Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles

Ever had that feeling that it’s September (already?!), and you haven’t had your fill of hiking, pedaling, kayaking or huck picking? What the heck happened to summer? Well, you’re in luck. With cooler fall temps promising perfect outdoor adventure weather, the good times out on the trails are not over yet.   

The Inland Northwest is crisscrossed with incredible long-distance rail trails, cycling routes and pathways that seem to get better every year. The Route of the Hiawatha is at its smooth, gravelly prime. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s famed moose and great blue heron sightings are plentiful. More and more family and friends are embarking on the Bitterroot 300, enjoying the sleepy Saint Joe River wilds as well as the Route of the Olympian rail trail heading deeper into Montana. The North Idaho and Spokane River Centennial trails continue to be improved upon, raising the recreational experiences of walkers, cyclists and dogs alike.   

As fall draws ever closer, the only climate-change positive is a longer cycling season expanding well into October and beyond. If you are hoping to fit in a fall ride on the Route of the Hiawatha, you’ll need to make it happen by Sept. 21, when the “Tunnel” shuts down for the season. The fall cycling season is the best, with little to no precipitation, no bugs, and few people, which means the trails are wide open to ride.  

With another summer trails season behind us, I want to take the opportunity in this public-lands focused edition of Out There to draw attention to an issue that continually jams my saddle: poor trail etiquette. When I ride, which I do almost as much as possible or as long as a pair of clean bike shorts are available, I am all about enjoying the aesthetics of the trail I’m on. Be it the wilderness-like Hiawatha or more urban-focused Centennial, I am in the moment of the “the ride.”  

I stop frequently to enjoy the flora and fauna, chat it up with other cyclists, and soak up the glorious recreational amenities we have such easy access to. My focus, naturally, is not on who is speedily coming up from behind me hell-bent on a Tour de France-type ride. I am looking around, checking out flowers, wildlife prints in the mud, the sound of the river or wind in the trees. Many other riders out there on our shared trails are similarly absorbed in their own in-the-moment experience much of the time and not looking out for potential moving hazards either. This is where trail etiquette comes into play. It’s every trail user’s responsibility to do their best to keep each other safe and take care of the trail and surrounding environment. 

Trail Etiquette for Cyclists, Hikers and Dog Walkers  

Here are some trail-behavior basics we all need to follow to keep it fun and safe out on our region’s trails (especially when they are long and straight rail trails). 

Be Courteous: 

• Stay to the right when enjoying the trail. 

• Slower traffic and pedestrians have the right of way. 

• Make yourself known when overtaking another user by announcing something like “on your left” or deploying a bike bell. 

• Always pass other trail users on the left (assuming they are following the rules and are on the right side of the trail). 

Ride Safely and Responsibly: 

• Avoid sudden changes of direction. 

• Announce yourself when stopping or turning. 

• Yield when entering or crossing roadways. 

• Don’t block the trail. 

Protect Natural Resources: 

• Pack out all of your trash and strive to leave no trace. 

• Enjoy wildlife sightings, but don’t disturb or get too close to wildlife. 

• Stay on existing trails to reduce erosion and avoid trampling plants. 

Control and Pick Up After Your Pet 

• Leashes are required for dogs on Idaho and Washington state park trails unless otherwise posted. 

• Always pick up and pack out your best friend’s droppings. 

• Don’t let your dog chase after other trail users, other pets or wildlife. 

By making a small effort to use the above trail etiquette tips, we can all more fully enjoy our trails and public lands. Learn about more trails in the Idaho Panhandle and find more trail etiquette recommendations at Friendsofcdatrails.org. Feel free to contact me with any trail comments or questions at wallacepm56@gmail.com. See you out on the trails! 

The post Sharing the Trails: Fall Adventures and Friendly Reminders Cycling, hiking and dog walking with respect for nature and others  appeared first on Out There Venture.

I have always taken pride in my fire making abilities, but never thought of myself as a “Solo Stove” guy. It seemed a little too confined for my penchant for fierce, sprawling blazes. However, we often camp places where a “Leave No Trace” ethic means no fire pits, and the Ranger Solo stove was the answer. The awesome feature of the Solo Stove is that you can just let the fire burn down to ashes at the end of the night and pack it away into the carry case the next morning. The Ranger is a smaller version that takes up less room in our camper, measuring at 15” diameter and 12.5” tall. The smokeless design keeps a hotter, cleaner fire with less smoke and sparks to burn holes in your favorite backcountry ski jacket. You can add the cast iron cooktop option to make your Solo Stove even more versatile. The 14” diameter griddle sits on a stable hub above the fire pit and distributes heat evenly across the surface, allowing for around-the-fire griddle cooking of everything from burgers and veggies to pancakes and eggs. MSRP: Ranger 2.0, $199 / Cast Iron Griddle and Hub, $149. Solostove.com/en-us

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As a seasonal visitor to Hells Canyon Recreation Area, I am intrigued by the region’s vast human history. There are numerous books devoted to this topic, some of which are available for sale at the historic Kirkwood Ranch site on the Snake River Trail. Many a hiker has exited the canyon with a new book tucked into their already-stuffed backpack. On a recent trail maintenance trip to Hells Canyon, Pamela Royes’ memoir Temperance Creek was recommended to me as one of the best recently published books on the canyon and the mark it leaves on those who make it home, at least for a time. 

Royes’ memoir traces her suburban upbringing in the flatlands of North Dakota, to college in Oregon, to a decision to abandon the conventional direction her life was taking in exchange for a move to full-time sheepherding and dude ranch work from the depths of Hells Canyon to the heights of the Seven Devils and Wallowas. She transitions from a young girl who rode her horse through fallow fields in North Dakota to a young woman who learned to ride narrow canyon trails and ford rivers in Hells Canyon while following and falling for a Vietnam War veteran.  

Royes paints a vivid picture of life in the canyon, from the beauty of spring and fall appreciated by so many seasonal recreational visitors, to the harshness of working within the canyon walls through the height of summer heat and the extreme solitude of winter, while leaning into a relationship that mirrors all of the rocky yet flower-lined paths along the way. For anyone who has ended a trip to Hells Canyon with a bit of wistfulness and a wish to remain longer, Royes offers a peek at what it is like to make a living in this harsh yet beautiful environment. (Holly Weiler)  

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Cover photo courtesy of Row Adventure

As adventurers of the great Northwest, we recognize the imperative to embrace ecotourism as a way of life—a commitment to exploring our planet responsibly while safeguarding its irreplaceable wonders. As we venture forth into the realm of eco-conscious travel, one adventure stands out as a beacon of sustainable travel: rafting.  

Long before “ecotourism” became a buzzword, the rhythmic pulse of the river and the silent glide of the raft epitomized the harmony between human endeavor and natural preservation. This human-powered activity uses strictly non-motorized rafts, eliminating pollution in free-flowing waterways. It’s a quiet and non-intrusive means of adventure travel, with only the sounds of the natural world and your river guide calling “All Forward!” as your soundtrack.  

Since its inception in 1979, ROW Adventures has championed the spirit of whitewater rafting not merely as a thrill-seeking escapade, but as a testament to a commitment to conservation and connection. ROW’s trips reflect the high standards of stewardship that rafting upholds, both as a recreational and commercial activity. These journeys unfold along the banks of rivers steeped in history, where the presence of Indigenous cultures run as wide as the river.  

At the heart of all river-running ethos lies the practices of Leave No Trace; designed to minimize the impacts of visiting fragile outdoor ecosystems. Whether it’s plastic wrappers or food waste, whatever goes on a river run comes off the river. Since 1974, rafters have been carrying containers to properly dispose of and carry out human waste, which would otherwise contribute to the environmental degradation of riverine environments. Minimizing impact on environments traveled has been at the forefront of good rafting practices for over 50 years.  

To further discovery on the river, many rafting trips include engaging and educational discussions, drawing on the experience and knowledge of local guides and communities. These focus on river ecology, native wildlife, wildfire management, geology, and the area’s Indigenous communities, as well as the human impacts on our river environments. By fostering dialogue and hands-on experiences centered around river-related issues, rafting with ROW promotes environmental awareness and give travelers the tools they need to take their conservation efforts home.  

Many rafting outfitters also collaborate with local conservation organizations to engage the general public in river advocacy initiatives. This may be through donations, sponsorships, or even hands-on clean-up events. ROW Adventures is actively involved with several conservation groups operating in the areas the company travels, including the Rogue Riverkeepers, the Native Fish Society, and Idaho Rivers United.  

As an adventure-filled and sustainable way to travel, rafting has an everlasting and enduring appeal as ecotourism. So, dear travelers, as you contemplate your next odyssey into the heart of the wild, remember the humble raft as more than a vessel of exploration—it is a symbol of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the wonders that define our great outdoors. 

Originally from Seattle, Maia grew up trail blazing, fishing, climbing, and seeking new heights in the Cascade mountains. She carries her love for the outdoors into her writing and professional work as the content coordinator for ROW Adventures.  

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By Jean Arthur

By the time my family and I finished snowshoeing around Mammoth Terraces in Yellowstone National Park, we’d tromped 1.5 miles, observed colorful formations like Orange Spring Mound and Angel Terrace, and laughed at our kids’ descriptions of the park’s famous thermal features exuding sulphureous belches.

“Eww. Dad. Do you have to do that here,” jokes my son, who’s well-versed in Yellowstone’s thermal world. The rotten-egg malodor derives from solfataras, hydrogen sulfide gas, chemical reactions where the pH below “1” can dissolve the soles of snowshoes, so acidic it is. Add heat, and Yellowstone provides habitat for thermoacidophiles—acid- and heat-loving microbes.

At Mammoth Terraces, the 200+ degree water dissolves limestone and forms glistening white calcium carbonate, travertine. Here, buffalo roam. Elk bugle. Bears sleep. Wolves howl. We adventure.

Back in the truck, parked along the Mammoth-to-Norris Road, the heater blasts, and our toes and noses defrost. The frigid mist from the evaporating thermal springs flock our mittens and hats with lovely crystals. Here at the Upper Terrace area, the road closes to automobiles for winter and opens to snowcoaches, over-the-snow tracked vehicles that shuttle visitors to backcountry trailheads and on to Old Faithful, our next trip.

Through the steam, we see a bull bison using his massive head to shovel snow aside as he searches for grasses in subnivean hibernation. While we worry that the 2,000-pound vegetarian might starve, we learn from the Visitor Center’s rangers that the ungulates, bison, elk, deer and pronghorn, evolved to survive on few calories in winter despite minus-20-degree days and even colder nights.

Elk wander the Lower Terrace area between the 37-foot-tall Liberty Cap formation, which resembles a torpedo—the kids add less savory descriptions—and the Mammoth Hot Spring Historic District. We tumble into the elegant Mammoth Hotel lobby where a roaring fire, pianist on the baby grand, and coffee shop warm hands and hearts. The hearty hot chocolate helps. Winter is a magical place for Yellowstone visitors.

Trail Etiquette and How to Explore the Park

Access to America’s first national park, established in 1872, includes a handful of snowshoe trailheads, one interior open road, and snowcoach routes, which are excellent options. Day excursions lead from cozy and elegant lodgings where après treks include crackling fires, hot or cold refreshments, and local lore.

The Gardiner and Mammoth area’s lodgings and libations offer an excellent launch for winter trips because the road from Gardiner, Mont., to Mammoth and on to Cooke City, Mont., is plowed. On other visits, we’ve skied and snowshoed the challenging 8-mile Blacktail Plateau Trail, the 2.5-mile easy Tower Falls out-and-back route, and the easy 3.5-mile Barronette Trail near Cooke City. Blacktail Plateau and Barronette trails have two trailheads and can be snowshoed one way if a group has a two-vehicle shuttle.

Trail etiquette includes giving right of way to the uphill traveler when encountering oncoming snowshoers, allowing speedier travelers to pass by stepping to trail’s side, and never snowshoeing on the skier track, which damages the trail for skiers. And, of course: leave no trace, only tracks.

Trails vary with challenges, from elevation (above 7,000 feet) to skill, wildlife hazards and limited daylight. (At winter solstice, sun sets just after 4 p.m.) Other than Gardiner lodgings, restaurants and outfitters; the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel; and Mammoth General Store and Bear Den Ski Shop where we rented snowshoes, no services exist in winter for 50 miles. Eastward on the Grand Loop Road to the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City, lodgings, eateries and gift shops cater to winter visitors—mainly snowmobilers.

Visiting Old Faithful in Winter

Yellowstone is a curious place.

“Dad! I’ll race you to Old Faithful! Ready, set,” the kids dash ahead before my husband and I even think about trotting on snowshoes. On a spellbinding winter trip into the Old Faithful area, we ride a snowcoach from Mammoth, bumping over the snow-covered road, arriving four hours later at the world’s most famous geyser.

While several companies operate snowcoaches, we opt for the Yellowstone Park Lodges operator, which offers winter shuttles and interpreted and guided day tours to experience thermal features.

Sundogs dance their crystalline shimmer, just out of my reach, always just ahead of my family, who has left me in the powdery dust between our hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and the geyser, which rangers estimate will blast soon. Old Faithful, so named because regular eruptions gush every 35 to 120 minutes, attracts global visitors year round.

The Bear Den in Old Faithful Snow Lodge rents winter gear and sells whatever item, from hat to handwarmers, visitors neglected to bring—even ice skates for the pond outside the door. The Bear Den crew offers trail advice, guiding and even lessons.

After an excellent dinner at the lodge, we saunter out once again to witness a nighttime blast of Old Faithful by headlamp, nearly bumping into a herd of bison. We about-face and head back inside for live music and hot drinks by a roaring fire, satisfied that Old Faithful can wait til daylight. Our reward: wolves howl outside, much to visitors’—and our—delight.

Recommended West Yellowstone Trails

On other trips, we’ve lodged and supped in West Yellowstone, Mont., where we would dip into the park from our hotel.

The gentle Riverside Ski Trail departs from Boundary Street trailhead on town’s east edge. The one-mile connector cruises eastward to the Madison River and the Downriver and Upriver Trail loops. A section of Downriver Loop, on the Madison River’s bank, tromps over Barnes Hole Rd., thus wide enough to snowshoe side-by-side and avoid the ski tracks. Snowshoers can spend as long as they want among the trees, Canada geese, occasional swans and bald eagles.

While the trail roams over small hills, it only gains a few feet elevation over the 7.7-mile trail, yet West Yellowstone’s elevation at 6,664 feet may challenge lungs and fitness. Trekkers may encounter bison, elk, owls and wolves, while the big carnivores, grizzly bears and black bears, mostly nap throughout the winters. Occasionally, male bears wander outside winter dens and groggily sniff around before returning to beds in a state of torpor and not true hibernation.

The trails here are not patrolled and seldom groomed. Skier and snowshoer tracks are easy to follow, but visitors should use an app such as onX, which offers trail information both online and offline. Spotty cellphone access available in communities is generally inaccessible inside the park.

Dazzled by the sundogs—hexagonal ice crystals that form a column of spinning ice mist—we thrive in winter’s solitude. The prism refracting the sun’s rays for diamond-like sparkles in the ten-degree morning is Yellowstone’s magic. Yellowstone National Park passes are required for all visitors (www.nps.gov/yell). Find additional regional tourism information at Visityellowstonecountry.com/. //

Jean Arthur has only written one adventure story from a chairlift, yet does snowshoe and XC ski from the door of her Montana office. The second edition of her book, Top Trails: Glacier National Park, will be published spring 2024 by Wilderness Press with new photography, new trails and lots of updates from both Glacier and Waterton National Parks.

Cover photo courtesy of Jean Arthur

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Especially once children reach adolescence, we can’t expect them to say yes to all of our outdoor recreation ideas and then excitedly come along. Our kids are us but not us. Which is the most awe-inspiring and sometimes heart-breaking condition of parenting. That’s why, after 10 years of being the Out There Kids columnist for this magazine, I knew it was time to let go.

My two kids grew up being the inspiration and mom-led field-test subjects for most of my stories. I’ve shared with Out There readers my outdoor-parenting successes as well as do-overs, mistakes and life lessons while teaching my children to downhill ski, dress for cold weather, navigate a steep trail and not get lost in the woods.

Back in 2014, when my first “Outdoor Family” theme story debuted, there were hardly any parent-oriented guidebooks or online resources for recreation guidance, adventure travel ideas or gear advice for young kids. It was a niche topic and parents were mainly learning by doing—and spreading advice word-of-mouth among friends.

Ten years ago, taking very young children hiking and tent-camping was less common. People were always telling me, “You’re brave.” And one grumpy woman, from the campsite next to ours, had the audacity to pointedly ask my daughter, age two at the time, if it was she who was crying at 2 a.m.

Having kids may have slowed the pace of our outdoorsy lifestyle, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying the recreation we loved. We personally sought advice from any outdoorsy adults we knew, asked lots of questions, and our unwitting mentors were happy to help us. Each new attempt helped us figure out how to better incorporate our little kids (and their many, complex needs) into our adventures—while ensuring their safety and preventing worse-case scenarios.

My husband and I learned how to parent in the great outdoors (an ongoing process), and I wanted more families to do the same. Which is why my mission statement for the Out There Kids column has always been “to inspire and motivate more people to explore and enjoy the great outdoors, especially families with young children.”

The hashtag #OutThereKids came from this column. It’s no longer uncommon to see young children snowboarding, rock climbing and doing all other sorts of cool outdoor stuff with their parents. Gen Z and Millennial parents are trekking everywhere outdoors with their babies and toddlers—and we know about it because of their Instagram posts and TikTok videos of baby-wearing backcountry adventures, van life and road-trip travels.

Regional youth outdoor programs and camps have expanded incredibly, especially the past few years. Local bike shops, ski schools, parks and recreation departments—as well as national gear-makers and retailers—have listened to parents and responded to demand to produce and sell great outdoor kid items and offer outdoor adventure camps and programs for kids.

But the Out There Kids craze is not just business—those working in the outdoor industry, including this magazine, want to help parents raise the next generation of recreation and public lands enthusiasts. Our kids are the future snowboard instructors, ski patrollers, bike shop owners, fly fishing guides, survivalist instructors, race directors, ski resort managers, public lands and wildlife advocates, and everything else the Inland Northwest needs to maintain and grow our vibrant outdoors community.

As I hand over the reins of my column, starting this issue, Out There Kids will now be a department in this magazine, allowing new and different writers to contribute their voices and stories about getting their kids of varying ages outdoors with their own unique parent-tested ideas and advice.

It’s bittersweet to say goodbye as the OTK columnist, because it’s been a great love and highlight of my professional writing life. But my children have long stopped needing their double-bike trailer, external-frame backpack carrier, and Strider bikes. In less than six months, both my children will officially be teenagers. They’re each nearly as tall as me—a daily reminder that in only five years, my husband and I will have two “adult children.”

I need to thank my first inspiration for Out There Kids, my kids Landon and Alyse, for going along on so many outdoor adventures: for their willingness to learn how to ski, bike, fly fish and kayak with their dad and me. For wading across swift-moving rivers with fly rods; paddling on Priest Lake even when it was rainy and windy; being willing to pee in the woods; hiking, biking, kayaking, stand-up paddling and camping with our family; and trusting me to guide and protect them when there was no cell service. For not hating their dad and me when they fell into rivers, got too cold skiing, waited while I dug a “leave no trace” hole, and for that one rainy camping trip when they got multiple bee stings.

As adolescents, they now can choose to stay behind at home or the campsite and not partake in a hike or paddle. So I am deeply grateful for every new “Yes.” Now that they’re older, our outdoor excursions can go longer and become more daring (and I will continue to use food as bribes).

May all you amazing #OutdoorFamilies find similar joy and thankfulness in the ups and downs of adventuring with your kids, sharing together the recreation you love. I look forward to reading the stories, mishaps, and hard-earned lessons from the future parents who tell their tales in the pages of Out There.

Cover photo courtesy Amy McCaffree

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It’s a scientifically proven fact that fall is the best riding season. Cooler weather and perfect dirt are the payoff to a season’s worth of conditioning. But it’s the fall colors that seal the deal: the golden slopes of western larch and the yellow and orange corridors of aspen trees. Here are three fall classics that will have you skidding through leaf piles like a kid again.

Brush Lake Loop

This nearly six-mile loop north of Bonners Ferry is quite possibly the region’s best fall color ride, with larch and hardwoods providing nearly nonstop color on a trail purpose-built for bikes. The newly constructed Tungsten Mountain trail adds another 2,000 feet of climbing through no-less-impressive fall foliage, with the added bonus of a spectacular view of the upper Pend Oreille River valley from near the top.

Coeur d’Alene River Trail

Although the lower six miles of this trail can be used as a jumping-off point for long backcountry loops in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, its stunning scenery warrants seeing the same view twice on an easily rewarding out-and-back. After the first 1.5 miles, the trail spends its time well above the Upper North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River—all the better for vantage points of the larch and cottonwood in the canyon below.

Bead Lake

Although better known for its cedars, Bead Lake, just northwest of Newport, Wash., glows in autumn, when colorful shoreline shrubs and birch leaves contrast against the dark background of evergreens. The East Shoreline Trail traces the lake on good tread, with nearly constant views of the water. It’s nine miles out and back, with the option to make a long loop using 11 miles of forest road high above the lake.

Gear Up for Fall Rides at Spokane Wheel Sport Locations

Thule Epos Bike Rack

Don’t waste a moment of those fleeting fall days fiddling with your bike rack. With an innovative telescoping bike attachment system and ability to accommodate long wheelbases and large tires, the Thule Epos bike rack easily transports bikes of all shapes and sizes.

45NRTH Nokken Glove

Keep the crisp autumn air from freezing your fingers with the 45NRTH Nokken glove. Wind- and water-resistant softshell material keeps digits warm without the bulk of thermal insulation, and the long cut to the wrist material closes off any jacket/glove gaps.

Light and Motion Seca Comp 1500 Headlight

Bike lights have come a long way from the bulky battery hogs of 20 years ago. Today’s lightweight, bright, USB-rechargeable LED lights make night riding easier and safer than ever.  With 1500 lumens of power, the Light and Motion Seca Comp 1500 will illuminate the entire trail, and the impact-resistant, waterproof body will ensure it holds up to whatever wild conditions autumn throws at you.

The post Inland NW Fall Color Rides appeared first on Out There Venture.

Sponsored by Wheel Sport Bicycles

Whether you’ve spent all winter hibernating under a mountain of blankets or hitting the mountains on skis, spring is here. It’s time to emerge, blinking, on wobbly baby-gazelle legs, into the bright sun of bike season. And a spring road trip is the best way to dive into bike season wheels-first, whether you’re chasing a change of scenery or a chance at good dirt.

With enough trail mileage for a couple long weekends or a Spring Break week, each of the following road trip destinations will satisfy your cycling cravings and build up your stoke—and legs—for the rest of the season.

Hood River

Its location at the confluence of the wet, west side of the Cascades and its arid rain shadow gives Hood River, Oregon, the best of both worlds: amazing dirt and milder weather than farther west. Post Canyon, 10 minutes from downtown, puts those pieces together for some of the best gravity-oriented spring riding in the region.

The well-graded climbs of Lower and Upper 8-Track are easy on early-season legs. In addition to being exciting descents in their own right, these trails access the massive gap jumps and big blowing berms of Bad Motor Scooter and Grand Prix.

For cross-country-oriented riding, 7 Streams trailhead connects to a tight network of winding, wooded singletrack in the Family Man Staging Area. A return trip on Kleeway provides a forgiving early-season re-entry into flow trails. Ride these trails the day after a spring drizzle for dirt that you’ll be dreaming about all season long. Bonus: in addition to a handful of iconic bike shops, downtown Hood River boasts some of the best post-ride dining and drinking options in the region.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth, on the sunny east slope of Washington’s Central Cascades, is a popular late-April road trip destinations for obvious reasons. The first is the dirt. Leavenworth locals and the Central chapter of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance have transformed the Leavenworth Ski Hill just outside of town into a pine-scented singletrack nirvana. The ridgeline flow of Rosy Boa and Ribbed are both Evergreen State classics, rounded out by the bi-directional flow of 4 the Boys and Freund Canyon. The second reason? The scenery. Save this trip for late April, when peak balsamroot bloomage competes with the peaks of Mt. Stuart and the snow-covered Central Cascades as well as a birds’-eye view of the Bavarian-village vibe of Leavenworth.

Central Washington Sage and Singletrack

Surrounded by wheat fields and rangeland, Beezley Hill Recreation Area is an oasis of sagebrush and sandy singletrack on the edge of downtown Ephrata in central Washington. A little over twenty miles of singletrack wind on Beezley Hill, most of it built with bikes in mind. With smooth, swoopy turns and low-angle pedaling, the trails are a good transition to dirt from months on the trainer. But a handful of expert-level descents with big drops and wood features will quickly shake off the cobwebs.

West of Ephrata, near Quincy, the Ancient Lakes trail system traces cliff-lined coulees, basalt outcroppings and pothole ponds that are the remnants of the Great Missoula Floods that scoured the Columbia Plateau. The routes here tend to be rockier than the other trail systems on this list, with some sections of steep scree and sagebrush and thistle that often threaten to swallow the tread. But the views—across the broad band of basalt that towers over the Columbia River, and the small lakes below it—are second to none.

Bike Recommendations

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp: With its 2X power assist and Stumpjumper-inspired singletrack handling, the Turbo Levo SL will let you play until dark—and beyond.

Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Comp: Pairing uncanny descending capability with unexpected climb-ability, the Stumpjumper EVO is a do-it-all bruiser with style to spare. There’s a reason it took home PinkBike’s 2020 Mountain Bike of the Year.

Specialized CruX: Go farther, faster on your gravel adventures. The lightest gravel bike in the world marries racing pedigree with the ability to get rowdy.

Riding Gear Check Up

Your accessories played just as hard as you and your bike did last year, so give your gear closet a once-over. Inspect your helmet for cracks and replace it if you find any or if the helmet is more than three to five years old—the materials used to make helmets break down over time and lose their impact-absorbing ability. Clean your hydration bladder, or replace it if it’s too funky. Clean and tighten your cleats if riding clipless. And, finally, re-up your riding essentials: pump and levers, CO2, spare tube, tubeless repair plugs, chain master link, chain tool/multitool, and, perhaps most importantly, a first aid kit.

Helmet recommendation: The Ambush 2, Specialized’s flagship trail helmet, has been redesigned from the chin up. With loads of adjustability for a personalized fit and lots of vents for maximum airflow, you won’t even know it’s there. But with a five-star safety rating from the venerable Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Ratings, you’ll be glad it is.

Apparel recommendation: Lightweight, durable and downright comfortable, the Specialized Trail Shorts are the quiver killer of riding gear. With an understated yet stylish cut, you can go from spring shredding to summer wedding. (Check your RSVP card for dress code first, please.)

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Biking

Support your local bike shop and find gifts to get the ones you love out biking more. Here are a few ideas from some Spokane and North Idaho shops, but you can likely find these or other similar bike gift ideas at bike shops around the Inland Northwest.

Specialized Air Tool Sport Floor Pump

This economical, all-metal bike tire pump comes with all of the essentials for easy inflation and an accurate reading. The “SwitchHitter” head automatically switches between Schrader and Presta valves, and replacement parts are available to keep it pumping strong for years. ($50 at Wheel Sport.)

Specialized Deep Winter Merino Tall Sock

Made for the coldest deep winter riding with a warm blend of polyester and merino wool, this sock offers exceptional warmth and odor protection. Special stitching creates exceptional heat retention and moisture wicking with a calf-height length. ($25 at Wheel Sport.)

Cateye Padrone Bike Computer

From the fast-cruising mountain biker to cyclists with vision challenges, the Padrone has a large display screen that’s easy to read on the fly and set up, which means more time biking and less time fiddling with technology.

It covers the most-desired feature bases too: current, average and max speed; trip distance; total distance; elapsed time; a clock; stopwatch; and more. ($55 at Mountain View Cyclery, Hayden, Idaho.)

Specialized Flux 1250 Headlight

The newest, top-of-the-line Flux headlight still comes with an optimal beam pattern, many mounting options, and rugged construction, but builds on the 1200 by increasing lumens and runtime and adding helmet and camera-style mounts. ($140 at Wheel Sport in Spokane, WA, or Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer in Hayden, ID.)

Dimension Suspension Seatpost

This inexpensive upgrade for a hardtail or ebike will give welcome under-seat suspension to any rider. ($40 at Mountain View Cyclery.)

Stocking Stuffers for Cyclists

These stocking stuffers in the $12-$21 price range are recommended by Mountain View Cyclery in Hayden, Idaho, as a welcome addition to any cyclist’s sock come Christmas morning: Muc-off tubeless sealant, Dumonde tech chain lube, Chamois Butt’r, Planet Bike CO2 inflators, misc. energy foods (instead of candy).

Specialized Demo Pro Pants

These downhill-rated mountain bike pants are stretchy, water-repellent, highly breathable, and tough enough to take repeated wipeouts. They are also plenty baggy for layering body armor and pads or a warmer layer for all-year riding. ($130.00 at Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer.)

Endura Singletrack Fleece Jersey

A great fall and spring riding jersey option or to be used as a mid-layer on winter rides. The grid-backed fleece balances insulation and breathability, keeping riders warm and sweat-free for the duration of a ride. ($89.99 at North Division Bicycle.)

Niterider Lumina 1200 Headlight 

All the light a rider needs (1,200 lumens) at a price you can afford. This popular headlight is USB rechargeable and lightweight (172 grams), making helmet mounting an option as well as bar mounting. ($100 on sale at North Division Bicycle.)

45NRTH Nokken Glove

These riding gloves cut the chill out of the cooler weather of shoulder-season rides while still allowing plenty of hand and finger movement without bulky insulation.

Soft, grippy suede on the palm improves control and durability while wind-and-water-resistant soft shell fabric on the forehand adds warmth and comfort. ($65 at North Division Bicycle.)

Smith Outlier 2 Sunglasses

Based on Smith’s bestselling Outlier frame, this version uses bio-based material as well as no-slip nose pads and temple touches for lightweight, 100 percent UV protection sunglasses that stay in place.

Available in two lens options, crystal-clear Carbonic and color-boosting ChromaPop. The latter lens offers a smudge-and-moisture-resistant coating and an anti-reflective coating that improves clarity and reduces eye strain. ($179 at Shred Sports.)

SockGuy Wool Sasquatch Socks

Shrink-resistant and itch-free, these cool Northwest cryptid icon socks keep feet dry and warm in all weather conditions with excellent wicking and durability thanks to a wool blend that’s five times stronger than Merino wool alone. ($15.95 at The Bike Hub.)

DeFeet Duraglove ET Wool Gloves

These gloves have multi-season, multi-use application for road or MTB riding, running, hiking, and other outdoor sports. Use smartphones and other touch-enabled devices. Durable Cordura Nylon for extra abrasion resistance. ($29.99 at The Bike Hub.)

Food & Drink

Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder

The perfect gift for anyone who would appreciate stepping up their coffee brewing game with a quality grinder. The Baratza Encore features conical burrs and 40 grind adjustments that provide the perfect grind size for any brewing method. ($170 at DOMA Coffee Roasters in Post Falls, Idaho.)

Fellow EKG Electric Kettle

This beautiful, electric pour-over kettle for coffee lovers has features to match its looks, including a single-degree temperature choice and a precision pour spout with a counter-balanced handle.

This kettle will heat water to an exact temperature and hold it there for up to one hour. ($165 at DOMA Coffee Roasters in Post Falls.)

Christmas Morning Blend 2022

This Christmas coffee highlights flavors of rich cocoa and cozy spices with its blend of beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra. Inspired by the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning knowing that you get to spend the day celebrating. ($17 at ROAM coffee shops in Medical Lake or North Spokane.)

Paperless Paper Towels

These absorbent, washable, 100 percent flannel paper towels are handmade in Spokane. Beautiful pattern choices will complement any kitchen. Gift for a more sustainable option than disposable paper towels, which often come from logging wild forests. Prices vary. Order online at Spokane-Made.com.

Christmas Tin Camping Style Mug

A 17-oz. metal mug with enamel coating and rolled rim for easy coffee sipping. Each one features an exclusive 2022 Roam Christmas design. ($15 at ROAM coffee shops in Medical Lake or North Spokane.)

Water Sports

Carefree Boat Club

The Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho offers members unlimited access to a variety of quality boats. With 95+ locations, members can visit and enjoy boats nationwide. A great gift for the whole family. Details at Northidaho.carefreeboats.com or call 208-929-8617. 

NRS Green Knife

The compact, convenient NRS Green Knife folds up to fit in your life jacket, shirt, paddling top or pants pocket, and stays put with a spring clip.

A tough, all-purpose boating and camping knife that opens with one hand and holds a clean edge. The 2 1/8″ blunt-tip, stainless steel locking blade is big enough for nearly any task. ($39.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

Aquapac Waterproof Phone Case 

Phone protection from water, dirt, dust, and sand that still lets a person talk, listen, and operate controls right through the case. Made from 100 percent recyclable polyurethane, it’s thinner and stays flexible when it’s cold, making it easier to operate equipment inside the case.

The patented lever closure system makes the case waterproof down to 30 feet, and the case should float with a phone inside. ($34.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

NRS Women’s Silkweight Hoodie Dress

Ultralight and breezy, like a sarong, but better. This stylish river dress combines breathable comfort and advanced sun protection.

Made from 100 percent recycled material, the technical fabric enhances the body’s natural cooling process by wicking excess moisture and drying quickly while also providing UPF 50+ sun protection. ($74.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

Kavu Women’s Girl Party Shirt

This shirt is the ultimate women’s river shirt: paddle in it, party in it, live in it on the beach. This classic button-up is 100 percent organic cotton with a men’s shirt cut for roomy comfort. ($50 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

Books, Art, & Unique Gifts

Crystals, Pendants, Gemstones, and Jewelry at My Crystal Stop

My Crystal Stop hashundreds of pendants from local artists and around the world plus amethyst displays, crystals, jewelry, and more. For a unique gift, try a Crystal Mystery Box with a mix of rocks, crystals, minerals, and other cool stuff (between five and 25 items per box, starting at $29).

Shop at the store at 12120 N Market Street on the northside of Spokane or at mycrystalstop.com.

Books from Auntie’s Bookstore

Auntie’s Bookstore — in downtown Spokane next to Uncle’s Games, Puzzles, & More –– has a huge selection of new and used books for all reading interests, including a large children’s book selection. A few recommended books for outdoor lovers:

• The Bears Ears: A Human History of America’s Most Endangered Wilderness, by acclaimed adventure writer David Roberts. This book, a mix of personal memoir and archival research, is a personal and historical exploration of the Bears Ears country of southeast Utah and the fight to save a national monument ($18.95).
• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this New York Times Bestseller, Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, brings her two lenses of knowledge together to show how other living beings we share this planet with offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices ($20).

Kizuri Fair-Trade Gifts from around the World

Located on Main Street on downtown Spokane’s east end, Kizuri is a treasure-trove of fair-trade gifts from over 40 countries around the world, including unique items for just about any person and any occasion. Here are a few favorites for the holidays.

• Recycled Silk Placemats: These beautiful placemats are hand-woven from recycled silk sari material on a strong cotton backing. Bright, beautiful, and sturdy, these will last for years and work well on a table or to brighten up a dresser ($11.50).
• Botanical Triangle Earrings: These beautiful “eco-resin” earrings are made by artisans from the central mountainous Andean region in Colombia. The resins are made from waste products created in other industries, like discarded pine bark stripped at lumber mills, and then dotted with beautiful, real florals and leaves.  Ear wires are 24k gold-plated ($42).
• Tibetan Flower Journal: A beautiful, 100-page journal with handmade Lokta paper, an environmentally-friendly, tree-free paper made from the bark of the regenerating Daphne bush. The cover features a traditional Tibetan floral design. This Tibetan-made journal is great for gardeners, frequent writers, or for a guest book or personalized photo album ($22).
• Bike Bookends: Give the cyclist in your life these unique bookends made of hand-painted, recycled iron. Handmade in Moradabad, India, these bookends will turn a stack of books into an organized expression of love for the outdoors ($36).
• Animal Print Beaded Earrings: A love of animals finds expression with these fun, beaded earrings. Made with glass seed beads and gold-plated French ear wires, these beauties are handmade in Guatemala ($32).

Merlyn’s Comics, Games, & Books

Merlyn’s is an iconic downtown Spokane shop full of unique gift ideas, including board games, graphic novels, comics, Magic The Gathering cards, and more.

One of the many recommended board games Merlyn’s carries is CATAN, a modern classic that is available worldwide in over 40 languages, where players take on the roles of settlers and attempt to build and develop holdings while trading and acquiring resources and gaining points as their settlements grow. 

Wildland Cooperative Native Plant Shirts and Sweatshirts

The perfect gift for anyone who loves Inland Northwest native plants and the places where they grow, Northwest Native Plant apparel includes quality shirts and sweatshirts with designs that are hand-drawn and screen-printed locally.

A popular option that will be back in stock for the holidays is the “Plants of Mount Spokane” design, featuring bear grass, fragile fern, ocean spray, and other native plants on a crewneck sweatshirt. ($54 at the Wildland Cooperative market at Green Bluff or online at wildlandcoop.com.)

Fun Gifts, Books, and Toys at Boo Radley’s

Since 1993, Boo Radley’s in downtown Spokane has been the place to find cool, thoughtful, and fun gifts. A few recommendations this holiday season include 11-oz. mugs with Spokane-themed artwork featuring designs by local artists Ken Spiering, Harold Balazs, and Chris Bovey. Choose from the garbage goat, red wagon, or “transcend the B.S.” ($15.95 each).

Also check out Groovy Things socks, which are, well, groovy. More than a pair of socks, you’ll be giving laughs with these attention-grabbing foot coverings that feature humorous slogans such as “It’s not a dad bod. It’s a father figure” ($11.95-$13.95).

The Illuminidol Celebrity Prayer Candles feature a wide range of modern-day celebrities including actors, characters, sports figures, musicians, and public figures portrayed on a candle that’s reminiscent of traditional 8” glass prayer candles ($13.95).

Atticus Coffee & Gifts (downtown Spokane): A great coffee shop with a ton of gifts such as tea, stickers, books, wine, vintage Spokane posters, mugs, and more.

Wonders of the World (Flour Mill in downtown Spokane, near Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena): With a feel like a museum when you step inside (there’s a 50,000-year-old cave bear skeleton and life-sized replica of a T-Rex skull on display), this must-experience Spokane shop has imported gifts from around the world, jewelry, beads, toys, art, gemstones, and unique gifts like beautifully-designed, leather-bound journals; wind chimes; rock salt lamps; and so much more.

Kids & Parents

Havoc Mini Scooter

Built for children or smaller riders, this scooter is the smaller but just as quality version of the Havoc Storm with a 15″ long deck and 15″ tall bars. ($151.99 at Shred Sports.)

Tubbs Snowball Junior Snowshoes

Instill a love of winter at a young age with the Tubbs Snowball, the perfect snowshoe for kids ages 4-8. The QuickLock binding is secure and comfortable while providing easy on and off functionality for kids and parents alike. ($49.95 at Fitness Fanatics, in Spokane Valley, Wash.)

RC Submarine

This realistic, 1:40 scale submarine will provide hours of fun for kids and adults. Set it sailing in a hot tub, bath tub, lake, or mellow saltwater. You can make it submerge, surface, and go forward, backward, left, and right with the remote-control handset.

The sub has a lithium battery and charges by plugging into the remote, which is powered by four AA batteries. ($59.99 at The General Store on Division in Spokane or online.)

Cat Kid Comic Club Series

A graphic novel from the Creator of Dog Man, the excitement and imagination run wild in this series. Award-winning author and illustrator Dav Pilkey employs a variety of techniques including origami, acrylic paints, colored pencils, photography, collage, gouache, watercolors, and more to capture the creative and joyful spirit of collaboration.

The variety of art styles, paired with Pilkey’s trademark storytelling and humor, inspires imagination and innovation for readers of all ages. ($12.99 at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane.)

L.L.A.M.A. Card Game

In L.L.A.M.A., ages 8-adult, you want to dump cards from your hand as quickly as you can, but you might not be able to play what you want. Do you quit and freeze your hand or draw and hope to keep playing?

The game ends on the round that at least one player has 40 or more total points, and whoever has the fewest points wins. ($9.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

Nature Bound Rock Tumbler Kit

This tumbler is designed for kids to have a faster gemstone polishing experience (half the normal time).

The kit is easy to use for all ages and comes with everything a budding young rock hound needs, including the tumbler, three types of unpolished gemstones, and polishing powder.

A great gift for kids, families, or teachers. ($52.99 at the General Store on Division in Spokane.)

Crazy Aaron’s Super Lava Thinking Putty

Thinking Putty helps build hand and finger strength through a fabulous tactile play experience with unique, unexpected properties and provides relaxing, yet stimulating, interaction for anyone with sensory integration issues.

The color of lava depends on its temperature and will change shades as it cools, and this Super Lava putty shifts from bright orange to crimson copper, then dark brown to reddish black.

It’s a non-toxic, silicone blend and won’t dry out or leave a sticky or slippery residue behind. ($13.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

KidzLabs Catapult Making Kit

Kids ages eight and up can build a catapult modelled after the medieval weapon of war with this fun and educational kit. The completed catapult is capable of launching a ball as far as 15 feet.

The kit includes everything you need to build a catapult as well as two projectile balls and is safe for indoor and outdoor use with no batteries required. ($14.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

Spirograph Scratch & Shimmer

Create amazing Spirograph art with this scratch design set. Use the stylus tool with glitter wheel and gears to scratch designs on the special sparkle or rainbow scratch paper.

You can also use your own pens to draw spirograph designs on regular paper. ($18.99 at The General Store on Division in Spokane and online.)

Whiz Kids Toys

This local shop in Riverpark Square downtown Spokane sells quality, smart toys that are fun and engaging. Find puzzles, games, stuffies, science kits, and other fun learning toys, plus a selection of books. 

Winter Sports

Find these and other ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and Nordic ski gift ideas at local ski and outdoor gear shops around the Inland Northwest.

Skiing/Snowboarding Gift Card

Winter isn’t the time to hibernate. Give someone you love a gift card for lift tickets or a season pass at one of the Inland Northwest’s five local ski and snowboard resorts. Check your favorite resort for holiday lift ticket specials.

Dakine Heli Pro 20L Backpack

This compact, backcountry-capable pack has enough room for big and small winter backcountry adventures if you pack right.

This do-it-all pack is loaded with features demanded by backcountry or slackcountry exploration, including snow tool sleeves, a large fleece-lined goggle pocket, and hydration sleeve that doubles as laptop storage off the mountain. ($100 at Shred Sports in Spokane.)

Smith Vantage Helmet

A techie ski and snowboard helmet that’s both protective and comfortable. It’s got MIPS energy-absorbing impact protection and it includes 21 vents with dual adjustability that lets you fine-tune airflow to meet the conditions.

It also has the ability to micro-adjust the size around the whole head with the turn of dial as well as Smith’s AirEvac system for a fog-free goggle interface. ($270 at Spokane Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill.)

Craft Core Dry Baselayer Set

This affordable, versatile base layer set includes a long-sleeved top and long johns designed for a wide range of winter activities, from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to backcountry touring.

This soft, channel-knitted fabric set provides excellent moisture transport and body-temperature management during winter workouts at temperatures in the 20-40 F range. ($69.99 at Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley.)

Voilé 2022 Women’s Revelator Splitboard

This board’s relative width, robust flex, long camber area, early-rise nose, and tapered tail all help it take on whatever backcountry lines the lady shredder on your list wants to hit. Plus, the topsheet artwork by Kylee Firlit is really something to gaze upon. ($749.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

Hok Skis from Altai Skis

The Hok, from Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis, is designed as an easy-to-use ski for the backcountry. Its short, wide dimensions makes the ski incredibly maneuverable, and the integrated climbing skin gives the Hok great traction for climbing.

The right balance of running base and skin material makes the ski’s downhill speed manageable and easy to control, and it has metal edges for durability. Bridging cross-country skis and snowshoes, the Hok combines the maneuverability and ease-of-use found in snowshoes with the ski’s efficiency of sliding forward rather than lifting and stepping with each stride.

Several binding options are available and sold separately. ($249.95 available online at Us-store.altaiskis.com.)

Flylow Baker Bibs

What powder chaser wouldn’t want a pair of these beauties? These three-layer bibs are at home in deep, lift-served or backcountry powder, but are also loose-fitting and comfortable enough to dance the night away in them in the resort bar.

Made from waterproof Surface three-layer fabric, there are plenty of pockets, reinforced cuffs, and big inner and outer thigh vents for heart-pumping climbs. A DWR coating will keep them drier longer in the elements. ($430 at Spokane Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill.)

Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoes

These popular snowshoes feature a binding that integrates the heel strap with the lace, encompassing your foot with a simple turn of the dial to provide optimal fit and comfort. The decking provides plenty of flotation on soft snow, and in icy or sloped conditions the toe and heel crampons minimize slipping.

The perfect snowshoe for flat and rolling terrain. ($199.95 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

Camping / Running / Hiking / Climbing

Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro Pad

This sleeping pad provides exceptional comfort and warmth (4.4 R-value) on backcountry adventures all year long. The self-inflating foam is three inches thick and features a design that provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any self-inflating foam pad. ($169.95 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

La Sportiva Women’s Mythos Eco Climbing Shoes

A re-edition of a classic climbing shoe made with eco-friendly materials. This shoe delivers amazing versatility and performance with the soft, unlined leather upper adapting to whatever shape your foot is.

Great for all-day climbing and crack climbing with its low-profile toes, flat fit, and the overall neutral round shape of the shoe. ($149.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

Big Agnes Blacktail Hotel 3 Tent

This beauty of a tent sleeps three in comfort out on the trail and features a massive, side-entry vestibule attached to the fly for bikes, climbing gear, packs, or a hound.

Double doors and the additional dry storage make backcountry trips with a well-seasoned partner or two more manageable. ($349.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

ENO DoubleNest Print Hammock

Who doesn’t need a hammock, or a second one, for that matter? The soft fabric of this classic hammock is breathable and dries fast. The extended hammock body give one person more elbow room and there’s enough room for two.

The DoubleNest is light and packs to the size of a grapefruit with the built-in stuff sack. The internal stash pocket holds a phone or provisions.

ENO hammock straps, stands, bug nets, rain tarps, and insulation systems are sold separately to glamp out this hammock. ($84.95 at REI Spokane.)

Noxgear Tracer 2 LED Light Vest

This light-up vest will help keep runners safe during the early dark hours of winter. This lightweight vest has multi-colored LED fiber optics, ultra-reflective 3M patterns, and fluorescence to give you 360 degrees of visibility from up to a quarter of a mile away.

It fits over normal running clothes including winter clothing and small accessories like hydration packs with a weightless and natural feel with no bouncing. USB-C rechargeable. ($60 at Fleet Feet Spokane stores.)

Trails of the Wild Selkirks Guide (new 3^rd edition)

An extensive update to this classic guide to the more than 170 trails in the southern Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington and North Idaho, this book is a must-have addition to any avid Inland Northwest hiker’s guidebook library.

Pick up a copy online from Sandpoint-based Keokee Books at Keokeebooks.com ($22).

Life Flight Network

This practical gift is the investment in the health and safety of any skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, or adventuring families. As a member of Life Flight, the member and their family may be transported at no cost when medically necessary due to an emergency by Life Flight Network. ($79 annually per household.)

Bedrock Sandals

In an evolution of the adventure sandal, this Missoula, Mont., company builds light, comfortable, and tough sandals that will live up to whatever trails and rivers you throw at them.

Available at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane and Hyperspud Sports in Moscow, Idaho (prices vary).

Yeti Rambler Colster 12-oz. Can Insulator

A sleeker upgrade to the original design, the size is perfect for soft drinks and, of course, beer. A great gift for anyone who puts value on enjoying their favorite beverages at camp or out on the boat and wants to keep them colder for longer. ($25.49 at The General Store on Division in Spokane.)

Buck Knives 040 Onset Knife

Modern, sleek, and tough, the 040 Onset is the ultimate everyday knife. With a black G10 front handle scale and stainless-steel frame, this frame lock provides security and strength when in use.

Ball bearings and a blade flipper ensure a smooth, one-hand opening, while a removable clip allows for easy carry. ($179.99 at The General Store on Division St. in Spokane.)

For more gear ideas, recommendations, and reviews, visit the OTO Gear Room.

The post Inland NW Holiday Gift Guide 2022 appeared first on Out There Venture.

When you discover something really fun, there’s potential of going overboard. In just over a year, I’ve done three backpacking trips to northeast Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. Man overboard!

For years I had wanted to backpack the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains. I almost always go solo and thought its remoteness meant few visitors. Should I run into trouble, I’d be on my own.

Overcoming my timidity with a five-day visit in August 2020, I encountered plenty of backpackers, many from the west side of Oregon and Washington. Curious why they’d drive past the Cascades to come here, the answer was simply the beauty. More than once I was told Eagle Cap is more beautiful than the famous Enchantments in Washington’s Cascades.

A four-hour drive from Spokane and the largest wilderness area in Oregon, visitation has increased from 30,000 in 2010 to 80,000 in 2020. There’s still no entrance restrictions, though—just fill out a free, self-issued permit at the trailhead. But the increased use means visitors need to be more diligent than ever at following Leave No Trace practices.

Backpacking the Wallowas’ Two Highest Peaks

I was ready to tackle the two highest points in the wilderness, Sacajawea Peak and Matterhorn, by my second visit. I did a steep climb into a high-elevation valley and pitched my tent at 7,770 feet. Despite the increase in hikers and backpackers in the Wallowas in recent years, I was the only person in the valley that night.

At camp, I set a store-bought hummus wrap on the ground while setting up. When I reached for it several minutes later, hundreds of tiny ants had infiltrated the package and were swarming the wrap. Wondering if it was salvageable and amazed a huge swarm of ants had so quickly found my wrap, I dumped most out. Though some ants were still coming from inside it, I sealed and returned it to my backpack.

I arose next morning seemingly before sunrise. However, I was surrounded by steep mountains, and the sun wouldn’t clear them for some time. I boiled water and added instant ramen. Then more boiled water for the requisite cup of coffee.

By midmorning and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, I reached the summit of Sacajawea Peak at 9,838 feet, the highest point in the Wallowa Mountains. It’s only 1.5 miles of additional ridgeline hiking to Matterhorn; however, it’s a class 3 scramble, and climbing experience is recommended. I’m strictly a hiker, and trekking poles are the closest I have to climbing equipment.

The worst part was immediately ahead—several gendarmes, or ridgeline pinnacles or rock. Some I skirted at the base. Others required finding a climbable route over.

Reaching the subsidiary peak between Sacajawea and Matterhorn, I found two young women snacking. Forest Service employees whose jobs are at a much lower elevation, they spent the night near the summit of Sacajawea. I’d seen them up ahead, going the same direction as me, carrying all their equipment.

The rest of the way was less stressful with a couple interesting sights—a cave that goes straight down and mountain goats. At the summit I admired the views while eating my ant and hummus wrap. I can attest a hummus wrap tastes good even with ants inside.

Matterhorn is 5,000 feet lower and doesn’t resemble the original in Europe at all, but it’s dramatic and beautiful nonetheless. It looks more like Half Dome in Yosemite.

I looped back by hiking the Hurwal Divide, lingering at the high point (9,776 feet). Descending in a hurry seems a waste when I spend so much effort coming up. Also, it’s tough to walk away from a fabulous view.

I finally forced myself to descend and reached my campsite by walking the entire valley again. I’d be the only person in it for a second night.

Lakes Basin and A Guy Who Bikes to Backpack

In the morning I headed to the Lakes Basin to establish a base camp and do day hikes. I hiked up and spent an indulgent hour and a half at the summit of the wilderness’ namesake, Eagle Cap (9,572 feet).

I chatted briefly with several summiteers, except one guy named Bill from Dallas, Texas. When I remarked he’d driven a long way, he corrected me—he came by bicycle.

I use my car as little as possible and prioritize personal time for things I enjoy, but Bill has taken the minimalist approach to living to the next level. Before coming here, he backpacked 400 miles of the Idaho Centennial Trail, ending at Upper Priest Lake. I wondered how he gets back to his bike.

Bill spends six months a year installing phone systems and the other six bicycling the country to hike and backpack. He’s been doing this for 32 years. For his four-day backpacking trip, he chained his bike to a tree near the trailhead.

For one-way, multiday hikes, he asks a local bike shop if they’ll hold it or give names of bike enthusiasts who will. To get back to his bike, he hitchhikes. While hiking down together, I wondered how many other people in the country are out there doing what Bill does.

The Hike Out and Back Again

My six-day stay ended with a 12-mile hike out. I thought my backpacking season was over, but good weather at September’s end brought me back once more.

On my autumn return trip, I climbed Sacajawea and Matterhorn again as a shortcut to beat an approaching storm on my next-to-last day. Gusty winds forced me to squat often along the gendarme-laden ridge, making it slower and more worrisome than before.

Arriving late and tenting far from the main camping area near Ice Lake, I awoke to footsteps in the middle of the night, followed by a loud, forceful nostril exhalation. Later, whoever did it came back and did it again.

Deer snort as a warning, but I saw mountain goats while descending Matterhorn. I don’t know if mountain goats snort, but whoever was responsible, they’ll have to be satisfied that I left in the morning and won’t return for a while.

Snow and temperatures down to the teens were expected by evening. As I hiked out, I inquired of a solitary woman hiking in if she knew about the change. She enjoys the challenge and was prepared.

End of the Hike and Off-Trail Camaraderie

I made it to my car, drove to attractive Main Street in downtown Joseph, Oregon, and stopped at a coffeeshop. Indoor comfort and a hot mocha at a window side seat is an elevated pleasure after a wilderness stint.

Walking to my car, a woman recognized me from a brief trail encounter my first day in. We compared experiences, small-talked—she and her partner were going to work their way back home to Kalispell, Mont. After parting, I wished I could’ve had a longer conversation. The camaraderie of exploring a unique place made me want to share more experiences and inquire of hers.

It’s the same on the trail. Being in the wilderness is such a pleasing experience, and trail encounters add to it. So often a brief chat is interesting and informative.

The superb setting and sharing insights with fellow backpackers makes for a memorable and pleasant adventure. That is, if you can avoid the misfortune of tiny ants swarming over your lunch.

Find more stories in the OTO archives about Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Mountains as well as other travel destinations and recreation opportunities in Oregon.

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