EASTERN WASHINGTON

From rustic scabland lakes carved by the Ice Age floods to those surrounded by mixed-conifer forests and wildlife, including out-of-the-way or backcountry gems offering solace from the frenetic scene at more common destinations, there is a lake for you in the eastern half of Washington. While many small regional lakes have shorelines dominated by private property, many have a public boat launch maintained by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for the primary purpose of providing access for boaters and bank fishing (Discover Pass required). And other lakes have dedicated municipal parks or privately-owned resorts, both rustic and modern, that provide access for day-use swimming, dock fishing, boat-launching and overnight camping. (Visit wdfw.wa.gov and find the “Water Access Sites” page for directions to many of these lakes.)

Newman Lake

One of the largest lakes in Spokane County, at 1,200 acres, locals describe Newman as being shaped like a five-leaf clover. With a view of local mountain peaks, including Mt. Spokane, much of its nine miles of shoreline is lined with homes and rustic cabins. Newman’s public access points include a WDFW boat launch and the 462-acre McKenzie Conservation Area with 3,000-feet of shoreline, hiking trails and picnic areas. As for resorts, Newman Lake Resort & Marina is on the lake’s east side and is open from 8 a.m. to dusk for day-use swimming (no lifeguard on duty), dock fishing, row boat rentals, picnicking ($5 per person; free for children under 12 and all military personnel).The on-site convenience store will be closed this summer, according to resort manager Lori Stoa, so stock up on supplies before you arrive. Because of the milfoil, Stoa recommends bringing floaties and swimming off the designated swimming dock, which has a ladder. Launch a boat for $5 or ask about tent camping options. On the lake’s southwest shore, there is also the small, rustic Sutton Bay Resort.

Liberty Lake

Paddlers enjoy convenient access to the WDFW boat launch on the north end, not far from the city’s main business district. On its south end is Liberty Lake Regional Park, which provides a lifeguarded swimming beach, BBQ area, playground, hiking trails (including the 8.3-mile Liberty Lake Loop Trail), and campground (no boat launch). The park has a $2 per person day-use summer entrance fee (family season passes are available).

Bear Lake

Off Highway 2, 15 miles north of Spokane, this spring-fed lake is only accessible via the 166-acre Bear Lake Regional Park. Enjoy the swimming beach (no lifeguards), BBQ area, playground and hiking trails (no boat launch).

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

The 130-mile long Lake Roosevelt was formed out of the upper Columbia River with the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. The national recreation area (nps.gov/laro) designation protects the human-made reservoir and provides public access with numerous boat launches, campgrounds and primitive shoreline with many sandy beaches. Three government agencies and two tribes collectively manage the lake and much of its shoreline, so be sure to consult a map and plan carefully before you fish or camp. Numerous day-use areas and campgrounds are within the recreation area, including Kettle Falls and Fort Spokane. Fort Spokane, near the confluence of the Columbia and Spokane rivers, is the closest reservoir boat launch to the Spokane-metro area.

Fish Lake

One of many channeled scablands lakes, Fish Lake Regional Park is the only official way to access this rural 32-acre lake, located two miles northeast of Cheney. There is a fishing dock, swimming beach (no lifeguards), boat launch, playground, restrooms, basketball court and hiking and biking trails. Boats with internal combustion motors are prohibited, making this a serene and popular destination for families. Bring your bikes to enjoy the paved Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, which borders the park and connects to the City of Cheney, only 3.25-miles away.

Williams Lake

Located 12 miles southwest of Cheney, near the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Williams Lake attracts anglers and paddlers from around the region. Odds of catching rainbow or cutthroat trout are high thanks to annual fish stocking. Three main access points include: a WDFW boat launch, Klink’s Resort, and Bunker’s Resort & Marina. Klink’s Resort is also home to the separately owned and operated Bistro at Williams Lake, with lake-view dining, outdoor seating, and live music on summer weekends.

Sprague Lake

Known for its rainbow trout and steelhead fishing, the 6-mile long by 1-mile wide lake is accessible through the Four Seasons Campground and Resort or Sprague Lake Resort.

Sullivan Lake

Generations of locals make annual sojourns to Sullivan Lake to enjoy camping, paddling, fishing, hiking and huckleberry picking. Located in the Colville National Forest, and only four miles southeast of the small town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County, Sullivan Lake has two access sites: East Sullivan Lake Campground at the north end and Noisy Creek Campground on the south end (fs.usda.gov). The serene, rustic setting allows you to unplug and unwind. Wild animals love it too, so keep an eye out for bear, elk, cougar, moose and even wolves.

Trout & Emerald Lakes

Escape the masses and visit these rustic, canyon lakes tucked into the Colville National Forest’s Kettle River Range. Near the towns of Kettle Falls and Republic, you can drive directly to Trout Lake Campground, with its four lakeside campsites. To reach Emerald Lake, hike Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 to Emerald Lake Trail #94, just over 6 miles round-trip. It also makes for a great backpacking destination. Bring a water-filtration system to refill your water bottles. Find hiking info at Wta.org.

Twin Lakes

On the Colville Indian Reservation, near the town of Inchelium, are two lakes referred to as Twin Lakes. Each is accessible from locally-owned resort areas, and anglers need tribal fishing permits. North Twin Lake has Rainbow Beach Resort, while South Twin Lake has Hartman’s Log Cabin Resort.

Fishtrap Lake

In eastern Lincoln County southwest of Spokane, Fishtrap Recreation Area includes more than 7,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Access the 190-acre lake in one of two ways: the WDFW boat launch or Fishtrap Lake Resort on the lake’s north side.

Deer Lake                                                                            

This spring-and-snowmelt-fed 1,150-acre lake is located off the west side of Highway 395, 14 miles southeast of Chewelah. Use the WDFW boat launch located off N. Deer Lake Road on one of the west bays, or check-in at Deer Lake Resort, which offers boat rentals, mini-golf, and overnight accommodations, including cabins, condos and campsites. For a more private lake retreat, consider a home or cabin rental through VRBO.com or Airbnb.com.

Loon Lake

Located off the west side of Highway 395 in Stevens County, this 1,086-acre lake has three access points: a WDFW boat launch, Shore Acres Resort, and Granite Point Park.

Waitts Lake

North of Deer Lake and south of Chewelah, this remote, nearly 500-acre lake has a WDFW access site with a boat launch on the southeast side of the lake, as well as three resorts: Silver Beach Resort, Winona Beach Resort, and Waitts Lake Resort.

Eloika Lake

You’ll find this narrow, 3-mile long lake near the town of Elk, one-mile west off Highway 2. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountain foothills, paddlers can enjoy some peace and quiet and look for wildlife, including beavers and muskrats. There are two access points on the east side: a WDFW boat launch (near Gray’s Landing) and Jerry’s Landing Resort near Pocahontas Bay.

Davis Lake

In Pend Oreille County, located along the west side of Highway 211, five miles south of the town of Usk, this quiet, nearly 500-acre lake has a WDFW boat launch on the north end. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is possible through October 31. You’ll find Camp Spalding situated along the lake’s southwest shoreline – a faith-based resident camp and home of Clearwater Lodge, which hosts a family camp every August.

NORTH IDAHO

Lake culture is as big as the massive lakes in Idaho’s Panhandle. From skiing and wakeboarding; scenic touring or sailing; to paddling, swimming, and fishing, there is a North Idaho lake, bay or beach just right for your favorite lake activities. View a map of boating access points and beaches and find current boat launch permit fees at fyinorthidaho.com or kcgov.us.

Lake Coeur d’Alene

This 25-mile long tourist mecca, with its more than 31,000 acres open to power boats, waterskiing, paddling and cruising, has 16 boat launch locations and additional water access points. See the complete list at lakecoeurdalene.com. Here are a few favorite Lake Coeur d’Alene destinations.

• Harrison: Arriving in this small town is like stepping back in time for a relaxing lakeside escape. Located 28 miles south of I-90 via the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, Harrison offers all you need, whether you get here by car, boat (20 minutes from the city of Coeur d’Alene), or bike on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Don’t miss visiting the Harrison Creamery and Fudge Factory, one of many small businesses in the historic area bordering the large city park. A sandy public beach is nearby. Two businesses rent pontoon or ski boats, kayaks, SUPs or other watercraft: Harrison Idaho Water Adventures and Harrison Pontoons & Rentals. Consider paddling up the Coeur d’Alene River to visit the Chain Lakes, as they’re collectively referred, which consist of a series of small, remote lakes where you’re sure to see wildlife. For more information, visit harrisonidaho.org.
• Yap-Keehn-Um, aka NIC Beach: Avoid the crowds of City Beach and head to the North Idaho College campus, where you’ll find a family-friendly beach accessible off Rosenberry Drive (referred to locally as “the dike road”). The beach’s official name means “The Gathering Place” in the Coeur d’Alene tribal language. NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits recreation program boat house (open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Labor Day) provides gear rentals, including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and sailboats. There is also a concession building, restrooms and swimming area but no lifeguard. All parking on campus is free during summer until the third week of August, before the fall term begins. Rental reservations are recommended – call the boat house directly at 208-769-3290.

Chatcolet Lake & Benewah Lake

Located in Benewah County, less than 90 minutes from south Spokane, is where you’ll find these two small lakes – accessible through Heyburn State Park ($5 daily vehicle fee). The Rocky Point Beach and Marina off Highway 5 – located about 10 minutes from the park’s visitor center near Hawley’s Landing campground – has boat rentals and a day-use area with a swimming beach (no lifeguards), fishing dock, playground and restrooms. You can boat or paddle from here to Benewah Lake, which also has a first-come-first-serve campground, one of three within the state park. Hawley’s Landing, the most developed campground, has two loops for full-hookup RVs and a loop with 10 tent campsites that offer views of Lake Chatcolet. Further north along the western shoreline is Plummer Point, a day-use, dog-friendly swimming beach, and beyond that is the Chatcolet day-use area, which includes a boat launch, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms and trailhead access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved 72-mile long multi-use trail. Consider biking to Harrison for ice cream, an 18-mile round trip from the historic Chatcolet Bridge, which is the dividing line between Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Chatcolet.

Hayden Lake

Here you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Most people use the city’s Honeysuckle Beach, which offers all the amenities you need – a lifeguarded swimming area, dock, boat launch (fee applies), beach volleyball area and concession stand. A sportsman’s access with a public boat launch is located on the lake’s northeast side, and the south side has Hayden Lake Marina with a store, restaurant, boat rentals, boat launch and moorage.

Hauser Lake

Located north of Post Falls, Hauser Lake Park (kcgov.us) has a boat launch, swimming area, restrooms, picnic tables and children’s playground.

Spirit Lake

Enjoy views of the Selkirk Mountains at this lake located north of Rathdrum and west of Athol. A portion of the lake is within the boundary of the City of Spirit Lake. There are three public boat launches: an Idaho Fish & Game sportsman’s access on the north shoreline and two maintained by Kootenai County – Maiden Rock on the east side and Bronze Bay on the west. There are also two resorts – Sedlmayers Campground & Resort and Silver Beach Resort. Spirit Lake also has an expanding system of hiking and mountain biking trails called the Empire Trails. Access to the 8 miles of recently built non-motorized single-track on Inland Empire Paper Company land requires a $2.50 day-use pass that can be purchased at the trailhead and from local merchants (bikespiritlake.com). For more outdoor activity information, visit the city’s chamber of commerce website at Spiritlakechamber.com.

Round Lake

This rustic, 142-acre lake with a quiet, unpretentious vibe is the ideal destination to escape, both literally and figuratively. Campers and day-use visitors enjoy swimming, paddling and fishing at Round Lake State Park southwest of Sandpoint. Only human-powered watercraft and electric-motor boats are allowed, so you can immerse yourself in nature with all your senses.

Lake Pend Oreille

Idaho’s largest and deepest lake has some key areas not to be missed.

• Sandpoint: City Beach is the main public gathering place for swimming and launching boats, though there are lots of recreation opportunities in the area around the city (visitsandpoint.com). Lake Pend Oreille Cruises departs with its 40-foot, 36-passenger boat – the Shawnodese – from City Beach during the summer, and from East Hope’s Kramer Marina in fall and spring. For kayak, SUP, boat and other watercraft rentals, check out Action Water Sports, Outdoor Experience, or A Day On the Lake.
• Farragut State Park: Enjoy day-use swimming or paddling at Beaver Bay Beach, play some disc golf, go hiking or mountain biking, and even camp overnight.
• Bayview: This picturesque lakeside city on the south side of the lake, 25 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, has it all – marinas, floating homes, cabins, RV and tent campsites and more. A county public boat launch (kcgov.us) is located at the town’s main waterfront area. Scenic Bay Marina and Resort and MacDonald’s Hudson Bay Resort offer scenic lodging and boat rentals. The city’s annual Bayview Daze around the 4^th of July includes a street fair, boat parade, and fireworks show (Bayviewidaho.org).
• Hope: Arrive either by boat or car to this small town on the lake’s east side along Highway 200, 12 minutes from Sandpoint. Beyond Hope Resort has a floating restaurant and oversees the Hope Marina, which rents motor boats. A short distance south of town on a peninsula is the National Forest Service’s rustic Sam Owen Campground, which has a public boat launch and swimming beach, including a dog-friendly beach. Action Water Sports also has a rental location in Hope.

Priest & Upper Priest Lakes

So much to do here – how to do it all? Camping, boating, swimming, paddling, waterskiing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and huckleberry picking – this is what you do at the 19-mile long Priest, located about 2 hours northeast of Spokane. Choose your overnight preference: resort, inn, lodge, B & B, campground or cabin (either forest service or state park), RV park, private vacation home, or family-friend who owns a lake place. Paddling the Thorofare to Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area and hiking to see old-growth groves within the Panhandle National Forest, such as the Stagger Inn day-use area, are epic adventures everyone should do. Boating to Kalispell Island for day-use swimming, hiking or overnight camping is another bucket-list idea – use the Kalispell Boat Launch on the south end. If you can’t get campsite reservations – people book early and sites fill quickly, often a year in advance – Priest Lake is a great day-trip destination. You can also stay overnight in nearby Priest River, Idaho, or Newport, Wash. Start your trip planning at outtheremonthly.com and search for all the OTM articles about Priest Lake from past issues. Or try the Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce (priestlake.org) for ideas.

WESTERN MONTANA

Big lakes, big mountains – everything you’d expect from Northwest Montana. While the landscape is rugged, people are friendly and laid-back, and the lake-based outdoor recreation options are as wide open as the views.

Flathead Lake

As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi – 28 miles long and 15 miles wide – it dominates the Flathead Valley, which serves as the gateway to Glacier National Park’s west entrance. Five units comprise Flathead State Park, including West Shore, Finley Point, Wayfarers (east side, near the city of Bigfork), Yellow Bay and Big Arm, which is the starting point for boating to the primitive Wild Horse Island State Park. Start your trip planning with the Flathead Convention & Visitor Bureau (fcvb.org), which provides resources for lodging, boat rentals, outfitters and more.

Whitefish Lake

Even closer to Glacier National Park is the 7-mile long Whitefish Lake near the bustling mountain town of Whitefish. Establish base camp at Whitefish Lake State Park or stay in town and enjoy its charming vibe. Another unique options is the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which offers an exceptional lodging experience. Visit local breweries, City Beach, and the Downtown Whitefish Depot Park. For more info and lodging and boat rental resources, visit the Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau (explorewhitefish.com).

Loon Lake

Come ready to paddle and fish at this small and secluded lake in the Kootenai National Forest, about 20 miles southeast of Libby, Mont., (explorelibbymontana.com). It’s a designated “no-wake lake” and has an average depth of 5 feet, with four campsites at the lake’s primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water. Nearby destinations to explore include the Ross Creek Scenic Area’s old-growth preserve and Kootenai Falls and its swinging bridge.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Stunning mountain scenery, clear blue lakes, and a favorable exchange rate awaits in southwest British Columbia. Lakeside communities and numerous provincial parks – B.C.’s version of state parks – provide lake access and recreation opportunities a few hours north of Spokane.

Kootenay Lake

Nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges lies a narrow, 67-mile long and nearly 500’ deep lake – one of British Columbia’s largest. The two major hubs providing marinas, boat rentals, lake cruises, lodging and cultural entertainment are the city of Nelson, located on the lake’s west arm, and Kaslo, a mountain village along the lake’s main section that hosts many summer festivals, including a jazz festival in July and Pirate Day in August. Immerse yourself in nature at any of the five regional provincial parks around the lake: West Arm, Kootenay Lake, Drewry Point (accessible only by boat), Lockhart Beach and Pilot Bay. Start your trip planning for the entire region at nelsonkootenaylake.com.

Christina Lake

Not far from the U.S.-Canada border is where you’ll find another long and narrow lake, with its namesake city at the southern end and its northern half surrounded by Gladstone Provincial Park. In town is Christina Lake Provincial Park, providing easy lake access for swimming, paddling and fishing plus seven boat-access only beaches. There is also an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area. To find marinas, boat launch locations, rental businesses, and lodging and trail info, go to christinalake.com. //

Swimming Tip: Avoiding Swimmer’s Itch

As summer progresses and lake water temperatures rise, so does the risk of acquiring “swimmer’s itch” –a type of dermatitis caused by a small aquatic parasite that burrows into your skin. It sounds more disgusting and dangerous than it actually is. Swimmer’s itch is a common reality of lake swimming and has been for years – wherever there is waterfowl and a lake, swimmer’s itch is a natural consequence. There are, however, a few easy ways to prevent it. According to the Spokane Regional Health District, you should dry off immediately after exiting the water, rubbing vigorously with a towel or using your hands to wipe the water from your skin. This removes the parasites from your skin surface before they have a chance to burrow in. If possible, shower or rinse off with clean water after exiting the lake, in addition to drying yourself well. For more information, including signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch and treatment options, check out the online guide provided by the public health department at spokanecounty.org. // (ASM)

Lake Critters: Spotting Beaver and Muskrat    

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, beavers are the largest living rodents in North America, with adults averaging 40 pounds and measuring more than three feet in length including the tail. Beavers have a coarse, brown coat, naked and scaly tail, and webbed hind feet and live in many Northwest streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. While they can be elusive, if you find a beaver den or dam, like the prominent den on Lake Chatcolet that’s visible from Hawley’s Landing campground, you’re more likely to see one. Look for their little heads poking up above the surface and their swan dives back underwater when they get spooked. Beavers can hold their breath and swim underwater for up to 15 minutes, and if a beaver swimming on the surface wants to deter you, it will slap its tail in your direction.

Although sometimes misidentified as beaver, muskrats are much smaller (2-4 pounds and 18-25 inches long) and more of their bodies can be seen above the water when they swim. Common in many Inland Northwest lakes and ponds, muskrats are glossy brown on top with tiny ears and a flattened, hairless tail. According to WDFW, by harvesting aquatic plants for food and den sites, muskrats create open water for ducks, geese, and shorebirds, and many other wildlife species use muskrat lodges to rest and nest in. Look for muskrat and their lodges in marshy areas or along natural shorelines. Paddling quietly near dawn or dusk improves your odds of spotting both muskrat and beaver. // (ASM)

Lake Art: Lakebound Maps
Lakebound maps are really lake-inspired art that you will want to hang on your lake cabin or living room wall to remind you of those sweet, simple days at the lake. The maps, which are digitally-created, all-original artwork, have a vintage feel, with retro color combinations and a typeface reminiscent of the 1950s. Lakebound has a huge list of prints available, including Inland Northwest favorites such as Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Pend Oreille, Priest and many others, all of which include hand-placed bay names and towns. Mary Skerrett Koff, who grew up in Coeur d’Alene, launched Lakebound in 2007 as a way to stay connected to the Inland Northwest. “Lake Coeur d’Alene was my first map. I was living in Los Angeles at the time and wanted a nice map of the lake to remind me of home.” Skerrett Koff couldn’t find a map she liked and had a friend put a design together. After she showed the maps around town and they started selling in several downtown Coeur d’Alene stores, she knew she was onto something. “I realized that a lot of other people love their lakes as much as I do. Sense of place is very powerful, we are connected to the places where we have had powerful and formative experiences.” Check them out at Lakebound.org. // (OTM)

The post Inland NW Lake Guide 2017 appeared first on Out There Venture.

Last September, early enough in the month that summer was still full-on, we headed north for a few days of hiking, biking, touring wineries and checking out the interior B.C. city of Kelowna and the more mountain-town-sized Vernon. The number one takeaway from the trip was how shocking it is that more of us Americans who live so close to the border don’t make regular pilgrimages to British Columbia’s third largest city (with 127,000 residents) that is picturesquely situated along the shores of one of the largest lakes in southern British Columbia. Kelowna, which takes its name from an Okanagan First Nation’s word for grizzly bear, is an exceptional lake-and-outdoor-recreation-based tourist destination with all of the best urban amenities you’d expect from a small Pacific Northwest city.

Day 1: Kelowna

We rolled into town—after taking the faster, scenic backroad route to the border through remote northeast Washington’s Ferry County—and made our way to our downtown hotel where we immediately ditched our bags to set off exploring the area by bike. Situated right on Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is like a bigger, more cosmopolitan and urban-feeling Coeur d’Alene with more access to paved lakeside paths, hiking and biking trails, and renowned wineries. Our first taste of the town and lake was along the city’s 2.2k lakefront boardwalk. Families and friends gathered for picnics in the beautifully manicured ribbon of parkland. Dreadlocked millennials balanced on slacklines between giant trees. A mix of languages drifted off the tongues of tourists strolling past street musicians. Sail boats, motorboats, and paddleboards plied the wide expanse of blue water abutting the city’s well-developed and lively strip of resort towers, marinas, restaurants and bars.

On the north end of downtown, the boardwalk trail system eventually peters out where the resort strip transitions into a mix of residential and industrial development including a lake-side sawmill, but if you keep pedaling or walking north towards the mountain in the distance, you eventually reach Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna’s largest natural park that has a system of 15 hiking, biking and running trails accessible from several different trailheads near downtown. With dwindling daylight, we opted to save Knox Mountain for later on in the trip. We cruised on back to our room at Hotel Zed, an old downtown motel turned refurbished and revitalized hipster boutique hotel that comes with free use of bikes and roller skates, a ping pong lounge, pool and hot tub, classic rotary phones and comic books in every room, and, best of all, an unbeatable location dead-downtown and across the street from the lake, park, and boardwalk.

All cleaned up and on foot, we hoofed it a few blocks north to scope out the downtown Kelowna nightlife and hunt down some drinks and quality eats, which we found in abundance thanks to Kelowna’s sophisticated culinary and craft brew, spirits, and wine scene. We opted for a more casual evening and eventually settled in at a patio table at Fernando’s Pub, a few blocks from our hotel, where we chowed down on happy hour poutine, fish and chips, and tacos.

Day 2: Vernon, B.C., and Okanagan Lake Country
It’s a short and scenic 40 minute drive from Kelowna north to Vernon, B.C., and on the way, travelers on Highway 97 pass through the northern reaches of the province’s lake-studded, arid Okanagan wine region known as the Lakes Country. On the way to Vernon, we again took the scenic route, this time detouring off the main drag to check out several recommended wineries. Our first stop was for lunch and a tour of the Gray Monk Estate Winery. Our meal at Gray Monk’s Grapevine Restaurant and Patio was pretty much worth the drive from Spokane all on its own. We toasted a glass of bubbles surrounded by vineyards overlooking the stunning blue waters of Okanagan Lake. Of course we also sampled some of Gray Monk’s award-winning wine with our lunch before joining one of the tours of the wine making facility followed by a tasting and then a cheese and wine shopping spree in the gift shop.

Departing Gray Monk en route to Vernon, we made pit-stops at several more roadside wineries for tastings, encountering more of the usual relaxed and friendly conversations with staff and other patrons that are typical throughout much of interior British Columbia. And, after sampling more amazing wines, we added a few more bottles to the pile of hiking and biking gear and luggage in the car. Almost to Vernon, we made one final stop at Davison Orchards, a family-farm enterprise offering fresh fruit, vegetables, and other unique local products that reminded us of Green Bluff back at home.

After checking in at the Best Western Pacific Inn near downtown Vernon, we had dinner at the Midtown Bistro in the heart of town which was recommended for its fresh, local ingredients and inviting atmosphere. The menu included a huge and diverse selection of locally-sourced and house-made sandwiches, sliders and entrees. The owner brought out an epic charcuterie plate as a teaser for the OMG-this-is-amazing butter chicken and stuffed cabbage rolls to come. Midtown Bistro is the place to stop to fill your belly after a day of riding (bikes or boards) at nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort. You’re sure to find something to be stoked about on the vast and diverse menu.

Day 3: Ellison Provincial Park and Back to Kelowna

We were back on our bikes for a ride on the mellow cross-country mountain bike trails at Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon before breakfast. We took our time on the mostly single-track climb up through mixed conifer forest to the reward: expansive views of Okanagan Lake in the distance. After a fun, squirrely decent back to our rig, we continued on to Kelowna for our final night north of the border. Not wanting to miss a major local hiking attraction, later that afternoon we squeezed in a hike to the top of Knox Mountain, Kelowna’s version of Coeur d’Alene’s Tubb’s Hill, but with more acreage, trails, and elevation. The viewpoints on the way up and on top of Knox Mountain make for great Lake Okanagan gazing and photo ops of the beautiful city of Kelowna below.

After resting for a few minutes at the top with other hikers and trail runners, we hurried back down the trail to get cleaned up for our final night on the town, which for Shallan meant a pre-dinner yoga class at Hot Box Yoga a few blocks away, and for me, a few pints at my new favorite Kelowna eating and drinking establishment, Fernando’s Pub. We rallied later that evening for the wait-list worthy RauDZ Regional Table. Given how highly it was recommended by several locals we randomly polled, the small, jam-packed restaurant was surprisingly laid-back and comfortable and, not surprisingly, the dishes we tried, a huge plate of sautéed mushrooms, tomato salad with fresh herbs and local cheese, and melt-in-your mouth risotto, were simply prepared and totally delicious. Thankfully after an extended happy hour and a late dinner, it was only a few block walk to our room. Despite the energetic, Friday-night scene back at Hotel Zed, our last night in Kelowna delivered sweet dreams on soft pillows.

On our way out of town and back to the U.S., we wanted to weave in one more casual, leg-stretching bike ride. The Mission Creek Regional Park a few miles south of downtown Kelowna sounded about right. The trail system is 16.5 k in length; however, we only had time to pedal an out-and-back on the first 8k or so of the flat, wide pathway tucked in the trees along Mission Creek. Since it was September, the spawning kokanee were thick, and we stopped at every interpretive sign and creek viewing spot along the way to watch the brightly colored fish swim upstream toward their final days. While we weren’t able to pull it off on this trip, riding the entire trail system, including the Phase 2 from Ziprick Road to KLO Creek, would make for an adventurous day’s ride. The upper part of the trail features a canyon environment with a narrower trail, several bridges, and some steep hills with switchbacks.

Plan Your Own Trip to B.C.’s Okanagan Region

The two major tourism promotion agencies in the Kelowna and Vernon area provide invaluable information online (and in print at various visitor centers) covering things to do—from outdoor recreation opportunities to cultural and culinary options—places to stay and eat, events, and travel tips. Visit Tourismkelowna.com and Tourismvernon.com to help wade through the options and plan your perfect trip.

More Outdoor Adventures in the B.C. Okanagan

• Knox Mountain Park (easy to difficult)
  Trails of varying difficulty offer relatively easy-grade walking to some awesome views of the lake, city and mountains. The hike up to the Lower Crown Lookout (approximately 40 minutes to an hour roundtrip) or all the way up to the Upper Apex Lookout (about an hour and a half roundtrip). Some trails are open to mountain bikes too.
• Kettle Valley Railway—Myra Canyon (easy)
  This section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is highly lauded for its spectacular scenery, including 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels. The railroad line was originally built at the turn of the last century and was rebuilt again after wildfire damage between 2003 and 2008 when the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire claimed 12 of the trestle bridges. Bike or hike as far as you care to go before turning around and returning the way you came.
• Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (easy to difficult)
  The centerpiece of this stunning park is the distinctively blue-green Kalamalka Lake, which gets its unique and beautiful color from dissolved limestone that crystalizes when the lake heats up in the summer. A network of hiking and biking trails traverse the park, with some leading to swimming beaches (try Jade Bay and Cosens Bay). Juniper Bay is the most developed and easily accessible area in the park and has a playground, picnic tables, toilets, water, and a swimming area.

• Silver Star Mountain Resort (easy to difficult)
  20 minutes from Vernon, Silver Star is Canada’s second largest bike park, featuring 125 kilometers of cross-country and downhill trails for every level of rider. A high-speed bike chairlift offers riders and hikers quick and easy access to the top where the trail choices include 18 downhill trails, 21 cross-country trails, four hiking-only trails, and two multi-use trails. //

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Home to the University of Montana in the whole-foods-and-hiking-boots heart of the state, Missoula is a community of fit free spirits—consider it a cross between Bend and Bellingham. In recent years, the city’s running and river surfing communities have put it on the adventure-sports map, but hiking remains king here.

But full parking lots belie quiet footpaths, with dozens of miles of trails around the city dispersing trail runners and toddler-toting strollers. And its location in a miniature banana belt means that Missoula’s hiking season gets into full swing in spring, when the region’s high-country hiking opportunities still lie encased in snow. These five classic Missoula treks will introduce hikers to Missoula’s many charms.

Mount Sentinel

The large white “M” on above the University of Montana campus is the most immediately visible of the city’s landmarks, the short trail leading up to it a favorite destination for students showing visiting relatives around. But it’s merely the public face of a sprawling trail system that connects forested Pattee Canyon on the east side of town with the letter-stamped Mount Sentinel. Named after an early Bitterroot Valley settler, the Pattee Canyon trail system crisscrosses gently sloping meadows and old-growth ponderosa and larch groves. From the Crazy Canyon trailhead—one of the primary portals into Pattee Canyon–the 3.5-mile hike to Sentinel’s summit stitches together a crazy-quilt collection of spur trails and skid roads through old-growth ponderosa forest. Snags surround a wind-swept summit; bluebirds can often be spotted flitting among these gray perches. Views abound, of the forested lower reaches of Rattlesnake Recreation Area to the north and the broad granite defiles of the Bitterroot Valley to the south.

Stuart Peak

A century ago, travelers up the Rattlesnake Creek drainage north of Missoula would have found a bustling community, complete with a school, post office and hundreds of homesteaders. Today the Rattlesnake bustles with the sound of running shoes slapping gravel and mountain bikes clattering down high-speed trails.

Protected because it was the municipal water supply, the Rattlesnake drainage remained in private hands until the early 1980s, when Congress set aside 61,000 acres in the Rattlesnake drainage to foster watershed, recreation, wildlife, and education: 28,000 acres were designated a National Recreation Area; the remaining 33,000 acres were designated wilderness. Today the Rattlesnake is one of the closest Wilderness areas to a major metropolitan area in the United States.

The origin of the Rattlesnake appellation is unclear: some historical sources claim it’s in honor of a homesteader who succumbed to a rattlesnake bite in the drainage; other sources states it’s in echo of the Salish word for “rattlesnake.” Either way, hikers need not worry about snakes, which don’t live this far up the creek valley. But black bears and cougars should be top of mind; sightings of both are common.

The granddaddy of Rattlesnake hikes is the 18-mile roundtrip trek to Stuart Peak. Don’t be put off by the mileage: outside of Glacier National Park, few trails in Montana match the Rattlesnake’s penchant for pleasantly graded and buffed tread. Determined hikers and trail runners can easily do Stuart Peak as a day hike. A procession of shallow-grade switchbacks gain elevation in lazy loops like a fledgling bird; in late spring, lupine garland larch in the open, fire-prone forest. Wind-stunted whitebark pine surround the summit, a gray and granite dome that overlooks no fewer than a half-dozen lakes in the interior of the Rattlesnake Wilderness. Worthy based solely on its scenic merits, Stuart has added appeal as an exemplar of urban wilderness: where else can you find a nearly 20-mile subalpine summit hike with a trailhead accessible by city bus?

Sawmill-Curry Loop

Before the Forest Service acquired the land that now comprises the Sawmill-Curry portion of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area in a land exchange with a private landowner in 1986, a century of ranchers and ax-swingers made their homes and livelihoods here. Connecting old timber skid roads and livestock driveways, the 6-mile Sawmill / Curry loop visits moldering homesteads and ancient orchard trees, which mingle with old-growth ponderosa pines spared the saw. It’s a hike rife with history, but there’s lots of life here, thanks to a profusion of open-forest blooms—lupine, balsamroot, buckwheat and more. Be sure to pick up a brochure at the trailhead; the seventy or so miles of trail in the Rattlesnake can bewilder newcomers, nowhere more so than this portion of the recreation area.

Mount Jumbo

A myriad of user-created paths wind toward the Loyola High School “L” on broad, grassy Mount Jumbo, which, with the “M” on University Mountain, bookends Hellgate Canyon. Balsamroot and bunchgrass blanket the broad, south-facing slope that overlooks the confluence of Rattlesnake Creek and the Clark Fork River. Speaking of rattlesnakes: although they don’t dwell in the eponymous recreation area farther up the creek, the snakes do inhabit Mount Jumbo; it’s not uncommon to encounter a rattler sunning itself in the middle of the trail come late spring. Beyond the L, hikers can continue up to copses of firs surrounding Jumbo’s flat summit, from which the views down the Bitterroot Valley are unmatched.

South O’Brien Creek

Ask an avid Missoula hiker about South O’Brien Creek, and—assuming they don’t respond with a blank stare—their reply will likely be “Is that the one with all the ceramic angels?” Yes, it is—courtesy of a homeowner with a whimsical sense of style along the gated gravel right-of-way that constitutes the first part of this 7-mile hike. But there’s no shortage of earthly delights in this drainage that abuts Blue Mountain Recreation Area on the southwest edge of Missoula. From the usually-empty trailhead, the South O’Brien Creek loop passes private property on the lush O’Brien Creek drainage before ascending sunbaked, south-facing slopes of ponderosa and wildflowers. The grassy ridges afford unobstructed views of Blue Mountain and its lookout tower to the south and Missoula and Mount Sentinel to the east. With only modest elevation gain and the option of tacking on nearly 3 miles in figure-eight fashion on the adjoining North O’Brien Creek loop, South O’Brien Creek makes for a pleasant early-season conditioner. //

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1. Hike, Mountain Bike, and Pick Huckleberries at Mt. Spokane State Park: Encompassing nearly 14,000 acres in the Selkirk Mountains, Mt. Spokane State Park is the largest one in Washington state, providing lots of trails for hiking or mountain biking and opportunities to find the park’s stashes of huckleberry bushes. If you’re new to this mountain, start at the summit’s Vista House and hike down under chairlift #2 cables and along the trails to find the iconic Inland Northwest berries. Enjoy the majestic views from the 5,883-foot summit, where on clear days you can see all the way to Montana and Canada. When you have time on another day, use a trail map to visit the park’s other peaks, including Mt. Kit Carson (5,282 feet) and Quartz Mountain (5,129 feet). Discover Pass required. Note that the park access road will be under construction this summer, with public access to much of the park limited, meaning you will need to park near the park entrance and hike or bike up. parks.state.wa.us/549/Mount-Spokane

2. Zipline in Wallace, Idaho: If you seek adrenaline-fueled adventure, a Silver Streak Zipline Tour is what you need. Wearing a harness and helmet, you’ll zoom over mountainous terrain along cables up to 1,800 feet long and at speeds up to 60 mph. Several zipline courses and packages are available, and some weight restrictions apply. Silver Streak also has a new, football-field-sized Outdoor Laser Tag Arena, located near the zip courses, for some live-action fun (ages 7+). Silver Streak’s downtown Wallace headquarters (516 Pine Street) is only a 10-minute drive from its mountain property. Reserve your zipline or laser tag session by calling (208) 556-1690. Walk-ins also welcome. silverstreakziplinetours.com

3. Raft, Float, or Tube the Spokane River: One of the best ways to enjoy the Spokane River is from the water itself with one of the region’s trusted outfitters. FLOW Adventures provides guided rafting and kayaking excursions as well as unguided river tubing. Tubing season begins around mid-June, and FLOW provides everything you need – a tube, PFD, and shuttle service (for ages 5+). Call (509) 242-8699 or visit flowadventures.com for reservations. ROW Adventure Center offers half-day guided whitewater rafting (through July 2) and river float trips (after June 20) based out of its downtown Spokane location. Reserve your trip by calling (866) 836-9340 or visit rowadventurecenter.com.

4. Bike the Route of the Hiawatha: Ride 15 miles downhill through 10 tunnels and over seven trestles along the historic Hiawatha Trail. Then get a shuttle back to the top, which is at the East Portal trailhead. The trail is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and permits are required, available online or from the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area. Ridethehiawatha.com

5. Tube the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River: Do-it-yourself tubing on this rustic river, accessible off I-90’s Kingston exit, takes three to five hours, depending on where you start. If you don’t know an experienced local willing to share secrets, visit boatingtheinlandnw.blogspot.com for information and advice. Be aware of parking restrictions and obey all posted signage and Leave No Trace principles. Don’t trespass on private land, which is much of the riverbank other than the National Forest Service campgrounds upriver. For a culinary adventure, visit the historic Snake Pit – likely the only Inland Northwest restaurant serving Rocky Mountain Oysters.

6. Cross Bridges Through Riverfront Park: How many bridges can you walk or bike across in one day? Find out through a do-it-yourself walking or biking tour through Riverfront Park, including Canada Island, and along the Centennial Trail. Between Monroe Street Bridge and upriver to the Don Kardong Bridge near the Gonzaga University campus, you’ll cross back and forth across the Spokane River, enjoying different vantage points along the way. Afterward, cool off at the Rotary Fountain or rest your legs while watching an adventure-themed IMAX film at Riverfront Park. My.spokanecity.org/riverfrontpark

7. Complete a DIY Urban Duathlon – Bike-Swim-Bike-Swim-Bike: Daily admission provides access to all City of Spokane swimming pools, for a choose-your-own adventure type of swim day. Here’s what you do: Bike from home to a city pool of your choice for afternoon open swim and then bike to a different pool for the evening session before biking home. To super-size this bike-swim combo, add a morning lap swim at a third pool. My.spokanecity.org/recreation/aquatics

8. Paddle on Fish Lake or Medical Lake: These two small lakes in east Spokane County are great for kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddleboarding, especially for novice paddlers (motorized boats are prohibited). Both Fish Lake Regional County Park in Cheney and Medical Lake’s Waterfront Park have kid-friendly beaches, bathrooms, and playgrounds. If renting gear, often a 24-hour rental agreement will allow you to not only paddle the day of pick-up, but also to enjoy a morning paddle before returning to the rental shop.

9. Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Numerous trailheads provide access to this 72-mile paved trail that connects the towns of Mullan and Plummer, Idaho. Plan either a long and challenging or a short and leisurely out-and-back route. Trail highlights include the Silver Valley towns of Wallace and Kellogg, the trail’s stretch along Lake Coeur d’Alene’s eastern shoreline, the town of Harrison and its Creamery and Fudge Factory, and the Chatcolet Bridge at the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene near Heyburn State Park. Be aware that I-90 roadwork this summer near Mullan will impact access to the trail; shuttle service is provided around the construction zone (reservations required). Friendsofcdatrails.org

10. Hike at Pend Oreille County Park: Old-growth forest, views of Mt. Spokane, and seven miles of trails are highlights of this 440-acre park off Highway 2 just north of the Spokane County line. Stop at The Ram Drive-Inn, less than nine miles south of the park off Highway 2. The Ram’s generous servings of soft ice cream – even the “kid” version is huge – are legendary, especially their homemade Huckleberry ice cream. Trail map recommended and available at pendoreilleco.org. //

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#1 Experience a River of No Return Jet Boat Tour

Experience Idaho’s famed Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the wild Salmon River on a 1-3 day jet boat tour out of Riggins, Idaho this spring or summer. The tours are a safe and fun way for families to visit the river canyons and remote wilderness beaches to hike, fish, swim, sightsee, view wildlife and relax. Overnight tours include all-inclusive accommodations at either China Bar Lodge or Mackay Bar Lodge. Half-day tours are also available. More info: 1-888-892-2820 or at Salmonrivertour.com and Mackaybarlodge.com.

#2 One-Stop Family Fun in Fernie, B.C.

A little over four hours north of Spokane, Fernie, British Columbia, may be the ultimate summertime destination for outdoors-loving families. The exceptionally scenic mountain town situated in the dramatic Canadian Rockies has developed a well-earned reputation as mountain biking meca (so bring the bikes), but the town and surrounding mountains also offer a wide range of inexpensive and often free family-orientated recreation opportunities and outdoor activities.

Being an old mining town, Fernie has a lot of engaging history. The Fernie Museum is a great place to start exploring the town’s past. James White Park sits right on the picturesque Elk River and is home to the Fernie Frisbee Golf course, which is free. Easy, signed family nature and hiking trails are located in the nearby Mount Fernie Provincial Park, and Fernie Alpine Resort has chairlift rides and hiking and biking trails. Kids fishing adventures, river floats, Arts Station tours, dirt jump and skate park trips, the Fernie Waterpark and Aquatic Centre, or family biking along the dyke in James White Park are just some of the fun family times to be had in Fernie. Everything is in close proximity to town, allowing for low-stress mini-adventures from your hotel or campground between naps and mealtimes. Tourismfernie.com.

 #3 Go Hiking and Bird Watching in Leavenworth

The central Cascade mountain town of Leavenworth is a hiking family’s dream. Explore the trails in the Icicle Creek Canyon area (including some challenging options), the Icicle River Nature Trail near the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery or the forested riverbank trails of Enchantment Park and Waterfront Park’s Blackbird Island close to downtown. The Sleeping Lady Resort also hosts free Saturday morning bird walks with Heather Murphy, a local wildlife biologist, nature journalist and artist. Over the past 25 years she has recorded 109 species of birds in the Sleeping Lady area, which is documented in the Citizen Science eBird program at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The tours run May 7 and 21 as well as the first and third Saturdays in June and September. Don’t forget binoculars!  Sleepinglady.com.

#4 Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival (July 9 2016)

Introduce your kids to outdoor recreation activities like stand up paddleboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, geo-caching, slacklining, canoeing or disc golf at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival at Camp Sekani Park along the Spokane River. There will also be over 40 outdoor-lifestyle oriented exhibitors to visit, with many of them offering demos, samples and other activities. Kids will also enjoy watching mountain bikers fly through the air at the Spokatopia Jump Jam and listening to live music all day long. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and general admission is $5 per person (5 and under are free). Some clinics and activities cost extra and require advance registration (most sold out last year). Camp Sekani is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley on Upriver Drive. Info and outdoor activity registration at Spokatopia.com.

#5 Fly Through the Trees with Mica Moon Zip Tours 

Last summer Mica Moon started offering zipline and canopy tours in the mountains above Liberty Lake between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. The 2.5 hour tours include eight ziplines, seven tree-top platforms, two short hikes and a UTV 4×4 ride up the mountain to start off the tour. The course threads through scenic forest, over a mountain stream and near historic moonshine camps. The season kicks off in April and runs all summer long. Micamoon.com. 

#6 Take a National Park Family Vacation

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, and what better way to celebrate and take advantage of many special anniversary events and activities than to plan a national park vacation this summer. Several of the nation’s most popular parks, including Glacier, North Cascades and Yellowstone, are an easy day’s drive from Spokane and can make a memorable family trip, especially with the right planning and information.

Spokane couple Harley and Abby McAllister are a self-described adventurous husband and wife duo who drag their four kids outside as often as they can. After visiting Yellowstone National Park several times and having struggled to find quality information geared towards visiting national parks with kids, they decided to write a guidebook to help other families plan a Yellowstone trip.  Their book, “Yellowstone National Park with Kids” (available from Amazon.com) includes travel tips, top sights, fun adventures, a section on backpacking with kids, a guide to the geysers and sample trip itineraries. The information in the book is divided by regions of the park so that all of a day’s planned activities can be organized by location, enabling you to make the most of your time in the park. The McAllisters have a second book, “Utah’s Big 5 National Parks with Kids,” which covers Arches, Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Learn more about the books and the McAllister’s family adventures at Our4outdoors.com and about national parks at Nps.gov.

#7 Spend the Day at Silverwood Theme Park

Silverwood is the Northwest’s largest theme park, located in a fairly rural area in North Idaho. The park features over 200 acres of fun and over 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions. You can experience world-class coasters, hair-raising attractions, kiddie adventures, a 1915 steam engine train, live award-winning entertainment, restaurants and more. Visitors can also cool off at Boulder Beach Water Park with two massive wave pools, thrilling water slides, children’s water features and an endless lazy river. New to Boulder Beach for 2016 is a 400 foot-long slide standing nearly 60 feet tall. The new mat racing water slide will feature 6 side-by-side racing lanes for kids to compete against one another. Admission covers both Silverwood and the Boulder Beach Water Park. Silverwood operates seasonally from May through October just minutes north of Coeur d’Alene. For more information and the best price on tickets, visit Silverwoodthemepark.com or call 208-683-3400.// (Wil Wheaton)

Spokane Parks and Recreation—Outdoor Programs for All Ages

Spokane Parks and Recreation has offered outdoor recreation activities and programs since 1989, and many of them are perfect for kids and families. Explore Spokane’s plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities with a guided group of like-minded parents. Spokane Parks and Recreation offers affordable hiking, biking, paddling, rafting, climbing and other adventures, and for many of them equipment, instruction and guidance is included in the trip. Here is a sampling of some of the adventures and camps being offered this year. Details and the full list of spring and summer activities at Spokanecity.org/recreation/outdoor.

• Paddleboarding at Fish Lake (ages 8+): Learn the basics of stand up paddleboarding on the peaceful, smooth waters of Fish Lake near Cheney. All equipment and group instruction provided. June 29 and July 26 (6-8 p.m.). $19 per person.
• Introduction to Rock Climbing (ages 8+): Instructors teach basic climbing techniques at Minnehaha Climbing Area. Rappel, climb, belay and practice climbing skills during this 5-hour course. July 23 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). $42 per person.
• Spokane River Rafting & BBQ (ages 5+): Wiley E Waters river guides will take you down the Lower Spokane River through fun class II and III rapids. Enjoy wildlife sightings, beautiful scenery and a post-trip BBQ. All equipment included. July 3 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). $55 per person.
• Family Kayaking on the Little Spokane River (ages 8+): Paddle tandem sit-on-top kayaks on the meandering, mellow waters of the crystal-clear Little Spokane River as it flows through a pine-studded natural area teeming with wildlife. Equipment provided. Multiple summer trip dates. $29 per person.
• Prehistoric Camp (ages 6-11): Kids will learn about paleontology and animals that inhabited the planet millions of years ago – including dinosaurs, fish, amphibians and birds – at the Corbin Arts Center. August 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. $124 per child.
• Archery Introduction (ages 5+): Learn the basics of archery in a beautiful, safe setting with the skilled professionals from Evergreen Archery Club (near Palisades Park in Spokane). June 4 and August 6 (9 a.m. to noon). $29 per person.
• Teen & Youth Outdoor Adventure Camps (ages vary): Kids learn team building, self-confidence and outdoor skills all while exploring different outdoor sports and activities. (Multiple dates and pricing options available.)

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Methow Valley, WA (North Cascades):

Mountain Bike the Sun Mountain Trails

This 40 plus mile network of singletrack and double track can be accessed right from Winthrop via the Winthrop Trail or from the Chickadee Trailhead near Sun Mountain Lodge. There are trails for all level of riders from beginner (like the loop around Beaver Pond) to more advanced ones (like Pete’s Dragon or Magpie), which makes the Sun Mountain Trail system great for groups of riders with mixed ability levels. Sun Mountain Lodge rents bikes and offers maps (sunmountainlodge.com) and Methow Cycle & Sport can also get you pointed in the right direction (methowcyclesport.com).

More Hardcore: bike the highest singletrack in Washington! The 25-mile-long Angel’s Staircase is the Methow Valley’s must-ride trail for serious mountain bikers. This challenging singletrack loop climbs up to 8,000 feet and includes a total of 5,000 feet of climbing and descending. Plan for a full day in mid-to-late August when the snow is gone. Trails.evergreenmtb.org/wiki/Trail:Angels_Staircase.

Explore the North Cascades Out of a Beautiful Lodge

North Cascades Basecamp is a European-style lodge and outdoor adventure and education mecca in the upper end of the Methow Valley near the small community of Mazama.  While NCB is a perfect location for launching hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and other adventures in the surrounding North Cascades, they also have a number of nature-based tours to help you explore the wildlife habitat and native trees, flowers, and plants. Northcascadesbasecamp.com.

Leavenworth, WA:

Get Up, Stand Up—SUP Leavenworth

“Stand up paddle boarding is taking off,” says Kate Braunstein with Leavenworth Mountain Sports. The Wenatchee River offers a little bit of everything, from river running and wave surfing to flat-water paddling. Once the surf waves below town disappear with the peak spring snow melt (typically in mid-June), the action moves to the Icicle River or the dam-controlled, mellow paddling section of the Wenatchee for the rest of the summer. “A lot of different people can do it since there are both flat sections and rapids,” Braunstein says. “I take my dog out on my board all the time.” Leavenworth Mountain Sports rents boards, paddles, wetsuits and other gear, and they lead guided SUP tours down the Icicle River to the Wenatchee. See for yourself: http://vimeo.com/38782047. Leavenworthmtnsports.com.

Make Friends with Freund Canyon Mountain Bike Trail

Thanks to a recently built trail connector, you can pedal out of Leavenworth on your bike to the Freund Canyon Trail, grind uphill, scream downhill on fast singletrack, and be back in town for a beer in a couple hours. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance describes the trail this way: “The uphill is a moderate grind, and the downhill is a fast, brakeless, water bar (read: jump!) and berm-laden joyride.” (trails.evergreenmtb.org/wiki/Trail:Freund Canyon). Stop by Das Rad Haus bike shop in Leavenworth for directions and trail conditions. Dasradhaus.com.

Wallowa County, Oregon:

Ride the Wallowa Lake Tram for a Hike at 8,000 Feet

Ever since the tram first started hauling passengers high up into the wild and rugged Wallowa Mountains in 1970, the Wallowa Lake Tramway has been one of northeast Oregon’s most popular attractions. The 3,700 foot vertical ascent to the summit of Mt. Howard offers incredible views in every direction from the safety of a gondola car. There are several miles of hiking trails to explore up top, and the Summit Grill, which bills itself as the Northwest’s highest restaurant, may just be the most scenic restaurant in the Northwest too. Enjoy a burger and a Terminal Gravity local craft brew on the summit before heading back down to the lake. Wallowalaketramway.com.

More Hardcore: hike up, tram down! Skip the ride up and hike up Mt. Howard instead. “On the spur of the moment a couple years ago, we hiked up 8,256 foot Mt. Howard from the bottom of the tram on a mix of bike trails and game trails that eventually turned into scrambling up gravel fields and finally punching through snow up at the top,” says OTM Senior Writer Jon Jonckers. “Once we got up top we realized the tram was actually open. Needless to say, we rode the tram back down.”

Catch the Wildflower Bloom on the Rim of Hells Canyon

It may be too hot and snake and poison ivy infested at the bottom of the canyon for most people, but the Hat Point Overlook high on the rim in northeast Oregon offers spectacular views of the canyon, the Snake River, the Seven Devils Wilderness and the Wallowa Mountains. Peak wildflower season, if you time it right, can be epic (shoot for mid-July). This day use area, which opens in July, is reached from a rough road out of the tiny town of Imnaha along the Imnaha River east of Joseph. There are several trails in the area for hiking, as well as an interpretive display and an active fire lookout tower that you can climb part way up for even better views. Google “Hat Point Overlook and Day Use Area” for more information, directions, and camping recommendations.

Riggins, Idaho:

Float the Salmon River

There’s nothing like the exhilarating whitewater and blow drier-like summertime heat of the Salmon River that flows through the heart of Riggins to make you feel like your summer is complete. Find plenty of outfitters eager to get you and your friends and family out on the water through fun class III rapids in a raft or inflatable kayak at rigginsidaho.com. Many university outdoor programs and some outfitters rent rafting gear too if your boating skills are up to snuff enough for tackling the river on your own.

More Hardcore: SUP it! Looking to up the intensity a bit? Run the same stretch of river on a standup paddle board. “Most of our SUPs are longer and wider, so a lot of people are mastering standing up on them even through whitewater, but you can also drop to your knees through bigger rapids,” says Mountain River Outfitters guide Heather Alkire.   Mountain River Outfitters offers NRS inflatable SUPs to clients on their raft trips, and they also rent a few boards if you want to go for it on your own. Idahoriver.com.

Backpack the Seven Devils Loop

This 28-mile loop hike around the tallest peaks and pristine lakes of the Seven Devils Mountains is a classic Idaho backpacking route for a reason: historic fire lookouts, soaring views into the deepest gorge in North America, wildflower explosions along high mountain trails, and clear alpine lakes and granite spires that look like they belong in the Lord of the Rings, or at least the North Cascades. The Seven Devils are wild and remote, and the trail too is rugged in places. Don’t skip the side trips to several lakes along the loop, and don’t forget your bug juice. Find trail info and alerts here.

More Hardcore: Hike it (or run it) in a day! Plan for a long day to finish this 28 mile loop in a single day. Bring plenty of water (and means to purify more), plus food, quality light footwear, all your emergency essentials, some moleskin, and a headlamp. Expect to climb over a number of downed trees to add to your workout.

Silver Valley, Idaho:

Ride a Zipline 2,000 feet Above the Silver Valley

The Silver Valley’s first zip line course, Silver Streak Zipline Tours, opened in 2012, with a second course following in 2013.  The West Course has six zips, including heights over 300 feet. The East Course has four zips, including their longest zip “Big Daddy” which is 1,800 feet long and reaches speeds over 55 mph. The East Course also has two dual zip lines, which lets you ride beside a partner, and a “super hero” zip where you can ride face first. Tours take about 2-2.5 hours each, and you can do one or both courses.

“The vast majority of our customers say that we are better than zip courses they’ve done in Costa Rica or Hawaii,” says owner Bonnie DeRoos. “Our courses are fast, high, and our guides are high energy with great personalities.” Silver Streak Zipline Tours is also kid friendly for kids weighing at least 95 pounds. Plan ahead as many weekends sell out in advance. Reservations are required. Silverstreakziplinetours.com.

Bike the Trail of the Hiawatha

Touted as the “Crown Jewel of Rails to Trails,” the Route of the Hiawatha, operated by Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, has become a magnet of tourism attention from across the Northwest and beyond in recent years. Boasting tunnels, trestles, interpretive signs, and 15 miles of mellow, crushed gravel pedaling joy, the Hiawatha is the perfect summertime, fat-tire trip for families and other groups of cyclists looking for a highly scenic yet not too taxing ride along a historic rail line (with the shuttle service, it’s all downhill). The trail takes most groups about two and a half hours to ride at a leisurely pace.  You can get your trail and shuttle tickets, rent bikes and bike lights, and get lunch at the café at the lodge at Lookout Pass (exit 0 at the Idaho/Montana state line). Helmets and bike lights are required. Ridethehiawatha.com.

More Hardcore: Run it! “The Forest Service requires you to run in a bike helmet, which probably deters more people from running the Hiawatha,” says Spokane runner Jon Jonckers, who ran it with a friend in 2013. “People are generally cold riding through the Taft Tunnel, and if you’re running it, it’s totally frickin’ cold because you’re moving slower, and you’re in there so much longer.” Jonckers says he would definitely do it again and recommends having someone ride along with you to share the experience and help carry extra water and snacks. “It’s all downhill and makes for a perfect, beautiful training for a fall marathon.”

Bike New MTB Trails at Silver Mountain

The passionate crew of trail dreamers and builders at Silver Mountain Resort have been hard at work this past year implementing a plan that has been transforming the well-loved winter resort into a full-on summer bike park destination with gondola-served trails for everyone, from seasoned downhill riders to intermediate to beginner all-mountain and xc pedalers. On top of having 30 miles of trails, many offering 3,400 hundred feet of descent, last year they rebuilt trails like Log Jammin and Lower Hammer, adding a large machine-built jump line to the latter, and built new trails like Hot Mess (a technical, double black) and Happy Day, a six-mile beginner trail. For 2014, the Silver Mountain Bike Park is launching a total remodel, with new trail construction, trail doctoring, and signage improvements.  They also have a new fleet of Kona bikes for rent at Silver Mountain Sports at the mountain village, not to mention lodging, pubs, and a water park. More info: Silvermt.com.

Sandpoint, Idaho:

Backpack to Chimney Rock

When I think of Priest Lake, there’s that iconic granite tower in my head. The same one that adorns t-shirts and coffee mugs along the lake and beckons Inland Northwest climbers. Chimney is even more impressive when you’re standing at the base of it or looking over at it from a neighboring ridge or peak, and it makes a fantastic backpacking trip destination from either the Priest Lake or Sandpoint sides. Consult Rich Lander’s “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” for hiking info.

More Hardcore: Hike in and Climb It! Make sure you have the skills, equipment, and beta to make it to the top and back down safely! Get a copy of Thaddeus Laird’s “Climbers guide to North Idaho and the Cabinet Wilderness” and then start planning and preparing for an unforgettable climb.

Hike the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and Then Chill at City Beach

Almost entirely on private property, the largely flat trail runs for two miles along the waterfront of Lake Pend Oreille, linking Sandpoint, Ponderay and Kootenai. Stroll along the tree-shaded shoreline for an unforgettable start to a day at the beach. Follow Sandpoint Avenue from City Beach to the water treatment plant for access. If you read this in time, check out the trail while doing the Bay Trail Fun Run on June 8. Proceeds from this 5 or 10 k go towards extending this incredible public pathway. Pobtrail.org.

Whitefish, Montana:

Mountain Bike the Whitefish Trail

The Whitefish Trail hasn’t received the attention that other regional MTB destinations have, but that’s likely going to change. “It’s the gold standard of Whitefish riding,” says Craig Prapher with Great Northern Cycle & Ski in Whitefish. “The trail has been a 10 year project that now includes about 35-40 miles of machine built, flowy trails made for mountain biking.” And this is just the beginning, as additional miles of trail are in the works. The trail system sits at around 3,000 feet and has moderate amounts of elevation gain, making it an excellent ride for intermediate riders. It’s also snow-free early in the season. Get in touch with Great Northern Cycle & Ski for more info (Greatnortherncycles.com) or learn more here: Whitefishlegacy.org/recreation.

More Hardcore: Bike the black diamonds at Whitefish Mountain Resort! Get a lift ticket and ride black and double black gravity trails like Freebird and GNR at Whitefish Mountain Resort (they have miles of more forgiving intermediate and beginner trails at WMR too). Skiwhitefish.com/summer/mountain-biking.

Walk in the Trees (and learn about the local forest ecosystem)

Learn about the history and ecology of an old-growth Montana forest from experienced guides on this two and a half hour tour on an elevated boardwalk suspended 70 feet above the forest floor. Walk in the Treetops is one of only a few treetop canopy tours available in North America. Reservations are highly recommended as summer tours sell out quickly (406-862-2900).

Zip Down Whitefish Mountain Resort

Soar above the trees on Montana’s longest zip line tour with mind blowing views on the edge of Glacier National Park. WMR has a total of 1.7 miles of zipline fun, including five or seven zip tours, with speeds that can reach 50 mph. Side-by-side zipping is available on all lines. Some rides go up to 300 feet off the ground, with the longest lines spanning 1,900 feet over the valley floor.

“We used the natural features of our terrain to build a ‘zip line park’ and the result is an experience that leaves an indelible impression on the minds of our guests,” says Riley Polumbus, Public Relations Manager at Whitefish Mountain Resort. “Guests are blown away by the experience! Not only does each zip line surpass the exhilaration of the last, the views, terrain and personalities of our guides who comfort, encourage and joke throughout the tour just make it all more fun.” Riders must be between 60 and 230 pounds.  Reservations are strongly recommended (call 406-862-2900). More info: Skiwhitefish.com/summer/zip-line-tours.

Rossland and Nelson, B.C.:

Bike the Kettle Valley Railway near Christina Lake and Rossland

The stretch of the Kettle Valley Railway (also known locally as the Columbia and Western Railway) between the Paulson Summit on Highway 3 west of Rossland and the Christina Lake area could be one of the most scenic rail trail rides in the world. No joke. According to Bob Dupee, owner of Wild Ways Adventure Sports and Tours in Christina Lake, representatives from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy who toured this stretch of the trail last year wrote that it was “the best trail on earth.” Keep in mind that these people have seen a lot of miles of rail trails all over the place.

If that’s not enough of an endorsement, try this: big trestles, tunnels, amazing vistas, excellent crushed rock riding conditions, and a downhill 35 kilometer ride that offers another 10 k option of touring down to the class V rapids on the Kettle River in the Cascade Gorge. The trip ends at Christina Lake, which is the warmest lake in Canada and an awesome swimming, hiking, and camping destination in itself. Wild Ways Adventure Sports and Tours in the community of Christina Lake offers shuttles, bike rentals, and plenty of excellent information and advice: Wildways.com. You can also arrange your trip including shuttles out of Rossland: Tourismrossland.com.

More Hardcore: Ride Rossland’s IMBA Epic Seven Summits Trail! This 23 mile epic ride, which was named Bike Magazine’s Trail of the Year for 2007, gets its name from the seven mountain summits along the trail. That means you’ll be biking over a lot of rock in between sections of smooth alpine singletrack. Estimates of the elevation gain vary, but it’s around 4,000 feet. Definitely don’t miss the Dewdney Trail downhill finish. Visit Revolution Cycles in Rossland (online or in the flesh) for trail updates, maps, bike rentals, and shuttle info: Revolutioncycles.ca.

SUP Kootenay Lake at Lakeside Park in Nelson

Like many other lake and river towns in the Pacific Northwest, Nelson has seen an explosion in stand up paddleboarding on Kootenay Lake over the past few years. No surprise. Kootenay Lake, which is really the slack water of the dammed Kootenay River, is a gorgeous, flat water paddling haven with easy beach access minutes from downtown Nelson. “Paddleboarding has taken off in town over the past two years,” says Tiffany Deefy with ROAM, Nelson’s basecamp for outdoor gear, rentals, and guided trips. Lakeside Park, which is about a five minute walk from downtown, is the most popular paddleboarding staging area and the location of SUP demo events every weekend this summer (call 1-866-900-ROAM for details). Deefy recommends a popular SUP trip that involves a half hour or so paddle south from Lakeside Park to First Nations pictographs along the shore. Visit ROAM for more info: Roamshop.com.

Northeast Washington:

Ride the Lion’s Train along the Pend Oreille River

The North Pend Oreille County Lion’s Club operates these increasingly popular train rides, which run from Ione north along the Pend Oreille River and down the river canyon ten miles to Metaline Falls. Along the way, look for eagles, osprey, deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife, and enjoy the views of massive Box Canyon Dam and a historic train trestle built in 1910. From there, the train crosses the river and climbs a bit before plunging into the first of two tunnels. The trip ends at Metaline Falls, a mining town just south of the Canadian border that is home to the historic Cutter Theater. Trips run on select weekends during the summer (July 26-27 during Down River Days in Ione and Aug 30-31 during and An Affair on Main Street in Metaline Falls). They frequently sell out well in advance, as do the extremely popular fall color train rides in October, so make your reservations early to get a seat on the train. Lionstrainrides.com.

Road bike around the Kettle Range and Drink Good Beer

“It’s a really fun ride,” says Lynn O’Connor, the Colville area’s road biking go-to person these days, talking about the near century ride around the Kettle Range Mountains that can be started from Kettle Falls or Republic. She ticks off stats that may not sound like fun to some riders: two burly mountain passes (Sherman and Boulder), 96 miles, 7,600 feet of elevation gain, but Lynn is bubbling with excitement just talking about it. “The ride is definitely a challenge, but it’s a really spectacular route,” she says. “Traffic on Highway 395 and 20 can be a little squirrely, but Boulder Pass and the route from Curlew into Republic are sweet as pie.” Check out Colvelo.org for cycling info for the Colville and Kettle Falls areas.

Less Hardcore (but still pretty bad ass): ride it as a weekend tour! Spreading the ride out over a weekend spreads the challenge around a bit and allows you to stay a night or two and check out the Republic Brewing Company in Republic (Republicbrew.com) and Northern Ales Brewery in Kettle Falls (Northernales.com).

OTM Tips for a Fool Proof Summer Adventure

• Always pack your hiking shoes (on any kinds of summer trip).
• Check the air pressure in your tires (car and/or bike).
• Don’t forget your tent stakes.
• Pack a cooler full of your favorite food for the road.
• Bring rain gear (and a tarp if you’re camping).
• Good music for the road is essential.
• Keep a first aid kit in your car or pack.
• Throw a good book in your travel bag.
• Take plenty of maps (the road and trail kind).
• Always bring extra beer (or your favorite spirit or soft drink).
• Leave your cell phone in the glove box (or on airplane mode in your pocket to take photos but avoid unwanted work calls).
• Read up on the places you’re visiting, from guide books to local authors’ nonfiction and novels.
• You can never have too many headlamps (or flashlights).
• Carry plenty of sunscreen (and use it).
• Never forget a camp chair, even if you’re only on a day trip. Nothing is worse than standing around your car after a long hike (other than standing around hot, tired, and thirsty without a cold beverage).

The post Ultimate Summer Adventure Guide: Hiking, SUPing, Mtn. Biking, Rail Trails, Ziplines, Nature Tours & More Summer Fun! appeared first on Out There Venture.

A short boating season and strictly limited access on several of these rivers mean that boaters speak of successful bids for lottery spots like fish stories. But with a pair of boots, adventurers can enjoy these same rivers with no reservations.

River hikes bring unique pleasures. The low elevations in otherwise-arid country mean early hiking seasons; hikers in Hells Canyon, for example, might be clad in shorts and spotting wildflowers in March when snow still blocks the high country for months to come. River trails also make for family-friendly first hiking destinations, with the potential for rock-skipping on sandy beaches an enticement to coax tired feet onward.

Best of all, unlike hikes with a fixed destination, river trails lend themselves to treks tailored to the abilities of a group, so they’re great spring conditioning outings or road-trip leg-stretchers. Go with the flow on these five classic river hikes – no permits required.

Rapid River Trail

The Wild and Scenic Rapid River in central Idaho forms a gateway to Idaho’s Seven Devils, which lord over Hells Canyon. Popular with residents of Riggins and McCall, the trail paralleling the river hosts hikers nearly year-round, although springtime highlights its wildflower charms. Beginning near the Rapid River Fish Hatchery – the small waterway provides breeding grounds for chinook salmon – trek through a narrow chasm with an intimate view of the pools and riffles of the river. Watch for deer on the high slopes and hawks overhead. Typical of the variety of habitats encountered on river trails, hikers will find gnarled mountain mahogany reminiscent of the Great Basin one moment, and round a corner to pacific yew the next. Woodland flowers – bleeding heart, phlox, glacier-lily – abound, and early spring sees entire slopes awash in the white blooms of serviceberry. The junction with the West Fork Rapid River Trail at 4.5 miles makes a good turnaround point. Ambitious trekkers can continue on for early-season, high-country probing in the Seven Devils.

Camping/lodging: The broad sandy beach at Shorts Bar on the Salmon River just upstream from Riggins offers easy tent camping near town. Travelers can also find several motels in Riggins.

Driving directions: From Riggins, Idaho, drive 4.3 miles south on Highway 95 to Rapid River Road. Turn right and drive 2.4 miles, past Rapid River Fish Hatchery, to the trailhead.

Wind River Trail

Even by the scant standards of the other hikes featured here, the Wind River trail upstream from Riggins receives little traffic, overshadowed as it is by the world-class whitewater rafting on the Salmon River nearby (the take-out point for the life-list Main Salmon River float is just upstream from the trailhead).

But hikers who leave the boaters far below will be treated to outstanding vistas of wild country little changed from when Lewis and Clark deemed it nigh-impassable. From the Salmon River, cross the Wind River Pack Bridge and immediately enter the 206,000-acre Gospel Hump Wilderness. The trail leaves the Salmon River behind and follows Wind River north through a pleasant canyon. After a level mile, climb to a balsamroot-bedecked hillside for fine views and a decent turnaround point for a quick leg-stretcher. For a better vantage point, descend to a second footbridge and then climb 600 feet up a sun-baked slope for a postcard view across the Salmon River canyon to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, which, along with the Gospel Hump and Selway-Bitterroot, form the largest wilderness complex in the lower 48 states.

Camping: The Forest Service operates a fee campground at Spring Bar, 8 miles downstream from the trailhead. But campers who can live without picnic tables can pitch a tent on several stretches of beach with pit toilets nearby.

Driving directions: From Riggins, Idaho, drive east on Salmon River Road. Follow the paved road (it eventually turns into a well-graded gravel road) 18.4 miles to a T-junction, just beyond French Creek. Stay left along the river and follow the road an additional five miles to the Wind River Pack Bridge and signed trailhead.

Snake River Trail

By some measures, Hells Canyon claims the greatest chasm in North America. By any measure, the Snake River National Recreational Trail along the river rates as a must-do Inland Northwest day-hike. From Pittsburg Landing – a popular staging area for long-distance treks into the Hells Canyon Wilderness – the trail winds approximately 26 miles on the Idaho side of the Wild and Scenic Snake on tread that alternates between surprisingly green grassland and vertigo-inducing rock ledges. Serviceberry, sumac and the twisted trunks of hackberry hide an array of wildlife: prepare to be startled by chukar partridges exploding from cover. Canyon wrens and rabbits inhabit the lush, narrow creek draws. Early spring brings surprising color from phlox, paintbrush, brodeia and others; early June bears prickly pear cactus blooms. Hikers should be on the watch for poison ivy year-round. Hike in the morning for comfort; once the sun rises above the canyon walls, shade is scarce. Historic Kirkwood Ranch – which boasts a small museum in addition to historic ranch houses and an orchard – makes for a popular day-hike destination of 12 miles round-trip.

Camping: Upper Pittsburg Landing features free trailhead campsites, but Lower Pittsburg Landing boasts a better campground complete with sheltered cooking areas, picnic tables, and a fee.

Driving directions: From Grangeville, Idaho, drive south on Highway 95. At 1.2 miles south of Whitebird Junction, turn right (west) toward Hammer Creek Recreation Area. Cross the Salmon River and turn left toward Pittsburg Landing on Deer Creek Road (#493). Drive 17 miles over Pittsburg Saddle and down to the Pittsburg Landing area. At the paved junction, turn left toward Upper Landing and drive 1.7 miles to the road’s end and trailhead.

Selway River Trail

Part of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Selway River in north-central Idaho remains one of the most pristine waterways in the lower 48; to keep it that way, the Forest Service allows only one permitted boat launch a day. Hikers don’t need to cross their fingers for a chance to explore this passageway into the heart of the 1.3-million-acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, although herpetophobes should beware: the Selway’s rattlesnakes are legendary and legion. The 56-mile Selway River Trail parallels sand beaches and sculpted boulders along its length, with the steep, fir-cloaked canyon occasionally narrowing enough to necessitate a climb away from the shore. The Selway swelters in mid-summer, but spring is pleasant. Six miles in, Cupboard Creek rapids rates as a good turnaround spot for a long dayhike, although groups with young hikers may choose to stop at any of the beaches before then.

Camping: Race Creek Campground at the Selway River Trail terminus makes a fine staging point for hiking trips.

Driving directions: From Lewiston, drive 114 miles east on Highway 12 to Lowell. At Lowell, continue east across the Clearwater River onto Forest Road (FR) 223 (Selway River Road). Proceed 18 miles (past Selway Falls) to the trailhead at Race Creek Campground and road’s end.

Wenaha River Trail

The Wild and Scenic Wenaha winds its way across the heart of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, which encompasses almost 200,000 acres of rugged ridges, flower-filled meadows and deep river canyons in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington and northeast Oregon. The Wenaha River trail meanders 22 miles along the river, alternating between ponderosa and black cottonwood flats and narrow causeways blasted out of the rock high above the water. In addition to being a blue-ribbon trout stream, the Wenaha is a wildlife-watchers delight: scan the steep slopes for black bears, elk and bighorn sheep, but keep an eye on the trail, too; rattlesnakes are rife here. Fragrant coyote mint and other hardy rock-garden plants enliven the trail in the spring, although poison ivy is also plentiful. Numerous side trails climb the 2,000-foot canyon to the broad tablelands above and beckon backpackers, but day-hikers can aim for the wilderness boundary at 4.5 miles or Crooked Creek at 6.5 miles.

Camping: Fields Spring State Park, just across the border in Washington, is one of the state’s finest parcels, with plentiful tent sites and a shower facility. Save time for the short hike to Puffer Butte, which boasts an unbeatable view over the canyon country below.

Driving directions: At the north end of tiny Troy, Ore., drive west on Bartlett Road, following signs toward Pomeroy. Drive 0.3 mile to the trailhead at the road’s first switchback. //

Rattlesnakes & Poison Ivy

Rattlesnakes: Keep an eye out for snakes along the trail or near creeks and shady areas on hot days. Use a walking stick or trekking poles to poke around rocks and tall grass and help let any resting rattlers know you’re coming. Tune your ears to listen for the unmistakable, high-pitched rattle. Rattlesnakes rarely bite unless provoked and bites are rarely fatal if treated properly.

Leaves of three, let it be: Poison ivy grows along many of the Inland Northwest’s more arid river canyons. Look for the signature three shiny leaves on bushy plants along trails and creeks (sometimes with small white berries bunched up near the stems). Avoid brushing up against poison ivy, as the oil from the plant is known for causing a rash on most people who touch it.

The post River Time: Go With the Flow on These 5 River Hikes appeared first on Out There Venture.