By Holly Weiler 

Cover photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

Outdoor Reminders 

• Winter conditions can impact access to high-elevation trailheads, so it’s time to double-check your vehicle’s emergency kit to make sure it contains helpful extras for snowy conditions (for instance, a folding snow shovel). It is also a transition time to winter parking permit season, when some high-elevation parking lots have snow removal funded through the purchase of seasonal parking passes. In Washington, Sno-Park season begins Dec. 1 and lasts through March, with over 100 Sno-Park locations across the state, including popular spots like Mount Spokane State Park and Sherman Pass. In North Idaho, a Park N’ Ski permit is required for access to seven maintained winter trailheads, including those at Priest Lake and Fourth of July Pass. Oregon maintains its own Sno-Park system as well but has a reciprocal agreement with Idaho. Purchase a permit for the state you visit the most. 

Free Outdoor-themed Entertainment 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) is hosting an outdoor clothing and gear exchange Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. (location TBD; check the website). This is a free event; no registration required. Please bring clean, functional outdoor clothing and gear to swap. Those who would like to donate without attending the swap may drop off equipment at the CDLT office during the week before the event. It is not necessary to bring trade items in order to participate the day of the event; if you need outdoor gear, please attend.  

• Additionally, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is hosting a Winter Solstice Walk at Castle Rock in Wenatchee’s Lower Castle Rock Natural Area Dec. 20 from 7 to 9 a.m. Advance registration is required to join this 2-mile round-trip hike. 

• Fee-free days at Washington State Parks are scheduled for Jan. 1 and Jan. 20. Additionally, a variety of free First Day Hikes will be offered at Washington State Parks on New Year’s Day (advance registration is required). Please note that Mount Spokane State Park does not fall under fee-free days during Sno-Park season. If you don’t have a Sno-Park permit, watch for the offerings at Riverside State Park and Columbia Plateau State Park Trail instead, where no Discover Pass will be necessary on the holiday. 

• Free Idaho Park N’ Ski Day is Jan. 3, with a chance to visit Idaho’s Nordic and snowshoeing trails without the usual parking fee. Several areas mark this event with activities, including free lessons and guided snowshoe hikes at Indian Creek State Park near Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle Nordic Club’s annual Best Hand Poker XC-Ski and Snowshoe fundraiser. There is a nominal fee to enter the poker competition, because it’s a fundraiser to help support grooming efforts at the Fourth of July Pass trail system; sometimes there are nearly as many raffle prizes as participants! 

• Methow Trails’ Backyard Ski Day is Jan. 30, with free winter trail access across the valley’s vast trail system. There will be free group beginner ski lessons for both classic and skate skiing, free fat bike demos and a free ski wax clinic. A few local businesses are even offering a limited number of free ski rentals for the day. 
  
  

Fundraisers, Contests and Events 

• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will host its Common Ground annual meeting at CenterPlace Regional Event Center Dec. 9. Registration is required and space is limited. 

• Have you visited a National Recreation Trail this year? It’s time for American Trails’ annual photo contest. Photographers can submit up to 10 photos per trail under categories like trail use, trail management, trail features and artistic merit. Be sure to check the database of National Recreation Trails in our region to ensure the trail you visited qualifies. Photos are due Dec. 15, and winners will be announced in February. 

• The Backcountry Film Festival – Winter Wildlands Alliance offers several regional screenings of festival films highlighting human-powered winter recreation. Each showing serves as a fundraiser for the host organization. Catch it in Spokane Dec. 6, hosted by the Spokane Mountaineers. SOLE will host the film festival in Sandpoint Jan. 9. The University of Idaho Outdoor Program will bring the show to Moscow Jan. 28. On Feb. 3 the film festival will be shown in Whitefish, hosted by Wild Montana. Chewelah Valley Land Trust, Montana Backcountry Alliance (Missoula) and El Sendero Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club (Wenatchee) also plan to host the film festival this winter (check online for dates). 

• The Wenatchee River Institute will be the beneficiary of “Benevolent Night” at München House in Leavenworth Jan. 6, with 25% of sales donated to support the nonprofit. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m.  

• Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Spokane Jan. 9-11. Saturday night’s VIP ticket sales will benefit the nonprofit of your choice among several worthy local organizations. This event sells out every year, so don’t procrastinate! 

• Spokane Nordic will host Winterfest Jan. 18, featuring $10 Nordic ski lessons for both adults and children, plus a scavenger hunt for kids and a skijor clinic at Selkirk Lodge at Mount Spokane State Park. Additional not-to-be-missed events include the annual Langlauf Nordic ski race Jan. 25 and the BarkerBeiner Skijor Race, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 22. 

Stewardship, Conservation, and Volunteer Opportunities 

• Many of our region’s stewardship and conservation organizations take a short break during the winter season, but those looking for an opportunity to do some winter trail maintenance should watch for offerings from Washington Trails Association. Most of WTA’s winter projects are on snowshoe trails, snow depth permitting. Watch for opportunities within Mount Spokane State Park and on Spokane County Parks’ Conservation Futures properties. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow. Contact the crew leader if you’d like to try a project but need to borrow snowshoes. Check the WTA website for the full schedule. 

• Spokane Nordic hosts multiple events throughout the winter and is always seeking volunteer assistance to make those events run smoothly. Tasks may range from helping visitors park safely and efficiently to assisting with event check-in or serving as an on-course race marshal (typically on skis). Check out the Spokane Nordic website for opportunities. 

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Free Outdoor-Themed Entertainment 

• There are several fee-free days coming up for Washington State Parks (as well as lands managed by Washington Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Natural Resources): Sept. 27 marks National Public Lands Day, Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, and Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Visit Washington parks without a Discover Pass for each of these. 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust continues to host monthly guided “Hike for Health” events, with hikes planned on Sept. 13 at Cashmere Canyons Preserve and the final hike of the year on Oct. 11 at Saddle Rock Natural Area. Additionally, the group will partner with the Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club (supplying telescopes at the event!) for a guided night hike on Sept. 23. 

• Join Inland Northwest Land Conservancy for a free guided hike at Glen Tana in the Little Spokane River Valley on Sept. 13. This recent conservation acquisition is not yet open to the public, so joining one of INLC’s guided hikes is the only way to get a sneak peek.  

Fundraisers, Contests, and Events 

• Dishman Hills Conservancy will host its annual Wild at Heart fundraiser dinner on Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets for the event are available through the DHC website. 

• Join Wenatchee River Institute for its fourth Annual Sunset & S’mores fundraiser on Oct. 1, from 5-7:30 p.m. in Leavenworth. While the event is fee-based, the organization offers “pay what you can” pricing for those wishing to attend. Tickets include dinner, drinks, and organized activities for a family-friendly event. Advance registration required. 

• MedWAR Challenge is coming to Mount Spokane State Park on Oct. 4. Teams of four will tackle an approximately 10-mile course while solving medical scenarios, in an event that is most similar to a Spartan race meeting a wilderness first aid course. A successful team will have a member with a bit of a medical background along with a member who knows a little map and compass (no GPS allowed). Registration of $250 per team includes event t-shirts, post-race dinner, and on-site camping. 

• Washington State photographers, take note. The annual Washington Trails Association photo contest is currently open, with a deadline of Oct. 6. Photographers can submit multiple photographs in each available category for a chance to win fun prizes. There are several main categories, along with a bonus category depicting random acts of kindness captured on trail. See Wta.org for full contest rules and to submit your entries. 

• Have a photo of a National Recreation Trail? American Trails hosts an annual photo contest for photos taken on a designated National Recreation Trail. That deadline is Dec. 15, which gives photographers plenty of time to capture fantastic fall color shots from our region’s trails. 
  
  

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

• The Idaho chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers will be partnering with OnX for a Public Lands Packout along the lakeshore of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area on Sept. 13. Hike from the Clark Fork Drift Yard Boat Launch, or bring your own boat to explore and lend a hand to clean up the shoreline. The event will start at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m., followed by a barbecue. 

• Chelan Douglas Land Trust will mark “Make a Difference Day” with a day of maintenance work at Saddle Rock on Oct. 25. 

• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is hosting Larch Fest on the Kettle Crest, Oct. 2-5. There are multiple days of riding and socializing, with a trail maintenance project planned for Oct. 4. 

• Friends of Palisades will host its annual fall cleanup event on Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Palisades Park west of downtown Spokane. Plan to arrive a little early to enjoy coffee, hot cider, and cookies ahead of the event. 

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 with a maintenance project on East Fork Trail #563 followed by a fun cook-out event at the trailhead. The last project of the season will occur on Oct. 1 on the Star Gulch Trail. Advance registration required. 

• Great Burn Conservation Alliance is offering a noble reason to make the trek to Weir Creek Hot Spring on Sept. 20, as they are hosting a beginner-friendly site cleanup activity to mark World Cleanup Day. The group will meet at the Lochsa Lodge to enjoy breakfast, followed by spending a couple hours devoted to the site cleanup, and then participants may choose to stick around for an optional soak in the spring. 

• Idaho Trails Association will celebrate National Public Lands Day on a project with fantastic views. Join them on Sept. 27 for maintenance work on the Chimney Rock Trail. 

• Join members of the Northeast Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society for a series of fall cleanup events. The group will start on Sept. 5 at Underhill Park in Spokane. On Sept. 13 the focus turns to Polly Judd Park, and on Sept. 19 a project is planned for the Fearn Conservation Area at Riverfront Park. The work will include a general cleanup of each park, along with a main focus of removing invasive plant species in order to replant with native plants. Advance registration is requested. 

• Spokane Nordic will be hosting a series of trail maintenance days, aimed at preparing the Mount Spokane State Park Nordic Trails for early grooming as soon as snow returns to the mountain. Lend a hand Sept. 6, 7, and 27, as well as Oct. 11 and 12. 

• Washington Trails Association will be gradually moving from the mountains toward the valley as the fall progresses, with fall projects planned at Fishtrap for National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 along with multiple project days at Mount Spokane and Mica Peak throughout September. By October, the work will move to lower areas to provide some fall maintenance for the trails before winter. 

The post Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Slidewaters caters to all ages and thrill levels, from the gentle curves of Bonzai Pipeline to the wild twists of Sidewinder. The Downhill Racer allows you and your kids to race to the finish side-by-side. For those under 48 inches tall, the Aqua Zoo is a safe and fun water play area, and the zero-depth beach zone features a 150-gallon tipping bucket and spray features. Families can spend some quality time together floating the Lazy River, which gives you a chance to check out those views again. Adjacent to Slidewaters, Lakeside Surf is home to the world’s largest stationary surf wave, where adults and kids ages 10 and up can give surfing this magical wave a try (surf session pass required). 

Slidewaters makes lunch or snack time easy at the River Run Grill that serves a variety of kid-friendly options. There are plenty of hangout areas in and out of the sun too, and you can rent private cabanas to have your own shaded retreat and basecamp for the day. Slidewaters operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and offers discounted rates for children under 48 inches and free entry for kids three and under. A family trip to Slidewaters may end up being the most memorable adventure you have together this summer. Start planning your getaway at Slidewaters.com. 

Sponsored

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Public sessions are available most weekends and daily during peak summer. First-timers can take advantage of the “Learn to Surf” package. Beyond the wave, enjoy Surfside Tacos, Twocan Jenny’s Surf Bar, sand volleyball, panoramic views and the adjacent Slidewaters water park.  

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Slidewaters caters to all ages and thrill levels, from the gentle curves of Bonzai Pipeline to the wild twists of Sidewinder. The Downhill Racer allows you and your kids to race to the finish side-by-side. For those under 48 inches tall, the Aqua Zoo is a safe and fun water play area, and the zero-depth beach zone features a 150-gallon tipping bucket and spray features. Families can spend some quality time together floating the Lazy River, which gives you a chance to check out those views again. Adjacent to Slidewaters, Lakeside Surf is home to the world’s largest stationary surf wave, where adults and kids ages 10 and up can give surfing this magical wave a try (surf session pass required).

Slidewaters makes lunch or snack time easy at the River Run Grill that serves a variety of kid-friendly options. There are plenty of hangout areas in and out of the sun too, and you can rent private cabanas to have your own shaded retreat and basecamp for the day. Slidewaters operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and offers discounted rates for children under 48 inches and free entry for kids three and under. A family trip to Slidewaters may end up being the most memorable adventure you have together this summer. Start planning your getaway at Slidewaters.com.

The post Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Slidewaters Waterpark, Chelan WA appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Ammi Midstokke

• There are several Discover Pass fee-free days coming up! Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding a Free Fishing Weekend on June 7 and 8, where neither a fishing license nor a Discover Pass will be necessary to give fishing a try on our region’s waterways. All catch rules will still apply, so research gear and limits before you go. (Idaho will be hosting its own Free Fishing Day on June 14.) June 19 and Aug. 9 are also Discover Pass fee-free days on Washington’s public lands, where parking fees are not required at State Parks.  

• June marks the return of Wednesdays in the Woods with Riverside State Park Foundation. The “Hoot Show” will start the series on June 4 with both live owls and raptors, plus free ice cream. June 11 will focus on “Butterflies of Northeastern Washington.” June 18 will feature “Moose, Cougars and Bears, Oh My!” with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. June 25 will focus on “Best Spokane Area Day Hikes” and will again include free ice cream for attendees. The first three events will take place at Bowl & Pitcher’s outdoor amphitheater, and the final event will be at the picnic shelter. Discover Pass required for parking.  

• National Trails Day is on June 7. The Friends of Palisades is hosting a geology-focused hike through Palisades Park, with advance registration required. Dishman Hills Conservancy will mark the occasion with hikes guided by Washington State Naturalists within the Dishman Hills Natural Area from Camp Caro. The hikes will begin every 30 minutes, starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 2:30 p.m. with no advance registration required, so an adventurous hiker could join both outings for maximum trail time on this day celebrating trails!  

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness free summer hike series includes a hike at Settlers Grove followed by a visit to the Sprag Pole Museum (June 12), a hike with a whitebark pine specialist on Scotchman Peak (June 14), a backpack trip to Little Spar Lake (July 11-12), two “Hike and Read” events co-hosted by Lincoln County Library (July 18 and 25), and more! See the FSPW for full details and to register for events. 
  
  

Outdoor Culture & History Events 

This year marks the bicentennial of Fort Colville on the Columbia River just west of Kettle Falls, with several events planned throughout the year to mark the occasion. On June 20 the organizers have coordinated with the Colville Confederated Tribes to observe the Salmon Ceremony. Event carpooling meets at the Kettle Falls Historical Center at 9 a.m. Additionally, June 21 and 22 will be a Native Culture Weekend at the Kettle Falls Historical Center with history displays and presentations. 

Fundraisers & Contests 

• Okanogan Highlands Alliance will host its annual fundraiser Get Lost Trail Race at Lost Lake on July 13. There will be a service project the day before the event, with optional camping at Lost Lake Campground. This CCC-built campground is by itself worth the visit, and the race has distance options at 3 miles, 7 miles, and 11 miles to take in the views on the surrounding trails. 

• Plan a visit to Teanaway Community Forest this summer and capture photos for the annual photo contest, with the entry portal opening up in August. There will be five total categories with individual prizes, plus a grand prize. Teanaway Community Forest has several DNR campgrounds which are first-come, first-served with Discover Pass as the only fee, along with miles of trails. Follow Teanaway Community Forest on Facebook for additional details. 

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will be hosting bi-weekly “Waikiki Wednesdays” and “Glen Tana Thursdays” throughout much of the summer season. Keep in mind that Glen Tana is not yet open to the public, so joining a stewardship project is the best way to get a sneak peek at this fantastic future park, along with helping to make improvements to the property. See the INLC website to sign up.  

• Chelan Douglas Land Trust is hosting Weed Warrior Wednesdays in early June to tackle noxious weeds growing around Lower Sleepy Hollow. The group will meet in the morning on June 4 and will host both a morning and an evening session on June 11. Advance registration required.  

• On June 12, join Kaniksu Land Trust and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness for an “Intro to Trail Work” evening work party at Pine Street Woods. Advance registration is required. Additional trail maintenance projects with the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will take place throughout the summer, so be sure to check the website for the full list.  

• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is teaming up with Idaho Trails Association for a weekend of trail work on the Fault Lake Trail in the Idaho Selkirks, July 25-27. Additionally, ITA will be teaming up with Friends of the Great Burn Wilderness to host trail work events on the Idaho Centennial Trail (on the Idaho/Montana divide) from Aug. 3-9. ITA has additional fantastic offerings throughout the state, so check the website for more. 

• Washington Trails Association will be hosting both day-long trail work at Mica Peak Conservation Area plus weekend backpacking trail work projects in the Colville National Forest. Highlights include trips to the Salmo Loop and Shedroof Divide within the Salmo Priest Wilderness. See WTA’s website for the full list and to sign up.  

The post The Trailhead: Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News — Your Guide to Outdoor Adventures in the Inland Northwest appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Priest Lake Watersports

If this list doesn’t send you into a race-registering frenzy, I don’t know what will. Our region is packed with incredible options for running, riding, triathlon-ing, and getting outside from March through October. The only problem, my friends: you can’t be in two places at once.  

ROAD RUNNING Note that USATF-sanctioned events do not allow strollers.  

St. Paddy’s Five Miler (March 9): This family-friendly road run starts and finishes at Spokane Community College and is an official Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race. “Lucky Leprechaun Jig” (free) hosted for kids 6 and under. 

Shamrock Shuffle (March 16): An early spring half marathon, 10k and 5k, with Kids’ Fun Run, organized by Negative Split. All distances wind through Riverfront Park in Spokane.  

Rapid Rabbit Run (March 23): 3-mile & 5-mile runs (virtual options). Proceeds benefit East Valley High School’s senior class (Spokane Valley). The 5-miler is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race.  

Yakima River Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon (March 29): USATF-certified course with views of the Yakima River Canyon make this a scenic, early-season Boston Qualifier marathon with half marathon option. 

Only Fools Run at Midnight 5k (March 29): Run the streets of downtown Medical Lake starting at 11:30 p.m. and finish at the Pizza Factory in this 47^th Annual Run. Organized by Medical Lake Lions Club. Virtual Options. 

The Split Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 13): This Negative Split event is a flat, scenic course through Riverfront Park and along the Spokane River. Kids’ fun run also offered. 

Jr. Bloomsday (April 13): A 1-mile race for kids grades 3-7 aimed to foster a love for fitness and fun. Located at Spokane Falls Community College campus with an awesome prize pack for participants. Supports Active4Youth nonprofit. 

Hauser Lake Icebreaker Run (April 19): 5k and 10k runs around the lake in Hauser, Idaho, are a fundraiser for the special-needs rescue dogs at Double J Dog Ranch. 10k course is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. Walkers and friendly dogs welcome. Finish medals for humans and finish bandanas for canines. 

Wenatchee Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 19): Paved activity trails follow the Columbia River and offer beautiful spring views of the Cascades. USATF-certified with a Boston-qualifier marathon, this TedDriven race supports cancer research.   

Run the River (April 19): Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay, 5k and Kids’ Marathon courses run on paved paths along the Columbia River through all three cities of the Tri-Cities. Flat and fast with a Boston-qualifier marathon. 

Spring Dash (April 26): Take on a Half Marathon, 10k, 5k or Tot Trot (10 and under) from Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park on out-and-back paved routes with views of Lake Coeur d’Alene. USATF certified; 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier.  

Apple Blossom Run (May 3): 10k, 5k, and kids’ 2k are a part of the Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival.  

Lilac Bloomsday Run (May 4): The iconic Spokane 12k race. Challenging, fun course for runners, walkers and wheelchair participants to celebrate the spirit of the Lilac City. 

Long Bridge Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k (May 10): This Sandpoint, Idaho, race  includes over 3 miles of running over beautiful Lake Pend Oreille with a start at Sandpoint City Beach Park. Run this race and do the Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 2) to earn the Long Bridge Duathlon medal. Organized by Priest Lake Multisports.  

Leavenworth Mai BlumenLauf (May 11): The Mai BlumenLauf (May Flower Run) is a new event by TedDriven with half marathon, 10k and 5k courses through the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth and on its river-front trails. USATF certified.   

The Ta Ta Dash (May 17): Run through beautiful Manito Park in this run put on by Beyond Pink to help prevent and screen for breast cancer. 10k, 5k, and kids’ ⅓ mile distances available. 

Windermere Marathon (May 18): Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and kids’ fun run options take runners along the scenic Centennial Trail and Spokane River in this point-to-point certified Boston Qualifier that ends at Riverfront Park.  

Race to Remember 5k (May 24): This fun run through Fairmount Memorial Park pays tribute to fallen officers on Memorial Day with a course decorated with American Flags and benefitting the Beyond the Call of Duty program. 

Coeur d’Alene Marathon (May 25): Scenic race with a start/finish at McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hosted by Negative Split. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and kids’ fun run available. USATF certified Boston qualifier.  

Priest Lake Spring Fun Run (May 25): Run along the lakeshore at beautiful Priest Lake with a 10k, 5k, or kids’ dash. Lines up with Priest Lake Spring Festival.  

T9 Mermaid Run (May 31): Hosted by Title 9, the Mermaid Series is a celebration of women’s movement. New Half Marathon distance this year in addition to 10k, 5k and mermaid dash (ages 6-12). Start/finish at Riverfront Park. 

Metaline Falls Bigfoot 5K (June 14): Takes place in the historic town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County in conjunction with the town’s unique Bigfoot Festival. Additional kids’ color run option on June 13.  

Missoula Marathon (June 27-29): The “Last Best Race” offers Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k distances over the weekend with a Friday night beer run and 1-mile kids’ marathon. A scenic race named Best Marathon in the US several times. 

Spokenya Run/Walk 7k (July 2025): A race designed to raise money for clean water acts in rural Kenya. 

Wallace Huckleberry Festival 5k (Aug. 18): This 5k in North Idaho is part of the 40^th annual Wallace Huckleberry Festival, a weekend with vendors, music, and huckleberry pancake breakfast. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome. 

Run the Night (Aug. 23): An evening glow run offering distances of Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids’ Fun run. Start/Finish at Spokane Fairgrounds.  

Deutschesfest Fun Run (Sept. 18-21): German community festival in Odessa, Wash., includes a parade, fun run, brats, brews and more. 

Run the Dam Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (Sept. 20): Run across Grand Coulee Dam and along Banks Lake as part of the Run the Dam Festival in Grand Coulee, Wash. 

Boulevard Race (Sept. 21): A fun and fast 4-mile race benefitting the Community Cancer Fund beginning at the McCarthey Athletic Center and running downtown. Includes wheelchair division. 

Valleyfest River Run (Sept. 21): 10k and 5k distances start/finish at Plante’s Ferry in Spokane Valley, running mostly on the Centennial Trail. Bloomsday qualifier.  

Leavenworth Marathon & Half Marathon (Oct. 4): A mix of paved roads, wooded trails, and dirt paths take runners through the stunning fall terrain of Leavenworth’s Icicle Canyon and downtown. A USATF-certified Boston Qualifier race by TedDriven, supporting cancer research.  

Jackass Half Marathon & 5k (Oct. 4): This point-to-point race along the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes will run through the beautiful fall scapes of the Silver Valley from Wallace to Kellogg, Idaho.   

Hayden Lake Marathon (Oct. 11): Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon, 5k and kids’ fun run starts and finishes at Honeysuckle Beach, running along beautiful Hayden Lake.  

Spokane Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k (Oct. 12): Proceeds from this Boston Marathon qualifier race benefit local high school cross-country programs. The 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. 

Halloween Hustle (Oct. 26): Spooky Half Marathon, 10k and 5k event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, organized by Negative Split.  

Race to Feed Our Vets (Nov. 9): A 5k run through Riverside Memorial Park to benefit Meals on Wheels of Spokane, with free beer and chili at the end of the race.  

TRAIL RUNNING 

Badger Mountain Challenge (March 21-22): Ultra distances of 100 miles, 100k, 50 miles, and 55k with a 15k option offer expansive views of the Columbia Basin. Proceeds support WTA, Friends of Badger Mountain, and Girls on the Run. USATF sanctioned event. Register by March 16.  

Ancient Lakes 50-mile, 50k, 25k & 10k (April 5-6): Experience the unique desert landscape of the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy, Wash., with this single-track race that includes a scenic waterfall. 

Yakima Skyline 25k (April 13): An out-and-back course in the high desert of the Yakima River Canyon outside Ellensburg, Wash., with open views and 4,700 feet of elevation gain. 

Caveman Roar & Pour (April 26): Run through the Cave B Winery estate in Quincy, Wash., overlooking the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Caveman/cavewoman costumes encouraged. Wine tasting and live music afterward. 

Spokane River Run (April 27): This race through Riverside State Park’s trails offers many distances: 5k, 10k, 25k, 25k Challenge, 50k, 50k team relay, and a new 25k Tag Team (2-person relay). New finish line amenity: Garland Brew Werks Beer Garden. Fundraiser for Garfield Elementary A.P.P.L.E. program and others. 

Run Like the Wind Running Festival (April 27): 5k, 10k and kids’ dash along the trails, paths and roads at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Ellensburg, Wash.; benefits Kittitas County Search and Rescue. 

Sun Mountain Trail Races (May 17 & 18): Run in the wildflower-carpeted Methow Valley in a 50-miler, 50k, 20-miler or 25k with stunning views of the Cascades at the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness.  

Hiawatha Trail Run (June 8): An epic run down Idaho’s Hiawatha Trail, cruising on crushed-rock rail trail and through old railroad tunnels that require headlights. 50k, 25k, 15k, or 10k available. Organized by Negative Split.  

Kaniksu Trail Runs (June 14): Multiple lengths available: Long Walk 100k, Kaniksu 50-mile, Blister Club (Solo Ruck), Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race, Sweet 50k, Tall Trees 29k, Herman’s Half, and SERE Beer Mile. Events take place in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range of Colville National Forest. 

“The Kan” Mountain Ultra Trail Race (June 14): 50k, 25k, and 10k options at Mount Spokane State Park traverse alpine meadows and old pine forests.  

Trail Rail Run 50-mile, 50-mile relay, 50k, 30k, 12k and 5k (June 21): A run from Mullan, Idaho, to St. Regis, Mont., along the old Milwaukee and Northern Pacific Railroad grades. 

Race the Wolf (June 21-22): Enjoy the flowy and challenging trails on Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho, with a Marathon, Half Marathon or 5-mile race. A straight uphill 1-mile “sky climb” also offered, with a ride down the mountain via ski lift. Part of the GRIT North Idaho Trail series.   

Mountain Magic Trail Run (June 29): 25k, 10k, and 5k options, with a new 35k Grand Tour distance. Experience the summer trails of Mount Spokane State Park.  

The “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run (July 27): Clothing-optional 5k trail run/walk at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park near Loon Lake, Wash. 

Rams Twilight Trail Run 5k (July; TBA): A 5k run along the trails near Riverside High School in Chattaroy that starts at 7:30 p.m. (headlamps highly encouraged); trail marked by glowsticks. Organized by Riverside’s Cross Country Team. 

Tartarus Backyard Ultra (Sept. 6): A “Last Person Standing” ultra race for runners and ruckers through Riverside State Park.  

Jump off Joe Marathon (Sept. 6): Gravel roads on and around Jump off Joe Mountain near Kennewick, Wash., provide great views from the top of the hill; half marathon and marathon course make the summit. Also a 10k option.  

Mt. Spokane Trail Run (Sept. 7): This Negative Split trail run has three scenic course options that start and finish at Selkirk Lodge on Mount Spokane. 25k, 10k and 5k distances. 

Priest Lake Marathon, Half Marathon & 50k (Sept. 13): Wilderness trail run through cedar groves and along lakeshore in the Panhandle National Forest. Part of The GRIT North Idaho trail run series organized by Priest Lake Multisports. 

Moscow Mountain Madness Half Marathon, 50k & 5-Mile (Oct. 5): Challenging course along technical single-track and logging roads. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners in Moscow, Idaho. 
Wild Moose Chase Trail Run (Oct; TBA) 25k, 10k and 5k trail runs at Riverside State Park hosted by Eastern Washington University’s PT department students. Larch Madness Trail Races (Oct. 12): A challenging run on the eastern edge of the Cascades in the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, alight with golden larch trees this time of year. 50k, 25k, 15k and 5k options. 
Sekani Trail Run 10k, 5k and 1k Kids’ Run (Oct; TBA): Adventure run/hike/walk on trails typically held at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane; this annual fall trail run is a fundraiser for Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program. 

Fall Flash 10k Race & 5k Fun Run (Nov; TBA): Course is a combination of paved and gravel roads and rolling hills of the Palouse countryside. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners, based in Moscow, Idaho. 

ROAD CYCLING 

Bike Everywhere Month Spokane (May): Events and activities typically include a Bloomsday bike corral, a pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park, and energizer stations for morning commuters. Organized by the Spokane Bicycle Club. 

Lilac Century Ride (May 18): Fun, scenic and challenging road tours (25-mile, 50-mile, 66-mile, and 100-mile). Start/finish at Big Barn Brewing Company in Green Bluff. 32-mile gravel option.  

CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo (June 14): Gran fondo scenic ride—not a race—starting from City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho, and riding along Lake Pend Oreille into Montana. Route options include road rides of 150, 80, 40 or 25 miles, a 55- or 75-mile gravel ride, and a family fun ride. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary; proceeds support a literacy program benefitting Pend Oreille School District students. 

Spokane Summer Parkways (June 17): A free route for bikes, pedestrians, and other human-powered transportation in the South Hill Manito/Comstock neighborhoods. Family-friendly event with fun, snacks and entertainment along the way. 

Cycle Chelan (June 21): This event is celebrating its 20^th anniversary ride this year with the Metric Century Challenge (100 km, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain), Lake Loop (45 miles), and Cycle di Vino (30 miles) around stunning Lake Chelan. E-bikes welcome. 

Northwest Tandem Rally (July 4-6): Hosted in Spokane Valley, Wash., this year by Valleyfest, tandem bike riders enjoy scenic rides and tandem bike community.  

Tour de Whatcom (July 19): Ride distance options include Century (100 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), 44 miles, or 22 miles. Scenic course, with start/finish in downtown Bellingham, Wash. 

Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (July 27): Organized by Valleyfest, ride options include a 10-mile “Family-Friendly” route, 25-mile “Adventure Ride,” and the 50-mile “Hills Around the Valley.” 

RIM Ride (Sept. 6-7): “Rotary in Motion” routes offer both flat and elevation rides 5-mile family bike ride on Saturday, followed by 15-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides on Sunday; hosted by the Rotary Club of Liberty Lake, Wash. 

WaCanId Selkirk Loop Ride (Sept. 8-13): A six-day ride over 395 miles making a supported scenic route around the Selkirk Mountains. Route includes two international border crossings (between U.S. and Canada), check WaCanId.org for event updates. 

Mt. Baker Hill Climb (Sept. 14): A 22-mile race with over 4,000 feet in elevation gain takes riders up a winding, rugged highway into the alpine. There are three categories—social, recreational and competitive. Benefits the Shifting Gears program. 

Coeur d’Fondo (Sept. 20): Ride along beautiful Coeur d’Alene lake and choose from five distances—Gran Fondo (116 mi.), Medio Fondo (86 mi.), Centro Fondo (47 mi.), Piccolo Fondo (36 mi.), and Family Fondo (14 mi.). Centro and Piccolo courses include a boat cruise.  

MOUNTAIN BIKING/GRAVEL RIDES 

Echo Red to Red XC MTB Race (March 15): Cross-country mountain bike race begins in the historic town of Echo, Oregon, with most of it on trails at Echo West Ranch & Vineyard. 

Gran Fondo Ephrata (March 23): A spring classic on remote back roads of Central Washington. Grand (85 mi.) and Medio (45 mi.) options with plenty of climbing. Register by March 20.  

Hilly Nilly Gravel Series (Monthly, March 17-June 16): Self-supported free group rides monthly (usually the 3^rd Sunday) in the months of March, April, May, and June. Course and starting point out of the Coeur d’Alene area posted a week ahead on Facebook. 

Washington Student Cycling League—Spring League (Spring): Co-ed mountain biking development program and spring race series for riders in grades 6-12, beginners through advanced, organized by the nonprofit Washington Student Cycling League. School-based and composite teams, with high school and middle divisions. Individuals can also participate and compete as an independent rider. Volunteer coaches are encouraged to start new teams. 

Hub-a-Palooza (April 11-13): A three-day mountain bike festival with downhill and enduro races at Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani in Spokane, hosted by Velo Northwest. 

Evergreen East—Classes & Clinics (April-Oct.): Mountain Bike Foundations classes start in April, with sessions offered both weekends and weeknights. Options include beginner, intermediate, freeride, technical descending, jumps classes, women-only classes, and private lessons. Classes are located at Camp Sekani unless otherwise noted. Scholarships available. 

Wednesday MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (May 1-June 26): For nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, this popular annual event features a different race course each week. Free entry for age 18 and younger. 

3/4 Minus Cykeltur (May 3): The ¾ Minus Cykeltur is a gravel gran fondo with a 52-mile route and 75-mile route starting out of Sandpoint, Idaho. Concludes with party and award ceremony at Matchwood Brewing with food, drink and live music. This is the first stage of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. 

Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League (May-October): Race series for youth in grades 6-12. 

Gran Fondo Leavenworth (May 18): A tough race with lots of climbing, Grande (82 mi.) and Medio (40 mi.) distances traverse mountain passes and forest service roads with updated 2025 routes.  

The Lilac Gravel Flamdangle (May 18): A 32-mile gravel ride, with half the course on unpaved/gravel surfaces. Start and Finish at Green Bluff’s Big Barn Brewery. Part of the Lilac Century event.  

24 Hours of Riverside (May 24-25): The ultimate 24-hour MTB team relay at Riverside State Park with racing and camping. Can also compete as a solo rider. Race is Saturday to Sunday, with a kids’ bike parade Saturday night. 

Climb for the Cure (June 21): A gravel and mountain bike race that starts/ends at Big Barn Brewery and summits Mount Spokane in the middle. New route options include a 22-miler and 50-miler. It’s a race to end cancer. Win up to $12,000 in prices, gear, and discounts when you participate. New pedal assist category open.  

Monarch Grind (June 28): This 70-mile gravel gran fondo starts and ends just outside of Clark Fork, Idaho, and loops in the iconic peaks above Lake Pend Oreille. Event number two in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. 

Northwest Cup (July 25-27) Silver Mountain Bike Park hosts one of the stops for this seven-race series across the Northwest. 

The Last Best Ride (July 27): Ride the gravel backroads of Whitefish, Mont., with challenging terrain and stunning views in the state known as “The Last Best Place.” You’ll have to get on the waitlist for “The Big Horn Sheep” 95-miler, and there are a few spots in “The Mountain Goat” 51-miler open.  
Aether’s Traverse (Aug. 16): A 35-mile gravel ride that departs Sandpoint and climbs up and over the Selkirks into the Priest River drainage basin before a return climb of 6,300 feet up to Schweitzer’s Sky House for a final chairlift ride down for the post-ride party. 

TRIATHLON/WATERSPORTS/MULTISPORTS 

Leadman Triathlon (April 19): Participants ski or snowboard a mile down Silver Mountain, then bike 7 miles down into Kellogg, Idaho, for a final 4-mile run. BBQ lunch and live music in the Gondola Village after the race. 

Rage in the Sage Duathlon (May 3): A 2.5-mile cross country run and 10 mile mountain or gravel bike section beginning at Kiona Vineyards in Benton City. Relay options. 

Onion Man Triathlon (May 18): Olympic distance race at the base of the Blue Mountains, USA Triathlon Sanctioned. Relay and Aquabike options.  

Ski to Sea (May 25): A multi-sport relay adventure race with teams of 3-8 people. Starts at Mt. Baker Ski Area and finishes in Bellingham Bay. The seven different sport legs include: cross-country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, running, road bike, canoe, cyclocross bike and sea kayak. 

Medical Lake Trailblazer Tri/Du/5k (June 21): Sprint distance triathlon with 350-meter swim, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; Duathlon with 1-mile run, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; and 5k run. Starts and ends at Coney Island Park in Medical Lake, Wash. 

Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene (June 22): Half Ironman race based at City Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene includes 1.2-mile lake swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. 

Righteous Richland Sprint Triathlon (July 12): A swim in the Columbia River kicks off this sprint tri with relay options. Mountain bike leg goes from Howard Amon Park to the Chamna Nature preserve with a final 3-mile foot path run.  

Hayden Sprint Triathlon (July 12): Swim, run and bike solo in this sprint triathlon, or register with a team to compete in the relay. Starts/ends at transition area at Honeysuckle Beach on Lake Hayden.  

Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 2): A 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille, aside the Sandpoint, Idaho, iconic Long Bridge. 30^th Annual event. 

Coeur d’Alene Triathlon/Duathlon (Aug. 9): Three registration options for this Coeur d’Alene event: Olympic triathlon (swim 1.5k, bike 40k, run 10k), scenic sprint triathlon (swim 0.5k, bike 20k, run 5k), or duathlon (run 5k, bike 40k, run 10k). 

Tri-Town Float Down Poker Paddle (TBA): Paddle the Pend Oreille River from the town of Ione to Metaline Falls, Wash. Event tentative; check Facebook for details. Raises funds for cancer patients and veterans.  

Swim the Snake (Aug. 9): An open water swim, kayak or stand-up paddle across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina near the town of Starbuck, Wash. Fundraiser for Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and local youth summer swim teams. 

Priest Lake Triathlon (Aug. 23): Choose between a sprint off-road triathlon or the sprint road bike course in the beautiful area around Priest Lake. Compete individually or as a team; start/finish near Hill’s Resort. 

Jen McKenna Paddle and Run (Sept. 6): Get the best of both worlds and kayak or SUP 1.6 miles from Higgens Point (CDA, Idaho) before running 4 miles along the Centennial Trail. New this year: a new long course with 3-person team option (two runners, one paddler). Event honors Jen McKenna, who died of complications from cystic fibrosis. Proceeds benefit Companions Animal Shelter. Post-race food and beer, plus great race swag. 

Diamond Tri Your Best Triathlon (Sept. 6): Event takes place at the Cowles Scout Reservation in Diamond Lake, Wash., and includes a SuperSprint (200-yard swim, 6-mile bike, 1.5-mile trail run; ages 11+); Sprint Tri (400-yard swim, 12-mile bike, 3-mile trail run; ages 18+); and Olympic Tri (1,600-yard swim, 23-mile bike, 6-mile trail run; ages 18+). Registration includes lunch from David’s Pizza. 

 

OUTDOORSY EVENTS 

Ask a Mechanic Anything (March 14): Learn bike maintenance tips and win prizes at Two Wheeler Dealer bike shop in Hayden, Idaho.  

OutLive Film Festival (March 20): Second annual festival of films that tell true cancer survivor stories of courage and healing lived outdoors. 7 p.m. at the Washington Cracker Co. building downtown Spokane. 

Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show (March 20-23): Gear and resources for fishing and boating, hunting, backpacking, and shooting sports. Hosted by Inland Northwest Wildlife Council at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. 

Reel Rock 19 (March 23): A fundraiser for the Bower Climbing Coalition at the Washington Cracker Building in downtown Spokane (4-8 p.m.). Climbing films, food and drinks, silent auction, and gear raffle. 

Wild & Scenic Film Festival (March 28): Films to inspire activism and a love for nature at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. A benefit for Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. 

The Lands Council 40^th Anniversary Auction (April 5): Help protect the Inland Northwest’s forests, waters, and wildlife while bidding on outdoor packages and other cool items including a canoe formerly owned by Eddie Vedder of the band Pearl Jam. 

Ice Age Floods Presentation Series (April 15, 28, & May 14): Spokane County Library District hosts these three presentations from the local chapter of the Ice Age Floods Institute (pre-registration is required).  
Spokane Bike Swap (April 19): The biggest bike sale event of the year. Buy or sell used bikes and check out biking and outdoor recreation booths at the Spokane Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit local cycling-related non-profit projects. 
Spokane Riverkeeper Earth Day River Cleanup (April 19): Be a part of the community effort to keep our river clean at this family-friendly Earth Day cleanup from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. at High Bridge Park near downtown Spokane.   

Stonerose Fossil Site Members’ Weekend (April 25-27): A members’ only fossil digging weekend at Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site near Republic, Wash., (8 a.m.-4 p.m. each day). 

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge Restoration Project (April 26): Help with wildlife habitat restoration work at the refuge near Cheney, Wash., including tree potting, tree planting, fence removal, and tending to a pollinator garden. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Turnbull NWR. 
Range to Ranch Overlanding Gathering (June 19-22): Nestled between Idaho’s rugged Sawtooth Mountains and the Lost River Range, this event at Swenson Butte Ranch offers a blend of off-road exploration, community connection, outdoor adventure, and camping in one of Idaho’s most scenic landscapes.  

Editor’s Note: Did we miss your favorite race, ride or outdoors event? Email lisa@outthereventure.com, and we will do our best to include it next year. 

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Winter Trailhead Passes 

It’s transition season for trails! Many popular trailheads in outlying areas are not maintained for winter access, so be sure to check weather reports before planning a late-fall outing. In Idaho, Park N’ Ski passes are required at many winter-maintained trailheads beginning Nov. 15 (e.g. Chipmunk Rapids and 4^th of July Pass); in Washington, SnoPark permits are required starting Dec. 1 (e.g. Mount Spokane State Park and the Kettle Crest). Check requirements for your favorite trailhead. Be aware that the best winter access locations will likely require a special parking pass to help defray the costs associated with routine snow removal in parking lots.  

Free Outdoor-themed Entertainment 

• Washington Native Plant Society will be hosting a thought-provoking Zoom meeting on “Fire Ecology in the Shrub Steppe” on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Advance registration is required for this free event. 

• To mark Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11, both National Parks and Washington State Parks are waiving entrance/parking fees. Washington State Parks will additionally celebrate Autumn Day on Nov. 29 as a fee-free day. 

• The Lands Council will be hosting a Campfire Stories event at Wildland Cooperative in Greenbluff on Nov. 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. Come enjoy the cozy indoor setting while listening to excellent stories on the theme of “Lost and Found” as it relates to our region’s public lands. 

• Wenatchee Outdoors and Chelan Douglas Land Trust are teaming up for a free Ugly Sweater Stroll at Jacobson Preserve on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. Ugly or holiday sweaters are encouraged! 

• Methow Trails will be hosting a free Methow Trails Film Festival on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Advance registration is required to ensure seating availability. All of the films will be locally made and related to the Methow Valley and the local trails community. A panel of judges will work with the audience to determine awards for best films! 

• While the event is actually on New Year’s Day, advance registration is required, so be sure to watch for First Day Hike offerings with Washington State Parks! The full event list will be available in mid-December. Mount Spokane State Park in partnership with its friends group will host both a beginner-friendly snowshoe hike to the Snowshoe Warming Hut and a moderately-difficult hike to the summit and Vista House. A SnoPark permit will be required for these events. Riverside State Park will host a beginner-friendly event that may be a hike or a snowshoe outing, depending on snow conditions. Jan. 1 is a fee-free day for the Discover Pass, so no parking permit is necessary. For those who don’t already own a pair of snowshoes, don’t forget to plan ahead by using your Spokane library card to check out a pair to try this winter! Snowshoes are available via the Library of Things in both Spokane and Spokane County. 

Fundraisers & Contests! 

• Methow Valley Nordic is hosting a fundraiser Nordic ski swap on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn. A nominal entry fee raises funds for Nordic programming. Stick around town after the ski swap for the Winter Kick-off Party at the same venue that evening. 

• American Trails sponsors an annual photography contest specific to National Recreation Trails (NRT) across the U.S., with a deadline of Dec. 15. Photos must be taken on a designated NRT (full list available via the American Trails website), and entrants can submit up to 10 photographs per trail in a wide variety of categories. A few examples of NRTs in our region include Spokane’s Centennial Trail, the Kettle Crest, Sullivan Lakeshore, Priest Lake’s Lakeshore Trail, and English Point at Hayden Lake, and there’s plenty of time to explore these or others before the contest deadline!  

Conservation, Stewardship & Volunteer Opportunities 

The season is beginning to wind down, but a few of our local nonprofits will continue to host events into the colder months! Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, Friends of Palisades Park, and Washington Trails Association will be teaming up in November to host a fall project day at the new Palisades North trail segment. WTA will also offer a handful of events on lower elevation trails within Spokane County Parks and at Indian Creek Community Forest before transitioning to snowshoe work parties in December. Please see each organization’s website for full registration information. 

Check out Holly’s Hike of the Month for Nov/Dec 2024 at the Indian Creek Community Forest in Northeast Washington!

The post The Trailhead: Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News Nov-Dec 2024 appeared first on Out There Venture.

If you’re both an outdoor and wine enthusiast, the stars align in autumn in the Inland Northwest: fall colors, cool air for exploring, and crisp white wines or bold reds for making memories post-adventure. It’s the ideal season for a bit of wanderlust and a bit of wine. Hike or mountain bike around the wine valley of Lake Chelan on trails lit with soft, fall light and orange and red leaves. Near the trailhead, incredible wineries are in celebratory, wine-harvest mode, ready to invite adventurers with scenic outdoor patio spaces and an unpretentious atmosphere. Nearer the city, go for a fall cycle or hike and pair it with a guided walking wine tour from Wander Spokane for the perfect blend of outdoor activity and warming regional wines. Adventure (and great Washington wine) awaits! 

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Nestled in the scenic Lake Chelan Wine Valley, Cairdeas Winery offers a captivating experience for wine enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Known for its Rhone-inspired wines, Cairdeas masterfully crafts and blends varietals such as Viognier, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, capturing the essence of the Rhône Valley in the Pacific Northwest’s stunning landscape. 

Autumn at Cairdeas is particularly special, as it marks the beginning of harvest. The winery and vineyard, lush with ripe grapes, buzz with activity as harvest begins. This time of year is a celebration of the fruits of labor and an opportunity for visitors to witness the winemaking process up close. The vibrant, bustling atmosphere adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the winery experience. 

As the crisp fall air settles in, Lake Chelan becomes a picturesque playground for outdoor aficionados. The golden foliage and refreshing temperatures make it an ideal time for hiking. Trails like Chelan Butte and Echo Ridge offer invigorating treks with panoramic views of the lake and valley, rewarding hikers with breathtaking vistas of the autumn landscape. 

After a day of exploration, the welcoming ambiance of Cairdeas Winery’s gambrel barn-style tasting room provides a serene retreat. Guests can unwind with a glass of their Rhone-inspired wine on their spacious patio, designed to showcase its stunning lake views. 

For a unique touch, visitors can engage in a game of pétanque, a traditional French game that pairs beautifully with the winery’s French-inspired atmosphere. This casual activity adds a playful dimension to the day, allowing guests to enjoy the crisp autumn air and stunning lake views while savoring their wine. 

Cairdeas, which means “friendship” in Irish Gaelic, truly embodies its name by seamlessly combining the joys of harvest, the great outdoors, exceptional wines, and picturesque surroundings. The winery promises a quintessential Lake Chelan experience filled with natural beauty and elevated delights, making every visit a celebration of camaraderie and enjoyment. 

To plan your fall roadtrip, find winery events, and make a reservation, visit cairdeaswinery.com. The winery is located at 31 Winesap Avenue, Manson, WA, 98831.  

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