Backcountry Alliance (Missoula) and El Sendero Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club (Wenatchee) also plan to host the film festival this winter (check online for dates). 

• The Wenatchee River Institute will be the beneficiary of “Benevolent Night” at München House in Leavenworth Jan. 6, with 25% of sales donated to support the nonprofit. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m.  

• Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Spokane Jan. 9-11. Saturday night’s VIP ticket sales will benefit the nonprofit of your choice among several worthy local organizations. This event sells out every year, so don’t procrastinate! 

• Spokane Nordic will host Winterfest Jan. 18, featuring $10 Nordic ski lessons for both adults and children, plus a scavenger hunt for kids and a skijor clinic at Selkirk Lodge at Mount Spokane State Park. Additional not-to-be-missed events include the annual Langlauf Nordic ski race Jan. 25 and the BarkerBeiner Skijor Race, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 22. 

Stewardship, Conservation, and Volunteer Opportunities 

• Many of our region’s stewardship and conservation organizations take a short break during the winter season, but those looking for an opportunity to do some winter trail maintenance should watch for offerings from Washington Trails Association. Most of WTA’s winter projects are on snowshoe trails, snow depth permitting. Watch for opportunities within Mount Spokane State Park and on Spokane County Parks’ Conservation Futures properties. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow. Contact the crew leader if you’d like to try a project but need to borrow snowshoes. Check the WTA website for the full schedule. 

• Spokane Nordic hosts multiple events throughout the winter and is always seeking volunteer assistance to make those events run smoothly. Tasks may range from helping visitors park safely and efficiently to assisting with event check-in or serving as an on-course race marshal (typically on skis). Check out the Spokane Nordic website for opportunities. 

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Some trails in the Iller Creek and Glenrose units allow traditional pedal mountain bikes. According to current Spokane County policy, both pedal-assist e-bikes and throttle e-bikes, which don’t require pedaling and are effectively electric motorcycles that can travel at a higher rate of speed, are currently prohibited on non-motorized Spokane County Conservation Area trails. Other areas, including the Dishman Hills Natural Area, which features miles of scenic hiking trails and prime urban-interface wildlife habitat, prohibit all types of bicycles and motorized vehicles on all trails.  

Motorized vehicles and e-bikes are currently prohibited for several reasons, according to the Dishman Hills Conservancy, including fire danger, high speeds that can surprise people and wildlife, and the risk of trail damage. The nonprofit conservation organization also cites trespassing as a concern, which not only violates private property rights but also risks damaging relationships with neighbors—potentially limiting future land conservation efforts. Trail users are encouraged to respect posted regulations, practice good etiquette and report violations to Crime Check or Spokane County Parks.

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The park’s history runs deep. Riverside was developed in 1933 and 1934 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and visitors can still see evidence of their work today. The Spokane House Interpretive Center highlights the area’s past, with exhibits about the Spokane Tribe of Indians, early pioneers, fur trappers and trading posts dating back to 1810. 

No story of Riverside State Park would be complete without mentioning Riverside State Park Foundation. The all-volunteer nonprofit supports the park with improvements and activities in consultation with park staff, including financial donations and community volunteer hours that help ensure the park remains accessible for generations to come. Every dollar donated goes directly to park projects, equipment and programs—funding everything from drinking fountains, dog leashes and water bowls to trail signage, picnic tables, bike racks, landscaping trees, trailers, mowers, generators, e-bikes for ranger patrols, volunteer tools and even log splitters. 

Riverside State Park Foundation also hosts annual educational events such as “Wednesdays in the Woods” and fundraisers such as “The Grind,” a new gravel bike race planned for Riverside State Park on Oct. 11. These activities not only raise awareness but build appreciation and commitment to caring for this unique and valuable public park. 

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Cover photo courtesy of Brian Muegge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Holly Weiler

Cover photo courtesy of Holly Weiler

Hauser Conservation Area might be accused of being a bait-and-switch misnomer of a park: the name is so firmly associated with a lake in next-door Idaho, that visitors may have some unmet expectations. So, first, what this conservation area is not: it’s not in Idaho, although it is close; it does not offer lake access, nor even a lake view. But it does offer a low-key, quiet hike that’s perfect for fall shoulder season, with well-maintained access if our region receives wet or even snowy fall weather.  

In fact, a visit here following one of the first deep rainfall events of fall is among my favorite outings. The conservation area itself has a very diverse forest and is a great place to visit to look for fall mushrooms. I cannot speak to the edibility of any of the mushrooms one might find, but I find all of them very photogenic.  

The property was acquired in two phases through Spokane County’s Conservation Futures program, with the purchase completed in 2018. A parking area was added in 2020 and numerous upgrades to the loop trail on the property were made by volunteers with Washington Trails Association in the years since. The conservation area is small, at just 192 acres, with less than two total trail miles. However, those looking for a longer hike can explore the adjacent Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property.  

The DNR property has a walkable system of former logging roads and lacks any trail markers, so it’s easiest to add on an out-and-back hike until becoming familiar with the area. While it’s primarily a second-growth forest, some of the western white pine trees here are among the largest one can find in Spokane County. (Note that hunting is a permitted activity on the DNR property; wear hunter orange if visiting during hunting season.) 

The best fall colors and mushroom peeping occurs within Hauser Conservation Area itself. A small part of the property was formerly a tree farm, and the rest has been logged in the distant past but has regrown with a dense tree canopy including hemlock, cedar, and western white pine in the low areas, along with a few drier and rockier outcroppings that are primarily Ponderosa pine. Look in the understory in the wetter trail sections to find the best mushrooms, plus watch in the higher openings for the last of the wildflowers as fall transitions to winter. 

Getting There: From Spokane, travel Trent eastbound to Starr Road in Otis Orchards. Take Starr north toward Newman Lake, then take a slight right on E. Hauser Lake Rd. Turn left on Koth Rd. and follow the signs to the Conservation Area. 

Holly Weiler is the Eastern Washington Region Senior Coordinator for Washington Trails Association. When not leading trail work crews this fall, find her rushing to harvest everything in the garden before the first frost, along with chasing fall colors on regional trails. 

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Free Outdoor-Themed Entertainment 

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

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

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

Fundraisers, Contests, and Events 

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

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

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

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

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

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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