June 4 is National Trails Day – go for a hike! Check out Indian Painted Rocks, a 6.8-mile round-trip loop trail within the Riverside State Park Little Spokane River Natural Area. wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-spokane-river. June is Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month. In fact, June 25 is National Backyard Campout Day – an easy “staycation.” Play […]
100 Fun Things to Do Outside this Summer Read More »
The 3rd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival Saturday, July 8 at Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River has grown into one of the biggest and most fun events of its kind in the region. The outdoor-recreation oriented festival with live music, a beer garden, and over 50 exhibitor booths, is one of the biggest
The heart of summer is short: only 13 weekends. Try to fit in some community festival fun in with your outdoor adventures. Here are some of our favorite regional festivals worthy of a road trip or local staycation. ArtFest (June 2-4, Spokane) Free outdoor festival, organized by the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture,
2017 Northwest Festival Guide – Music, Food, Arts, Beer, Wine and More Read More »
You never step in the same river twice, goes the ancient saying. True enough. The Spokane River is an ever fluctuating, complex system that changes with the community around it AND changes the community around it. At one time, the Spokane River was the spiritual center of the native people who lived along the shores.
The State of the Spokane River Read More »
When I started commuting to work on my bike, I focused on finding a route that avoided busy arterials and provided a reasonably enjoyable and safe ride. I don’t recall how long it took, but after settling into a routine my commute grew boring. It wasn’t enough to get some exercise, save money, and be
Adventure Commuting: Turn Your Boring Ride to Work into a Cycling Adventure Read More »
Two projects in the works along the Spokane River downstream from the lower falls and downtown Spokane would dramatically improve the way rafters, anglers, paddlers and other river users start and end their trips. Right now, the popular put-in along Water Avenue in Peaceful Valley is often overcrowded on hot summer days, raising concerns from
Projects Would Enhance Recreational Access along the Spokane River Read More »
On April 10 and 11, a contractor removed trees and built a dirt road on Spokane’s South Hill “Bluff” below High Drive along the bank of Latah Creek, sparking outrage from the many hikers, runners, mountain bikers and neighbors who regularly use the Bluff trails. The road sits on private and park land and crosses
Restoration Planned for Unauthorized South Hill Bluff Road Read More »
Summer is prime time for kids to romp in the woods, get dirty, climb trees, and take new risks. Around the region, there are summer camps devoted to helping children of all ages learn more about nature, camping, science, and all things related to the great outdoors. TWIN EAGLES WILDERNESS SCHOOL This innovative, unique school,
Summer Camps Guide – 2017 Read More »
1) Hike or Bike in Palisades Park: This 700-acre nature park west of Spokane has awesome views of the city and several trails for hiking or biking. Kids will especially enjoy Indian Canyon’s Mystic Falls. A park map is available at Palisadesnw.com. 2) Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore a trail and create your
11 Ideas for Family Fun in the Great Outdoors Read More »
Jon Snyder, former Spokane City Councilman and Out There Monthly founder, has served as Washington State’s Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development Policy Advisor for over a year now, and I recently caught up with him over a ginger beer at the Elliot Book Company Cafe in Seattle. As we chatted, a softball league played in
The Value of Recreation: a Conversation with Jon Snyder Read More »
