MSRP: $299.99. Ignik.com

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A Tour of Southeast British Columbia’s Wild Lakes, Backcountry, and Mountain Towns

Planning time away from daily life’s demands and executing a great road trip can be stressful and a lot of work. But a truly excellent trip can quickly and completely obliterate anxious feelings from unfinished work you inevitably leave behind. This past May, I put that theory to the test on a six-day family road trip with my wife Shallan and son Remi. Our destination was the West Koot Route a few hours north of Spokane in British Columbia, Canada. When we started out, being good Americans, we were hell bent on packing in as many experiences as possible, and I was pretty sure I’d be checking my phone too often and working late in our hotel rooms each night. But as I’ve learned from many adventures in the BC Kootenays over the past 25 years, this intensely beautiful place has a supernatural quality about it that can flip your expectations.

As we set off from Spokane, my attention fixed on last-minute, on-the-road work emails, I barely noticed the traffic thinning and the views growing wilder as we hurried toward our first stop, Rossland, BC, the mountain biking capital of Canada. The West Koot Route is just that, a route through the west Kootenay region of southeast British Columbia that connects popular outdoor adventure meccas like Nelson and Rossland with lesser known yet equally spectacular mountains, rivers, parks, and trails systems in and around the towns of Castlegar, New Denver, Nakusp, Kaslo, Ainsworth, Balfour, Crawford Bay and other communities.

The two-plus hour drive north went fast, and the border crossing, with a passport or enhanced WA State drivers’ license, is quick and easy. Ten minutes later, we arrived in Rossland and stopped in at Revolution Cycles for a free map and advice on which trails would be best for our hill- and rock-hating 8-year-old. Driving the few blocks from town to the Centennial Trailhead, we passed a dozen people on bikes—mountain bikers heading to the trails and multiple parents on e-bikes pulling trailers with kids. At the trailhead parking lot, we opened the van door and the lush smells of spring mountain air rushed in. Friendly chatter from the handful of other people heading out for a hike or bike ride mixed with unseen birds chirping away in the trees drifted around us as we unloaded bikes and geared up. The first layers of all of that work tension began to soften ever so slightly.

Rossland: The MTB Capital of Canada

Known more for its miles of challenging singletrack, including the Seven Summits Trail and dozens of other epic rides, we learned that there are still plenty of green and blue trails to keep kids and parents happy on area trails. By far the shortest day of riding I’ve ever had after years of riding in Rossland, our pedal along the Centennial Trail, Blue Elephant, and a few short connector trails had its own unique rewards, like watching my son make it up several dreaded hills and then fly the whole way down hooting and hollering like a maniac. And instead of blowing by trailside attractions and viewpoints, we took the time to stop and look and even read the historical interpretive signs. We marveled at the trees and reveled in the silence instead of checking Strava.

After our ride, we checked into our room at the Prestige Mountain Resort and quickly set off to wander the hilly streets of picturesque Rossland in search of local treasures, which we found in droves: a cool t-shirt and biking gear at Revolution Cycles; a banana-board style skateboard and stickers at a rad little sweets, toys, and gift shop called the Bombshack where Shallan immediately felt like besties with the owner; a bottle of BC wine at the liquor store; and a favorite Canadian cheese at Ferraro Foods. We wandered the streets, found the impressive skate park, and then had a wonderful Thai food dinner with some of the tourism folks in town. Even though we had just met, conversation flowed like with old friends by the end of the meal.

That night, back at our hotel, I indeed cracked open the laptop to tap away some worries for an hour or two before calling it a night, but my heart wasn’t in it. After a quick breakfast the next morning, we beelined it to the skate park, which has plenty of eye candy for non-skaters in the form of murals, sculptures, and other art. We watched Remi roll around the many features, mostly riding his new skateboard on his belly, while Shallan and I sipped coffee in the morning sunshine. We had planned to hike up KC Ridge that morning for a view of Rossland, but if there’s one thing we have learned about traveling with children, it’s to be flexible and slow down. With morning edging toward afternoon, we finally loaded up and hit the road to Castlegar.

Castlegar: An Under-the-radar Outdoor Adventure Town

While snow still clogs many of the high-country trails in April and May, there are snow-free lower elevation trails that are ready to ride or hike that time of year. And there are other benefits of a spring trip on the West Koot Route: fewer tourists, spring flowers, comfortable temps, and, as we found in Castlegar, incredible waterfalls.

A short drive from Castlegar, renowned for the city’s sculpture walk, there are several great waterfall hikes. Little McPhee waterfall and Tulip Falls are recommended, but we visited the crashing cascades of Rialto Creek a short drive upriver from town. The new out-and-back trail up Rialto Creek called Dirty Dreams was built as a mountain bike climbing trail, but, in the spring, it’s an incredible hike along the edge of the crashing creek cascades. Impressive wooden bridges and trail features will keep you hiking farther and farther up the trail, your curiosity piqued at what wonders may await around the next bend. Dirty Dreams looks like an awesome intermediate bike ride too, and mountain bikers of all abilities won’t want to miss the Merry Creek trail system south of town.  

When we first rolled into Castlegar, we stretched our legs at the sprawling Millenial Park, which features the largest bike park in the Kootenays, while we waited for a rendezvous with ChillBilly Sportfishing Charters to head out on the Columbia River in a drift boat looking to spot sturgeon. These giant, ancient fish hang out in the shallows upstream from town, and the water at times is so clear you can observe them hanging out a few feet below from a kayak or paddleboard too. We didn’t see any sturgeon on our drift boat ride that day, but our guide was a character who shared his knowledge and love for his home waters as he rowed us up and down the river.

The highlight of our stay in Castlegar, at least for the youngster, was a surprise later that night: a Spiderman-themed hotel room with an indoor pool and towering waterslide at the Castlegar Super 8. Following him down that twisting slide over and over helped wash away lingering unease over tasks left untended at home.

Nakusp: A Wilderness Lake Town with Hot Springs and High Peaks

We left Castlegar with so many experiences to come back for, but when the snow-capped crags of the Valhalla mountain range came into view heading north, we were ready for our next West Koot Route stop. Nakusp stands out as a lake town with some of the best sub-alpine mountain views over water that I’ve seen in North America. While Shallan had a bad migraine that unfortunately meant an early night for her in our Airbnb and no trip up to the nearby, community-owned Nakusp Hot Springs (we’ve been there before and they are awesome), Remi and I played in the yard and struck up conversations with the neighbors about a wide range of subjects, from hiking secret local old growth cedar groves to water rights on the Columbia River that we share with Canada. After dinner, Remi and I set out on a walk along Arrow Lakes on the Nakusp Waterfront Walkway two blocks away. This paved path features benches, garden areas, and gorgeous views of distant dramatic peaks. The walkway ends at a sprawling, sandy public beach where Remi found another kid his age to build a rock wall with.

 The next day we made the short drive north to the relatively new biking trails and pump track at the Mt. Abriel Recreation Area. Immediately after climbing out of the van, we made friends with a few other families from Rossland, and they invited Remi to head off with them to the pump track while we finished packing up. Once we found and joined the group of parents and kids, we spent the next several hours on the pump track and then hiding under one of the picnic shelters during occasional downpours. Once the rain let up, we pedaled along several sections of fun and flowy green and blue trails, passing and being passed by dozens of other parents and kids. There were many more miles of trails for all abilities at Mt. Abriel, but for us it was time to split for our next stop.

Heading south from Nakusp then east over the mountains from New Denver to Kaslo, it’s worth a stop at the historic mining town of Sandon. In the late 1800s, Sandon was a bustling mining burg sporting 5,000-plus residents, which is hard to imagine today given the tight canyon and limited structures. Back then, though, it was the hub of the richest silver-lead producing region in Canada. Touring the few remaining buildings, including the original City Hall and Pump House, doesn’t take long but is a great way to learn about the region’s history.

Kaslo and Ainsworth Hot Springs: Lakeside Kootenay gems

The weekend we rolled into the charming village of Kaslo, the typically quiet town was bursting at the seams with Kaslo May Days celebrations featuring logger sports competitions, music, and vendors, plus the town’s usual cool shops and restaurants. Like other communities along the West Koot Route, Kaslo has excellent hiking and mountain biking trails, but the ones here start right in town, including the Kaslo River Trail system. The paddling on Kootenay Lake from public access points in town, with enchanting views of Purcell Range peaks, is the stuff of paddleboarders’ and kayakers’ dreams. (You can rent gear or book a tour with Kaslo Kayaking if needed.)

All too soon, it was time for us to make the 20-minute drive south for our reservation at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort. Always a relaxing and restorative experience, thanks to the hot water and natural mineral content, I was about as chill as can be after a few tours through the hot springs cave with Remi. Thoughts of pre-trip life had been supplanted by dreamy meditations on distant peaks and dazzling lakes, of miles of trails out there in the lush BC forests waiting for me. After a lengthy soak, we cleaned up, thoroughly enjoyed what may have been the best meal we’ve ever had in the Kootenays at the Ktunaxa Grill at Ainsworth (see sidebar), and continued south 20 minutes to the Kootenay Lakeview Lodge in Balfour.

Balfour and Nelson: Where culture meets adventure on Kootenay Lake

The Kootenay Lakeview Lodge, perched on a forested hillside of its namesake Kootenay Lake between Nelson and Ainsworth, turned out to be a beauty of a basecamp for the remainder of our stay in Canada. We woke the next day ready for our tour down the highway a bit at Kokanee Mountain Zipline. While the rest of the family were zip-tour veterans, it was my first time on one and I wasn’t sure what I’d think. Blowing my expectations out of the water, the rides were high and blazing fast (the views flying over the Kokanee Creek canyon are carved solidly into my psyche) and the guides were real, funny and an energetic joy to trust our safety with.

After our adrenaline fix, we set out for nourishment in Nelson, with hopes of an afternoon mountain bike ride at the oft-lauded intermediate and beginner flow trail system at Morning Mountain. But Mother Nature had other plans for the day, and we ended up dodging downpours and lightning flashes inside downtown Nelson’s plethora of local outdoor gear, apparel, and other unique shops. We returned “home” to our lodge with bulging shopping bags instead of tired legs, but also happy to be free from our daily grind in such a pleasant place where the pace of life seems so much slower and sane. Thanks to a provisions stop at the Kootenay Co-op, we spent the evening’s inclement weather swilling wine and grilling local meat and veggies at the lodge’s outdoor kitchen while being serenaded by bird song and a chorus of croaking frogs.

Crawford Bay and Home

We woke the morning of our last day and departed from the official West Koot Route for our alternate course home through the Idaho Panhandle. In the community of Balfour, we lined up early at the Kootenay Lake Ferry for the free, 35-minute boat ride (the longest free ferry ride in the world). Our destination was the artisan community of Crawford Bay, BC, and while we waited to load the boat we watched bubbles whimsically floating past our windshield from a tie-died shirt and gift shop as ferry riders milled about engaged in casual conversation with just about everybody they encountered out of a vehicle or with an open window. Once we were on the ferry, we visited the snack stand for our ever-hungry child and wandered around the deck to watch the wind-blown water—which felt as wild and vast as an ocean crossing—catch sunbursts through clouds that lit up the endless mountain views.

Back on land, we drove the short distance into the village of Crawford Bay, a one-of-a-kind collection of artisan shops and homes that make up a community that feels like it’s lost in time, a living museum experience that may make you question the things you spend most of your work life doing. At the same time, the artisans who create their crafts out of roadside shops offer some sense of hope for the future. Maybe we can learn from the past that quality, handcrafted local goods are where it’s at.

Our first stop was the North Woven Broom Company that operates out of a historic log barn, where you can watch traditional brooms being made by hand. Our family had been reading the Harry Potter series out loud to each other for the past two years and was about to finish the final book while driving home later that day. It was, therefore, a surprise and auspicious timing to discover that this incredible broom shop was responsible for making brooms that were used by the Canadian publisher of the Harry Potter book series as props and prizes for book promotion events. They even sent one to the series author J.K. Rowling. We took some photos, chatted up the broom maker, awkwardly got him to sign our copy of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” and walked out of there with a small fortune of his authentic brooms for various family members and friends back home.

We continued down the road to the Forge and Furnace Gallery and Kootenay Forge, where we watched the blacksmith create metal hooks. We learned about how fabrics were once commonly made and watched traditional foot-powered loom weaving at Barefoot Weaving. Finally, we checked out the beautiful handiwork at Dog Patch Pottery. There’s also a jewelry shop, the acclaimed Black Salt Café, and other arts and crafts shops, which happened to be closed that day. In our era of instant Amazon gratification of cheaply-made, mass-produced crap, visiting Crawford Bay is a great reminder for adults, and an important lesson for kids, of how all of our basic necessities were once made.

We made one last stop as we meandered our way toward the border to check out a recommended roadside curiosity—the Glass House, which was built in the mid 1900s out of over half a million recycled embalming fluid bottles. Quirky, but cool, this place has a gift shop and optional tour of the structure.

Soon we reached the 49^th parallel with another quick and easy border crossing, this time back into the states. By this point in the trip, I could care less about all the things that had been vexing me when we began our adventure. Those stresses had been exorcised from my consciousness by the magical landscapes, friendly people, cool communities, and quality family time we experienced along the West Koot Route.

Derrick Knowles is the Publisher of Out There Venture. The trip featured in this story was partially sponsored by West Koot Route tourism partners.

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If you like to grill on the go, whether it’s out in the boonies camping or at a backyard barbecue, a portable grill set makes whatever you’re cooking so much easier.

The Perfectly Portable Grill Set ($55.99) from O-Yaki comes with all the barbecue accessories you could want for outdoor cooking: tongs, a carving fork, a carving knife, skewers for kabobs, a spatula, and a basting brush. All the tools come stored in a convenient, zippered storage case that holds each tool in its place. No more forgetting one or more grilling tools when you’re on the go.

The O-Yaki Skewer System is another O-Yaki product that makes for an innovative way to cook kabobs and vegetables on a grill without scorching the hell out of everything. This stainless-steel skewer system ($39.99) has a standing design that shelters delicate foods from the intense heat of a grill and frees you from having to endlessly rotate individual skewers to keep food from sticking and burning.

You can use the O-Yaki Skewer System on any outdoor grill and for indoor cooking in the oven.

Find both of these O-Yaki outdoor cooking accessories at O-yaki.com.

For more food & drink stories, visit the OTO archives.

Read more stories about grilling and barbecue accessories.

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When packed up the NomadiQ is slim with the grill surface enclosed by the bottom of the grill when you fold it up not unlike a waffle iron This keeps any grill grease from getting all over the place while on the road or while hauling the grill using the included shoulder strap.

Once you reach your destination, the grill quickly folds out with two grill sides that each have their own temperature adjustments which is nice for grilling meat on one side and vegies at a lower temp on the other. Both grills easily pull out for cleaning, and each side has its own push-button ignitor.

I often use traditional, natural hardwood charcoal for barbecuing, but on longer camping trips lugging around dusty, bulky charcoal can be a pain. And in the summer, open fire restrictions during the peak of wildfire season often include charcoal grills, so a portable propane grill like the NomadiQ is an awesome option for clean, safe outdoor cooking.

For fuel, the NomadiQ uses the ubiquitous, 16-oz green propane bottles that so many of us use for car camping, or you can set it up to run off of larger propane bottles.  

MSRP: $299.99 including two drip trays and a propane hose/regulator. A protective pouch and griddle options are sold separately.

For more reviews and recommendations for grilling gear and outdoor cooking ideas, visit the OTO archives.

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If you do not already have a fire pit in your backyard, various options exist, whether you want an expensive cast-iron portable or a simple dirt pit you dig yourself.

Portable outdoor fireplaces: The easiest path to backyard campfires in terms of regulation and set-up is to purchase an enclosed receptacle of some kind. In Spokane, portable fireplaces are allowed closer to buildings than fire pits. For multi-family dwellings, you need to have at least 15 feet of clearance. Otherwise, you’re supposed to abide by the manufacturer’s safety instructions. A number of options are available, starting at around $75. More decorative options from Etsy run to $200 or more.

Handcrafted off-the-cuff fire pit: If you choose to dig your own fire pit, in both Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, it must be no greater than three feet across and built with 25-foot clearance from structures and combustibles. A pit is generally the cheapest option and has a certain rustic charm. If you already have rocks or bricks on-hand, you can simply dig your own little pit and protect it with a ring of amateur masonry.

Internet tutorial fire pit: Regulations still apply, but if you’re trying to craft a certain look, there are a number of step-by-step videos and blogs online, complete with purchase suggestions. You can buy materials for around $60 or less, depending on the project. One family-friendly option is stacking shaped pavers in a circle to create a small, concentric wall that prevents sparks from escaping and children from tumbling in. You can even pave out the bottom as outlined at Keepingitsimplecrafts.com/how-to-build-diy-fire-pit-for-only-60.

Upcycled do-it-yourself portable fireplaces: If you chose to make your own portable fireplace rather than a permanent in-ground one, it’s safest to abide by the in-ground fire pit regulations. There are a number of ideas online complete with tutorials. One of the best is using an old washing machine drum, adding bolted-on perforated angled bars for legs, and finishing it all off with heat-resistant paint. The full tutorial is here: Theflourishingabode.com/2012/06/diy-metal-fire-pit-tutorial-hack-challenge-finale.html

Grilling attachments: If you’re interested in grilling over coals or open flame, make sure it is possible with the model you choose; some pre-made fire pits come with grill attachments, or you can purchase a freestanding fire pit grill separately. In a pinch, of course, you can use existing grills you may already have, particularly if you’re handcrafting your fire pit. The best oysters of my life were grilled over a large portable fire pit, and I’ve made delicious campfire chicken the same way. The secret is to brine it for at least 24 hours so it doesn’t over dry. //

Regulations for Backyard Fires

When can you have a fire in your backyard? The answer is “it depends.” Your city may have more stringent regulations than the state, and if there’s a fire ban in effect or poor air quality, burning of any kind is forbidden. In Spokane, if winds rise above 10 mph, you’re not supposed to burn anything, either. Outside city limits, in both Idaho and Washington, you’re supposed to have a fire permit during certain seasons.

In Coeur d’Alene, the legality of your backyard campfire also depends somewhat on the neighbors: if neighbors call the police or fire department due to “smoke, loud parties, late hours” and so on, this “will result in extinguishment of the fire,” according to the City of Coeur d’Alene.

What you can burn is most safely defined as untreated, dry wood, or charcoal briquettes where applicable, but in some places and at some times you can also burn debris such as leaves. Trash is illegal to burn in the backyard.

More specific details can be found here:

Spokane: My.spokanecity.org/news/stories/2014/06/05/use-caution-with-outdoor-recreational-fires/

Coeur d’Alene: Cdaid.org/1486/departments/fire/permits-and-inspections/recreational-fires //

Katie Botkin enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and running around the woods barefoot. She wrote an article on MovNat for the February issue.

[Feature photo: Simple fire pit composed with shovel and rocks encourages party goers to gather around it. // Katie Botkin]

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To the west is the iconic strip of turn-of-the-century mansions along Rockwood Boulevard and Manito Park beyond. Up the hill to the south is 29^th Ave., the main thoroughfare along the top of the South Hill. The focal point is the South Perry neighborhood, an area that celebrates its vibrant identity that ranges from socially conscious professionals and tenacious 60s hippies to recent immigrants and everyone in between.

I start my run at The Shop, a popular coffee and sandwich joint that also hosts the Perry Street Farmers Market on an adjacent parking lot every Thursday afternoon from late spring through fall. My intent is to join the running group that meets weekly at The Lantern Taphouse just up the street, but I haven’t done it yet, so today I’m going solo. I lace up, loosen up and head south on Perry Street past the trendy shops, restaurants and brewery that have put the neighborhood on the local social map.

This is a tougher run than the one I wrote about in the March issue of Out There. At five miles, it’s a couple of miles longer, plus that first mile is a steady uphill along Perry and Southeast Boulevard. Three-quarters of the way uphill, I detour for a quick loop around the pond in rustic Upper Lincoln Park before continuing.

Where Southeast Blvd. meets Rockwood, I take a right. At first, the houses are less impressive, but within about a mile of rolling hills, they give way to those classic Rockwood mansions, and the road slopes downhill for three quarters of a mile before I head back upward. Driving this street is always a treat but running it is quite taxing. Rockwood provides a rare opportunity to soak up relaxed urban running with few intersections and no stoplights.

At 10^th, I turn east, past the tempting waft of grilling beef from local dining treasure Wisconsin Burger. A few blocks later, I’m loping across the grass of Grant Park and back to The Shop, where I sit back and savor a drink in one of the Spokane neighborhoods that defines so much of what makes urban running here so challenging and rewarding.

Easier South Hill Run Routes

If you’re looking for a more relaxed run with a shorter option, here’s the flattest, simplest and most rewarding three- and five-mile urban runs I’ve found in Spokane. For a 3-miler, drive 29^th Ave. west to its terminus at High Drive. Hang a left and pull into the first small turnout on your right, within just a few hundred feet. From there, it’s 3 miles out-and-back to Latawah Street (a few blocks before the stop sign at Grand). You’ll enjoy stellar views of the Latah valley to the south on the way out, and the Selkirk Mountains to the north on the way back. For a 5-miler, keep going past Latawah Street and take a right on Hatch at the Rocket Market. You’ll run past a pleasant tree-sheltered stretch by the Manito Golf and Country Club. Turnaround at the first black mailbox that’s on the left (east) side of Hatch just past 54^th Ave., at the end of the golf course. //

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Spring time for skiers and riders offers a mix of sun, comfortable temperatures, soft snow, no crowds, and a chill state of mind. Everyone’s likely had a belly full of powder days and sub-zero-groomer-zoomer days. Now it’s time to relax, have some fun and work on your tan. Maximize your time in the sun with these tips.

When and Where to Go

Every weekend in March offers some sort of annual spring ski event at the resorts. This is about the time that the clouds clear out, the weather stabilizes, and the sun starts to reappear. The five resorts in our region typically have similar spring skiing conditions. However, if you decide to make a trek north over the border, things may be a little less spring-like, as the British Columbia resorts tend to hold on to their winters a bit longer.

Do: Attend Schweitzer’s “Schpring Finale and The Big LeBREWski” event on April 8. It’s Schweitzer’s final weekend of operation, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time with fun events, live music, and great beer.

Don’t: Pay full price for skiing if you don’t have to. This is the time of year where many resorts start to see skier visits drop off. They’re eager to get you back up, and most offer spring deals the closer it gets to the end of the season.

How to Ski in Spring Conditions

Spring is a mixed bag that can have you skiing soft groomers one minute and carving through 8 inches of fresh snow the next. Above all, be ready and able to adapt to changing conditions. While spring skiing is known for its carvable corn snow, unpredictable weather can still create some challenges. As the day progresses, the sun’s radiation and the rising ambient air temperature begin to soften the top layer of snow. This is where velvety corn skiing is born. But if the day breaks cloudy and cool (or too windy) after a clear, cold night and then remains so, you’ll have much firmer conditions. In spring, especially in late spring, the quality of your ski experience depends on your timing. It’s not just a matter of giving the slopes an extra hour or so to start softening. Equally important is your choice of where to ski, and when.

Do: Follow the sun. In spring, shadowy north-facing slopes are no blessing early in the morning. Start your spring ski day on east-facing slopes. Then follow the sun all day long.

Don’t: Get too lackadaisical. Soft snow, while forgiving, can transition quickly and without notice to its firmer and nastier cousin, ice. Stay balanced and focus on holding a good edge through every turn so that an end-of-the-season injury doesn’t ruin your summer.

What to Wear

The natural nighttime cold can linger well into the morning and may be accompanied by a chilly wind that feels frigid when you’re not in the sun. Layering is the key here to help you combat whatever Mother Nature has in store. Forget the down jacket and heavy insulated snow pants. You want to travel lightly but still have proper wind and snow protection. A good wicking base layer and a warm midlayer will keep body heat in during the cold period — even if it lasts all day. As the temperatures rise, remove the midlayer if you’re overheating or open the arm and leg zippers now common on most outerwear.

Do: Be sure that you’re wearing a waterproof shell. Rain, snow, hail and sleet are all possibilities on a spring day and nothing will end the day faster than a soggy midlayer jacket posing as an outer layer.

Don’t: Give skiing a try on a nice sunny day with your leather jacket and a pair of Levi 501s. We’re all for folks learning to ski, so long as they’re prepared for weather in the mountains. Jumping into an alpine environment with street clothes is a recipe for disaster – one that the EMTs on the mountain will gladly send you a bill for.

Après Ski Time

This is where things get good. When spring skiing is in full bloom, people love to let loose, drink some spirits, and spread out on the outside decks. Most resorts will bring in live music acts and weekend events such as relay races, slush cups, and other spring-themed activities. If you’re lucky (or unlucky), you may even get to witness those rare spring phenomena known as bikini and man-kini skiers.

Do: Show lots of skin, wear lots of sunscreen, and celebrate the end of another glorious ski season here in the Inland Northwest.

Don’t: Pound three pitchers, leave your poles at the lodge, wreck your skis by using them to get to your car and then tailgate the family unlucky enough to be stuck in front of you all way down the hill. We want everyone to get home safely so that they can enjoy many spring ski days to come. // (Brad Naccarato)

Local Resort Spring Celebrations

March 11: Give the boards a break for part of the day and check out Silver Mountain’s Fat Bike and Snowshoe Race sponsored by Trail Maniacs. The moderate course is a 2.75 mile loop that starts at the top of the tubing hill before hitting all singletrack to the snowshoe trail. Take it as seriously (or not) as you want with one or two laps and have fun!

March 18: Get your Luau on at 49 Degrees North’s Hawaiian Daze. Barbecue on the deck, live entertainment, and fun competitions round out this tropical-themed party on the slopes.

March 18: Your kids will be stoked when you take them to Family Fun Day at Mt. Spokane. Free entry includes a kids’ obstacle course on the bunny hill with slalom gates, hoops to slide under and rollers and banks to cruise through.

April 1: Oyster lovers won’t want to miss 49 Degrees North’s Oyster Feed—trucked in fresh from the Washington coast for this annual celebration of spring in the Selkirks.

April 8: The Slush Cup and Beach Party at Lookout Pass is an end-of-season bash complete with grilling on the deck, pond skimming, and other entertaining antics. // (OTM)

The post Spring Skiing Survival Guide appeared first on Out There Venture.

Backpacking Meals

Trailcooking.com – whose motto is “Do not take what you do not like to eat” – is a great resource for backpackers. Created by Washingtonian Sarah Kirkconnell, who devised the Freezer Bag Cooking (FBC) method as a less expensive and healthier alternative to store-bought freeze-dried meals, this website provides recipes and instructions to inspire you – such as Huckleberry Donuts: trailcooking.com/dessert/huckleberry-donuts. The site also includes tips for dehydrating food to make homemade freeze-dried meals, plenty of recipes, and information about one-pot and no-cook methods.

Car Camping

All you tent campers or back-of-the-truck sleepers who still pack a propane stove and cooler and cook on an open fire, this is for you. When meal planning for your trip, consider these questions: What kind of foods and entrees do you and your fellow campers most enjoy? How much time in your trip schedule will you have for on-site meal preparation? How many servings will you need per meal? What will happen with any leftovers? What supplies and gear are required to prepare and cook the meals you desire? Are campfires allowed at your campsite for the time you plan to go? Are you able to allow the necessary time and muster the energy to properly clean-up after cooking?

Trailcooking.com’s one-pot recipes can be modified for car camping. At-home preparations where you portion servings and divide ingredients into re-sealable plastic bags means that you can sometimes prepare a meal at your campsite in 15 minutes or less. To ensure your raw meat stays cold and fresh, consider seasoning or marinating the portioned meat at home (pre-cut as necessary) and freeze prior to your departure. Frozen meat will thaw in your cooler and be ready in a day or two for grilling, roasting or sautéing in a skillet. //

 Camp Cooking Ideas

• “Campfire Cooking” is a spiral-bound cookbook organized according to six different cooking methods: in a pie iron, wrapped in foil, roasted on a stick, on the grill, in a Dutch Oven, and in a skillet.
• “Backcountry Cooking Deck: 50 Recipes for Camp and Trail”
• Sunset Magazine’s “Favorite Camping Recipes for Dinner” (includes a recipe for tofu and eggplant hobo bundles). Sunset.com/food-wine/kitchen-assistant/camping-cooking-recipes.
• Boozy Cheese

Round up these ingredients: a wheel of brie or similar style rind cheese, Pear eau de vie or brandy, loaf of French bread, and aluminum foil. Poke several holes in the cheese wheel, drizzle with booze and wrap completely in foil. Place wrapped wheel in the embers of the fire (not direct flame). Remove after about 12 minutes – cheese should be gooey and melted. Open foil and serve with bread for dipping.

• Campfire Cone (kid-friendly)

You’ll need sugar or waffle ice cream cones, marshmallows, chocolate chips, assorted nuts, fresh fruit, peanut butter, and other toppings as desired. Fill cones with the above ingredients, wrap in foil and place on embers for 5 to 7 minutes. Peel off foil and enjoy!

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Lost Falls Brewery, Colville

Located in a small business park in Colville, Lost Falls Brewery sports a busy taproom. Brewer Chip Trudell brews on an eight barrel system and pours pints from a few taps in the back corner. Locals jostle each other for a foamy glass of the Pale or the Rye or maybe Chip’s famous hearty Russian Imperial Stout. You might also find a food cart set up outside the rolled up door, grilling up some scrumptious brats and hot dogs, a perfect accompaniment to Chip’s easy-drinking brews. Hours are Wed. (4-6p.m.), Thurs. (4-6p.m.) and Fri. (4-8p.m.).

Find them at: 347 W 2^nd Ave #D, Colville, WA, or (509) 684-0638

Northern Ales Brewing, Kettle Falls

If a hot dog isn’t for you, just nine minutes north in Kettle Falls, Northern Ales Brewing is serving up a full menu of pub food with a twist – along with their robust beer selection. Established in 2007, Northern Ales is a spacious two-level pub, complete with a live music stage, pool tables and an impressive bar. For a special music treat, stop in on November 22, and check out their house band, Northern Aliens.

Steve Hendrick, Head Brewer and self-proclaimed Ale Draper (bar tender), Janitor, Chicken and Hop Farmer, and Dad, can often be found behind the bar serving up beer and nachos. Their beers range from hoppy citrus (Bite Ya Back Pale and Plume Creek IPA) to malty (Black Canyon Dark Ale and Okanagan Highlander Scotch Ale) to quite unique (Honey-Basil Ale). They even offer a nicely hopped gluten-free Pale Ale made with rice malts. Hours: Wed.-Sat. (12-10 pm). Find them at: www.northernales.com or call (509)738-7382.

By this time, you might be thinking you want to hole up for the night; however, the Northern Ales staff recommend the 45 minute drive over scenic Sherman Pass to Republic as your best bet for a good night’s sleep after one last beer at Republic Brewing Company. Remember to designate a driver and travel safe!

Republic Brewing Company, Republic

Republic Brewing is family owned and operated by Billy and Emily Burt, and their combined tastes and passions are evident in the intimate atmosphere, friendly service, and quality beer, regional wine and local hard cider and mead. Their taps offer a range of tastes: from Kolsch to Pale to their award-winning Big Mischief Porter.

Although Republic Brewing only offers free peanuts to munch on, many locals order up a cheesy pizza from Republic Pizza Co., located just behind the alley. And to accompany your food and drink, this little brewery keeps Republic rocking all year with live bands and even bagpipes, if you’re lucky! Hours: Wed. (2-9p.m.), Thurs. (2-9p.m.), Fri. (12-10p.m.) and Sat. (12-10p.m.).

Find them at: www.republicbrew.com or call (509) 775-2700.

For a comfortable night’s stay in quaint downtown Republic, the Northern Inn is only a block and a half from the brewery. After a restful stay in Republic, it’s time to head back south towards Spokane. Approximately 17 miles from Republic, the Sherman Pass Overlook offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the wondrous views around Sherman Pass.

No-Li Brewhouse, Spokane

Returning to Spokane, it can be hard to choose from the 10 plus breweries that open their doors daily to beer drinkers everywhere. A good place to start is No-Li Brewhouse.

Established originally as Northern Lights Brewing Company in 1993, Brewmaster and Owner Mark Irvin joined forces with craft brewery veteran John Bryant in 2012 to reinvent the company, launching No-Li Brewhouse, a gathering place for good eats and drinks. Steeped in the history and spirit of Spokane, their brews range from balanced (Amber and Crème Ale) to bold (Born and Raised IPA and Whiskey Barrel Aged Summer Wheat). Their menu is a perfect compliment to their 10 diverse taps – try a side of chive salt fries with cider vinegar and carrot ketchup for a particular treat. Open daily (hours vary). Find them at: www.nolibrewhouse.com or (509) 242-2739.

River City Brewing, Spokane

No-Li also sports one guest tap, which sometimes includes a beer from new(ish) kid on the block River City Brewing. Former Coeur d’Alene Brewing owners Gage Stromberg and Emily Schwartz opened River City in Spokane in early 2013 with a classic duo of beers: River City Red and Girlfriend Golden Ale, and have since added River City IPA and Riverkeeper Red, a hoppier version of the original Red that benefits local non-profit Spokane Riverkeeper (www.cforjuestice.org/river/)

River City Brewing plans to release their Midnight Marmot Imperial Stout and open a taproom around Thanksgiving. Until then, they’re open on Fridays for tours and tastings. Find them at: rivercityred.blogspot.com

Last Stop: Iron Goat Brewing, Spokane

Located in a small brick building amidst industrial buildings and old houses, Iron Goat Brewing’s cozy taproom and friendly locals are the best way to finish off this roadtrip. Iron Goat’s original four beers cover the spectrum: Garbage Pale Ale, Head Butt IPA, Goatmeal Stout and Bleating Red. However, they also branch out with brews like Gruff Goats Belgian Tripel and Proto, a twist on their IPA that includes locally-grown peppers – tastes like Chile Relleno! Hours: Tues.-Fri. (4-9p.m.) and Sat. (2-9p.m.). Find them at: www.irongoatbrewing.com or (509) 474-0722.

If you are serious about exploring the wealth of breweries the Inland Northwest has to offer, download the Inland NW Ale Trail map (inlandnwaletrail.com) for an even more extensive list, and let the adventure begin!

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