Recently, instructor Jessica Haffner led events that began with short, invigorating hikes that culminate in a yoga and meditation class in either a secluded meadow or at a panoramic viewpoint. The recent September event started at the Dishman Hills Glenrose Trailhead and the latest October Yoga In the Wild class began with a hike from the Steven’s Creek Trailhead on the south side of the Iller Creek Conservation Area.

Eclipse Power Yoga also hosts retreats and backpacking adventures to practice yoga, meditate, hike, and explore the outdoors. The most recent trip was to the North Cascades. In July 2023, the trip will be to Stehekin, Wash., at Lake Chelan.

Upcoming events combining yoga and the outdoors can be found at Eclipsepoweryoga.com.

Eclipse “Yoga In the Wild” in Spokane County, Wash. // Photo courtesy Eclipse Power Yoga.

Find more yoga stories in the OTO archives.

The post Yoga In the Wild: Hike+Yoga In Spokane appeared first on Out There Venture.

“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.

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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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

The post 31 Ways to Explore Inland NW Lakes appeared first on Out There Venture.

Yoga combines strengthening, stretching, and—depending on the pace of the type you practice—enough cardio to really elevate the heartrate. It can be relaxing and restorative and often prevents injuries, too. That was the experience of runner and certified yoga instructor Annelie Stockton, who teaches yoga and running classes at Empire Fitness and loves to help runners incorporate yoga into their routines.

Before she found yoga about seven years ago, “I was always dealing with running injuries,” she says. “It was really debilitating.” Through consistent yoga, she was able to address sciatica and muscle imbalances. She hasn’t been injured since. 

 “With yoga you get your strength training, core work, stretching, and recovery all in one,” says Stockton. Her preferred practice, vinyasa, “is fast-paced, so you’re moving pretty quickly.” Flowing through or holding poses can strengthen small muscles like those around the ankles and knees that are often overlooked in weight training workouts. Yoga works muscles in a fluid and challenging way that yields big results.

“You can do all the sit-ups in the world but you won’t get the same core strength as you will doing yoga,” Stockton says. “I try to lift weights, but I find that I don’t always have time for everything. If I was going to pick two, it would definitely be running and yoga.” 

Those who practice it know that yoga impacts more than just the body. “I think it’s a very mental workout,” says Stockton. “Running takes a lot of mental toughness, and I find that yoga really complements that. It’s challenging, but also really calming.”

She notes, though, that it takes time to build to that calm feeling. “In the beginning, I couldn’t do a pose without my mind racing.” For those who practice consistently, yoga brings both physical and mental benefits. “It’s really cool to see not only how your body changes, but for sure your mental state.” 

Stockton’s preferred routine is to follow a run with a vinyasa class a couple of days each week. On other days, she spends a few minutes post-run on poses, taking care to target the hips and low back. “Runners have tight hips, so it’s super important to work on them,” she says.

Her favorites include yogi squat, down dog, low lunge, pigeon, half split, cow face (author’s note: I adore this one for both the puzzling name and the deep hip stretch), and child’s pose. 

(Author’s other tip: though it’s ideal for new yogis to begin with in-person classes with real-time instructor feedback, if that’s not feasible during this never-ending pandemic, check out the excellent YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene, which includes tutorials for beginners.)  

Stockton has an article online about her yoga practice that goes through favorite restorative poses and a series of yoga flows at www.teamrunrun.com. 

For running or yoga classes with Stockton at Empire Fitness, view descriptions and sign up online.

Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane and tries to maintain COVID-19-era sanity by running and practicing yoga as often as possible. 

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Despite the fun and sense of adventure that comes with these activities, they are not risk free. Living an outdoor lifestyle can lead people into situations that are stressful, physically and mentally challenging, and even life threatening. Talk among outdoorsy people often includes tips on how to eat better, find better trails, or train more efficiently. But how often are the topics of mental health and meditation included in such conversations?  

Just as athletes train their bodies, they should also consider training their minds. This becomes especially important for high-risk activities where hard decisions must be made quickly. What happens if a climber drops a belay device or if a hiker wanders off route? The ability to calm down and focus in situations like these is critical. Through meditation, the ability to calm anxious thoughts and be present in the moment can be cultivated. Meditation is a tool to be utilized and takes practice to learn; just like anything else, it gets easier over time.    

Talking with a meditation teacher makes the practice seem more adoptable and not so overwhelming. Susan Jane Hall has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years. She teaches at Spokane Yoga Shala and recently started teaching at Harmony Yoga. Trained in classical and modern meditation techniques, she explains the science behind meditation, which has been proven to train brain waves into balancing themselves over time. 

According to Hall there are five different brain states: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. In stressful and anxiety producing situations, the brain goes into a beta state, but enhanced mental and physical clarity come from alpha and theta states. With a regular meditation practice, the brain can learn to spend more time in alpha or theta states, which is where anyone caught in a difficult situation wants to be.  

During meditation, awareness goes to the sensation of inhaling and exhaling. This quiets the mind and teaches people how to focus on directing their thoughts. According to some sources, meditation lowers blood pressure, helps with insomnia, manages anxiety, and fosters self-awareness and confidence. As Hall says, the breath sustains. When people meditate and focus on their breathing, their brain waves slow down. Awareness comes back to the body and its physical surroundings.  

Hall says that stretching or exercising before mediation can better prepare the body and mind for a deeper meditation. A good first step into a meditation practice might be to try a walking meditation. Simply going for a walk and paying attention to the sound of every footstep begins to train the mind to quiet down. Meditating for 15-20 minutes every day is ideal. This builds up the brain’s ability to stay in alpha or theta states for longer periods of time; it’s kind of like training a muscle to build stamina. Even if 15-20 minutes a day can’t be managed, any amount of meditation will be beneficial. The idea is that with a regular practice, people can learn to calm themselves down in moments where clarity and focus are needed. Eventually, it might only take someone a few deep breaths to center themselves again.  

Slowly the topics of mental health and meditation are making their way into conversations about what it takes to live a well-rounded outdoor lifestyle. Giving the brain the ability to function optimally through meditation will help guide outdoor mindsets to a better place—a place where people have more confidence in themselves and their lifestyles.

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Initially teachers were weary, or even outright scornful, feeling it was an abomination of the thoughtful inward nature of Yoga. In Spokane Buti was championed by Tera Bailey, a hair stylist, belly dancer, and yogini. Behind her calm unassuming smile, Bailey is an iconoclast who likes to push the edge of conventional thought. She gets fired up when talking about Buti.

“I took a training to try something different and thought it would be fun, though was a little of a yoga purist and figured it might not be real yoga. I realized right away it was one of the deepest yoga practices out there,” she says.

She started teaching at Abide in the Gonzaga University district, where the first certifications took place, and can also now be found at Yoga Shala. “I didn’t care at all that people believed it wasn’t legit—I knew it would prove itself.”  Her efforts, along with subsequent trainings in Spokane and Walla Walla, have blossomed into a growing group of instructors and students.

Seven years ago, Bailey became a certified yoga teacher with Lara and Lee Bear Tobin at Lila Yoga. She loved their free moving, spiritually-driven flow class and wanted to use yoga to help heal people, so she co-founded Coil Studio.  Her belief that yoga can “save the world” led Bailey to work with inmates at Geiger Corrections and recovering addicts, then to sign up for a two-year program in yoga therapy. 

“Yoga is the most radical activism because people don’t see it coming—they just think some little yogi is going to come in and do stretches. It transforms you from the inside out and therefore you don’t reject it,” she says.

Class begins sitting, with spiral motions to activate kundalini, get energized, and warm up the spine. The momentum grows with the music, which always carries a strong steady beat to synchronize the group and bring you into your body. By the time you’re standing, the party’s on. Lots of twisting, fast footwork, shaking, and swinging.

The vigorous organic practice elicits our primal nature and is a reminder we are animals. It teaches you to be in the groove, even those of us afflicted with White Man Dance. An emphasis on spiral movements, opposed to linear ones, targets a larger range of soft tissue development. Sections mimic High Intensity Interval Training to increase metabolism. The manual states, “Buti Yoga is a soulful blend of power yoga, cardio-intensive tribal dance, conditioning, and deep abdominal toning.”  My body has never felt safer in a workout and its minor back, hip, and knee injuries have mostly gone away; other students share similar stories.

People who are hesitant to try Buti Yoga share common refrains. Men tell me they’re apprehensive about it being sexual and therefore uncomfortable. Woman will say it’s “just twerking” or point out the minimalist outfits. But to participants Buti is completely non sexual. Its tribal expressiveness unifies the class and the shaking and vibrations “release stored trauma and stimulate the body to change, amplifying the power of the experience.”

Another concern is difficulty. However, the encouragement of teachers, lack of seriousness, and heartbeat rhythm of music will invigorate and carry you through. And yes, men can do it, too. Buti was started for both genders but was co-opted by women because it was so empowering. Now men are increasingly joining, and the organization is actively using verbiage to include them.

After class one day, “Butisattva” Marnee Setty, piped up. “It’s not rigid, not one way to do it. Each person is encouraged to have their own style. Instead of feeling awkward if you accidentally touch someone or step on their mat, we foster connection: calling out, bumping into each other, communicating.”

Bailey chimed in, “As the teacher, you get to put your own medicine in.” All this underlines the strong tribal emphasis of support, playfulness, and personal expression. It’s soulful. Buti is the most fun fitness class I’ve ever been in. For your first step into Out There’s new Way Out There section, join us, get down, let go.

Classes are available at Yoga Shala on Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. For private classes, reach Tera on the Spokane Buti Facebook page. //

Editor’s Note: Interested in the eccentric, mysterious, and magical side of life and nature? Look for Out There’s new “Way Out There” dive into topics ranging from counter culture expressions to regional mysteries and lore in every other issue.

Kelly likes scrambling up rocky hillsides, gliding through the trees on powder, and studying life forms in all their evolving niches.

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1. Downward Facing Dog with Leg Raise – This pose helps to prevent shin splints by strengthening your leg muscles. It can also alleviate pain by stretching your hamstrings and loosening up your calves. Start on your hands and knees. Walk your hands forwards about two paces while keeping your arms straight. Straighten your legs and press your toes into the ground and your hips back and towards the ceiling. If you feel comfortable, raise one leg towards the ceiling. If you have shin splints, you should feel relief in the raised leg as the blood rushes away from your knee.
2. Warrior I Pose – The Warrior I Pose will stretch your hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings. From a standing position bring your right leg forward and bend your right knee until it is aligned with your ankle. Keep your left leg straight with your toes at a 45 degree angle and raise your palms towards the ceiling while arching your back slightly. 

   

3. Lizard – This pose is a variation of a lunge. Like the previous two poses, lizard pose will also stretch your hip flexors and thigh muscles. For this pose you want to begin in downward facing dog. Step your right leg forward, next to your right hand, and lower your left knee to the ground. Your right leg should be at a 90 degree angle and your left leg should be straight. Press your hips down towards the ground. For a deeper stretch you can rest your forearms on the ground.
4. Reclining Bound Angle Pose – This pose will stretch your knee and thigh muscles and will open up your hips. For this pose you will want to begin by sitting on the ground with your legs out in front of you. Bend your knees and rotate your legs until your thighs are touching the ground (or as close as you can get). The soles of your feet should also be touching each other. Use your hands to support you as you slowly recline backwards until you’re lying on the ground. Make sure you keep your hips open to fully benefit from this stretch. 

   

5. Corpse Pose – I don’t know that this pose has any specific benefits for runners, but as far as I’m concerned, you can’t end a yoga session without this pose. For Corpse Pose you’ll want to lie flat on the ground with your legs straight and your hands by your sides with the palms turned upwards. Concentrate on your breathing. You should be feeling pretty relaxed at this point. Now that you’ve completed these stretches, feel free to reward yourself with a well-deserved nap. //

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Try Different Outdoor Activities at an Adventure Clinic
Festivalgoers can try out many different outdoor recreation activities, all in the Camp Sekani/Boulder Beach area. Activities include stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, geocaching, and other fun outdoor sports. Prices range from $10-20 per person depending on the clinic and include equipment and instruction. Find more info for all of these adventure clinics, including times, location, other requirements, and registration info at: Spokatopia.com/excursions. Space is limited, and all of the clinics sold out last year, so don’t wait to sign up!

Intro to Rock Climbing: Learn rock climbing basics on mellow routes in the crags behind the festival grounds in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, sponsored by Mountain Gear. Learn rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a rock face. All the gear and equipment is provided for this exciting and challenging sport. Multiple sessions.

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a voyage with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 22-foot voyageur canoe that will hold up to eight people. This adventure clinic will be guided by experienced canoeists from the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club. Rides will leave Boulder Beach for several 30-45 minute long tours. All necessary equipment will be provided and no experience is necessary. Cost: $10 per person.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation for a morning or afternoon stand up paddleboard tour. Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a great workout and balance tuner, not to mention a fun way to share the summer sun and water with others. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Tandem Kayak Tour: The best way to experience the Spokane River is with a paddle in your hands and sun on your skin. No experience is necessary, only the desire to paddle. All equipment will be provided. The 60-minute excursions will begin with a 10-minute warm up and instruction. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga: Kick off your Spokatopia experience with a tranquil SUP yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. This amazing cross-training sport is low impact on the joints and is used to improve balance and core strength. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River. Inflatable kayak trips make a terrific alternative to hard-shell kayak tours for those wanting to try something new. They are incredibly fun and easy to paddle and maneuver. Individual and tandem kayak options are available. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising for a 1-hour lesson.  Learn about different types of discs and how they fly, proper stance and grip, disc golf terms, and more! Cost: $15 per person.

Intro to Geocaching: Come and experience this high-tech scavenger hunt. Cache-Advance instructors will teach you the tricks of the trade in the geocaching world as well as sharing new strategies for locating skillfully-hidden caches and basic GPS skill and equipment tips. Cost: $15 per person.

The Biggest Bike Demo and Sales Event of the Year

Local bike shops, including Wheel Sport, North Division Bicycle Shop, This Bike Life, The Bike Hub, Velofix, and Cool Water Bikes will be set up at Spokatopia offering demos and selling bikes from Specialized, Pivot, Yeti, Trek, Norco, Ellsworth, Santa Cruz and other brands. Come check out full suspension, front suspension, hardtail, and downhill mountain bikes; fat bikes; hybrids; 29ers; and road and commuter bikes. This will be the biggest bike demo and sales event in the Inland Northwest this year, so don’t miss out if you’re thinking about buying a new bike or want to see what’s out there for the future. Demo bikes can be checked out and ridden on Camp Sekani singletrack, forest roads or on Centennial Trail pavement right there at the festival (bring your ID and riding clothes/helmet). Look for a full list of demo bikes that will be on hand at Spokatopia.com.

Stand Up Paddleboard and Water Sports Demos

If you’ve been thinking about buying a stand up paddleboard, this is your chance to try Stillwater Outdoors inflatable SUPs and paddles with Fun Unlimited at Boulder Beach below the central festival grounds on the Spokane River. This Bike Life, a local NRS dealer, will be showing off NRS paddleboards and Switchblade paddles (a SUP/kayak/canoe combo paddle) will also be for sale. Mountain Gear will have their demo fleet of kayaks and canoes on hand to try as well.

Free Sekani Downhill Mountain Bike Shuttles

For one day only, you can ride your choice of Sekani trails without having to pedal or push your bike to the top in the July heat – that is unless you want to! Bring your own mountain bike or take a demo bike for a spin down your choice of Camp Sekani trails, from easy, intermediate to expert or insane. And then catch a ride back to the top in the Evergreen East sponsored shuttle vehicle and do it again! Evergreen East members will be on hand with maps to help you navigate the trail system.

Mountain Bike Jump Jam

Watch talented local riders fly through the air on bikes, pulling off tricks and launching off huge gapped jumps that few mountain bikers can execute and land. Follow the signs to the Camp Sekani bike park through the trees a few hundred yards to the east of the main festival grounds. This free event promises to be an awesome experience for spectators. The show runs from 1-2 p.m., but show up early to watch riders practice from the Jump Jam beer garden.

5K & 1.5 Mile Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run

The 2nd annual Up Chuck Challenge trail run starts at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, nearly all singletrack 5k climb to the top of Beacon Hill (1,000 feet of elevation gain). New this year, run or walk the 1.5 mile “Up Chuck Lite” course to the top of Camp Sekani. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start for the 5k, and a half mile walk/run back down for the Up Chuck Lite 1.5 miler. Pick up your race bandana back at the start at the Spokatopia festival and hit the beer garden. The 5k starts at 9:30 a.m. and the 1.5 mile run/walk starts at 10. More info at Spokatopia.com.

Beer Garden, Music & Food

Enjoy craft beers from the Inland Northwest and beyond in the pine-shaded beer garden located in the central festival grounds while watching live music and grooving to KPND 95.3 FM in between sets. Proceeds from the beer garden and the festival benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance – drink up and support your local mountain bike club! Food vendors will also be on hand to fill your belly after a day of spinning pedals, paddleboarding, slacklining, trail running and checking out other festival activities.

Festival Parking

Additional festival parking in designated areas along E. Upriver Drive will be available this year, and you can also park at nearby Pasadena Elementary (1-mile east on Upriver Drive) or Shields Park (aka Minnehaha, around 1-mile west of Sekani on E. Upriver Drive) and catch a van shuttle or walk/bike to Camp Sekani from those locations (a free bike corral will be available at the festival). The other more fun options is parking at Avista Utilities (1411 E. Mission Ave.) and riding your bike 4.6 miles on the Centennial Trail to the festival.

Ride Your Bike to Spokatopia: Avista Sponsored “Park and Bike Area” and a Secure Bike Corral Make it Easy

The most fun and easy way to get to the festival is to ride the Centennial Trail from your neighborhood or from one of the festival parking areas (Pasadena Elementary 1-mile east on Upriver Drive and at the Avista Utilities building 4.6 miles to the west on Mission Ave.). Vehicle parking at the festival grounds will be limited, but there will be a big, guarded and fenced bike corral at the festival at Camp Sekani Park to keep your ride safe while you try different outdoor sports and demo bikes and paddleboards. Details at Spokatopia.com.

Finding the Festival at Camp Sekani Park

Camp Sekani Park is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley on E. Upriver Drive. For more details, visit Spokatopia.com and follow the festival on Facebook. //

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Try Different Outdoor Recreation Activities

Festival goers can try out many different outdoor recreation activities, all in the Camp Sekani/Boulder Beach area. Prices range from $8-20 per person and include admission to the rest of the festival. Find more info for all of these excursions, including times, location, other requirements, and registration info here. Space is limited, so don’t wait to sign up!

Intro to Rock Climbing: Take adventure to new heights rock climbing with Peak 7 Adventures. Learn basic rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a rock face. All the gear and equipment is provided for this exciting and challenging sport. Multiple sessions. Cost: $5.

Whitewater Rafting: Join Wiley E Waters for an exhilarating river rafting trip down the Spokane River. Professional certified guides will provide you with equipment on this fun-filled paddle experience. Trips run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1-3. Cost: $20

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a voyage with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 22-foot voyageur canoe that will hold up to eight people. This excursion will be guided by experienced canoeists from the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club. Rides will leave Boulder Beach for several 30-45 minute long tours. All necessary equipment will be provided and no experience is necessary. Cost: $8

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation and Mountain Gear for a morning or afternoon stand up paddleboard tour. Stand up paddleboarding is a great workout and balance tuner, not to mention a fun way to share the summer sun with others. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15

Tandem Kayak Tour: The best way to experience the Spokane River is with a paddle in your hands and sun on your skin. No experience is necessary, only the desire to paddle. All equipment will be provided. The 60 minute excursions will begin with a 10-minute warm up and instruction. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga: Kick off your Spokatopia Festival experience with a tranquil SUP yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. This amazing cross-training sport, guided by SUP Spokane, is low impact on the joints and is used to improve balance and core strength. 9-10 and 10:15-11:15 a.m. sessions. Cost: $15

Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River. Inflatable kayak trips make a terrific alternative to hard-shell kayak tours for those wanting to try something new. They are incredibly fun and easy to paddle and maneuver. Individual and tandem kayak options are available. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising to learn about different types of discs and how they fly, proper stance and grip, disc golf terms, and throwing techniques. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12:30-1:30. Cost: $15

Intro to Geocaching: Come and experience this high-tech scavenger hunt that is sweeping the nation. Cache-Advance instructors will teach you the tricks of the trade in the geocaching world. Cache-Advance will help you learn new strategies for locating the skillfully hidden caches, teach you basic GPS skills and discuss the equipment needed to successfully find caches around the world. Cost: $15

Festival Details

Camp Sekani is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley on Upriver Drive. For more details, visit Spokatopia.com and follow the festival on Facebook. Spokatopia is presented by Out There Monthly, City of Spokane Parks & Recreation, and Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance. Proceeds benefit Evergreen East.

Three Reasons to Ride Your Bike to Spokatopia

The best way to get to the festival is to ride the Centennial Trail from your neighborhood or from one of the festival parking areas (Pasadena Elementary 1-mile east on Upriver Drive and at the Avista building several miles to the west on Upriver Drive—details at Spokatopia.com). Need more convincing? Here are three reasons why you should pedal your way to Camp Sekani on July 11:

1. It’s THE cool, fun and sustainable way to get to an outdoor adventure festival.
2. Parking at the festival grounds will be super slim pickings and Spokatopia will have a massive, guarded and fenced bike corral to keep your bike safe.
3. A considerable amount of free outdoor gear and prizes from Mountain Gear and other local businesses will be given away randomly to people who show up with a bike and a helmet at the corral.

Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run (July 11, 9:30 a.m.)

The first annual Up Chuck Challenge trail run starts at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, winding, nearly all singletrack climb to the top of Beacon Hill. The 5k course gains nearly 1,000 feet of total elevation, with a few dips, grunts, twists and turns to keep the mostly mellow and meandering racecourse interesting. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start at Sekani Meadows where the 1^st annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival will be underway (beer garden opens at 10:30 a.m.). There will be no vehicle parking at the race start but parking and shuttles will be available 1-mile to the east at Pasadena Elementary and there will be a bike corral at Sekani, so you can bike to the race start on the Centennial Trail. $20 registration ($25 after July 8). More info here.

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