Free Park Days – Spring 2022

Washington State Parks celebrates Earth Day on April 22 with a fee-free day. The National Parks Service commemorates the first day of National Park Week with a free-entrance day on Saturday, April 16, 2022. Be aware that Washington State Park SnoPark season extends through the end of March, and fee-free days do not extend to SnoPark lots.

New Name & Closures at Palouse Falls

Designated the official state waterfall of Washington in 2014, Palouse Falls has grown in popularity as well as visitor management issues in recent years. Earlier this year, Washington State Parks Commission approved both a land classification change and a new name — Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site. The Heritage designation recognizes the cultural, historic, and natural significance of the area.

As a result now, the public access area known as Castle Rock and the social trails leading down the cliffs and to the plunge pool are permanently closed. Overnight camping is also no longer permitted. Still allowed is public access to the upper viewing area during the park’s hours of operation.

Palouse to Cascades Trail Renovated Bridge Opening Soon

The Beverly Bridge is set to open this spring, creating a safe crossing over the Columbia River for non-motorized trail users on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, near Vantage, Wash. The Beverly Bridge dedication will be held Friday, April 8, at 1 p.m. Access the bridge from the Huntzinger Trailhead, with a half mile walk to the ceremony.

The old Beverly Bridge (left) and while undergoing renovation (right). // Photos by Marilyn Hedges, courtesy of Palouse to Cascades Trail Coalition.

Local Trail Projects

Spring trail projects will begin to ramp up in March! Recreation enthusiasts are asked to remember that if your favorite activity is leaving an indentation of 1″ or more in the trail surface, please wait to play until another day. Mud season is very hard on our favorite trails.

• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance – Eastern Washington Chapter: Look for a variety of volunteer opportunities in the spring, with Evergreen East focusing spring efforts of local mountain bikers on new trails within Mica Peak Conservation Area, Liberty Lake Conservation Area, and the Mackenzie Natural Area, along with annual maintenance at Beacon Hill.
• Washington Trails Association: WTA will focus efforts on new trails for Etter Ranch at Antoine Peak and the Dishman Hills Conservancy, along with annual maintenance work at Hauser Conservation Area, Antoine Peak, Iller Creek, Stevens Creek, Liberty Lake, and Fishtrap. Find the WTA calendar of volunteer trail work parties online. The next one is on March 30 at Dishman Hills, in Spokane. WTA hosts volunteer opportunities throughout Washington State, in 11 different regions.
• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy: INLC hosts trail maintenance days as well tree thinning projects and invasive weed eradication at Waikiki Springs and Rimrock to Riverside. More details about INLC volunteer work online.

Find signup links on the Out There stewardship volunteer calendar Outthereoutdoors.com/volunteer-scheduling.    

Learn About Local Nature With Bioblitz

Join members of the iNaturalist community and have a little friendly science competition by participating in a bioblitz challenge event, April 29 to May 2, 2022.

To join the challenge, download the iNaturalist app if you don’t have it already. Then look up the Northern Rocky Mountain Challenge under “projects.” Then during the weekend of the event, collect observations from one of the participating areas, which includes Boise, Bonner County, and Boundary County in Idaho; Lincoln County and Red Lodge in Montana; and Pend Oreille County in Washington. The area that has the most participants per capita will win the challenge, plus it’s a fun way to explore the flora and fauna of our region.

For folks in Spokane County, you can also participate in a bioblitz with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy at Rimrock to Riverside on April 30 (find details and register online).

Yellowstone Turns 150

Yellowstone National Park commemorates its 150th anniversary this year! Official anniversary date was March 1st. Throughout this year, plans to host in-person and virtual events as well as park projects. A virtual video series is currently available online (free).

The post Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News: March-April appeared first on Out There Venture.

Article sponsored by Wheel Sport Bikes

Fool’s Spring. Second Winter. Whatever you want to call it, the freeze-thaw cycles and just plain freezes of this time of year can toy with the emotions of riders desperate for dirt. Fortunately, several trail systems have sprouted in the cultivated lands of the Columbia Plateau. And these areas’ arid climates mean they are perfect shoulder-season destinations. Best of all, they’re all close enough for a day trip but have enough trail mileage to sustain a sunny weekend. Put this list of early season rides in the Inland NW in your back pocket for a rainy (or snowy) day.

Beezley Hill (two hours from Spokane)

Surrounded by wheat fields and wind turbines, 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 through 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.

Ancient Lakes (two hours from Spokane)

Near Quincy in central Washington, 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 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.

As with the other trail systems here, watch for rattlesnakes and ticks.

Echo West Vineyard (three hours from Spokane)

The owners of the Echo West Vineyard have graciously allowed the construction of some two-dozen miles of rolling singletrack on their property near the Umatilla River outside tiny Echo, Oregon. The fallow land of Alkali Canyon may not have been ideal for reds, but it’s perfect for rides. The five-mile A Trail loop is a great place to start; and on additional loops as your spring conditioning allows. The area receives only seven inches of precipitation a year; spring comes early and doesn’t stick around long.

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.

Looking for a great paved bike trail option for spring rides and wildlife and bird watching? Check out our spring riding recommendations for North Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

The post Early Season Rides in the Inland NW appeared first on Out There Venture.

In fall of 2020, thanks to the taxpayers of Washington State, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy purchased the Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve, 95 acres of shoreline on the Little Spokane River. While some trail users had been trespassing unwittingly in the area for years, the Conservancy’s purchase of the property opens it to public use and enjoyment in perpetuity.

Over the last year, volunteers have been working hard to restore native ecology to the area with noxious weed removal, forest health projects, and volunteers monitoring the wildlife, plants, and trail usage in the area.

In August, the Spokane Tribe of Indians released 51 Chinook Salmon into the Little Spokane River. This educational release gave the community a chance to learn about traditional salmon runs that existed over a hundred years ago, before the installation of Little Falls Dam, and has allowed tribal biologists to study the fish’s movement and behavior in this once native watershed.

In addition to this, hard-working volunteers dug into the hillside to build a beautiful, sustainable trail that can be enjoyed for years to come. The Aster Trail is now officially open, with Eagle and Granite Loop trails under construction, to be completed in 2022.

Visit InlandNWLand.org for a map and more information about this beautiful multi-use trail system.

Find stories about other regional conservation areas and nature preserves in the OTO archives.

The post Aster Trail Completed at Waikiki Springs Preserve appeared first on Out There Venture.

In July and August, you’ll see native wildflowers flush the area with hues of white, blue, purple, and yellow. Look for yarrow, bachelor’s buttons, wavy-leaf thistles, goldenrod, and more this time of year.

This is a great place to stroll with kids or babies strapped to your back, as the elevation gain is mild and there are several out-and-back or short loop options. Dogs should remain on leash, since this area is home to waterfowl and songbirds that frequent the small lake at the center of this trail’s loop. Equestrian riders are also common.

What I enjoy most about this hike is its “best of both worlds” feeling. Half of the time I’m wandering through a singletrack wooded trail, looking close at the plants and flowers with a peek of the lake every now and then; the other half I’m strolling an open meadow, where the clouds take precedence and you can soak in the seasonal color palette at large. It’s a place that inspires deep breathing.

Take the full 3-mile loop around the lake to experience both trail types. Seasonal trail closure occurs in the northwest corner due to flooding. In upcoming months, grasses will turn taupe and gold for a beautiful morning or sunset hike.

Visit Spokanecounty.org for a trail map and list of the 121 species of birds that find habitat here.

To learn about some of the other best hiking trails and destinations throughout the Inland Northwest, visit the OTO archives.

The post Easy Summer Hiking At Slavin Conservation Area appeared first on Out There Venture.

Begin on a double-track section that drops down to the wetlands. At the one-mile mark watch for an unmarked left-hand junction onto single-track heading north, noting the dilapidated barn across the wetland to the east marking the return route. The trail winds through the forest along the edge of the wetlands for the next two miles before intersecting an alternate access point and additional trailhead at Horseshoe Lake Road.

Turn right, rejoining a double-track trail section as it heads southeast around the wetland, then bends south. This section is parallel to the hike up, but with increased views of the wetlands along the way. At the 5.5 mile mark the trail returns to the drooping barn, most safely viewed at a distance. Return to the same double-track trail as the start and climb a final mile through the lovely shaded forest to return to the parking area.

Total distance is 6.5 miles with 850′ elevation gain for a moderately difficult hike. Discover Pass required.

The post Hike to Rustler’s Gulch at Little Spokane River appeared first on Out There Venture.

Whatever distance you choose, your ride could have you pedaling past lakes, along a wild river, through small towns, and past wetlands and woods teaming with birds and other wildlife.

Recently named one of the top 25 trails in the United States by the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the trail extends from the towns of Plummer to Mullan.

Wetlands along much of the route afford the opportunity to see many species of birds, including eagles, swans, hawks, owls, and migrating songbirds. Frequently-sighted wildlife along the trail include coyotes, deer, moose, and elk.

For more info on riding the trail, read past articles about the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from the OTO archives.

The post Take a Spring Ride on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes appeared first on Out There Venture.

For over four decades, ROW Adventures has been leading people on guided outdoor adventures here in the Inland Northwest and around the world. While the Coeur d’Alene-based company is most well-known locally for guided whitewater trips, ROW recently started offering fully-guided bike tours here in the Inland Northwest.

This new service includes several options for multi-day bike tours on trails like the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes with the potential to link up to the Route of the Hiawatha and other North Idaho rail trail routes. These new tours will no-doubt be a hit with cyclists from around the world looking to explore the region’s truly world-class rail trail network, but they are also a great option for local cyclists who may not be comfortable with a self-supported multi-day bike tour.

Some of the biggest challenges for any DIY bike tour are the shuttle and having to haul all your own gear. ROW’s guided trips include meal stops, a sag wagon (van) providing support if riders need it, and comfortable hotel lodging each night. The tours also come with knowledgeable guides who can help you learn about the places you’re pedaling past, and is a great option for people who want to focus on the ride and get a good night’s rest each night.

Check out all of ROW’s bike tour options, including the Bitterroot Bonanza that includes biking, rafting, and kayaking in the same week, at Rowadventures.com/biking.

The post ROW Adventures Adds Rail Trail Biking Tours appeared first on Out There Venture.

When your boots crunch through the dirt, or your tires race over a technical section of trail, or you catch a glimpse of an eagle in the trees, do you wonder how that land is available for your enjoyment? As recreationists, it’s all too common that we take land for granted—thinking it has always been, and always will be, available for our use. 

Think of areas like the Little Spokane River, Beacon Hill, Liberty Lake Regional Park, Palisades Park, Iller Creek, and Saltese Uplands. What do these local areas have in common?

Besides providing beautiful destinations for enjoyment of the outdoors, they are all home to pieces of land that experienced widespread use before they were open to the public. In recent years, securing public access in commonly used but privately owned areas has gotten a lot of attention with projects like “Make Beacon Public.” 

Organizations like Evergreen East, Spokane County, Washington State Parks, and other entities work hard to protect places that have become meaningful to our recreation community. One of the unsung heroes of this work is Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. INLC has worked to bring about land deals that protect things like the cedar forest on the Liberty Lake Loop, the kiosk area at the head of the Iller Creek Trail, access to Avista-owned property on Beacon Hill, and most recently, Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve on the Little Spokane River. 

INLC needs your help to raise $500,000 to protect more land that is currently (illegally) being trafficked by well-meaning but likely oblivious recreational users. These fifty-five acres (about 42 football fields) are adjacent to the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area, where usage has increased 48% over the past two years, reflecting rapid residential growth in Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake.

Located on Henry Road, the Uplands are home to dozens of species of birds and native plants. Across the street, Spokane County Environmental Services is restoring the historic wetlands of the Saltese Flats and working on a proposed nature education center nearby. The land to be purchased by INLC and retained for public enjoyment is prime for residential development.

If you’ve ever watched the sunset from the water tower at the top of the hill, or gazed down into the valley at Liberty Lake or at Mica Peak in the distance, you know how that view would change with houses butted up against the hillside. 

Protecting land and water for the health and future of our community, the natural world, and the climate is at the center of INLC’s work. Ensuring that the Inland Northwest remains a beautiful, adventurous, and easily accessible place should be at the center for all of us who love to play outside. 

The post Funds Needed to Protect Saltese Uplands appeared first on Out There Venture.

TREAD Map

TREAD stands for Trails, Recreation, Education, Advocacy and Development. The TREAD Map app, based out of Wenatchee, combines all of the different user groups together, including hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and trail runners, so that various areas can be enjoyed responsibly. By combining information from land managers and local enthusiasts, TREAD Map offers up-to-date recreation maps on your phone with custom layers so you can get trail conditions, safety information, or even volunteer opportunities. 

The app includes progressive ideas for adventure with outdoor community spirit. Mat Lyons, TREAD Executive Director, says the app is “one stop shopping for all trail users. [TREAD offers] real-time, hyper-focused trail updates from the people out there today.” 

WTA Trailblazer

After miles and miles of helpful input, the genius Washington Trails Association Trailblazer mobile app provides several features that separate this app from most local guidebooks. For starters, users can search for trails by name, location, or relative difficulty (measured by length of trail and elevation gain), and for family and dog friendly hikes. You can also link to NOAA’s website easily to get current weather conditions and forecasts at the trailhead. Last but not least, the app’s My Backpack feature allows users to add and remove hikes from My Backpack, and the hikes saved in My Backpack are available even when offline. This is definitely a gamechanger. 

Please note these mobile apps don’t replace guidebooks or paper maps. Not even close. Furthermore, some apps don’t work if you’re outside of cell service, and none of them work if your phone dies. However, these apps definitely provide easy, current, and convenient information necessary for finding new trailheads and new areas and discovering places that aren’t over emphasized by Instagram likes.  These apps can also reveal recent forest fire damage or trailhead changes due to logging or erosion. Ultimately, the guidebooks are important, but the new apps are the wave of the future, and they’re a useful tool for discovering a new favorite hike in your backyard. Both apps are free and available on Google Play or the Apple Store.  

GoSkyWatch

Saving the best for last, do yourself a favor and look into GoSkyWatch. After the tent is up, the mattresses inflated, and the flask is passed around, sit back and appreciate the night sky in a whole new way. Turn it on, point your phone at the sky, and start exploring. The app overlays the constellations with the images the Zodiac lines represent. Planets are color coded, showing their relative brightness to other stars for easy identification. It’s awe-inspiring and lots of fun with the right conditions.

Originally published as “Explore the Outdoors with Mobile Apps” in the September-October 2020 double issue.

Jon Jonckers has been a constant Out There contributor since 2006 and still enjoys sharing his love for the Northwest with anyone willing to listen. 

The post 3 Mobile Apps for Outdoor Exploring appeared first on Out There Venture.