Guest Opinion by Phil Larkin Cover photo courtesy Phil Larkin Unproductive. Marginal Value. Underperforming Asset. These are words used by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to describe the Thorpe property, or Westwood Natural Area. This scenic 190 acres of state land in Latah Valley is home to unique plants, geologic features, and […]
Westwood Natural Area’s Last Chance Read More »
By Holly Weiler In September 2004, I was a relatively new teacher trying to land that elusive continuing contract at one of our local school districts. Most of my free time was spent running on local trails, but that fall I joined my first volunteer trail work crew at the urging of a friend. It’s
A 20-Year Evolution of Local Trails & Natural Areas Read More »
By Nigel Davies Cover photo courtesy of Nigel Davies Explore these tools that geologist Nigel Davies suggests to further understand the geology of your adventure while you are out recreating in our region.
Geology Resources for Outdoor Enthusiasts Read More »
A local 190-acre natural area, known as the Westwood Natural Area or Thorpe Property, is currently up for sale by the State of Washington. In a neighborhood that is already shadowed by a proposed 3,500 development units with inadequate infrastructure for the load, natural areas such as this hang in the balance. The City of
The Undecided Fate of the Westwood Natural Area Read More »
The Dishman Hills Natural Area is a fantastic close-in hike at any time of year, but it is never more beautiful than in the early spring as the wildflowers begin to emerge. This year the Dishman Hills Conservancy celebrates half a century of working to preserve public open space in Spokane Valley. The partnerships that
Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane) Read More »
With hundreds of wildfires burning around the Pacific Northwest, including thousands of acres in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, the skies around Spokane look apocalyptic today. Fire fighters have died, homes have burned, communities have been evacuated, roads and huge swaths of public lands have been closed. While wildfires are a natural part of our
Inland Northwest Wildfire Resources for Outdoor Recreationists Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Carl Barrentine Washington Wild announced in September that longtime Spokane conservation advocate Jeff Lambert was named the 2025 recipient of the Karen M. Fant Conservation Award. The annual honor recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional grassroots leadership in protecting Washington’s wild lands and waters. For more than three decades, Lambert has worked
Spokane Conservation Leader Honored with Statewide Award Spokane, Wash. Read More »
By Jon Jonckers Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers First published in 1987, “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” became an instant success. The popular guide is one of four guidebooks published by Rich Landers, an award-winning outdoors writer and avid outdoorsman best known for his long career at The Spokesman-Review. For more than 40
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Cover photo courtesy of Idaho Forest Group At Idaho Forest Group (IFG), conservation isn’t a side initiative—it’s the foundation of our mission. Across every mill, forest, and partnership, we work to responsibly manage natural resources today while preserving them for tomorrow. From trailheads to tree lines, IFG plays a vital role in sustaining the lands,
By Rick Shaffer, Prime Minister of Historic Wallace, Idaho & North Idaho Bike Trails Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles Ever had that feeling that it’s September (already?!), and you haven’t had your fill of hiking, pedaling, kayaking or huck picking? What the heck happened to summer? Well, you’re in luck. With cooler fall temps
