Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, serves as a stunning natural centerpiece for the Sandpoint area, with summer offering up an abundance of opportunities to explore its waters, trails, and shorelines. Whether you’re paddling quiet backwaters, cruising beneath mountain ridgelines, or hiking to panoramic lake vistas, there’s no shortage of ways to go deep into the heart of North Idaho’s outdoor scene around Sandpoint.

Swimming Spots on Lake Pend Oreille

Sandpoint City Beach sits just steps from downtown and remains one of the top spots for swimming and relaxing by the water. Sandy beaches, wide grassy lawns, and amenities like tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, and a kid’s playground make it a go-to summer gathering place. A boat launch and adjacent marinas add convenience for boaters, and the whole park is easily accessible on foot or by bike.

Other great swimming locations include Sam Owen Campground on the Hope Peninsula, which features inviting shoreline and easy lake access. For those willing to drive farther south, Farragut State Park offers clear water, spacious beaches, and plenty of amenities, including shoreline fishing and boating access.

Top Paddling Spots around Sandpoint

Flat-water paddling on Lake Pend Oreille offers a peaceful way to explore the lake’s many coves and inlets. Launch from Sam Owen Campground to explore nearby Warren, Cottage, and Pearl islands. Nature lovers can head to the Pack River and Clark Fork deltas, where calm, wildlife-rich backwaters provide a chance to spot birds and other wildlife in a more secluded setting.

Sand Creek, which flows gently into the lake near downtown Sandpoint, offers a sheltered paddle route ideal for beginners. You can launch directly from City Beach or other nearby access points and paddle a scenic mile upstream through quiet waters under bridges and past marinas.

Lake Pend Oreille Boating

Lake Pend Oreille is a boating paradise, with multiple public boat launches and marinas available for those with boats to get out on the water. Boat rentals are available in both Sandpoint and Hope, including pontoons, jet skis, and other boats for cruising the lake. Multiple outfitters offer hourly and daily rentals, as well as lessons, guided lake tours, and private charters. Check out all of the rental, tour and outfitter resources at the bottom of this article.

For a one-of-a-kind way to get out on the water, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offers 90-minute narrated outings aboard the Shawnodese, a classic lake tour boat. Options include history tours, eagle watching, and sunset trips, with departures from City Beach and seasonally from Hope. Dogsmile Adventures provides sailing experiences out of Sandpoint and Bayview for those looking for a more hands-on boating experience.

Walks & Hikes to Beaches and Lake Views on Lake Pend Oreille

The Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail offers an easy and scenic walk along the lakeshore just minutes from downtown Sandpoint. For more of a challenge and pristine experience, head to Lost Lake and Mineral Point near Garfield Bay. The network of trails there includes an easier loop around Lost Lake as well as the more challenging Mineral Point Trail, with big lake views and access to a swimming beach at Green Bay.

Farther afield, Farragut State Park near the lake’s southern end provides over nine miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with disc golf, a swimming beach, and a well-equipped campground.

For a short but steep hike to a more secluded lake access point, the Maiden Rock Trail south of Garfield Bay winds down through forested terrain to a cobblestone beach with primitive campsites and picnic areas.

Those looking for a more rigorous alpine trek can head up the Scotchman Peak Trail. With over 3,700 feet of elevation gain, the trail climbs to the highest point in Bonner County. The summit rewards with sweeping views of Lake Pend Oreille and, if you’re lucky, a sighting of the resident mountain goats.

Lake Pend Oreille Marinas, Rentals & Tours

Dover Bay Marina and Resort
Located in the heart of the Dover Bay waterfront community, this full-service marina offers seasonal boat moorage, covered slips, a boat launch, 24-hour fuel, dockside power and water, restrooms, showers, and a market. With 274 slips and deep-water access, it’s a convenient base for lake adventures.

Sandpoint Marine & Motorsports
This outfitter in downtown Sandpoint offers a wide range of rentals, from ski boats and pontoon boats to jet skis and kayaks. Options are available by the hour, half-day, or full day, making it easy to tailor your lake time to your schedule.

Action Water Sports
Operating in both Sandpoint and Hope, Action Water Sports rents pontoon and ski boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks. They also offer lake tours and lessons, which can be helpful for beginners or families looking for a guided experience.

A Day on the Lake Rentals
With a full-service rental fleet that includes ski boats, pontoons, Sea-Doos, and vacation homes, A Day on the Lake Rentals provides delivery service and flexible options for families or larger groups looking to explore the lake in comfort.

Go Fish! Charters
This Sandpoint-based outfitter offers hands-on fishing trips on Lake Pend Oreille and the Clark Fork River, targeting multiple species in varied settings. They run custom trips year-round, including sunrise and sunset outings.

Long Drift Outfitters
For fly fishing and float trips on the Kootenai River, Long Drift Outfitters leads guided adventures through a scenic, canyon-carved stretch of river. With limited access by land, the float-only sections provide solitude and the chance for a more remote experience.

Sandpoint Seaplane
Offering scenic flights over Lake Pend Oreille and surrounding mountain ranges, Sandpoint Seaplane gives you a bird’s-eye view of North Idaho. With an experienced pilot and decades of flying time, this unique experience combines adventure with perspective.

Bottle Bay Resort and Marina
Tucked away on a quieter arm of the lake, Bottle Bay Resort offers cabin rentals with a private beach, a marina with public gas, and a boat launch. Their on-site bar and grill provides a relaxing spot to unwind after a day on the water.

Plan Your Perfect Summer Getaway to Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint

Whether you’re paddling Sand Creek, diving in at City Beach, or climbing to a high ridge for sweeping lake views, Lake Pend Oreille delivers a North Idaho summer experience that’s as deep and varied as the lake itself. From downtown Sandpoint to the remote shoreline coves and alpine peaks, it’s a place worth exploring on water and on foot. Combine days on the lake with Sandpoint’s vaunted culinary and entertainment opportunities for a weekend or multi-day visit; discover those, plus an array of lodging choices, at VisitSandpoint.com.

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Fishing around Moses Lake 

Moses Lake offers excellent fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass, rainbow trout, walleye, and other species, including some large fish by Eastern Washington standards. There are several places to fish from shore and multiple boat launches around the lake. South of Moses Lake about seven miles, the Potholes Reservoir is a popular walleye fishery that also boasts some large rainbow trout. Find boat launch info and other fishing tips at Tourmoseslake.com/fishing.  
Moses Lake also offers a unique angling experience in the form of fishing for non-native carp with bowfishing gear. There is no shortage of carp in the lake, but due to their prolific spawning and penchant for gobbling up other game fish, keeping their population in check benefits the lake’s other inhabitants. The Moses Lake Carp Classic, a bowfishing-only tournament on May 17, draws enthusiastic participants from around the region. Last year’s Carp Classic with 50 carp hunters removed 211 fish weighing a total of 2,600 pounds! More info: Moseslakecarpclassic.com. 

Paddle the Moses Lake Water Trail 

The Moses Lake Water Trail is an ideal way to get out on a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and explore part of this sprawling Eastern Washington lake and the quiet beauty of the desert shoreline. Start your paddle from Connelly Park, Peninsula Park, or Blue Heron Park and paddle as far as you like. Plan your day on the water with one or more stops at parks and other sites along the Water Trail, some with playground equipment, disc golf courses, and other amenities. 

Stay and Explore More 

Moses Lake is only 1.5 hours west on I-90 from Spokane, making it an easy day trip, but staying in town allows you to see and do more. Moses Lake has a range of lodging options, as well as camping. The food, wine, and craft beer scene is also worth checking out, including wine tasting rooms, lakeside dining, the new Aromas  Indian Cuisine restaurant, and Ten Pin Brewing and restaurant located in a bowling alley with an arcade.  

Plan your Moses Lake spring trip at Tourmoseslake.com. 

Spring Events in Moses Lake 

Brews and Tunes (March 15) 

This annual music and beer walk around town involves stopping at various local businesses that each feature a Washington brewery, cidery or distillery and a musician!  

Moses Lake Carp Classic (May 17) 

This annual fishing tournament has turned removal of non-native, destructive carp into a unique and fun fishing event where anglers use bowfishing equipment to shoot the fish with arrows instead of catching them on lines. The largest carp brought in at last year’s tournament weighed a whopping 29.2 pounds! Info at Moseslakecarpclassic.com. 

Moses Lake Spring Festival (May 22-25) 

The highlight of the Memorial Day Weekend festival happens May 23 with a free concert featuring Eve 6 and Spin Doctors at McCosh Park. The annual festival also includes a parade, carnival, and car show. 

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If you’ve never experienced ice fishing, the picturesque setting of Sidley Lake in Molson, Wash., might be a great spot to try your luck at the Molson Ice Fishing Derby. Located 15 miles east of Oroville in the Okanogan Highlands, this fishing derby delivers a day of fish and fun that draws anglers from near and far and keeps families coming back year after year.  

Founded by Robin Stice, owner of the Eden Valley Guest Ranch, the derby started as a small community fundraiser and now attracts well over 100 participants each year. The 2025 derby, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, promises to be a day of fun, prizes, and community spirit. 

“Derby Day” begins with registration at the Molson Grange at 7 a.m. Anglers then start fishing, with “poles in holes” at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The derby features multiple categories to keep things exciting. Grand prize is $500 cash plus a $500 gift certificate at the Country Store in Oroville. Other cash and prizes are awarded for adults and kids in categories such as length, weight, smallest fish, and even fun awards like the best-decorated fishing shanty, oldest fisherman and farthest distance traveled. 

Not just for fishing enthusiasts, the Molson Ice Fishing Derby provides a day for the whole family to enjoy. For those who prefer to stay out of the cold, the local Molson Grange Hall serves a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and then becomes a cozy haven where crafters and vendors display their handmade goods. It’s a great chance to browse unique wares while sipping on hot cocoa. There’s also plenty planned for children, with crafts, raffles of gift baskets and gift cards, bingo games and a lunch benefitting the Sitzmark Ski Hill  available in the Grange Hall or at the warming tent on Sidley Lake.  

What makes this event even more special is its impact on the local area. Proceeds from the derby support community initiatives, helping to strengthen and sustain the Okanogan Highlands. So, whether you’re fishing, shopping, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, your participation contributes to a great cause. 

Pack your gear, gather the family, and get ready for an unforgettable day of ice fishing, prizes, and winter fun at the Molson Ice Fishing Derby sponsored by the Oroville Washington Chamber of Commerce. For more event and accommodation information, please visit www.DiscoverOrovilleWA.com.  

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As the vibrant colors of fall blanket the landscapes of Grant County, Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore the breathtaking outdoor scenes through hiking and fishing. This guide takes you on a road trip to some of the most serene and picturesque spots across the county, with a special sidebar on the best places to stay and dine. 

The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary 

Day 1: Potholes Reservoir—Start your adventure at the Potholes Reservoir, a fishing haven known for its rich diversity of fish species including walleye, trout, and bass. As the crisp fall air sets in, the reservoir is less crowded, offering a peaceful fishing experience. Surrounding the water are numerous trails perfect for a morning hike. The unique geology of the area creates a stunning backdrop of basalt rock formations. 

Day 2: Frenchman Coulee—Next, head to Frenchman Coulee near Quincy for a day of hiking and rock climbing. The area is famed for its dramatic cliff faces and the stunning coulee that cuts through the landscape. Hike the Ancient Lakes Trail, a relatively easy trek that is especially beautiful in the fall when the low sun casts long shadows and bathes the area in golden hues. 

Day 3: Moses Lake—Conclude your road trip at Moses Lake. Anglers can look forward to catching largemouth bass and yellow perch. The Blue Heron Park is a perfect spot for a family picnic and a gentle walk along the lake. 

Where to Stay & Other Amenities 

While exploring Grant County, you have various accommodation options ranging from cozy inns to full-service hotels. 

Moses Lake: 

• Inn at Moses Lake: Offers comfortable lodging with modern amenities and easy access to the lake. 

• Ten Pin Inn: Provides friendly accommodations complete with an indoor pool and proximity to local dining, including its own Ten Pin Brewery. 

Quincy: 

• Crescent Bar Resort: Ideal for visitors heading to Frenchman Coulee, providing high-end accommodations with resort facilities. 

• Cave B Inn & Spa Resort: This upscale resort near Quincy offers luxury stays with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. 

Ephrata: 

• Best Western Rama Inn: A comfortable and convenient option with access to local dining and close to Oasis Park fishing pond and mini golf. 

• Ephrata Inn: An affordable option with proximity to downtown amenities. 

Local Eats 

For those looking to enjoy a meal, each town has something unique to offer. 

• Ten Pin Brewery in Moses Lake is a great spot to enjoy locally crafted beers and a menu of hearty meals, perfect for fueling your adventure-filled days. Adjacent to Lake Bowl bowling alley.  

• Gard Public House in Royal City offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and a menu that reflects the agricultural richness of the area. 

• The Bookery in Ephrata provides a selection of lunch sandwiches and coffee that shares space with a bookstore.  

• Discovery Cider Company is a new space with house-made hard ciders, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. 

Fall Events 

• Ephrata Wine Walk: Walk the streets of downtown Ephrata and stop in at local businesses participating in the fall wine walk on Oct. 19. Event includes live music, a costume contest, souvenir wine glass, and after party. 

• Moses Lake Fall Harvest Festival: Enjoy local produce, crafts, and pumpkin-themed activities perfect for families Oct. 26. 

• Moravida Festival: Celebrate life and honor ancestors Oct. 26 in Moses Lake at this vibrant family-friendly event inspired by Dia de Los Muertos. Enjoy live entertainment, vendors, food trucks, and a community altar. 

A road trip through Eastern Washington’s Grant County is a unique way to experience the desert beauty of fall in our region. Whether you’re casting a line in the shimmering waters or hiking through colorful sage-steppe landscapes, the region offers a refreshing escape into nature, complete with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and rural stay. Pack your hiking boots and fishing rods and prepare for adventure in the heart of the Inland Northwest. 

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

Moses Lake Fall Festivals 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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An hour and a half west of Spokane in the arid Columbia Basin, the City of Moses Lake offers some great ways to play in the water and enjoy the massive 6,800-acre lake by the same name.  

Top on the list is a visit to the city’s Surf ‘n Slide Water Park (open Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend). This handicap-accessible water park is home to a 300-foot lazy river, a children’s splash pad, two 200-foot water slides, two sand volleyball courts, an Olympic-sized competitive pool, and the Flowrider, an artificial surfing simulator.  

The 18-mile-long Moses Lake is a watersports playground that can be explored by motor boat, kayak, paddleboard, sailboat, or canoe. Setting out on the Moses Lake Water Trail is an awesome way to get to know the lake. Start your paddle from Connelly Park, Peninsula Park, or the popular Blue Heron Park. Camp and launch from Cascade Park in the second full week of August and you’ll be able to walk to the Grant County Fair. Other lake access points include Neppel Landing, Montlake Park, the downtown McCosh Park, and the Bureau Irrigation Dams launch site, which connects to Potholes Reservoir. 

Moses Lake and the nearby Potholes Reservoir and Crab Creek offer excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of species, including bluegill, sunfish, walleye, smallmouth bass (some in the 5-lb.-plus size range), largemouth bass, rainbow trout, black crappie, and yellow perch. While a boat is an ideal way to bounce around the lake in search of fish, anglers can find success as well from the shore. Find boat launch info and other fishing tips at Tourmoseslake.com/fishing. 

The best way to fully experience the water park, lake, and town is to spend a couple of days exploring, and the city offers plenty of amenities to occupy your evenings. Check out craft beer and wine tasting rooms, eat at one of the family-owned restaurants like Michael’s on the Lake, visit Ten Pin Brewing for craft beer in the local bowling alley, or take a stroll through the city’s Japanese Peace Garden. Moses Lake offers a variety of comfortable lodging options, as well as camping at the lakeside Cascade Campground. Learn more and plan your trip at Tourmoseslake.com.  

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By Chris Maccini

Many skiers dream of the kind of extended ski trip that Paul Mignini embarked on last winter. Beginning at his home in Spokane, he spent five weeks traveling through Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California and Utah. He hit more than a dozen ski resorts across five states during one of the best snow seasons in years. But not many people would be willing to go the lengths that Mignini has in his pursuit of powder on a budget. He wasn’t staying at swanky mountain hotels or cozy AirBnbs during his trip. Instead, he spent his nights in parking lots, sleeping through snowstorms in a bright red tent.

Originally from Baltimore, Mignini first caught the skiing bug in his early 20s. During a trip out West, he stopped in Breckenridge, Colo., and ended up staying for two years.  “I was broke, so I worked for Vail resorts one day a week to get my free season pass,” Mignini says. “I supported myself with a restaurant job at night and skied every day.”

After a couple of years of the ski bum lifestyle, he moved back to the East Coast to start a career, but the spirit of the mountains never left him. He made frequent trips back to Colorado over the next decade, but grew sick of saving up all year for a week or two in the mountains. A friend in Coeur d’Alene suggested that he consider relocating to the Inland Northwest. Mignini had never been to the area, but the promise of five ski resorts within an hour and a half drive was enough to convince him. Seven years ago, he moved to Spokane sight-unseen.

Mignini got to know the mountains around Spokane, and as he did, he noticed a skiing subculture that he hadn’t seen in other parts of the country. After a day of skiing, there’d be a collection of camper vans and RVs in the parking lot, preparing to stay the night.

“I saw this really unique community of weekenders that were doing big vans and skoolie conversions,” he says. “And the Pacific Northwest is really unique in that it’s got these mountains that will let you sleep overnight in the parking lot. Colorado doesn’t have that. Utah doesn’t have anything like that, but the Inland Northwest does.”

A new bug was planted. If he could stay overnight at the mountain, he could minimize his driving time and maximize time on the slopes. It would also allow him to explore ski resorts farther away if a storm system moved through the Cascades or southern Idaho. There was just one problem. He didn’t have an RV or camper van.

The Ski Tent Setup

Because Mignini didn’t have the cash to drop on a recreational vehicle, he began looking for more inexpensive options. First, he tried sleeping in his small SUV. But that proved to be a cold, uncomfortable experience. Plus, there was nowhere to cook a hot meal, especially if a snowstorm was raging outside.

Eventually, after falling down a few YouTube rabbit holes, Mignini discovered the world of pop-up ice fishing shelters. For a few hundred bucks, he could buy a sturdy, insulated tent built to withstand the cold, snowy expanse of a frozen lake—conditions not unlike those he might experience in a mountain parking lot.

Mignini bought a tent and outfitted it with a sleeping cot, a folding table, and a portable propane heater and stove. It seemed like a cozy, safe space to ride out a stormy mountain night. But there was only one way to truly test the setup. He had to spend a night on the mountain.

His first overnight ski trip with the tent was at Mount Baker. A big snowfall was in the forecast, and he set his tent up in the parking lot, hoping that it would withstand the storm. “I got everything I wished for and more,” Mignini says. “I have pictures of this thing in a three-foot dump next to the car, and the car’s buried in snow.”

The setup wasn’t perfect, he admits. That Cascade snow was heavy and wet, and Mignini got up every couple of hours to knock snow off the tent to keep it from collapsing. At one point, he woke up freezing because his propane heater had run out of fuel. But overall, it worked. And over the course of a few more weekend trips, he ironed out the kinks.

The Big Trip

Initially, Mignini hadn’t planned on an extended ski trip. His goal was to chase storms around the region, to hit places within a five- or six-hour drive of Spokane and not have to slog all the way home after a long day of powder skiing. But in January of 2023, a series of events aligned and presented him with an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.

First, there was the snow. A strong La Niña weather cycle led to storm after massive snowstorm pummeling the Western United States. Many ski resorts—especially those in California and Utah—recorded record-breaking snowfalls during the 2022-2023 season. Mignini watched storms roll in on the Open Snow app, and longed to chase them farther from home.

Then, Mignini found himself with some unexpected time off. He works in sales and is self-employed, and in January 2023, he closed the largest deal of his career. Suddenly he could afford to take a few weeks away from work.

“We were literally having one of the best snow years ever. If ever there was a time for me to take an extended period of time off and go on this trip, it was now,” Mignini says. “I had all the equipment. I’d done it as economically as possible. I’d tested everything. I knew it could handle it. And in mid-February, that’s when the trip kicked off.”

The next five weeks were the stuff of ski hill legends. Mignini had planned a rough itinerary, beginning in the Cascades, then south through Oregon and into the Sierra Nevada of Northern California. From there, he’d head east across Nevada, into Utah’s Wasatch Mountains and back up through the Sawtooths of southern Idaho. For the most part, he stuck to that plan, but he also kept an eye on incoming storms and made a few diversions to be in the right place for an epic powder day—such as the five feet of fresh snow he caught at Dodge Ridge, a small resort in the central Sierra. In total, he skied at 14 resorts across five states.

“Almost every single mountain I hit had fresh snow that day,” Mignini says. “And it wasn’t just fresh. It was a lot of fresh. I caught three and a half feet of blower powder at Mount Hood Meadows on a windless day. There was a guy at the bottom of the lift who came out of the trees in this head-to-toe neon ski suit from like, 1983. His beard was down to his belly. He dropped to his knees and said, ‘This is the best day we’ve had in 27 years!’”

Not every ski area would allow Mignini to set up his tent in their parking lot, however, so he spent several nights in sno-parks on nearby state or federal land. He splurged for a hotel one night near Lake Tahoe too. He needed a shower, and it was a difficult area to find a place to camp. But aside from that, he spent every night in his pop-up shelter.

While he doesn’t have another extended trip planned yet, Mignini is looking forward to the upcoming winter season, and he’s keeping his options open.  “I don’t think I’m going to be doing a month-long trip,” he says. “But you can guarantee that I’ll be out there for long weekends. And I mean, if we get a perfect storm cycle that comes together, I’d have no problem doing it again.” //

Chris Maccini is a writer, audio producer, and skier living in Spokane. 

Cover photo courtesy Paul Mignini

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If there’s one thing we know in the Northwest, it’s that fall is the prime time to set out on a long weekend road trip. With colorful foliage, pleasant daytime and crisp evening temperatures, and fewer people exploring our highways and byways, fall was made for road trips. And Kalispell, Mont., is an easy, scenic road trip destination.  

A four-hour drive from Spokane, Kalispell is the hub of northwest Montana and sits in a lush valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. Although it’s technically the largest city in the area, Kalispell remains a mountain town that’s well-versed in combining easily accessible outdoor adventures with a vibrant downtown, charming shops, local restaurants, arts and culture, and watering holes. It has abundant amenities you’d expect to find in a larger community, and it’s within easy reach of Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest.

If you’re ready to soak up autumn close to home, here are five ways to make the most of your fall road trip to Kalispell.

Visit Glacier National Park.

Fall may be the park’s loveliest season, with oranges, yellows and reds covering the landscape as snow starts to dust the area’s highest peaks. While there are fewer visitors during this time of year, it’s still easy to hit the trails, drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (which typically closes mid- to late-October) or set out on a guided tour or activity in and around the park. Plus, starting September 11, no vehicle reservations are needed for any of the park’s entrances, meaning you can visit any time of day.

Spend time downtown.

The heartbeat of Kalispell is its downtown. While you’ll find historic buildings lining Main Street, don’t let that fool you into thinking its out of date. Downtown is a hopping neighborhood with unique shops, stores, restaurants, watering holes, coffee shops and museums. The best way to explore it is to take your time and stroll along its streets and avenues. After shopping (with no sales tax), be sure to learn more about the history of the area with a stop by the Conrad Mansion Museum, Northwest Montana History Museum, and the Hockaday Museum of Art. If you want to catch a performance or concert, make the quick drive to the new Wachholz College Center at Flathead Valley Community College.

Fish, kayak or cruise.

The largest natural freshwater lake in the West, Flathead Lake is gorgeous in fall. As part of your road trip, plan to cruise the loop around the lake on U.S. Highway 93 or Highway 35, taking in the changing landscape along the way. If you’re ready to get out on the water, set out on a guided kayaking tour with Sea Me Paddle or take a boat tour (or guided fishing trip) to Wild Horse Island with Howe’s Fishing. Scenic floats and fly-fishing trips are also available on nearby rivers, while you can enjoy the waters of Lake McDonald on a historic wooden boat with Glacier Park Boat Company.

Taste Montana.

A big part of any trip is the food, and Kalispell is no exception for great eats. From farm-to-table restaurants to cideries, light bites, and steakhouses, there are many options to experience the flavors of northwest Montana. Rub elbows with the locals by snagging a burger or huckleberry shake at Norm’s News, sipping on a made-in-Kalispell brew at Bias Brewing, or digging into a perfectly-cooked steak at Mercantile Steakhouse.

Hike to your heart’s content.

With its location in northwest Montana, Kalispell has a range of trails from easy, in-town routes to more technical trails that weave through nearby mountain ranges. In town, you can walk or ride the Parkline Trail, Great Northern Rail Trail, or the trail system at Lone Pine State Park. If you’re looking for views or higher-elevation options, head to Jewel Basin, Foy’s to Blacktail Trail at Herron Park, or Glacier National Park. Want to go with a guide? Check out the offerings from Glacier Guides or Glacier Institute.

There are also plenty of places to hang your hat during your visit. Experience the vibrancy of downtown by staying at the Kalispell Grand Hotel or Sherman Lodge. Earn points while you vacation with a stay at Red Lion Hotel Kalispell, Springhill Suites by Marriott Kalispell, My Place Hotel or Best Western Plus Flathead Lake Inn and Suites, to name a few. If you’re bringing the camper or RV over, enjoy the 50 acres at Montana Basecamp RV Park. No matter where you stay, Kalispell will get you great access to fall outdoor adventure.

For the full list of lodging properties and to start planning your trip, visit Discoverkalispell.com. (Provided by Discover Kalispell)

The post Your Fall Road Trip Destination Kalispell, Montana appeared first on Out There Venture.

Go Surfing

Wake surfing is a water sport in which a rider is pulled behind a boat, riding the boat’s wake without being directly pulled by the boat. The big difference between wake surfing and water skiing is the speed. For wake surfing, the boat only goes about 8-10 MPH, unlike water skiing at 20-40 MPH. This makes it much easier for children or older adults to enjoy the sport. After getting up on the wake, you can drop the rope, and ride the wave’s peak in a fashion reminiscent of surfing. The only types of boats safe to surf behind are those with the propeller located beneath the boat rather than behind the boat. You can also try the growing sport of hydrofoil surfing on lakes.

Hike The Lake

Whether it’s an all-day hike around or up to a lake, or a short hike from your car to the beach, the idea is to get out and look around.

The Enchantments are considered one of the most beautiful and scenic wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest and home to Inspiration Lake, Perfection Lake, and Crystal Lake, where nature has carved out an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers.

Spirit Lake in Idaho has a relatively new hiking and biking trail system around the lake.

Dusty Lake and the Ancient Lakes, located in the Quincy Wildlife Recreation Area, are famous for their unique beauty, deep coulees, and even a waterfall, all in a desert landscape.

Lower Gospel Lake in the Gospel Hump Wilderness in Idaho’s Wind River Range has remained somewhat off the radar for hikers, it’s tough going, but you’ll be rewarded with an uncrowded lake and excellent trout fishing.

All three of these websites will help you find great hikes around lakes according to your desired location and related activities.

• The Washington Trails Association (Wta.org)
• Fat Map (Fatmap.com)
• All Trails (Alltrails.com)

Boat in for Happy Hour and Dining

There’s nothing better than pulling your boat up to the dock and hopping off for a happy hour, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few lakeside favorites worth trying.

Cedars Floating Restaurant or Tony’s on Lake Coeur d’Alene serve an array of drinks and dining options. The Cycle Haus in Harrison is also a great boat-in favorite.

The Raven on Flathead Lake in Montana is a premier spot for dockside dining.

The Floating Restaurant in Hope on Lake Pend Oreille (ID) has been a local landmark for over 35 years.

The Dock n Duck on Kootenay Lake in Balfour, BC offers great dining and comfy lodging.

The Blue Diamond Marina and Resort on Priest Lake (ID) offers lakeside lodging and The Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Check out Dockwa.com to find marinas with dining options, just about anywhere! Dockwa.com

Explore Nature and Wildlife

There is an endless amount of wildlife to explore in the greater Inland NW. The most common animals found around lakes include fish, snakes, herons, otters, beavers, muskrats, turtles, frogs, ducks, eagles, and salamanders. However, depending on where you are, there may be more. It’s best to check websites for the National and State Park Services, Fish and Wildlife, and Fish and Game if you’re interested in exploring the wildlife on your next trip to a lake. Here are a few suggestions worth learning more about.

Potholes Reservoir, located in central Washington, is in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.

Wild Horse Island Unit at Flathead Lake State Park in Montana is known for its wildlife including wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles and falcons.

Wallowa Lake in Oregon is known for its diverse wildlife, nearby including black bears, badgers, cougars, coyotes, elk, lynx, minks, and wolverines.

Learn about Tribal Lands and Heritage

There are seven Inland NW tribes that at one time made part of their living off the bounty provided by nearby lakes. The Colville, Kalispel, and Spokane in Washington, the Kootenai, Coeur d’Alene, and Nez Pearce in Idaho, and the Flathead in Montana. Learning about the heritage, culture, and experience of Native Americans in your area is a wonderful way to learn about the contributions of the region’s first Americans.

Go Skydiving

Take the leap with Sky Dive Chelan and get a whole new perspective on the beautiful vineyards of the region around Lake Chelan. The scenic ride to altitude provides stunning views of Lake Chelan, the Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River. After your adventure, swing by your favorite tasting room for a much-needed glass of wine!

Join A Boat Club

The Carefree Boat Club on the Spokane River in Post Falls, Idaho, is all about boating without owning. To join the club, you’ll need to pay an initial fee and annual dues. You can use just about any type of boat, all geared up for you and ready to go! They even have kayaks, jet skis, or paddle boards. You don’t have to worry about insurance, maintenance, or storage, and you can try different types of boats. You don’t have to know how to boat, because membership includes training by certified instructors.

Go Wine, Beer or Cider Tasting by the Lake

These websites will get you started in your search for places to find local wines or beers on your next lake destination. By going to local wineries or breweries you can relax, meet new friends, and grab some supplies for the rest of your trip.

Washingtonwine.org

Lakechelan.com/drink/wine-tasting

Visitidaho.org/travel-tips/how-to-tour-northern-idahos-award-winning-wine-country

Glaciermt.com/wineries

Bigskybrewscruise.com

Glacierparkcollection.com/glacier-national-park/stories/the-best-breweries-in-flathead-valley

Visitnorthidaho.com/stories/breweries

Washingtonbeerblog.com/eastern-washington-breweries

Go Fishing

There’s a song by Van Morrison that says it all, “Hands are full of a fishin’ rod, and the tackle on our backs; Yeah, we looked at the swim and we jumped right in; Oh, the water!”

Fishing in the lakes of Inland NW are some of the best fishing experiences in the world. It’s an angler’s paradise. Whether you’re lying on the bank watching them jump, learning about hatcheries, or fishing from a kayak, you can never go wrong making fishing part of your lake experience. Before you go, learn about the type of fishing you’d like to do, take lessons, get the right equipment, and study the regulations for the area. Here are links to the fish and wildlife sites. Expert tip, check out the ‘tournament section,’ for contests and cash prizes.

Wdfw.wa.gov

Idfg.idaho.gov

Fwp.mt.gov

Dfw.state.or.us

Go for a Scavenger Hunt

You can look for scavenger hunts in your area, or you can create your own. Showing your kids or grandkids that you love the outdoors will teach them to appreciate it as much as you do. Teaching them to be observant and to notice nature will carry over into other aspects of their lives. There are websites for buried treasure, ghost towns, and geocaching, or you can create your own scavenger hunt by hiding items in your boat, camp, or car and seeing who can find them based on clues provided throughout your trip.

Enjoy Live Music

If you have a guitar, harmonica, or recorder, bring it along and serenade your friends and family, or join in with the frogs. There’s nothing better than playing music while floating along in a canoe. However, you can also enjoy plenty of live music at some of these great music festivals.

• Bluewaters Bluegrass Festival on Medical Lake (Bluewatersbluegrass.org)
• Kaslo Jazz fest on Kootenay Lake (Kaslojazzfest.com)
• Bands on Boats Coeur d’Alene Lake (Cdacruises.com/bands-on-boats)
• Under the Big Sky Fest, MT (Underthebigskyfest.com)
• Whitefish Songwriter’s Festival, MT (Whitefishsongwriterfestival.org)
• Sunbanks Rhythm & Blues Festival, Grand Coulee (Sunbanksfestival.com)

Participate in Lake Clean-up Days

It’s always important to clean things up and leave everything as you found it, but a great way to do your part and teach your children the importance of keeping our natural surroundings beautiful is to participate in a volunteer clean-up day. All the lakes have them. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Flathead Lake Flathead Waters Clean Up
• Stewards of Wallowa Lake Clean Up
• Lake Pend Oreille Clean Up Day
• Priest Lake Spring Clean Up

Discover a Lake Monster

In McCall, Idaho, there’s a lake monster known as “Sharlie.” The Native Americans were said to fear the calm, seemingly bottomless waters of the Big Payette Lake and told stories of an evil spirit that lurked in its hidden depths.

Sightings report a creature at least 35 feet long, with a dinosaur-type head, pronounced jaw, humps like a camel, and shell-like skin. The infamous monster has been supposedly seen many times, and in 1954 McCall residents had a contest to name the monster, now fondly known as Sharlie.

See Fireworks on the Water (16)

Many of the lakes have firework displays on the 4^th of July, but here are some of the biggest ones.

• Lake Chelan’s Rockin Fireworks Display
• Festival of America at Grand Coulee
• Lake Couer d’Alene has the largest Fourth of July celebration in northern Idaho
• The Fourth of July Mountain Music Fest on Payette Lake in McCall

Go Ziplining

Soaring along the treeline is an exciting way to see the lake and the beauty that surrounds it! Here are some thrilling, action-packed zipline tours to explore.

• The zipline tour at Tamarack Resort at McCall Lake includes eight zip lines and two suspension bridges. (Tamarack, Idaho.)
• Experience the feeling of flight while overlooking the sparkling Columbia River from the high mountain cliffs at Tunnel Zip Lines, Castle Vineyards (Lake Chelan, Wash.)
• Mica Moon Zip Tours include the thrills of ziplining while visiting old moonshine camps. (Liberty Lake, Wash.)
• Soar high above the trees with views of the lake while you zipline or explore the sky bridge and treehouse ad Timberline Adventures (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho).
• Soar hundreds of feet above the trees on Montana’s longest zipline tour with views of Glacier National Park. (Whitefish, Mont.)

Do the Chain Lakes

Coeur d’Alene River Chain Lakes are made up of ten small lakes. Anderson Lake is about 1,183 acres and holds the state record for the biggest largemouth bass; Thompson Lake is one of the smallest chain lakes at 380 acres; Blue Lake and Swan are only accessible by boat; Cave Lake is the largest at 1,640 acres and includes caves; Medicine Lake features several undeveloped camping spots; Killarney Lake includes Popcorn Island; Bull Run Lake is small and marshy; and Rose Lake is a quiet and stocked with channel catfish annually.

Have A Picnic

In your boat, at the dock, floating along under the big blue sky, nothing tastes better than food on the water. There are stores with ready-made sandwiches and salads sprinkled around the lake, or you can get creative with your own charcuterie to go. Whatever you do, don’t forget the picnic blanket. In a kayak, canoe, or paddle board? Don’t forget to pack your picnic in a dry bag.

Be A Pirate

Legends say that pirates arrived in Lake Chelan in 1812, and the Lake Chelan Pirate Fest happens every July. You can also take the Lady of the Lake Pirate Cruise, including events for kids and a pirate costume contest. Be sure to visit Captain Dan Mimmack, well-known to locals as the Sandpoint Beach Pirate (ID), who offers free boat rides aboard his authentic-looking pirate ship, called the “Wild Spirit.”

Lakechelanpiratefest.com

Visit A Castle

Stay at the Schweitzer Castle & Château de Melusine, a unique vacation rental near Schweitzer Mountain near Sandpoint, Idahom or the Idaho Castle overlooking Hope. Both are located near Lake Pend Oreille.

Paddle All Day

There are many ways to paddle at the lake, whether in a kayak, a canoe, or on a stand-up paddleboard. Spending your day enjoying the water while paddling is not only fun but also a great workout. Additionally, you can paddle in just about any lake, rentals are inexpensive and easy to transport, you can do it alone or with friends/family, and it’s quiet and peaceful.

If you’re just getting started with paddling, it’s recommended you start by taking lessons. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club Sckc.club is a great place to begin. Their first priority is safety, next they will teach you the skills you’ll need to fully enjoy the art of paddling. There are paddle clubs in most recreational water areas. To find one near you I recommend exploring the American Canoe Association Americancanoe.org website.

Things to do while paddling:

Fishing from a canoe or kayak isn’t new, but what about a paddleboard? Fishing paddle boards are equipped with mounts to attach rod holders, bait trays, down riggers, fish finders, and more.

Yoga on any paddle board is possible, but for the most comfort try an inflatable paddle board with a spacious deck pad.

Take your pet! Many motorized boat rentals will not allow you to bring a dog, but bringing your dog along for a peaceful paddle, if done safely, can be wonderful. Remember, they too need a personal flotation device (PFD).

Explore wildlife while you quietly paddle close to shore or through wildlife sanctuaries. Not only will you see birds and plopping frogs, you might also see beavers, muskrats, turtles, and soaring eagles.

Resources:

The Spokane Alpine Haus has everything you’ll need for your paddling adventures, including rentals, clothing, and gear. Specializing in Hobie Cat kayaks and peddle kayaks. Thespokanealpinehaus.com

Rambleraven Trader in Spokane has an expansive selection of both new and used equipment and rentals. Their website allows you to select different categories to see what’s available and schedule rentals. Rambleraven.com

Breakwater Expeditions provides custom expeditions, such as teen trips, women’s retreats, and full moon paddles. Unique and fully customized, these personalized expeditions are perfect for families (or groups of friends) who want to experience paddling together. “Different people have different comforts outdoors,” explains Angie Roberts, one of the owners, “if you allow yourself to try something new, you’ll find you’re quite capable of doing quite a lot.”

Breakwaterexp.com

Go Berry Picking

In the summer, roadside stands line the lakes, selling fruits and vegetables throughout the day, but why not pick your own? Cherries are especially sought after around Flathead Lake in Montana, and eastern Washington and North Idaho are legendary for their huckleberries. Research berry picking safety before you go, because bears like them too!

Do Some Magnet Fishing

Magnet fishing is all about searching for metal objects you can pull up with a strong neodymium magnet. This cult hobby/environmental treasure hunting trend has become quite popular and allows you to remove large debris such as discarded bicycles and tire rims from bodies of water. Initially started by boaters to recover fallen keys, magnet fishing has uncovered some interesting artifacts. Magnet fishing is legal in WA, ID, OR and MT. Considering the Spokane and Columbia Rivers were once important transportation routes for early settlers in the Inland NW, there’s potential for some great finds.

Visit Lakes in Canada

Balfour, BC, is less than 4 hours from Spokane, and Kootenay Lake is one of the province’s largest lakes. Okanagan Lake spans 84 miles, north to south, and boasts long, sandy beaches. The 100-mile-long Arrow Lakes region has two hot spring resorts. There are five parks in the region including McDonald Creek, Rosebery, Summit Lake, Syringa, and Valhalla, and several private campgrounds where you can set up a tent or park an RV.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Fly with commercially licensed pilots in a colorful hot-air balloon above Lake Chelan (WA), Lake Coeur d’Alene (ID), Flathead Lake (MT), or Lake Wallowa (OR). If you really love hot air balloons, be sure to attend the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival (Boise, Idaho) or the Great Prosser Balloon Rally (Prosser, Wash.).

Bike the Lake

Whether biking around the lake, entering a race, going mountain biking, or cruising on an E-bike, there are endless ways to get on your bike around the lakes.  

For something easy, try the Medical Lake Trail, a 2.9-mile trail east of Spokane off I-90, which can also be accessed from Waterfront Park.

For something more extensive, try the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s, a 73-mile paved trail that spans from Mullan to Plummer through Idaho’s chain of lakes region, connected by Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Cycle Haus, a bike shop and restaurant in Harrison along the trail, has rentals for any type of bike, including E-bikes, and a shuttle to transport you and your bike to any trailhead. All you have to do is bike back!

For bike races near lakes, consider the WaCanId (an annual bicycle tour taking cyclists on paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains); the Coeur d Alene Ironman; the Enduro Pescado in Whitefish, MT; Cycle Chelan (Wash.); Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (Wash.); or the Kootenai River Ride (ID).

Helpful Resources:

WA Bikes.org Wabikes.org

TrailLink.com Traillink.com

WSDOT.wa.gov

DiscoverBicycleTours.com

AllTarils.com

Get Inspired

Impressionist painters started something called Plein air painting, which is about getting outside to ‘experience painting and drawing in the landscape,’ and what better landscape than a sparkling lake with the mountains and trees surrounding it? Next time you go on a lake adventure, be sure to bring whatever art supplies suit you and let the lake’s beauty inspire you. If painting or drawing seems too complicated, try writing instead. Whenever we went on outdoor excursions as children, we had to bring journals and were asked to write something, even if it was only a haiku, a poem with only three lines, five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.

Forage for Plants

Non-commercial foraging for plants is legal on most public lands and state parks, and the bounty of wild mushrooms, berries, and edible and medicinal plants in the Northwest is prodigious. There are foraging groups around the lakes you can join, such as the Wilderness Crafts & Forest Foraging Camp in Coeur d’Alene, and you can also look for foraging groups on Facebook.

Resources:

INaturalist.org

NorthernBushcraft.com

Facebook Group Inland Northwest Foraging

Washington Native Plant Society

See the Lake from the Sky

Enjoy the lake(s) from above! The bigger lakes have seaplane tours that pick you up and drop you off at the dock. Look into Brooke’s in Coeur d’Alene (ID), Backcountry Flying Experience in northern Montana, or Sandpoint Seaplane Service at Lake Pend Oreille (ID). Lake Chelan Helicopters can take you above the lake and the Cascade mountains, and the Moses Lake Airshow is one of the biggest in the West. Or, if you want something a bit more daring, try paragliding. You can go tandem with an expert or take lessons to go up on your own.

Visit Museums and Visitor Centers

Let’s face it, the best days at the lake are when the sun is shining, but if you catch a rainy day or need a break from water, seek out the local museums and cultural centers. A great place to start is the visitor center in the town you’re visiting. Most state and national parks have one as well.

View Famous Homes

Since lake property is limited, the homes around it can be rather spectacular. If you take a boat or seaplane tour, they will most likely point out some of the more famous homes. Also look for walking tours, garden tours, or historic home tours. You might even spot a celebrity!

Go Sailing

Sailing on a lake can be less intimidating than the open sea, and therefore a great place to learn. The North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits program has a rental shop on Lake Coeur d’Alene run by students in the summer. Here you can find a variety of paddle boats, as well as sailboats and sailing lessons. The Lake Chelan Sailing Association provides lessons, rentals, and several sailing events. The Sandpoint Sailing Association features several races, and Go Sail Montana at Flathead Lake offers lessons, rentals and charters. Fun To Sail offers lessons and rentals on Spokane and North Idaho area lakes as well.

Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun way to explore the lake. Depending on how clear the water is, you may be able to see fish, shells, and other aquatic life. Snorkeling can be a great learning experience, and unlike scuba diving, which requires a certificate and expensive gear, you can go snorkeling with a good pair of goggles, a snorkel, and a pair of flippers. Lake Chelan is a great choice for this.

Swim/Tube/Float

Lake beaches are a great place to sunbathe, but the swimming is divine. The cool waters can be perfect after a long day playing at the lake—skinny dipping in a moonlit cove, cannon ball jumping off a dock, floating on your back staring at the clouds, tubing behind a boat, or riding about on a giant inflatable. Whatever or however you get into the water, always proceed with caution. The mountain waters can be cold, so always have a towel and a change of clothes. If you start to shiver, get out of the water; never swim alone; always keep your eye on the little ones; and if you’re in open water or not a strong swimmer, wear a PFD.

Learn About Wooden Boats

Wood has been a reliable material for boats, but now we live in an era of fiberglass, aluminum, and steel hulls. Traditional boat owners and historians revere wooden boats as a symbol of boating culture. Because of that, you’ll find several wooden boat events around the lakes in the summer months. Here are some of the bigger events, but you can also look for wooden boat clubs in your area.

• The Wooden & Antique Boat Festival (Sandpoint, Idaho), July 15
• Payette Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show (McCall, Idaho), August 4,5,6
• Coeur d’Alene Antique & Classic Boat Festival (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), August 12 & 13
• Mahogany & Merlot (Chelan, Wash.), October 6-8

Explore Wallowa Lake

Wallowa County is in Oregon’s northeastern corner and is full of snowcapped mountains, wild prairies, pristine waterways, and North America’s deepest river gorge. It’s also home to Lake Wallowa. Fed by icy snowmelt, this dazzling lake was formed by a series of Pleistocene glaciers. Here you will find fewer people, mind-boggling stars, and the Wallowa Lake Tramway that climbs 3700′ to the top of Mt. Howard with sweeping views of all four states. Enjoy hiking, biking, watersports, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, fishing, and sightseeing around the area, and the 4-day Alpenfest in September.

Ride With the Ladies of the Lake

At the top of Lake Chelan is a little town called Stehekin, a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the North Cascades that you can only get to by boat. The Lake Chelan Boat fleet can take you there, and consists of the Lady of the Lake, the Lady Express, and the Lady Liberty—the three ladies of the lake. Once you reach Stehekin, you’ll be surrounded by trees over a hundred feet tall as you wind your way up the one-lane road into a serene and magical place full of unique places to stay, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and electric boat rentals. The Lake Chelan Boat fleet also provides charters and activity packages.

Discover where the Spokane River meets the Columbia River

For thousands of years, this area was a gathering place for native tribes fishing the rapids of the Spokane River and offers plenty of great camping and outdoor activities. Area attractions include the Lake Roosevelt Reservoir, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, the Colville Indian Reservation, the Grand Coulee Dam, Steamboat Rock, Northrup Canyon, Hawk Creek Falls State Park, and Fort Spokane. A little farther north, you’ll move into the land of mountains carved from prehistoric glaciers and the Kettle Falls that plummet nearly 50 feet, carving “kettles” in the quartzite rock. To the south is the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, located along the upper Columbia River and cradled in walls of stone carved by massive ice age floods.

Find Peace

There are numerous reasons why lakes are so popular, but, for many, it’s the peace of a lake that calls to them. Most of this list is about activities you can do at, in or around a lake, but after writing it I realized there was one thing missing, and that was the feeling a lake can give you as you lay beside it, float along it, or slumber upon it and the sense of inner peace it can bestow.

“A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” -Henry David Thoreau

Kate A. Miner is a writer, traveler, artist, and avid gardener. She has a BA in Visual Anthropology from Bennington College and believes in living a healthy life by seeking new adventures, learning from mistakes, and greeting each day with optimism and a smile.

The post 38 Things to Do at the Lake appeared first on Out There Venture.

It’s been almost two decades since I made North Idaho my home, and, from day one, I noticed people speaking fondly of the St. Joe River and the time spent there year after year. Originally called the “St. Joseph” by Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, the Flemish Jesuit Catholic priest who established the Sacred Heart Mission in Cataldo, Idaho, this unique river and the surrounding area is now affectionately and officially termed the “St. Joe.” In 2022, I had the opportunity to finally experience this captivating river for myself through a whitewater rafting trip.

About the St. Joe

There is much to love about the 140 miles of St. Joe River: blue-ribbon cutthroat trout fishing, extensive roadless public lands, trails for varying recreational pursuits, wildlife, campgrounds, scenic roads, floating, the nearby Route of the Hiawatha, and some of the most exceptional beginner and intermediate whitewater rafting you can find in the Northwest.

The headwaters of the St. Joe are rooted in the Bitterroot Mountains at an elevation of 6,487 feet. The river flows swiftly through the upper, largely roadless stretch and then meanders slowly through the “shadowy” section down to its terminus at Lake Coeur d’Alene. For about a few weeks each year, from early June to early July, the rush of melting snow offers a short window where the river is deep enough to enjoy a series of sometimes surprising, always delightful whitewater runs.

Natural Water Navigation

Using rivers, streams, and other natural waters to travel and navigate forests and other terrain is an ancient undertaking. You could say that indigenous mountain people were the first American whitewater rafters. With a history of six permanent winter villages near its mouth and temporary summer camps along its upper shores, the St. Joe was called “the Gentle River” by Coeur d’Alene Tribes. Steamboats and gold prospectors traveled up the lower part of the river during the 1880s, and the timber industry moved into the upper “swiftwater” at the turn of the century, aggressively working the extensive stands of white pine and cedar for more than 40 years. Then, Idaho Senator Frank Church instigated what we now know as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act aims to protect the “outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural,” and other similar values of rivers across the country. In 1978, 39.7 miles of the St. Joe were designated as “wild” and 26.6 miles as “recreational.” Today, about 74 percent of the river basin is owned, protected, and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or the State of Idaho. The rest is privately owned.

Whitewater Rafting The Joe

What we know as whitewater rafting today quickly became an outdoor pursuit when surplus inflatable military rafts became available to the public after World War II. The Northwest itself is steeped in rafting history. In 1940, the Salmon River was the site of the first commercial whitewater rafting trip. In the 1950s, John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s float trips down the Snake River through his establishment of the Grand Teton National Park helped make this particular outdoor pursuit popular.

The upper St. Joe offers a stretch of Class II-III whitewater during late spring and early summer. Experienced whitewater boaters frequently take on this stretch of the river, but for those without the skills and gear, ROW Adventures is the only rafting company licensed to operate commercially guided trips there. Since ROW Adventures’ first St. Joe trip in 1986, the Coeur d’Alene-based outfitter has been opening up the exciting magic and serene beauty of this North Idaho river to locals and visitors year after year.

My Adventure on the St. Joe

Driving to the designated meeting spot at Gold Creek Campground near Avery, Idaho, in 2022, I felt a sense of anticipation. This was not only my first time visiting the St. Joe, but it was also my first time whitewater rafting. The group of passengers was diverse in age, experience, and gender. Our guides Johnny and Noah impressed upon us the risks involved in what we were about to do, but imbued their instructions and information with a sense of humor that put us all at ease. After donning wet suits, life vests, and helmets, we pushed off into the crystal-clear water.

Having spent many years recreating in Colorado, I think I expected whitewater rafting to be like a series of jump moments in a scary movie. But rafting the Joe was deliciously thrilling, infused with whiffs of damp cedars warming in the sun as well as a lively camaraderie in our raft and with the other rafters and guides. We stopped midway at a campground for lunch and listened to the entertaining story of The Ridge Runner, William Moreland, an “elusive loner and social misfit” who lived along the Joe, “borrowed” necessities from the Forest Service and logging companies, and mostly evaded law enforcement from 1942 until he was last seen in 1961.

Fed and enlivened, we continued our float through waves, splashes, holes, rocks, and rapids to our final destination at the Eagle Creek take-out. Boarding the bus that would take us back to our cars, I could still feel the paradox of warming sunshine and frosty water on my skin. The Joe was gently spirited with me as a first-time rafter. It now holds a special place in this resident’s heart and has whet my appetite for more rafting adventures. //

The post A Whitewater Adventure on North Idaho’s St. Joe River appeared first on Out There Venture.