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

TONS OF FUN FOR KIDS & PARENTS 

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

Extreme Halfpipe Skateboarding Demos  

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

Kids’ Adventure Passport Activity 

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

Magic Shows by Magician Matthew Vanzee 

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

Live Wild Animal Presentations 

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

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

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

Kids’ Indoor Bike Riding Area  

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

Archery for Kids and Youth 

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

Marshmallow Roasting 

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

Learn How to Use a Crosscut Saw 

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

Indoor Expo Campground 

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

JOIN NEGATIVE SPLIT’S 5K “SWAG RUN”  

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

FREE ENTRY INTO THE SPOKANE GOLF SHOW 

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

PRESENTATIONS ON OUTDOORSY TOPICS  

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

SCORE A FREE BONUS ADVENTURE DEAL WITH YOUR TICKET  

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

OVER 70 OUTDOOR EXPERTS ALL IN ONE PLACE 

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

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

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Cover photo courtesy of Chris Ashenbrener

On the morning of May 18, 1980, Chris Ashenbrener was pouring concrete on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, far from his stomping grounds in the Cascade Range. Hours after he began, the sky began snowing ash. Ashenbrener retreated to his tent and watched as confused birds navigated the darkening skies, then eventually turned on the radio to hear a voice on the other side telling people to stay indoors. 

“Of course, I thought the Ruskies were coming,” Ashenbrener recalled. But it was just Mount St. Helens, making good on her recent and frequent promises. 

When St. Helens erupted in all her might, she blew out her side with such force that miles of forest around her were flattened and her once-proud summit was amputated of 1,300 feet. Fifty-seven people died, hundreds of homes and structures were lost, nearly 200 miles of road destroyed, and geological history made. 

Lawetlat’la, or Loowit, as the local Indigenous Peoples refer to her, had long been a moody mountain with evidence of prior eruptions. She is unplacated by her occasional tantrums and remains the most active volcano in the Cascade Range. When she reopened to climbers in 1987, she was one of the few volcanoes of the range Ashenbrener had not climbed. 

His interest in climbing began more than a decade earlier, though he’d say he preferred traverses to bagging peaks. After pursuing the usual path of the wayward but being maternally influenced (see: reluctant completion of a degree prior to hitchhiking around America), Ashenbrener gave up his attempts at using mind-control to get picked up by drivers and went to law school. He didn’t really intend to practice law, but meeting classmate and fellow outdoorsman, Ted Gathe, made the years of education worth it. 

The pair and various friends had been exploring the Cascade Range since the mid-1970s, when Ashenbrener moved to Spokane. Raising young families and launching their careers, most of their adventures involved cramming in as much mountain as possible somewhere between Friday and Monday, preferably with some use for their skis along the way. Mount St. Helens was no different. 

The mountain reopened to climbers in May 1987. Ashenbrener remembers it being the weekend of Bloomsday, making the decision to bail on the running race to climb instead. It was also the last weekend climbers could summit without a permit (which has been required since 1986). For the growing alpinist community of the Pacific Northwest, it was a festive affair. 

Trails had not been marked or restored, so parties were approaching from all sides. Gathe and Ashenbrener decided to begin in the lowlands, but the soft snow would slow their approach. They remedied this by bringing their Nordic skis. This got them thinking they should bring their alpine skis, too, for the descent would be long and epic. Of course, they also needed crampons, rope, ice axes, lunch, and the usual layers of mountaineering, packs, and the debris of a day out in the wild. 

They skied in through the trees and over the mushy terrain. As the slope steepened, they stashed their Nordic skis and switched to climbing boots, now only sinking to their knees. With their alpine skis and poles dangling off their packs and looking like traveling trinket salesmen, they made their clunky way across the snow.  

It was a perfect blue-sky day and the sense of celebration was real. As the men pushed toward the summit, which was now just a mile-wide rim of ice and snow, a helicopter approached them, landing nearby. It was ABC News, who had grown curious about the amount of stuff the two were schlepping up the side of a volcano and wanted to interview them for the evening news with Peter Jennings. The crew commented that the pair were the only ones carrying skis to the top. In fact, they were not.  

Mountaineering legend Kathy Phibbs also climbed the mountain that day with her skis, while wearing a red dress and a pillbox hat. Five women from Women Climbers Northwest joined her and danced the Can-Can at the top (they only made the Seattle Times). Phibbs’ pilgrimage of summits in skirts, specifically that one, sparked the annual Mother’s Day Climb on Mount St. Helens that continues to this day.

 

If Ashenbrener and Gathe were more a spectacle than the broads doing Broadway on the rim, it was the accidental result of their testosterone-fueled ambition and “Grapes of Wrath laden journey,” as he refers to it. Clanking with a flea-market load of equipment, they slogged their way to the rim while questioning their life choices. Now, they had the added pressure of getting back in time to see the evening news. The crampons and the ice axes were used in a final push, but the rope stayed in the pack. 

Upon cresting the rim, the gravity of the mountain’s history struck Ashenbrener, who recalls it looked like a “mountain with the top completely sliced off with a machete.” Along the newly formed rim were dozens of climbers peering into the crater, stepping too far out onto frozen ledges and cornices. Other climbers yelled warnings at them while Ashenbrener worried for their safety. Hundreds of feet beneath them, the crater steamed. A new lava dome had already risen out of the crater’s floor. Beyond them, where her belly had split open and poured forth, nature had been decimated.  

When Mount St. Helens erupted, 24,000 megatons of thermal energy were released, 7,000 of which occurred in the initial blast. (In a morbid comparison, this is the explosive equivalent of approximately 1,600 WWII atomic bombs.) Entire swaths of forest were flattened, thousands of acres of trees left like charred toothpicks fanning away from the mountain. The rivers of lava, snow, and mud (known as lahars) carried millions of tons of debris down the Toutle and Cowlitz rivers, wiping out bridges, lumber camps, and homes along the way. Thousands of large animals were killed, entire species of small and large mammals as well as amphibians, extirpated. 

By the time Ashenbrener made it to the rim seven years after the eruption, only patches of fireweed had begun a brave return. Stretching miles before him still lay the carnage of a landscape turned shades of gray-brown. He was struck by a sense of geological fascination and wonder, by the power within the Earth to make a whole mountain disappear. 

Not wanting to miss the evening news, the men rearranged their boots into their overloaded packs and donned their skis. “Forever, I will remember the sound of clicking into our bindings and pushing off,” Ashenbrener said. “We seemingly sailed off the top, over the heads of the climbers.” It was validation of the day’s gear-slog. In turn after turn, they descended 5,000 feet of snow, from one kind of crunchy ice to softer grains until they reached their Nordic skis, quads aflame with the burden of their descent. It’s one thing to ski down a volcano; it’s another thing to do it with a pack full of 1980s climbing gear. 

The two raced back toward civilization in search of a bar with a TV on and a phone to call their families and tell them to watch the news. But that night, Jennings was busy reporting about presidential candidate Gary Hart’s tryst with Donna Rice and the men were bumped from national evening news by a woman after all.  

“We are fortunate here in the PNW,” says Ashenbrener with charming optimism. “We don’t have cyclones, typhoons, hurricanes, flash floods. We just have the Big Burn of 1910 and the volcano of 1980.” Would Ashenbrener climb the iconic route again? “No,” he said, “I don’t do things twice.” Perhaps that is because some things can only be done once.  

Ammi Midstokke lives in North Idaho, where the hills don’t explode. This season, she’ll be traveling to the Peloponnese to climb another less volatile mound of rock. 

The post The Day Mount St. Helens Reopened  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Wild Walls Climbing Gym will mark its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 11, with a day of free-entry climbing, the free Dirty Thirty climbing competition and a party that evening. The anniversary bash from 4 to 8 p.m. will be co-hosted by the Bower Climbing Coalition (BCC)—also celebrating its 10th anniversary—with beer proceeds benefiting BCC’s important work, which includes replacing dangerous, corroded climbing anchors and bolts and organizing crag cleanups. Feast World Kitchen will be serving up international eats from Spokane’s immigrant and refugee community. Indoor climbing will remain free all day, and DJ N8BIT will be spinning through the evening. 

Founded in Spokane’s historic Old State Armory building in 1995, Wild Walls was one of the first indoor climbing gyms to open in the Northwest and has expanded its space and offerings several times over the years. The 12,000-square-foot gym includes two large bouldering areas and 40-foot top-roping and lead walls. Wild Walls provides beginner and advanced classes, youth programs, yoga, group event options and a portable wall for rent. 

“The party and competition are a celebration of 30 years and a thank-you to the continued support from our community,” notes general manager Todd Mires. “We are honored that so many people have had their first climbing experience with us, and we will continue to be a climbing-community hub and place people can call home.” 

The full day of anniversary celebrations kicks off with the Dirty Thirty route and boulder comps that run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can compete at any time throughout the day. Point values will be assigned to every existing route and boulder in the gym, with a final score tallied from the combined point value of the top 30 routes or boulders. Find more details at Wildwalls.com. (OTO) 

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Luis Benitez’s “Higher Ground: How the Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World” is a compelling mixture of personal memoir and environmental advocacy, offering a unique perspective on the transformative power of outdoor recreation. Benitez, a renowned mountaineer and former outdoor policy official for Colorado, intertwines his life experiences with a persuasive argument for the outdoor industry’s potential to drive social changes. 

As far back as the 1958 presidential panel known as the Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission, both Democrats and Republicans have been trying to estimate outdoor recreation’s role and value both socially and economically: “The demand is surging. Whatever the measuring . . . it is clear that Americans are seeking the outdoors as never before. And this is only a foretaste of what is to come. Not only will there be many more people, they will want to do more, and they will have more money and time to do it with,” Benitez writes.  

Benitez’s narrative begins with his childhood asthma, a condition that confined him indoors and sparked a yearning for the outdoors. This early struggle set the stage for a life devoted to nature and adventure. His ascent from a Missouri high schooler discovering rock climbing to leading blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer to the summit of Mount Everest exemplifies his resilience and passion to keep moving forward.  

Beyond personal stories, “Higher Ground” delves into the economic significance of the outdoor recreation industry. Benitez highlights that the sector contributes approximately $1.1 trillion and over 5 million jobs annually to the U.S. economy, surpassing the automotive and pharmaceutical industries combined. He argues that this economic clout positions the industry as a bipartisan force capable of uniting diverse communities and driving policy change. This book is not your typical policy paper—it’s a page-turner that resonates with a broad and active audience.

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Looking for a summer adventure that gets kids off screens and climbing someone else’s walls? Wild Walls Climbing Gym in Spokane offers week-long kids’ climbing camps from June 23 to Aug. 21. Kids aged 7 to 14 will learn the fundamentals of climbing, safety techniques and teamwork, all while having a blast on indoor climbing walls. Camps run Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and cost $325-$375 per child, per week, depending on if you’re a Wild Walls member or not.  

Each week features different themes and challenges, ensuring returning campers always find something new to conquer. What sets an indoor climbing camp apart? It’s more than just a physical activity; it’s a holistic experience that boosts confidence, problem-solving skills and resilience. Kids develop strength and coordination in a supportive, fun and safe environment. Don’t miss out on this chance for your kids to scale new heights—literally! Visit Wild Walls’ website to register and learn more. Wildwalls.com 

Sponsored

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Wild Walls was the passion project of climbing buddies and outdoors enthusiasts Timon Behan and Bill Lockwood. At a time with few indoor climbing gyms, the two worked with experts in the climbing industry and builders in the community to construct two main pillars from 60,000 pounds of steel, plywood and concrete, opening doors in the heart of downtown Spokane in 1995. A lot of climbing space has been added since then, and Wild Walls is now a staple of the Spokane-area climbing community.  

While climbing may have an intimidating reputation for some, Wild Walls manager Todd Mires says the climbing community in Spokane is very welcoming and has grown considerably in the last decade. “The community was small and climbing was a very niche sport and subculture,” says Mires. “Thankfully, climbing has become fairly mainstream, and the bigger the sport, the more people involved, the better the community. Climbing is for anyone and everyone who wants it.” 

Mires’ own climbing story is one of finding a place to fit in and grow in confidence. He fell in love instantly when he began climbing at the age of 12. “I hadn’t excelled at anything athletically up to that point and didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere, so climbing truly rescued my self-esteem. Since then, I’ve observed my story play out similarly for many young climbers. I see my role as creating an environment for everyone to enjoy what climbing has to offer, and hopefully people will fall in love as I did,” he says.  

To give Wild Walls a try, drop by and ask to try bouldering or auto-belaying. “There’s no pressure for those with understandable apprehension with regards to heights,” says Mires. “You are in control of how high you climb. We just want everyone to go at their own pace and what makes them comfortable.” Wild Walls offers belay classes when you’re ready to take your climbing to the next level too.  

The gym also has a yoga studio on site, offering vinyasa and acro yoga classes, which are included with any membership, punch card or day pass. While it may not be immediately obvious, the practices of yoga and climbing can really complement one another. “Yoga serves climbing by improving flexibility and mindfulness, while climbing serves yoga by improving strength and stamina,” says Mires. “I feel yoga and climbing demand a level of focus and body awareness that help tune out stress and anxiety and force participants to be present.”  

This year will be Wild Walls’ 30^th anniversary, so stay tuned for a special celebration. “We greatly appreciate everyone, especially our members, and hope to see you on the walls in 2025,” says Mires. You can find all the details on classes, rental equipment, and climbing times at Wildwalls.com. 

Sponsored

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Cover photo by Angus Meredith courtesy of Coeur Climbing

By Alana Livingston 

We’re all about the outdoors, but we admit that there are some pretty cool indoors-y things going on that can promote wellness and cross-training during the darkest, coldest, and wettest months in our region. From hot yoga to parkour, or giving those beautiful silks a try, here’s a collection of local ways to stay active in “the great indoors.” Especially if you don’t ski or snowboard, these options will help keep you fit and moving throughout the season.  

With so many options, it’s easy to stay active and energized indoors this winter in the Spokane region. Search for similar activities in your immediate area to help ward off the winter blues.  

Harmony Yoga Studio 
This inviting studio offers yoga classes tailored to different needs, including beginner, restorative, and vinyasa styles. Its calm atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for improving flexibility and building strength while reducing stress. (1717 W 6th Ave) 

Wild Walls 
Perfect for those who enjoy climbing or want to give it a try. Wild Walls features top-rope climbing, auto-belay systems, and bouldering areas. They also offer classes and workshops for all experience levels to help you improve your climbing skills. (202 W 2nd Ave) 

Coil Studio 
This studio provides unique fitness classes, including belly dancing, yoga, and aerial arts. The creative sessions focus on dynamic movement and self-expression, making it a fun and energizing way to stay fit. (314 W 2nd Ave) 

The Warehouse 
With six dedicated indoor pickleball courts, The Warehouse is a great spot for players of all levels. The courts are open weekdays from October to April, with nets and balls provided, so you can jump right into the action. (800 N Hamilton St) 

Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym 
Bloc Yard caters to climbers with its range of bouldering routes and training options. The gym also holds regular clinics to help climbers refine their techniques while building strength and endurance. (233 E Erie St) 

Krete Academy 
This parkour-focused gym in Spokane Valley offers structured classes for all ages. Learn to move with confidence and agility or take advantage of open gym sessions to practice on your own. (15215 E Marietta Ave, Suite B105) 

Beyoutiful Hot Yoga 
Experience the benefits of heated yoga at Beyoutiful, where classes range from gentle to high-energy flows. The warmth helps deepen stretches and detoxify the body. (12422 N Division St) 

Coeur Climbing 
Climb the walls at Coeur Climbing in Post Falls for a great indoor workout or fun outing with kids! The region’s newest indoor climbing hot spot is a full-service climbing gym with routes and activities for all abilities, including an awesome kids’ area, bouldering, an auto belay, top-roping, and lead climbing. Look for deals and more info in their ad in this issue (764 Clearwater Loop Suite 101, Post Falls). 

Spokane Great Outdoors Expo (Feb 22-23) 
This annual event put on by Out There Venture at the Spokane Convention Center features outdoor recreation, bike and travel exhibitors including many outdoor clubs and organizations, kids’ activities, an extreme skateboarding show, presentations on outdoorsy topics, demonstrations, marshmallow roasting, live Americana music, hourly prize drawings, display RVs, a full bar and more (Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com).  

The post Getting Out in the Spokane Area’s great indoors appeared first on Out There Venture.

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. 

Sponsored

The post Fall Adventure Guide: Hiking and Fishing Road Trip Through Grant County, Washington  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy Shallan Knowles

Don’t let summer pass you by: use this roundup of things to do in the mountains, lakes, rivers, trails, and small towns around our beautiful corner of the Northwest. 

1. Attend the Fur Trade Festival May 18 at the Kettle Falls Historical Center. Take a step back in time while enjoying a living history encampment and learn about the Pacific Northwest fur trade from reenactors discussing how traders lived, trapped, hunted, dressed, and communicated in the 1800s. 

2. Rent a boat from Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho and go tubing, water skiing, or wake surfing. 

3. Tube, kayak, or raft the mellow rapids of the lower Spokane River below downtown Spokane once the river level drops and the water warms up, typically in late June or early July. Be sure to end your trip at the TJ Meenach Bridge area to avoid large, more dangerous rapids downstream. Simplify your float by booking a shuttle and renting tubes from FLOW Adventures (509-242-8699). 

4. Take a good book on a walk to a public park or natural area near you and relax and read from a real paper book or copy of Out There. 

5. Ride or hike part of the Ferry County Rail Trail near Republic in Northeast Washington, then hit Curlew State Park for a swim. 

6. Use public transit to go on a hike from your house. Get creative with the hiking and bus routes to pull off an all-day wander.   

7. Paddle Echo Bay near Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille and bring a spotting scope or binoculars to look for the resident mountain goats that are sometimes spotted on and around Bernard Peak. 

8. Run in your birthday suit (or fully clothed) at the clothing-optional Bare Buns Fun Run July 28. This annual tradition happens at the Kaniksu Ranch north of Spokane near Deer Lake.  

9. Hike the 4-mile roundtrip Similkameen Trail near Oroville, Wash., a beautiful rail-trail with amazing scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. 

10. Round up some friends and take turns riding mountain bikes together at Spokane’s Riverside State Park for 24 hours at the 24 Hours of Riverside event May 25. 

11. Ride the bike park at Big White Resort near Kelowna, B.C., and then taste wine in B.C.’s renowned Okanagan Valley on your way back to the states. 

12. Take advantage of the some of the hottest or smokiest days of the summer to escape indoors to build on your rock-climbing skills at the Coeur Climbing Company gym in Post Falls. 

13. Spend a day giving back to the trails you love by joining a trail maintenance or construction project by one of our region’s many trail organizations. Locally, the Washington Trails Association, Evergreen East, Pend Oreille Pedalers, Idaho Trails Association, and Lake City Trails Alliance each organize trail projects all summer long that need volunteers. There are many other regional trails organizations that work in Inland Northwest wilderness and backcountry areas.  

14. Ride the new Cancourse mountain bike trails in Coeur d’Alene. 

15. Get over your fear of jumping out of a plane and sign up for a tandem skydiving trip with Skydive West Plains west of Spokane. 

16. Enjoy the traffic-free streets on Spokane’s South Hill near Manito Park for an evening of biking, walking, or rolling without watching for cars thanks to Summer Parkways, held June 18 from 6-9 p.m. 

17. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes out of Wallace, Idaho, then enjoy a cold beverage and meal at City Limits Pub a few blocks from the trail. 

18. Try mountain bikes, catch shuttles to the top of the Camp Sekani trails, watch a MTB jump show, and enjoy adult beverages June 14-15 at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival at Camp Sekani Park. Or participate in the Spokatopia Poker Ride for the chance to win prizes (June 15).  

19. Go road biking on one of the many scenic, low-traffic back road routes around Colville, Wash. 

20. Book a rafting trip on the Clark Fork River in Montana with ROW Adventures. The fun class III rapids and plentiful swimming opportunities make for a great day trip from Spokane or North Idaho.  

21. Hunt for bigfoot in Northeast Washington then Run the Bigfoot 5K and check out the Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival June 15-16. 

22. Take a yoga class from Harmony Yoga in Spokane (check out their ad in this issue of Out There for deals). 

23. Pedal a “RailRider” on retired railroad tracks along the Pend Oreille River near Metaline Falls, Wash. 

24. Book a multi-day rafting adventure on Idaho’s Salmon River with a local outfitter like FLOW Adventures. 

25. Park near the entrance to the 42,000-acre Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge near Colville, Wash., and ride your bike on the 10-mile auto tour loop, making stops at interpretive sites or for short hikes. 

26. Visit an Inland Northwest old-growth forest grove, like the Ross Creek or Hobo cedar groves. Find an online guide at Outthereoutdoors.com/where-to-go-to-see-old-growth-forest-in-the-inland-northwest 

27. Bike to a farmers’ market in a neighborhood near you and go shopping for fresh, local food. 

28. Ride your bike from one of the Riverside State Park trailheads to Long Lake at the Nine Mile Recreation Area and go swimming or fishing. Campsites are available if you want to make it a bikepacking overnighter. 

29. Hike the 7 miles of trails at Pend Oreille County Park between Spokane and Sandpoint off of Highway 2. 

30. Surf the world’s largest standing wave at Lakeside Surf in Chelan. Whether you are an ocean surfer, river surfer, wake surfer, or have never surfed before, you’ll love getting out on this thrilling river-style wave. Book sessions in advance online. 

31. Walk or bike the Children of the Sun Trail, a new paved path that parallels Spokane’s in-progress north-south freeway. 

32. Buy a copy of the Washington State Birding Trail Palouse to Pines map from Audubon Washington and explore some of the best bird habitat in our area, documenting and learning about different species of birds as you go. 

33. Plan a bike tour on the low-traffic back roads of Eastern Oregon, like the 130-mile loop route through the Pained Hills and John Day Fossil Beds. Find info and other route options at Visiteasternoregon.com 

34. Connect as many trails as you can in the Dishman Hills Conservancy in Spokane Valley to create an epic day hike.  

35. After work, head to Post Falls to hike the trails in Post Falls Community Forest and then have a picnic dinner at Q’emiln Park or a pint at one of the breweries in town. 

36. Hike Kamiak Butte, an island of forest in the Palouse near Pullman. 

37. Raft some of the best whitewater in America on Idaho’s Lochsa River in May during peak runoff. These class IV and class III rapids are best experienced with a seasoned rafting outfitter like ROW Adventures. 

38. Take a mountain bike road trip to Moscow and spend a day or two riding the trails at Moscow Mountain. 

39. Learn to sail on a local lake by renting a boat with other sailing friends or taking a lesson. Fun to Sail offers sailing lessons for all abilities (Funtosail.com). 

40. Spend a few days riding the many new mountain bike trails around the Sandpoint, Idaho, area, staying in town or at a nearby campground. Find trail info at Pendoreillepedalers.org. 

41. Roadtrip the International Selkirk Loop that connects scenic byways and unique small towns in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. 

42. Rent a campervan from Gusto Vans in Spokane Valley and live the van life for a weekend or longer while exploring iconic Northwest parks and public lands. 

43. Take a kid or anyone with accessibility or disability requirements needs fishing at Post Falls Park Pond near Post Falls, Idaho. Fish easily from a bridge, shore, or fishing platforms with great odds for catching fish at this well-stocked pond. 

44. Rally friends to pedal down old train tracks on a pedal-powered rail bike in northeast Washington with NPOV Lions Railriders. Make a reservation at Lionsrailriders.com. 

45. Ride the new giant swing coming to Zipwallace near Wallace, Idaho, along with the superman zipline, and then stay the night in one of the new rental yurts!  

46. Take a mountain biking trip to Nelson, B.C. and ride trails in the Morning Mountain and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park areas then hit the hot springs at Ainsworth. 

47. Run wild on the Mountain Magic 5/10/25K Trail Run at Mount Spokane State Park on June 30.  

48. Get up early and do yoga while the sun rises in a public park or natural area. 

49. Backpack to an alpine lake you’ve never been to before. Find plenty of options in Rich Lander’s classic guidebook “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.” 

50. Ride the Silver Mountain gondola in Kellogg, Idaho, to mountain bike or hike around the huge trail network at Silver Mountain Bike Park.  

51. Walk or run the Dad’s Day Dash with dad on Fathers’ Day at Spokane’s Riverfront Park, June 16. 

52. Visit 20 parks in the Spokane area to hike, bike, play or participate in other fun activities as part of the Greater Spokane Parks Challenge. Once you sign up and finish the challenge, you’ll be entered to win raffle prizes, including cash and gift cards. Scan the QR to download the app on page xx of this issue to get started. 

53. Spend part of a day exploring the challenges in Mica Moon’s aerial park with bridges, tight ropes, and more in Liberty Lake, Wash.  

54. Kayak or go tubing on a calm stretch of Idaho’s St. Joe River.  

55. Mountain bike the Empire Trails that includes new trails near Spirit Lake, Idaho.  

56. Go ziplining with Timberline Adventures in Coeur d’Alene and experience seven zip lines and two sky bridges, and then have lunch in a tree house.  

57. Hike one of the many trails on Mount Spokane and hunt for huckleberries. 

58. Kayak in a glass-bottom boat on Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Ore., to experience the underwater environment in a whole new way. You can rent kayaks or sign up for a tour, including a night tour with lighted kayaks that illuminate the fish, boulders, and lake bottom for a magical paddling experience. Info at Jopaddle.com 

59. Canoe or kayak a stretch of the Pend Oreille River Water Trail in northeast Wash.  

60. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from Plummer to Harrison, Idaho, and go swimming at the beach.  

61. Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway, a 3,700’ gondola ride to the peak of Mt. Howard in the Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, Ore. 

62. Ride the IMBA Epic Seven Summits mountain bike trail in Rossland, B.C. 

63. Sign your kids up for an indoor climbing camp at Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane. 

64. Bike to the Townshend Cellar tasting room in downtown Spokane to try some of their wines and get a “Wowler” wine growler filled to go.  

65. Explore some of the sites along the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. 

66. Try kiteboarding or wing foiling on the Columbia River near Hood River, Ore.   

67. Ride your bike to one of Spokane’s smallest and coolest bars, The Baby Bar, downtown behind Neato Burrito. 

68. Run or walk the 5k at the Wallace Huckleberry Festival on Sunday, Aug. 18. 

69. Ride the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha Trail, named “America’s Crown Jewel of the Rails to Trails.”  

70. Treat the family to a trip to Slide Waters water park at Lake Chelan in central Washington. There’s a lazy river, body slides, tube slides, surfing on the Lakeside Surf wave, downhill racer slides and more all with incredible views of the lake and mountains. 

71. Go fishing or paddling at Fish Lake Regional Park, near Cheney, Wash.  

72. Camp on Idaho’s Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho, or stay in town and go on a whitewater rafting day trip and enjoy the local nightlife in this cool river town.   

73. Go kayaking or boating on Lake Roosevelt and picnic on one of its many sandy, primitive beaches.  

74. Forage for wild berries, mushrooms, and plants that you know or use a guidebook to help you discover new ones.  

75. Hike or bike the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge from trailheads near Cheney, Wash. 

76. Go camping and tube the Touchet River at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, near Dayton, Washington.  

77. Canoe or kayak the Little Spokane River. Use the Spokane Parks & Recreation weekend shuttle service (reservations recommended). 

78. Hunt for fossils by breaking open rocks at the Stonerose Fossil Site in the small town of Republic in northeast Washington (stonerosefossil.org) then check out the super cool interpretive center and go for a bike ride or walk on the Golden Tiger Pathway that starts in town. This is a great family outing! 

79. Spend a few days swimming and chilling on the city beaches in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint.  

80. Take a wildflower day hike on the Kettle Crest in late June, starting from Sherman Pass and hiking north toward Columbia Mountain. 

Learn About the Places Where We Play 

Join one of these educational nature outings hosted by the Spokane County Library District, including some outings led by Out There Venture writers! Unless otherwise noted, outings are for adults and registration is required. More info and sign up at Scld.org. 

81. Nature Journaling Hike: Glenrose Trail (June 13, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Take an invigorating hike on the Glenrose trail in the Dishman Hills Natural Area with a break for a nature journaling exercise. This hike is moderately difficult along a 5.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. Led by Out There contributor Heidi Lasher.  

82. History Hike: Mt. Spokane State Park (July 9, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Explore the upper elevations of Mount Spokane State Park and discover park history at Bald Knob Campground, the site of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ spike camp, and Cook’s Cabin Woodshed. This trail hike over uneven terrain is a 3.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 400 feet is led by Holly Weiler, Out There contributor and board member of the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park.  

83. Medicinal & Edible Plants Hike: Liberty Lake Regional Park (Aug. 20, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Explore the trails at Liberty Lake Regional Park and learn about the medicinal and edible plants that grow wild along the route as well as tips for locating them. This hike is led by Karie Lee Knoke, Out There contributor and contestant on the TV series Alone.  

84. Hiking Safely Near Bears Presentation (June 12 & June 25) 

Learn how to recreate safely in bear country by taking the right precautions, plus learn grizzly and black bear identification, basic bear biology and phenology, and how to respond if you encounter a bear in the field, from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Matt Brinkman (Cheney Library June 12, 6:30 p.m. and North Spokane Library June 25, 6:30 p.m.). 

85. Medical Lake Geo-Walk & Water Sampling: Waterfront Park (Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m.) 

Walk 3 miles along the trail around Medical Lake with Chad Pritchard, professor of Geology at EWU, and learn about the lake’s history and natural science and help gather water samples for stormwater research and pick up trash along the way (tween and teen friendly).  

The post Summer Bucket List appeared first on Out There Venture.

In this issue, we’ve included tips on how to beat the winter blues when you’re not playing on the mountain. Try winter bike commuting (with a fat bike, or studded tires, or in any case several layers), winter fishing (not ice fishing, in case our El Niño forecast holds true), or snowshoe through Yellowstone National Park. Build a snow cave that can double as survival training by using tips from our Primitive Skills column.

We’ve also included some ways to stay active indoors. Winter can be a nice season to slow down, focus on health and wellness, and read a nature-inspired book. Climbing an indoor rock wall may boost your mood when the weather is just a bit too bleak. And you can catch us at the Spokane Great Outdoors and Bike Expo on February 17-18 to enjoy outdoors- and conservation-related talks, exhibits, gear and more to start planning for 2024.

This issue also features the last Out There Kids column, which has been written by Amy McCaffree for many years. Through her column and family outdoors guides, Amy has become a valuable resource on how to get outside with kids in every season. She has shared her ups and downs, favorite kid-friendly places, recommendations for gear, and how to navigate in the outdoors as a family (or try your best). When I planned a trip to Maui with my toddler, I reached out to Amy, who gave me the gem of advice to find a “baby beach,” a place where the surf is broken on outer reef and creates a pool of calm water for kids to more safely explore. These are the sort of tips from parents who have gone before you that make it a little smoother to experience the outdoors with kids.

Whether or not you have kids, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, it’s worthwhile to teach kids how to get outside and get to know our public spaces. These kids are our future conservationists, climate activists, and recreationists who will become the heart of our community. That’s why Out There Kids will continue as a department in this magazine, sharing those hard-earned, word-of-mouth stories from other outdoor parents.

To Amy, from Derrick, Shallan, and me: thank you for your years of writing about your trials while parenting in the outdoors. You’ve inspired us and many other #outtherefamilies in our region.

To all, here’s to the coming year of outdoor excursions.

Lisa Laughlin, Managing Editor

The post Exploring Winter appeared first on Out There Venture.