paddling Archives - Out There Venture https://outthereventure.com/tag/paddling/ Tue, 27 Sep 2022 17:18:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://outthereoutdoors.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-OTO_new-favicon-32x32.jpg paddling Archives - Out There Venture https://outthereventure.com/tag/paddling/ 32 32 Invasive Species Permit Required In Idaho https://outthereventure.com/invasive-species-permit-required-in-idaho/ https://outthereventure.com/invasive-species-permit-required-in-idaho/#respond Wed, 07 Sep 2022 21:45:26 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=51531 Idaho state Department of Fish & Game requires invasive species permits for paddling vessels over 10 feet long, including inflatable ones.

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As paddling sports grow in popularity, stay updated on current rules and regulations for safely navigating freshwater lakes and rivers, including invasive species permits.

Idaho Department of Fish & Game requires an invasive species permit for each paddling vessel over 10 feet long, including inflatable ones—this means kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (most are 10+ feet), canoes, and row boats.

An Idaho permit costs $7 per craft; purchase online at idfg.idaho.gov or in-person at state parks or select vendors. Marine law enforcement can issue fines for anyone paddling a non-permitted vessel.

Kayak cockpit view of person sitting in a yellow kayak, with paddle across the legs, on flatwater of Lake Coeur d'Alene.om kayak.
In Idaho, an invasive species permit sticker must be attached to any paddlecraft over 10 feet long: Kayaking on Coeur d’Alene Lake. // Photo: Amy McCaffee

Washington State does not require permits for non-motorized watercraft. Any non-motorized vessels launched in Washington that enter Idaho waters, such as the Spokane River at Stateline, do not need a permit.

To prevent invasive species from being transported between freshwater lakes and rivers, boaters and non-motorized paddle craft are asked to stop at roadside inspection stations off highways, which mainly target out-of-state visitors. Any vessel deemed “high risk” is decontaminated with a hot wash at the station (no fee).            

For complete boating rules and regulations, visit state government websites: Parksandrecreation.idaho.gov and Wdfw.wa.gov.

For more stories about paddling sports, visit the OTO archives.

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5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shore https://outthereventure.com/5-adventures-on-priest-lakes-western-shore/ https://outthereventure.com/5-adventures-on-priest-lakes-western-shore/#respond Thu, 19 Aug 2021 18:57:40 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=48188 On the west side of Priest Lake, go hiking, biking, paddling, or boating to visit and explore nearby sights.

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While visiting or camping in a national forest on the west side of Priest Lake, there are many activities and destinations that are accessible by foot, boat, or bike.

1. Visit Upper Priest Lake.

Paddle the 3.5-mile Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake, accessible at the north end of Priest Lake. For the shortest paddle, start from Beaver Creek Day-Use Area. Or hike to Upper Priest via Navigation Trail. You can camp overnight at a rustic national forest campground.

A lake reflecting the sunset with mountains in the background.
Picturesque Upper Priest Lake. // Photo by Blair Libby

2. Earn your meal, drinks, or treats.

From Luby Bay Campground, you can paddle the shoreline or bike or hike the Beach Trail south to Hill’s Resort. Or start paddling or biking from Outlet Bay Campground and head north to Hill’s. You can also boat from anywhere along the lake and park at the resort docks for a day-use visit.

Known for their creative, family-friendly foods, dine on their deck to enjoy huckleberry delights. During the morning, you can order huckleberry pancakes—just one of many options from the breakfast menu. For summer 2021, Hill’s also has new casual dining and George’s Dining Room dinner menus. You can also get a milkshake, lemonade, or even margarita made with local wild huckleberries.

Scenic view of Priest Lake at Hill's Resort, with the resort docks and flat water.
View of the lake from Hill’s Resort, along the western shore of Priest Lake. // Photo courtesy of Teri Hill.

3. Golf on the lake.

Hill’s Resort also owns the 18-hole Priest Lake Golf Course, located only minutes away. You arrive by boat to the resort docks and drive a reserved “street legal” golf cart to the course. Rent or bring your own clubs.

4. Explore local history.

The Priest Lake Museum is also nearby. Learn the local cultural and natural history, and view the featured exhibit, “Fool’s Gold: Mining at Priest Lake,” which includes an outdoor exhibit area along a short path to view large artifacts. Free admission; more details at priestlakemuseum.org.

5. Paddle to an Island.

For those with advanced canoeing or kayaking skills, you can depart from the Kalispell Boat Launch (at Kalispel Bay) and paddle to Kalispel Island—the largest among seven islands. Head to the Idaho Panhandle National Forest day-use beach or stay at one of the 52 campsites located around Kalispel Island.

Bartoo Island is also within paddling distance from Priest’s western shore. Located closer to Luby Bay, it has a day-use area and 25 camp sites.

Find more information at fs.usda.gov. Reserve a campsite or take your chances with a handful of first-come sites on each island.

Mom and young son sitting in their blue kayaks on Priest Lake.
Amy and her son at Priest Lake’s Beaver Creek Day-Use Area, at the northwest end of Priest Lake. // Photo: Judd McCaffree

For more stories about Priest Lake, visit the OTO archives.

Learn about other lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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Yoga on a Paddleboard https://outthereventure.com/yoga-on-a-paddleboard/ https://outthereventure.com/yoga-on-a-paddleboard/#respond Thu, 19 Aug 2021 02:36:32 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=48170 SUP yoga is a great way to spend time in nature while benefiting from the challenging and restorative elements of yoga.

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SUP yoga—or yoga on a stand up paddleboard—is an increasingly popular way of spending time in nature while benefiting from the challenging and restorative elements of yoga.

“If you’re looking to explore water sports in a safe way and get a really good physical workout without really realizing you’re getting one, SUP yoga is a great way to do that,” says SUP yoga instructor Roxanne Best. In this sport, you’re being physically challenged but “you’re not sweating, exhausted, hating every minute.”

Best is a 200 hour instructor with the Yoga Alliance; she is certified to teach SUP yoga through the Professional Stand Up Paddle Association. Her original career was as a scuba diver, and she’s SUPped for many years, in addition to practicing and teaching yoga. A member of the Colville Tribe—“we’re water people,” she says—she was looking for a new way to enjoy the water when she took a SUP yoga class and fell in love.

In the SUP yoga classes Best instructs, participants of all levels learn to paddle their boards and engage in a series of yoga flow positions; both the SUP components and the yoga positions are taught in a way that makes them approachable for any skill level.

Stand-up paddleboard yoga. // Photo courtesy of Roxanne Best.

A common challenge of SUP yoga is getting past the fear of falling into the water. Though most participants don’t fall in, the possibility seems to be on the back of everyone’s mind—which can be kind of freeing. You go from “being conditioned that falling was bad, to the mindset of…it’s actually okay to fall, and it’s kind of fun!” Best says.

“For me it’s just a really grounding experience, and centering, which is weird, because you’re out on the water,” she says. “It’s really just an opportunity to tune into your environment. Tune out some of the human noises and tune into some of the nature noises.”

Read more yoga stories in the OTO archives.

Learn about lake destinations and recreation in the 2021 Inland Northwest Lake Guide.

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Lake Kayaking with Kids https://outthereventure.com/lake-kayaking-with-kids/ https://outthereventure.com/lake-kayaking-with-kids/#respond Thu, 19 Aug 2021 02:09:08 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=48164 Small and durable, and easily maneuverable, plastic kayaks ideal for kids ready to discover new independence on a lake.

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“I’d rather be a free spinster and paddle my own canoe.” Jo says those words to her older sister Meg on Meg’s wedding day in Greta Gerwig’s film “Little Women,” indicating her embrace of life as a single, independent woman. (“Little Women” author Louisa May Alcott originally said the same thing to her own older sister.)

“Little Women” is the favorite movie of my first-grade daughter, and I thought of that line as I watched her and her sister joyfully and adeptly paddle their own kids kayaks for the first time last summer on a family trip to Hood Canal, in western Washington. It was love at first paddle, and kayak time was a highlight of each day.

“They’re pretty easy to maneuver around for someone without a lot of experience going in a kayak,” my 9-year-old says.

Small and durable, and easily maneuverable, these plastic vessels are ideal for kids (and some adults—weight limits often go up to 130 pounds) ready to discover new independence on one of our area lakes.

The one-seater kayaks are stable and easy to turn thanks to their short, wide shape. Weighing less than 20 pounds they’re also fairly manageable to carry on land. When purchasing, make sure yours allows for easy entry from the water.

Sarah's daughter kayaking at Hood Canal.
Kayaking at Hood Canal. // Photo: Sarah Hauge

If your child tries out a kid’s kayak, all of the usual water safety tips apply: make sure they wear a proper flotation device, talk about where it’s safe to go, and keep a close eye on kids. Once aboard, with a little guidance on how to paddle and turn, your young seafarer will soon be ready to explore.

We enjoyed paddling parallel to the shore in the mornings to investigate sea life when the tide was out, and journeying in and out from the dock later each day when the tide came in. On lakes, sticking close to the shore will help avoid motorboat traffic.

Both my kids loved them, and I appreciated the serene, confident looks on their faces after years of being tucked into random nooks and crannies of other people’s boats while older people did the work and made the decisions.

I hope to have another chance soon to watch each of them paddle her own kayak, her own way.

For more stories about families and introducing your children to recreation in the great outdoors, visit the Out There Kids column.

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31 Ways to Explore Inland NW Lakes https://outthereventure.com/31-ways-to-explore-inland-nw-lakes/ https://outthereventure.com/31-ways-to-explore-inland-nw-lakes/#respond Mon, 19 Jul 2021 18:25:22 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=47848 OTO writers share their ideas for recreation, adventure, and simply enjoying time at any lake in the Inland Northwest.

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With hundreds of lakes throughout eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, and southern British Columbia, a destination for lake-based recreation is never too far away.

From boating, paddling, and adventurous watersports to serene recreation, family activities, and ways to chill and relax, OTO writers share their ideas.

Here are 31 ways to enjoy, explore, & find summer fun at Inland Northwest lakes.

Click link to read the corresponding story.

  1. Do yoga on a paddleboard
  2. Go bikepack fishing
  3. Ride the Columbia Plateau Trail to a channeled scabland lake
  4. Open Water Lake Swimming
  5. Boat-in Happy Hour on Lake Coeur d’Alene at Harrison
  6. Meet the Pirate of Sandpoint’s City Beach & take a ride on a pirate ship
  7. Visit Priest Lake
  8. Wildlife Spotting
  9. Lake Kayaking with Kids
  10. Wing foiling
  11. Surfing at Lake Chelan
  12. Visit Lake Pend Oreille
  13. Boat-in camping *
  14. Hang out on a beach
  15. Explore local history *
  16. Take an e-bike tour of Lake Chelan **
  17. Paddleboard tour around Lake Chelan **
  18. Hike or bike for views **
  19. Paraglide above and over Lake Chelan **
  20. Take a wine-tasting tour **
  21. Go mountain biking on a lakeside trail *
  22. Hike along a lake shore *
  23. Paddle or hike to Upper Priest Lake *
  24. Go Fishing ^
  25. Find a Campsite ^
  26. Rent Lake Toys ^
  27. Go sailing and ride the wind ^
  28. Take a Cruise ^
  29. Hunt for Treasure ^
  30. Watch the Fireworks ^
  31. Play on an Island ^ & paddle to get there *

*5 Adventures on Priest Lake’s Western Shore

**5 Ways to Experience Lake Chelan

^ 8 Adventures on Lake Pend Oreille

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Adventure Inspiration: 34 Summer Trip Ideas https://outthereventure.com/adventure-inspiration-34-summer-trip-ideas/ https://outthereventure.com/adventure-inspiration-34-summer-trip-ideas/#respond Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:02:43 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=47386 Our friends in the Inland NW outdoors community share their go-to adventures. Get inspired to explore someplace new this summer.

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It’s easy to go back to the same favorite trails, campgrounds, and lakes year after year, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing a new place for the first time.

We asked some of our friends in the Inland NW outdoors community to share their go-to adventures in hopes that others will find some inspiration to get out there and explore someplace new this summer.

Here are 34 ideas, recommended by 15 notable outdoor enthusiasts in the Spokane region, to inspire new outdoor adventures. (OTO)

Cube Iron Roadless Area

Take a hike through hemlock-cloaked mountains and up to alpine pocket lakes. Located north of Thompson Falls, Mont., a few hours from the Spokane area, the trails in the Cube Iron benefit from more active trail maintenance than other areas due to the Cube Iron Cataract Coalition and its volunteers.

Hiking into Cabin Lake is great for those transitioning from day hiking to backpacking for the first time.

Cube Iron Roadless Area - view from summit rocks looking over the valley wilderness.
Cube Iron Roadless Area // Photo: Aaron Theisen

BLM Rock Creek Management (Escure Ranch)

Hike some of the lesser-travelled old roads for some solitude or stick to the popular hike or mountain bike ride to Towell Falls.

The Backcountry Horsemen and BLM have significantly improved the trailhead and parking area, which now sports toilets, water for horses, corrals, and over 13,000 acres of shrub-steppe and hiking on old, gated ranch roads.

This time of year wildflowers are in full bloom and Towell Falls is at its peak. Keep a look out for ticks and rattlesnakes, and make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as there is very little shade.

Escura Ranch (left); trail running at Antione Peak Conservation Area; Blossom Lake (lower right). // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Glacier Peak, Chair Peak and the Tatoosh Traverse

Accessed from the east Cascades, this backcountry route offers climbing variety and is “more adventurous than slogging up Adams or St. Helens,” adds Chutas.

Tatoosh offers beautiful views of Mt. Rainier while still being more removed from crowds of visitors. Chair Peak is an alpine climb that gives you the flavor of bigger climbs, yet it’s not too far from the road.

Because of a long hike in, Glacier Peak quickly limits the number of users to this wild and remote place.

Mary Jane’s Farm (Moscow, Idaho)

Livingston owns Wander Spokane, a Spokane-based tour company that takes guests on food, wine, beer, and other tours covering local history, art, architecture, geology, and even medicinal plants, and when she explores, she asks the locals for their favorite hidden gems, the quirky, weird places that not everyone visits.

One of her favorites is Mary Jane’s Farm, where thoughtful, hand-made backpacking meals by the same name come from.

You can also tour the farm and starting in 2022, book a glamping site at the bed and breakfast. This destination has been featured in National Geographic and the New York Times for its whimsical, back-to-the-earth experience, and it’s right in our back yard.

Deep Creek Canyon

A family favorite through ancient volcanic rocks and riverbed, kids can scramble over logs and rocks on a fun exploratory adventure and maybe even see a rock climber scaling the walls.

This hike is best after early spring when water in the creek has dropped, and you can explore the creek bed.

Kayaking Plese Fats to 9 Mile

Floating along Riverside State Park you have the possibility of seeing, osprey, deer, moose, and other forest creatures.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

A hike or scenic drive around Turnbull offers a glimpse back in time to the Ice Age Floods that swept through our area and carved out this unique landscape. Take your binoculars and keep an eye out for all sorts of birds and wildlife while you tour the forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Hiking McKenzie Conservation Area

Managed by the Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Department, this forested getaway has several trails, including a short walk on an old road to Turtle Rock, with views of Newman Lake and Mount Spokane.

Camping at Mount Spokane’s Bald Knob Campground

This easy weekend getaway at Mount Spokane State Park features hiking, sunsets, and late-season huckleberry picking. The nearby trails are also popular with mountain bikers and equestrians with the cooler temperatures in the summer.

Camping at Swan Lake

Activities close to camp at the three campgrounds around the lake on Northeast Washington’s Colville National Forest include fishing, paddling, swimming, road and mountain biking, and hiking.

(Left-Right) Bridge at confluence of Deep Creek and the Spokane River; Kayaking the Spokane River. // Photo: Aaron Theisen; Bird watching at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. // Photo: Crystal Atamian.

Riverside State Park

While Carmichael is an avid equestrian, his local recommendations for summer adventure have trails for hikers and mountain bikers as well as horses and their riders. With over 9,000 acres of public land only five minutes from downtown Spokane, Riverside State Park is top on his list.

For horses, it features an equestrian campground, arena, round pen, obstacle course and 80 miles of trails. There are seven trailheads to accommodate trailers and even more for those hoping to hike, mountain bike, or just catch beautiful views of the Spokane River.

Fishtrap Recreation Area

This Bureau of Land Management-managed slice of sagebrush, grasses, and ponderosa pine provides easy access for day outings west of Spokane at I-90 exit 154.  Multiple trails and lakeshore access make this place popular for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Riverside State Park // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Post Falls Community Forest

Explore this well-developed system of signed trails for human-powered recreation, including several crags for beginning to intermediate climbers as well. This is also a great spot for a short or long trail run, a family hike, or just enjoying nature and relaxing.

Independence Creek/Coeur d’Alene River Trail

For a fun multi-day, multi-sport adventure, Dutro suggests packing your trail shoes and mountain bike and heading to Independence Creek in the Coeur d’Alene River area. The Independence Trail is a perfect summertime run, with multiple creek crossings for the chance to cool down, and several options for loops that combine trails and road running.

The next day, pedal your heart out on the Coeur d’Alene River Trail. There are excellent fishing holes and beautiful views so plan ahead to maximize this adventure.

Blossom Lakes

Near the Idaho Centennial Trail and Thompson Pass, the trail to the lake is a beautiful trail run by day and beginner backpacking adventure by night. The subalpine lakes are a beautiful summertime treat for those who make the trek.

Palouse Divide Trail System

These multi-use trails are great for mountain biking and running but are also open to ATVs on the double-track. While trail use is varied, it is also low. There is good camping nearby so you can make a weekend of it.

Clark Fork River Trail

A great trail tip for anyone headed to Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, include a run, hike, or mountain bike ride on the Clark Fork River Trail near St. Regis. What better way to earn that end of the day soak then by breaking a sweat on the trail? The trail provides beautiful views and makes a great day outing any time of year.

Blossom Lake campsite with rock campfire ring with view of lake and trees.
Blossom Lake // Photo: Shallan Knowles

Front Door Forays

“Leave the car in the driveway for this adventure. It’s easy to forget that some of the best running to be had is out your very own front door,” says Niki Sibley. “So turn your abode into an aid station and start cranking out those miles! And who knows, you just might inspire the whole neighborhood to get moving.”

Bike downtown, with your kids (Photo: Derrick Knowles, middle), and anywhere near where you live (Photo, right: Jon Jonckers).

Chris Conley, Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance President

Trail #257 Coeur d’ Alene Mountain

A short drive from Spokane near Beauty Bay with an easy, mostly paved 3.5-mile road climb, this mountain bike trail is easily accessible to most intermediate riders.

Drop in for a fast, fun, and flowy 3-mile descent through old growth forest on well-maintained single-track trail. There is some exposure towards the bottom, but the trail is wide and could easily be walked if necessary.

Abercrombie Mountain

Near Metaline Falls two hours north of Spokane, this epic out-and-back backcountry ride can’t be beat (it’s also an excellent hike). The 7.6-mile, 4,300′ climb can be intense, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Pack plenty of food, water, and a jacket for the summit, even in the summer.

After taking in the views, enjoy the full descent back to the car. “With loose, technical rocks at the top to fast and flowy loam at the bottom, it’s one of my all-time favorite rides,” Conley says.

Jungle Hill Loop

Three hours from Spokane with lots of awesome camping spots, the Kettle Crest offers miles of rugged single-track trails, and this loop is a favorite of many riders. “I prefer to camp at the Jungle Hill campground and ride clockwise to Sherman Pass and finish with the Jungle Hill descent,” says Conley.

This is a big ride with plenty of punchy climbs and long, flowy descents with some of the best views around.

Mountain biking a down a singletrack trail at Abercrombie Mountain, past wildflowers and alpine trees.
Abercrombie Mountain // Photo courtesy Chris Conley

Mount Hope Cemetery Road Ride

Twenty miles south of Spokane on the corner of Valley Chapel Rd. and North Kentuck Trails Rd., this picturesque country cemetery in the small community of Mt. Hope makes for a scenic road ride destination. The ride out Valley Chapel Road includes a few crossings and views along Latah Creek. The north end of the road is a stretched-out climb/descent from the valley while the southern climb/descent is steeper and includes broad views in the Palouse.

Hayden Lake Loop Ride

This 27-mile road ride departs from Honeysuckle Beach on North Idaho’s Hayden Lake for a loop around the lake on Hayden Lake Rd., English Point Rd., and Lakeview Dr. The road rolls up and down for 2,000’ of overall climbing with views of North Idaho that will give you lake-cabin envy.

Honeysuckle Beach near Hayden, Idaho is great because it has it all – certified lifeguards, restrooms, a kid-friendly food concession, dock, beautiful mountain views, and blue-looking lake water. Photo courtesy Travelcoeurdalene.com
Honeysuckle Beach at Hayden Lake. // Photo courtesy Travelcoeurdalene.com.

Spokane Area Road & Paved Path Rides

Check out the SpokeFest loops choosing from the 9, 21, or 47-mile distances on the Spokane Bicycle Club’s website (Popular Rides tab).

The Fish Lake, Centennial, Children of the Sun, and Appleway trails are other great Spokane-area rides that are paved with low-to-moderate elevation gain and are mostly free of motorized traffic.

Greats views while biking along Spokane’s Centennial Trail. // Photos: Jon Jonckers

Glenrose to Phillips Creek Trail

This great out-and-back adventure offers views of Spokane to the west and east, including Mica Peak. This trail system offers fun, flowy single-track through meadows and pine groves and just enough elevation to get the heart pumping. An added bonus—Winescape Winery is a few blocks from the Thierman Trailhead for après ride hydration.

St. Joe River

Test your fly-fishing skills in this blue-ribbon cutthroat stream that flows through the scenic Idaho Panhandle National Forest. If you are looking for a little extra adventure, take the back road route via St. Regis, Mont.

Lower Grande Ronde River

Located near the tiny community of Rogersburg south of Asotin, Wash., anglers of all ages and skill levels can expect to catch smallmouth bass on the Grande Ronde River while enjoying the scenic beauty of Hells Canyon.

South Skookum Lake

This lake located in the Colville National Forest near Usk, Wash., is perfect for families looking to catch a few trout while escaping the commotion of the city for the day.

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Dozens of lakes and multiple species of fish are waiting for you in this Eastern Washington high desert oasis. Located just north of Othello, these waters provide a great angling day trip or multi-day adventure for the whole family.

Themed Rides

Webber recommends making your ride more interesting with a theme. “Morning coffee crawls are a great way to support local businesses and experience new neighborhoods,” he says. “My favorite stops include Atticus, Rockwood, Rocket, and The Shop.” All of these have patio seating for sunny chats and an ability to keep an eye on your precious steed.

Some other themes could include ice cream (The Scoop, Doyle’s, and Sweet Peaks), bridges (13 of them in Spokane that cross the River), public art (murals, electrical boxes, sculptures), or, for the truly hardcore, the Spokane Stairs Ride, where you get to carry your bike up all the outdoor urban staircases!

Northrup Canyon

An awesome early-season hiking trip near Banks Lake, this 1.5 mile trail leads to an old homestead and another few miles takes you to Northrup Lake, a great overnight backpacking trip to shake the cobwebs off your gear for the year.

Harrison Peak Climbing

This Selkirk Mountain peak is well known for technical climbing, but you can also scramble up the east face without gear for an amazing view.

Lion’s Head

This prominent set of two Selkirk Mountain summits above Priest Lake is known for its rock-climbing routes, and Priest Lake is also beautiful.

Black lab swimming in Northrup Lake.0
Northrup Lake // Photo: Mark Schneider

[Feature photo by Aaron Theisen – Cube Iron Roadless Area.]

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Inaugural Paddling & Rowing Event in Priest River: August 21 https://outthereventure.com/inaugural-paddling-rowing-event-in-priest-river-august-21/ https://outthereventure.com/inaugural-paddling-rowing-event-in-priest-river-august-21/#respond Wed, 12 May 2021 20:48:43 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=46964 Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association is hosting a celebration of non-motorized water recreation at North Idaho's Priest River Recreation Area on August 21, 2021.

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Priest River, Idaho

On Saturday, August 21, 2021, the Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association (PORPA), in partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers, is hosting a celebration of non-motorized water recreation at the Priest River Recreation Area (referred to as “Mudhole” by locals) in Priest River, Idaho.

The event (7 a.m.-4 p.m.) will include non-motorized watercraft races on the beautiful Priest River for all ages and skill levels. All single human-powered watercraft are welcome for a day of races, with the event highlight being a relay-race of at least three different non-motorized watercraft racers competing as a team. Races will be sprints with courses between 500-1,000 meters (less than one mile).

The Kalispel Tribe will also bring traditional canoes and offer participants and spectators stories about the Priest River and other local waterways.

Register to race at PORPA.org by August 10.

The Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association is a membership rowing and paddling club that offers free introduction to rowing sessions for those who are new to rowing, and experienced rowers and social members are also welcome. More info at PORPA.org.

People standing on the sandy beach and in the water at Priest River Recreation Area, with kayaks and other paddling gear on the shoreline.
Priest Lake Recreation Area. // Photo courtesy Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association.

Event Overview

  • What: Inaugural Paddling & Rowing Races
  • Hosted by: Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association in partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
  • When: August 21, 2021 – 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Where: Priest River Recreation Area (“Mudhole”) in Priest River, Idaho
  • Race registration: by August 10, PORPA.org
Woman kayaking towards the sandy beach at Priest River Recreation Area. Blue sky and sunshine.
Priest River Recreation Area // Photo courtesy Pend Oreille Rowing and Paddling Association.

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Kalispel Tribe Promotes Adventure Tourism in Pend Oreille County https://outthereventure.com/kalispel-tribe-promotes-adventure-tourism-in-pend-oreille-county/ https://outthereventure.com/kalispel-tribe-promotes-adventure-tourism-in-pend-oreille-county/#respond Wed, 12 May 2021 20:19:02 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=46963 The Kalispel Tribe and Kalispel RV Resort encourage more adventure tourism to the Pend Oreille County in northeast Washington.

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Pend Oreille County in northeast Washington is a wonderland of public lands, lakes and river access, wildlife, and trails, but until recently, one thing that had been difficult to find was quality tourist amenities. Over the past 13 years, the Kalispel Tribe has added several attractions that serve both tourists and locals on the tribe’s land.

Developments include the Camas Center with its heated swimming pools with slides, 32-foot rock climbing wall, full-court gym, and fitness center that opened in 2008; a visitors’ center and rest area; and the Kalispel RV Resort in Cusick (opened in 2019) that has RV and tent sites for camping as well as furnished cottages for rent. For those who are interested in indoor gaming entertainment and dining, the relatively new Kalispel Casino is located next to the RV resort.

Now the tribe and Kalispel RV Resort are encouraging adventure tourism to the region to continue to build on an already growing tourism and outdoor recreation economy.

“Recreational tourism is an important piece of our rural economy,” explains Mike Lithgow with the Kalispel Tribe’s Natural Resource Department. Indian Creek Community Forest, he says, is a great place to learn about the tribe’s forest restoration and conservation education efforts and experience this beautiful corner of the state.

Some of the other recreational activities nearby the Kalispel RV Resort include the International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile scenic back road byway that encircles the Selkirk Mountains, as well as dozens of hiking and mountain biking trails on Colville National Forest lands, including Bead Lake, Sullivan Lake, the Salmo Priest Wilderness, and many others.

With so many lakes and miles of Pend Oreille River access in the area, fishing and water sports are also a major draw. Anglers can cast lines for days in the Pend Oreille River and in dozens of nearby lakes, including Browns Lake, which is exclusively reserved for fly fishing.

The Pend Oreille River Water Trail, a 70-mile stretch of river between Oldtown, Idaho, and Boundary Dam offers excellent paddling on kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, as well as bird and other wildlife viewing and historical and environmental points of interest to explore.            

If you are planning to camp at the Kalispel RV Resort and explore the area, call ahead (509.447.7144) to inquire about availability and amenities while some COVID restrictions may still be in place this spring and summer.

Aerial view of the Pend Oreille River valley, with forested hillsides.
Pend Oreille River Valley // Photo courtesy Kalispel Tribe

[All photos courtesy Kalispel Tribe of Indians.]

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SPOvid-19 Local Adventure: Paddling the Little Spokane River https://outthereventure.com/spovid-19-local-adventure-paddling-the-little-spokane-river/ Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:03:30 +0000 https://outthereventure.com/?p=42541 To help you make the most of your outdoor time and keep things fresh during the pandemic, the faculty of Eastern Washington University’s Recreation and Leisure Services Program in partnership with Out There Venture has created the SPOvid-19 Local Adventure Series. Episode 7 – Paddling Little Spokane By Chris Hoppe, Director EWU EPIC Adventures  Summer time for many […]

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To help you make the most of your outdoor time and keep things fresh during the pandemic, the faculty of Eastern Washington University’s Recreation and Leisure Services Program in partnership with Out There Venture has created the SPOvid-19 Local Adventure Series.

Episode 7 – Paddling Little Spokane

By Chris Hoppe, Director EWU EPIC Adventures 

Summer time for many Spokanites means sunny days on the river. This week’s Spovid-19 adventure explores the Little Spokane River, from St. George’s School to the “9 mile” takeout. This relaxing paddle will bring you back to nature, as there are regular sightings of deer, moose, muskrat, and a wide variety of birds. 

Be thoughtful with setting up a shuttle. It is recommended to travel in vehicles only with people in your household, or within your small circle of trusted friends. Don’t forget to display your Discover Pass, as the parking lots are maintained by Washington State Parks. (See map of the Little Spokane River Natural Area, from Spokane County Parks and Recreation.)

Mid-day traffic during the weekend can get pretty busy on the river. Try a weekday paddle, or be an early riser on the weekend to have the river to yourself. Most trips down the Little Spokane River can range from 2-3 hours, so you will want to pack some water and a snack (please pack out all your garbage).

River levels can change from season to season, so check the conditions before you put on. We hope this adventure motivates you to explore more areas found in Spokane’s “Back Yard.”

Video by Chris Hoppe

Resources:

  • Riverside State Park – boating: Because the Little Spokane River Natural Area is a protected area only non-motorized, paddling watercraft are permitted (e.g. kayaks, canoes, rafts). Inner tubes, swimming, and pets are not allowed. 
  • Paddling gear rentals: In Spokane, rental gear is available from FLOW Adventures and REI.

SAFETY: Please wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while operating any watercraft on moving water (river), as required for all ages according to Spokane County law (boating ordinance code 06.03.020).

Editor’s Note: During past summers, Spokane Parks & Recreation have offered a weekend shuttle service for paddlers on the Little Spokane River. Due to the current pandemic and staffing impacts of COVID-19, the service was cancelled for 2020.

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