By Chris Maccini 

Cover photo courtesy of Diane Delanoy

It was 29 years ago that Galen Chamberlain first picked up a copy of Rich Landers’ classic guidebook, “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.” At age 60, he’d just retired from a career in construction and was enrolled in a backpack school course through the Spokane Mountaineers. At the time, Chamberlain was far from an avid hiker.  

“I did a lot of skiing and cross-country skiing, but I never walked any more than a hundred yards in my life if I could help it until their backpack school,” he says. “I remember when I got back to the trailhead after three days, I told one of the instructors, ‘I ain’t never gonna hike again.” 

But while his feet and shoulders may have ached after that first hike, there was something that drew him back to the trail. Soon, he was hooked, and he set himself a goal to hike 500 miles per year. Chamberlain has kept track of every mile of every hike for nearly three decades, a total of more than 14,500 miles. 

Over the years, Landers’ “100 Hikes” became a constant companion. Each time Chamberlain completed one of the hikes in the book, he checked it off, often making notes on the weather, trail conditions and his hiking companions. When he returned to a hike again, he added another mark. Some hikes, like nearby Mount Kit Carson in Mount Spokane State Park (Hike #21), he has done a whopping 96 times. But it wasn’t until many years of hiking that the idea occurred to Chamberlain to try to complete all 100 hikes.  “I just started knocking ’em off,” he says. “And then after I got 50 or 60, I thought, hey, why not shoot for a hundred?” 

The trails in “100 Hikes” are spread throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and British Columbia. In addition to being an active outdoorsman, Chamberlain was also a pilot. He owned a small airplane, which allowed him to fly in and camp at remote airstrips, giving him easier access to some of the more remote hiking areas such as the Cabinet Mountains in Montana and the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon. One by one, he checked them off in his increasingly tattered copy of the guidebook. 

The 100th Hike Attempt to Mortar and Pestle Lakes 

In the summer of 2018, Chamberlain and a group of friends set out to complete the final hike in the book, number 100: Mortar-Pestle Lakes. The hike is located in British Columbia’s St. Mary’s Provincial Park, a remote wilderness area northwest of Cranbrook, BC. As Landers’ description in “100 Hikes” puts it, “This little niche of wilderness is so far off the beaten track, it doesn’t even have an official trail in its 22,650 acres.” Landers describes a steep, sparsely marked “trail” over granite boulders and alpine larch, noting that the area was previously home to a logging operation and “there’s a good chance you will have to seek out the trail to some degree.” He rates the hike “moderately difficult” in the book.   

When Chamberlain and his friends arrived in August of 2018, they knew there was wildfire activity in the area to contend with. The day before their scheduled hike, Chamberlain called BC Parks and asked about the trail’s status. They advised him to check the website in the morning to be sure the area was not restricted. Early the next day, everything looked clear. They packed up and started the drive to the trailhead under smoky skies. They’d driven less than 10 miles outside of Cranbrook when they were met with a blockade. Apparently, a new wildfire had started overnight, and no one had taken the time to update the website. There would be no hiking that day. The group turned around and headed home.  

But Chamberlain was determined to complete the hike one day. This was the final hike he needed to complete his 100-hikes goal, after all. He decided his next attempt would be earlier in the summer to avoid wildfire danger. In 2019, he once again gathered a group of fellow hiking enthusiasts and made the drive up to Cranbrook, BC. As all good outdoorsmen should, they checked the weather forecast beforehand and noted that there was a 20% chance of light rain on the day they planned to hike. Everything seemed to be lining up for a successful attempt. This time, they made the drive into the old logging roads which accessed the trailhead and spent the night at an old horse camp in the area. 

The next morning, it was indeed raining, and the road was in rough shape. But Chamberlain and his friends figured they must be close to the trailhead, according to the directions and rudimentary map in “100 Hikes.” They set out hiking to find the trailhead and complete the hike. After six hours of hiking in the pouring rain, unable to even find the beginning of the trail they were after, they decided to give up. Afterward, Chamberlain wrote across the top of the Mortar-Pestle Lakes page in his “100 Hikes” book, “FORGET IT.” He figured the final hike would elude him forever. 

One More Try 

A few years passed. Chamberlain continued to hike all over the Inland Northwest and beyond, often with friends he met through the Spokane Mountaineers, logging his 500 miles every year. Among his frequent hiking companions were Diane Delanoy and her husband, Ken, active members of the Spokane Mountaineers. Ken had been among the group of hikers turned away in 2018 due to wildfire. So they knew about Chamberlain’s goal of completing all 100 hikes, and they knew just how challenging the final hike had proved to be. When Chamberlain approached Diane and Ken about making one more attempt at the Mortar and Pestle lakes hike in 2025, Diane sprung into action. 

“I went onto Facebook and found a British Columbia hiking group and just kind of searched through their posts trying to find any mention of Mortar Lake,” Diane says. “I came up with one. This gal had been up there. So I contacted her, and she was able to send me the GPS tracking thing that got them to the trailhead.” 

With the local knowledge and GPS data loaded onto Diane’s phone, Chamberlain set out this past September with the Delanoys and another friend, Denise Beardslee, for one final attempt. Following the GPS up the old logging roads, the group was able to successfully locate the trailhead. To their surprise, it was well-marked with signage and a logbook. They camped at the trailhead that night, excited to start up the trail the next morning. When they did, they realized Landers’ trail rating of “moderately difficult” felt like an understatement.  

“Honestly, I thought it was the hardest hike I’ve ever done,” Diane says. “Even though it was less than five miles up and back, it is straight up the whole time. You just climb up, up, up, up, up till you get to a boulder field. And then you’ve got to get through that to the ridge, where we could see the two lakes.” 

The group had planned to camp in the wilderness area another night, but after the grueling hike, they drove out and spent the night at a campground. There, they celebrated Chamberlain’s accomplishment as he checked off the final hike in his weathered copy of “100 Hikes.” As he did, Chamberlain made one edit to Landers’ description: he crossed out the word “moderately” so that the trail rating read, “difficult.”

 

Looking Ahead and Inspiring Others 

Now that Chamberlain has completed all 100 hikes, he doesn’t have another major goal he’s looking to reach. “I’m still doing [the hikes],” he says. “I wouldn’t do them all [again], but there are a few I’d like to do again.” 

Some trails he would like to return to include the Tucannon River-Diamond Peak Loop in the Blue Mountains (#82), and Lookout Mountain east of Priest Lake (#37). Apart from that, he plans to keep hitting that 500-mile-per-year goal for as long as he can. 

And, of course, Chamberlain has a big milestone coming up next summer when he turns 90 years old. He doesn’t have a grand expedition planned, but says he might rent a local grange hall to celebrate with friends or maybe take a kayak trip through Priest Lake’s Thoroughfare.  

For Chamberlain’s friends and hiking companions like Diane Delanoy, Chamberlain is a constant inspiration to continue getting outdoors and having adventures no matter your age. “He really does motivate me,” Delanoy says. “If there’s a backpack or a hike and my husband will say, do you want to go? It’s like, nah, I don’t know. But if Chamberlain’s going, I want to go. Because if he can do it, I can do it. Plus, he always brings the fun.” 

As for Chamberlain’s advice to younger hikers? “Just keep going,” he says. “Do your yoga, do your daily exercises, walk every day. You never quit. You just can’t quit.” 

Chris Maccini is a writer and audio producer based in Spokane. This winter, you can find him on the ski slopes and cross-country trails of Mount Spokane. 

The post At 89, Spokane’s Galen Chamberlain Completes the “100 Hikes” Challenge 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) 

The post Wild Walls Spokane Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Free Climbing and Party on October 11 appeared first on Out There Venture.

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

The post Wild Walls Climbing Gym   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Farmgirlfit

For the majority of my life, I have openly identified as “not an athlete.” After I started running more seriously and completed a few half and full marathons, I decided to let that moniker go, and replaced it with “not a gym person.” Besides the time I begrudgingly cross-trained at a YMCA 10 years ago to weight-lift with a friend, I never set foot in a gym. 

Then I found Farmgirlfit, an all-women’s gym in Spokane. Initially, I tried out Farmgirl because it was around the corner from my workplace at the time, and a coworker recommended it. Even as a true beginner who had never touched a barbell before, after my first class, I was hooked. 

“The Grind,” as the Farmgirl workouts are called, are group classes designed with multiple fitness levels, paces, and intensity in mind, allowing every member to work out at the level they choose. The circuit-style workouts typically involve bodyweight and strength movements, including plyometrics, barbells, kettlebells and cardio. Farmgirl prioritizes functional fitness to make daily movements like reaching, squatting, pulling and lifting easier, ensuring healthy bodies for long-term physical activity. 

Part of the joy with Farmgirl is showing up and being surprised. The workouts aren’t posted in advance. You will never experience the same workout twice. (A big perk for someone like me, who gets bored easily.) Monday might be a tabata, Tuesday might be an AMRAP, Wednesday might be running the mile for time, and on and on. Each month, members work toward posted benchmarks and PRs. Or, as we like to say, “you can show up and just vibe.” Instead of counting reps or recording max weight at the end of a workout, you can simply put a smiley face. 

Besides the weekly Grind schedule, Farmgirl offers Kinstretch, mobility stretches that target range of motion. Free childcare is also offered weekday mornings to coincide with 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Grinds. A weekly yoga class was recently added to Thursday mornings at 10:45 a.m. Every month, they gym hosts a coed Saturday Grind, where male partners, friends and family members can enjoy a free class. 

Whether you’re a skier, a hiker or a birdwatcher, regular strength training builds stability and stamina for all your outdoor activities, especially in the winter. Going to Farmgirlfit two or three times per week has given me stronger arms, better functional strength, and improved running endurance. When I broke my fibula earlier this year, once I was cleared to return, coaches modified workouts while I regained full ankle mobility and calf strength. I’m positive that strength-training helped me recover from the injury more efficiently.  

The best part about Farmgirl—what keeps me coming back week after week—is the warm and supportive community. It’s a safe space for me to push myself and fail, without judgment. It’s a queer-inclusive space where gender-nonconforming members and trans women are equally welcome. It’s a place where I might work out next to a pregnant woman on her lunch break, a college athlete, a retiree in her sixties, or a mom with kids in tow, and I can connect with all of them. It’s a space where, after a hard workout, I’ll lock eyes with another member and we’ll make a face that says, “that sucked” one day, and “I feel awesome” another day. No matter where the Grind goes, we’re always in it together. 

Visit Farmgirlfit at 128 S. Sherman St., Spokane, for your first free class and to learn more about pricing and memberships. Find more info on class schedules at Farmgirlfit.com.  

Maura Lammers is a writer and runner who is “not outdoorsy” but is trying to be. 

The post Join the Grind at Farmgirlfit  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Alana Livingston

When I signed up for my first class at Coil Studio, I had one goal: try something that would make me feel like a circus performer, even if just for an hour. I’d heard about the studio’s aerial classes, yoga, dance, and even belly dancing, but what really intrigued me were the aerial hoop (lyra) and silks. I wanted to see if I could hang, quite literally, with the crowd who make flipping upside down look effortless. 

I began with the “Intro to Lyra” class. First, let me say that any illusions I had about this being “easy” vanished about three minutes in. We started with a warm-up to get our blood pumping and bodies ready to move. Then came the real challenge: the hoop. I quickly learned that the lyra requires a solid amount of strength, especially in places I hadn’t thought about—hello, sore sides and tender spots! The instructor was encouraging and patient, helping us understand how to hold, swing, and pose. I was instantly hooked, pun intended, though I know it’ll take some serious strengthening to make friends with that hoop. 

Next up was an “Aerial Teaser” class on the silks. Unlike the lyra, where you’re dealing with one solid piece of metal, the silks require a whole different level of coordination and technique. We learned how to secure ourselves by twisting and wrapping the silks in ways that kept us from slipping right back to the ground. Our instructor was a superhero, breaking down each move step-by-step and making sure we were safe and comfortable. It was challenging for sure, especially for my core, but what a thrill! At the end, I left feeling accomplished, if a little noodle-armed. 

Beyond these two intro classes, Coil Studio offers everything from belly dancing to deep stretch yoga on the silks. Each class is set up to make everyone feel welcomed and encouraged. And, trust me, these classes challenge you physically and mentally. There’s an element of embracing where you’re at, learning to accept your own limits, and giving yourself credit for trying something out of the ordinary. 

One of the best parts about Coil Studio? They also do amazing shows, where you can see the pros show off what’s possible when you stick with it. I left feeling inspired, sore, and ready to come back for more. I’d highly recommend Coil to anyone who’s curious about circus arts, wants a workout with a unique twist, or just wants something fun and different to do indoors for winter. I absolutely loved these classes, and if you’re like me—drawn to things a bit outside your comfort zone—you might just surprise yourself with what you can accomplish here.  

Alana Livingston is looking forward to starting an outdoor dinner club starting January 2025. 

The post Exploring Aerial Classes and Discovering Hidden Strengths  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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.

Change Is the Only Constant 

Starting in middle age, our bodies experience a reduced range of motion and lower cardiovascular capacity. Aging also brings on lower bone density, increasing the risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis. Additionally, muscle mass decreases by about 3-5% per decade starting at age 40. 

All of this contributes to slower race times, slower recovery after an injury, more aches and pains, increased fatigue, and a sense of general frustration. (What is happening to me?!) Given that, what can we do? 

Staying Strong and Injury-free 

• Rest: Adequate sleep is important for recovery at any age. Aim for 7-9 hours each night and consider a catnap after an early morning run. If you feel frequent aches, your performance drops, or you dread running, take a day off. 
   

• Strength training: Strength training is key to staying healthy, boosting metabolism, reducing injury risk, and maintaining independence as we age. It builds muscle that absorbs running’s impact, reducing joint stress and injury risk. It also improves endurance, form, bone density, and metabolism. While runners typically devote most of their time to running, strength training should be in your routine. Aim for two full-body sessions per week, covering upper, lower, and core muscles. 
   

• Nutrition: As muscle mass decreases, it is important to assess protein intake. A standard recommendation for someone wanting to maintain or increase muscle mass is to consume .8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day (meaning about 120-150 grams of protein for a 150-pound person). It’s also important to get plenty of fiber and omega-3s, which reduce inflammation and contribute to healthier joints. 

Walking the Fine Line Between Acceptance and Giving Up 

Knowing all this is helpful, but I still feel conflicted. Even as my body changes, I can’t help but notice amazing runners older than me cranking out PRs, age group victories, and times I’ve never hit at any age. (I’m looking at you, Spokane Swifts.) I feel like I’ve still got some room to become a faster, fitter, and more efficient runner, especially if I do it wisely—with more rest, better nutrition, and plenty of strength training and yoga to help me. 

At the same time, there are limits. So even as I try for some new achievements—I love a good goal—I want to focus most of my mental energy on gratitude for what I can do now. Yes, I used to race faster on less training, but I now nourish myself better and experience the benefits of a regular strength training practice. I now have the wisdom to recognize how running regularly improves my physical and mental health. And, at 44, I have something that was totally unattainable for younger me: memories of thousands of hours spent doing something I love. 

Sarah Hauge is a writer, editor, and grant writer and lives in Spokane with her husband and children. Having completed many half marathons, she’s contemplating running her first 5k. 

The post Running in Your 40s (and Beyond)  appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Shallan Knowles 

What makes the perfect gift? Let me tell you, it doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it will take a little work to make the magic happen. A meaningful gift will hopefully do one of a few things: upgrade them from something they like to something they love, show them how well you know them, or introduce them to something they didn’t even know they needed.  

Another fun gift giving strategy is to go with abundance! One of my favorite gifts this year was a Costco box of handwarmers. It will be a warm winter for me. Find something small that your person loves and stock them up. Some people love gifting, some people dread it.  

Our annual guide to gifts emphasizes supporting local businesses, including many Out There advertisers. Shop local and keep money in our local community! I hope this guide helps spark some imagination and inspiration that will make your gift giving easier and more fun this holiday season. 

The Coffee Lover 

Either for the jolt or the variety of flavors offered in a simple cup of brew, the coffee lover in your life will appreciate a gift from their local roaster. Grab a can of DOMA’s DEEP coffee that’s not only delicious, but supports POW (Protect Our Winters). Not only do most roasters offer delicious beans, they have fun merch too! Check out the Whistling Fox on a bike shirt from Roast House, or the Summer Lovin’ Hat from DOMA crafted by local artist Cori Ward with a tribute to Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. 

For a downtown Spokane experience, grab a “Transcend the Bullsh*t” mug at Atticus and drop in a gift card for a latte. It’s a fun place to sip and people watch. For the adventurous coffee drinker, pick up a gift card to your person’s local coffee shop and print a map for them to walk or bike to get there! Or go with abundance and gift a variety basket of instant brew for outdoor adventures. 

The Bike Rider 

Maybe the person you love is a summer singletrack shredder or a dedicated year-round rider. Honor their love for two pedals with a gift they’ll use and enjoy. Bike lights can keep them rolling their favorite singletrack trails long after the sun goes down or keep them safe if they ride on the road. Check out the mega selection of bike lights from North Division Bicycle for front or back lights. Branded apparel, from hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, are a great gift for any rider who has a favorite shop like North Division that has great shop apparel.  

Wheel Sport has a couple cool gift ideas for riders this season. The Muc-Off Big Bore Tubeless Valves, they say, will “revolutionize the lowly and long-serving presta valve with a unique core-free design, which allows up to 230% higher air flow than traditional presta valves.” The result is dramatically easier tubeless tire installation and inflation, with no valve core to clog up with sealant. And with the integrated lever, rides can quickly and easily micro-adjust tire pressure mid-ride.  

Wheel Sport also recommends the Specialized Air Tool Comp V2 Floor Pump, which boasts big air chambers that move a lot of air, quickly, with pressure gauges to dial it in precisely. This pump goes even further with a unique high- and low-pressure gauge system. The low-pressure portion of the gauge allows mountain bikers to fine-tune their fat tires; the high-pressure section gives road bikers optimal control over their slicks.  

Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer in Hayden has the added bonus of making one-stop shopping for cyclists and skiers. The Matrix Saddle Tagger from Lezyne creates a hidden, protected holder for an Apple AirTag under a saddle for trackability in case the bike goes missing. Any bikepacker or adventure rider will love a Mag-Tank top tube bag from Revelate Designs for stashing calories and other personal items they will need on long rides. For safety-minded riders who pedal in traffic, a Mirrycle Mountain Handlebar Mirror is a great gift choice that pretty much says “I love you and don’t want you to die.” 

The Home Nester 

There are people who love to be home, or those who love to come back to the nest after an outdoor adventure. Fill their space with the scent of their favorite outdoor place with a Bungalow Candle Company, with scents from “Post Falls Cottonwood Reserve” to “Autumn in Hells Canyon” and “Waikiki Spring Trailhead.” Bring your giftee’s favorite outdoor adventure happy place into their home while supporting a local business. Last year a loved one asked for some new dish towels, which is a highly useful gift, and can find some beautiful options and plenty of other unique fair-trade gifts when you shop at Kizuri downtown Spokane!  

The home nester will love curling up to a copy of “Lost Apples: The Search for Rare and Heritage Apples in the Pacific Northwest,” by David Benscoter. This new book out from Keokee Books in Sandpoint will captivate anyone with an interest in our local food heritage. The book is the account of apple historians and enthusiasts who are canvassing old orchards and forgotten homesteads of the Inland Northwest in search of the rare and heritage apples that still survive.  

The Skier or Snowboarder 

Do you have a friend who is “unavailable” after the snow flies? You can see them, but only if you join them on the slopes. Support their love of flying down the mountain with a gift card to their favorite resort, or a resort they don’t normally frequent. Pair it with a set of ski straps from Spokane Alpine Haus to help them keep their skis held together in style. If they have their hands full with a hot coffee while huffing it to the first lift, these will be a welcome addition to keep their skis from turning into a yard sale.  

If your person runs cold, consider a helmet cover or heated mittens, also found at Alpine Haus at their two Spokane locations or at your favorite local ski shop. As seasons change, so do fashions, and you can leave it to Alpine Haus to stay updated with a new pair of goggles or the very necessary helmet for all levels of snow riders.  

Spokane’s Solnix ski and board shop, which also sells wake, skate, and bike gear as well as other outdoor gear and apparel, had some sweet gift ideas for snow sliders. Solnix recommends coming into their huge shop to look around and find a wide range of gift ideas for just about anyone. A few ideas include ski and board tune kits and tools, gloves and mitts from a new company called Death Grip Glove Co., goggles from Smith and Oakley, or Gravity Grabbers ski and board hanging kits to better organize that quiver in their garage or gear room. 

Know someone who loves nothing more than to trek around the snowy woods? Hok Skis, from Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis, is designated as an easy-to-use backcountry travel tool. Hoks’ short, wide dimensions makes the ski incredibly maneuverable, and the integrated climbing skin gives the Hok great traction for climbing while allowing them to glide back down hills. 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 along with the skis and other gear at their online shop. 

The Go-Getter  

These people love activities and doing new things. Their house could already be full, but they are ready to roll at any time. They probably don’t need or want more “things” but will appreciate the new experience that will expand their universe and get them moving and experiencing our world in new ways! How about a gift card to Coil Spokane that will get them doing Aerial Yoga? Or a tandem sky diving gift at Skydive West Plains just west of Spokane? They are offering a holiday special of $100 off a tandem skydive for two as a special for Out There readers (see their ad in this issue for details).  

If your person is in Spokane, or comes to Spokane, check out the Wander Spokane tours to get an insider’s view of the urban trails, historic sites, and best eating and imbibing stops in the city. Gift a simple city tour, or find a themed tour that includes wine, beer or some local eats for a unique experience that will educate, entertain and help them get their steps in. 

For the more energetic, a gift card for a session at Krete Academy will allow them to literally jump off the walls in constructive ways. Gift cards to a local climbing gym like Wild Walls in Spokane or Coeur Climbing in Post Falls make for an awesome stocking stuffer or main course gift.  

Dining out can be nice, but one-up it with an experiential cooking class. Wanderlust Delicato in Spokane or The Culinary Stone in Coeur d’Alene offer cooking classes for a variety of food interests.  

The Yogi 

Any dedicated (or semi dedicated) yogi would appreciate an upgrade to the most basic of yoga equipment, the yoga mat. Check out local stores such as Spokane Exercise Equipment. Go abundant and pair it with a membership, punch card or a series of classes to a yoga studio, like Harmony Yoga’s one-month unlimited membership that is only $49.  

The Water Lover 

The dark, cold months can be hard for the lake lover. Get them dreaming about the warmer months with their own private inflatable dock from Solnix in Spokane. If you have a risk-taker in your life, a good lifejacket is a gift for everyone as they learn to fly on their foil or wake surf board. For the human-powered watercraft people, a soft-sided boat cooler is a thoughtful gift to keep them hydrated next summer. The Mission Tempest at Solnix is extra cool because it floats! If your dog or kid joins you on your paddleboard, this is a nice feature to have. Call ahead to make sure staff can retrieve summer items from the warehouse! 

The Teenager  
Though cash is always a welcome gift for any teenager, get creative! Hide some cash in a sweet pair of gloves that will encourage them to protect their hands and get outside this winter. If they are a mountain slayer, a gift card to their favorite mountain that they can use to keep fueled up at a ski area eatery will get used for sure. Or treat them and a group of friends to an experience such as one of the various themed escape rooms around the region.  

The Kids  
The holiday season is even more magical for kids. For as much as they love the trips to see Santa, decorating the tree or sipping warm cocoa, most kids are super focused on the gifts. Make it a memorable year with a registration to a climbing team at Coeur Climbing (teams for ages 7-12 or 12-18), or a Wild Walls Beginner’s Club (ages 7-10) or Climbing Club (ages 7-14 after passing beginner’s club) that includes a one-month membership and instructors that teach knot tying and safety. Gifts that are fun to un-wrap are Lego sets from Brick-by-Brick in Spokane’s Garland Neighborhood, or anything from Whiz Kids downtown Spokane or any other local shop with creative and educational kids’ gifts and games. This year we will be gifting our kiddo an upgraded chess set from Uncle’s Games in downtown Spokane, but any board game from this store will bring hours of unplugged family fun. Hopefully Santa will take care of the big stuff like the Firecracker Waterski Trainer! If not, you can get one at Solnix. 

The Hiker 

Some love water, some love land, and for those who love those overland mountain and canyon trails, honor their passion! Every hiker appreciates a pair of socks, and the “Socks that Save” at Kizuri do good for causes (mental health, building homes, giving water, planting trees and many other causes). My mother did not appreciate the hiking poles I gifted her for her 60^th birthday (she calls them canes) but they can be essential for the avid hiker to keep them upright and encourage upper body strength. Find them at your local outdoor retailer! No matter if your person lives in Washington (Discover Pass) or Idaho (State Parks Passport) gift them easy access to the outdoors with a state parks pass, available on-line, giving them a year of no excuses to hike local trails. Hiking can be challenging in the winter months, so surprise them with a pair of Altai Hok skis that allow hikers to stroll across the snow, climbing up hills and gliding back down. 

The Person Who Has Everything 

If the person you are getting a gift for literally has everything, or just has too much, consider these acts of service and find a fun way to wrap them up! For the person who spends a lot of time adventuring, they might appreciate the gift of house cleaning. A Google search will result in a long list of local cleaners that can come in for a one-time scrub, or a monthly membership, depending on how much you love them. If your person is making trips up and down mountains, or just lives in the Inland Northwest and drives our slushy streets, a membership to a car wash can keep their mountain transportation in good condition inside and out.  

Memberships are another way to gift your person without gifting stuff. A membership to their favorite podcast so they can listen subscription free, or a membership to the Museum of Arts and Culture to give the gift of exhibitions, programs and events. Or give someone who loves picking up Out There Venture magazine an Out There membership that will provide them with a bunch of year-long discounts and swag from local bike and ski shops, ski resorts, climbing gyms, and outdoor adventure companies offering rafting and fishing trips, zipline tours, and more (available at Outthereoutdoors.com/membership).  

Food and drink lovers might appreciate a wine club membership from Wanderlust Delicato, which is available in a myriad of prices ranges. And not a membership, but a gift certificate, for a home cooked meal from The Supper Club or Lucid Roots can nourish your person for their next adventure. Roast House Coffee offers a Stay Wild subscription, which provides a rotating coffee experience delivered to their door. How about a local, farm-fresh food box subscription from LINC Foods, where they will enjoy the culinary surprise of new local food items being delivered to their door all season long? 

Know somebody on a keto or gluten-free diet? Give them a gift card at Spokane’s Cole’s Café and Bakery, which is 100% gluten free with lots of keto and vegan options. Any Out There reader will love tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, coming to Spokane for three nights Jan. 10-12. These showings typically sell out, so hook them up before tickets are gone! 

The Stocking Fanatic 

Some people love tearing into a jam-packed Christmas stocking more than opening gifts. Fill their cup by paying a visit to the ultimate one-stop stocking stuffer spot, your local Grocery Outlet store. There you’ll find incredible deals on quality candy, gourmet chocolate, snacks, nuts, dried fruit, organic and vegan options, and other home goods and health and beauty products that make great small stocking gifts.  

Whatever you give, make it extra special by purchasing it from a local small business. Or, even better, from an Out There Venture magazine advertiser! 

The post Ideas for Giving Meaningful Local Gifts in the Inland NW appeared first on Out There Venture.

Established in 1966, Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC) is the oldest land trust in Washington. The conservancy’s mission is to permanently protect Dishman Hills while connecting people to nature through conservation, education, recreation, and stewardship. DHC has a lean staff, hardworking board of directors, and hundreds of members and volunteers from the greater Spokane community.  

DHC offers several ways for everyone to enjoy nature and get involved. The organization offers a variety of guided hikes, philosophy walks, Yoga in the Hills sessions, volunteer opportunities, and more. As a recent donor noted, “It’s part of the community and has wonderful activities.” Check out DHC’s calendar of events at Dishmanhills.org.   

DHC also engages the next generation of conservationists with a Kids in the Hills program, offering hands-on activities for elementary age students to enjoy time in nature while learning about ecology and natural sciences. In 2024, over 500 students participated from elementary schools and education groups, all put on by volunteers from the conservancy’s education committee.   

Sept. 30 is DHC’s annual fundraising dinner. If you love the Dishman Hills, plan to join DHC for this important event or make a donation to support the organization’s mission. Visit Dishmanhills.org for more info.  

Sponsored

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Out There Membership

“Out There Venture” celebrates its 20th year of publication with the September-October 2024 print edition, and one of the ways the publication is celebrating this landmark is by launching an Out There Membership option for readers, businesses, and organizations. Membership will provide perks for members and help make the print publication more resilient for years to come.

Scroll down to see all of the Out There Member discounts and deals below!

Membership Partners & Deals

 One Free Ski or Snowboard Tune per membership per year at Spokane’s Solnix.

$60 Value!

+

Free Limited edition Solnix
hat or beanie (good through 2026)

$15 off Bike Tune-Up at Spokane’s
North Division Bicycle Shop
or Hillyard Bicycle

One per member per year (good through 2026)

30% off any ski/snowboard service for the 25/26 winter season at Spokane Alpine Haus.
(limit one ski or board per day)

Two for the price of one lift ticket (some blackout dates apply, one-time use per season per member)
Pending for 25/26 season

$15 day pass (regularly $20) and a $59.50/month autopay membership (regularly $70) at

Coeur Climbing Company
(good through 2026)

 

15% Discount on a mid-week lift ticket!

(not valid holiday periods 12/20/25 – 01/04/26, 01/19/26, and 02/16/26

(good through the 2025/2026 season)

10% Discount on any Negative Split race. (good through 2026)

Offer pending… stay tuned!

$15 off a Full Flight Zipline Tour at Timberline Adventures in Coeur d’Alene  (good through 2026)

10% Discount on any ROW Adventures 1-Day Rafting or Fly Fishing Trip!

Valid for one discounted space per member. Cannot be combined with other discounts (expires on 12/31/2025)

15% off any purchase of $50 or more at Kizuri, downtown Spokane’s fair trade shop.

$60+tax Prepaid Month Membership w/gear. Includes unlimited yoga and $20 belay class at Spokane’s Wild Walls Climbing Gym (good through 2026)

SOLID FIRE PITS

15% Off any Purchase of any fire pit from Spokane’s Solid Fire Pits.

Complimentary 30 minute nutrition and lifestyle consultation with Spokane’s Pure Wellness. 

10% off any tour
including food tours
wine tours
beer tours
walking tours
and private tours!
 with Wander Spokane

why start a
membership campaign?

Out There was first published in an era when quality online information about the outdoors was scant, and smart phones and social media were not widely used. Out There weathered many challenges, from the Great Recession to the rise of the digital revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. While many other print publications have struggled or disappeared, niche publications like Out There with a hyper-local focus on outdoor recreation, nature, and meaningful storytelling have seen a rise in popularity.

 “We hope to continue to publish Out There in print for another 20 years,” noted Out There owners Derrick and Shallan Knowles. Out There’s readership and advertising base has grown over the last decade, with an estimated 100,000 readers mostly in Spokane and North Idaho picking up 32,000-35,000 free copies of each edition (published six times per year).

“Our advertisers and readers make publishing Out There in print possible, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create each issue and contribute to the local outdoors community,” says Shallan. But with the costs of putting together a print publication growing every year, combined with the Knowles’ desire to keep advertising costs affordable for many small business and non-profit advertisers, the new membership campaign will give loyal readers the opportunity to contribute toward continued publication with additional reader-supported stories and articles.

Sign Up NOW!

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