Cover photo courtesy of Shallan Knowles

• Washington State Parks will hold fee-free days (no Discover Pass required) on March 9 to mark Billy Frank Junior’s birthday, March 19 to mark the anniversary of the creation of Washington State Parks, and April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Please note that SnoParks on Washington State Park property are not included in fee-free days, with SnoPark season extending until the end of March. 

• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is planning two fantastic events in March to close out the winter hiking season! Hike to eat by joining the Spar Lake Grill Out on March 8, or opt for a more challenging snowshoe hike to Star Peak for St. Patrick’s Day on March 16.  

• Pend Oreille Pedalers will host weekly no-drop road bike rides every Saturday in March, starting at 9 a.m. and meeting at Evan’s Brothers Coffee in Sandpoint. Trail maintenance opportunities with POP begin in mid-April.  

• Spokane Women on the Fly and Spokane Falls Chapter of Trout Unlimited are hosting Hackle & Hops events on March 2 and April 13. Both events take place at Lumberbeard Brewing in Spokane from 2-4 p.m. Learn how to tie the Renegade fly pattern in March and the Brassie fly pattern in April. 

• Plan ahead for the ultimate birding weekend with the Wenas Audubon Campout, May 30-June 2. This annual event takes place at the Hazel Wolf Bird Sanctuary at Wenas Creek Campground southwest of Ellensburg. There will be birding and wildflower walks during the day, and campfire presentations with guest speakers during the evening on both Friday and Saturday. A Discover Pass is required for camping at this DNR campground, but the rest of the activities are free and the event is family-friendly. 
  
  

Outdoor Education 

Are you interested in learning more about Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or needing to recertify? A WFA class provides an excellent foundation of skills for anyone who spends a lot of time in the backcountry. Longleaf is hosting a class at St. George’s School May 9-11. Tuition is $275. 

Stewardship, Conservation, & Volunteer Opportunities 

• Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative will host its spring Hells Canyon service project the weekend of April 26-28. Trip details are in the process of being finalized, but spring is a fantastic season to visit Hells Canyon while helping to maintain trails damaged by winter weather. 

• Spokane Riverkeeper will host an Earth Day River Cleanup event on April 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Bridge Park. Please register in advance so organizers know how many to expect. 

• Idaho Trails Association is in the process of planning its most robust North Idaho trail work schedule to-date with 26 total trips in North Idaho, ranging from Upper Priest River and Priest Lake to the St. Joe River. Trips open for registration in early March!  

• Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association (WMHCTA) is continuing a project to replace trail signage damaged by the Double Creek, Nebo, and Sturgill Fires. Locations where signage is needed have been noted, and the group seeks volunteers (in groups of two or more) who are willing to hike in the needed trail signage and install it. The dates can be flexible, so turn your backpacking trip into a service project by signing up to help! 

• Washington Trails Association will be hosting both day-long trailwork trips near Spokane and also kicking off Backcountry Response multi-day backpacking and car camping trips. March and April will see annual maintenance trips to local conservation areas impacted by winter storm damage, along with a partnership project with Friends of Palisades and Inland Northwest Lands Conservancy at Palisades Park on March 29.  

• Wild Montana hosts volunteer trailwork trips throughout Montana, with 2025 trip registration opening March 10. These multi-day trips are always popular, so check the offerings and sign up early! 

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

By Adam Gebauer 

When I was asked to write about the progress the five tribal nations of the Upper Columbia have made over the last 20 years in supporting fish, wildlife, and forests in this region, I knew it was going to be a daunting task. For well over a decade now, I have been working alongside the natural resource departments of these tribes on small subsets of these issues and have seen firsthand the vast breadth and depth of projects that each tribe has tackled. Their projects range from work to rehabilitate land directly on their reservation, working within their traditional territories (including Canada), to working collaboratively to restore salmon across their historic range.  

Over the last 20 years, these tribes have bolstered their natural resource programs and created plans to support habitat protection on their reservations. The Spokane Tribe, for example, has a land management plan that supports wildlife habitat, including designating areas for restoration, areas of no timber harvest, and places to limit development. They have also set water quality standards accepted by the EPA to maintain fishable, drinkable, and swimmable levels in all water leaving and entering the reservation.   

A goal of the 12 tribes of the Colville Reservation is to reintroduce the full subset of wildlife species that existed before western colonization. This is not only to allow these species to fulfill their ecological niche but also to provide tribal members opportunities for subsistence hunting. Along with the Yakama Nation, the Colville has introduced pronghorn to shrub steppe habitat. These populations have moved off the respective reservations and are breeding and occupying habitat throughout Central Washington. The Colville also reintroduced big horn sheep, are working to establish a breeding population of lynx along the Kettle Crest, and have recently released wood bison onto the reservation.  

The Couer d’Alene Tribe has taken a lead role in the management of Lake Coeur d’Alene.  Along with water quality issues, they have showed proof of concept that invasive northern pike suppression leads to increased trout populations. They have acquired land for habitat protection and restoration, including purchasing and/or trade of around 15 miles of the headwaters of Hangman Creek. Recently, the tribe purchased land in Spokane along Hangman where they plan to have a rearing area for chinook salmon. 

The Kootenai Tribe on the Idaho Panhandle are working to restore 55 miles of riparian habitat along the Kootenai River system. They have been working to increase populations of endangered Kootenai white sturgeon and burbot, a popular sport fish. In 2017, they built a hatchery that supports both fish—the first burbot hatchery in the nation—and in January 2019 burbot fishing opportunities were open to the public.  

The Kalispel Tribe has acquired and is working to restore an additional 5,000 acres of wildlife habitat and has restored the hydrologic floodplain processes to 3,000 acres within their traditional lands of the Pend Oreille waterways. They are working with the managing agencies for three dams along the Pend Oreille River — Boundary, Box, and Albeni Falls — to install fish passage. Two of these projects are in place and the Albeni project will be under bid in 2025. They are also working with different agencies including Seattle City Light, Pend Oreille County Public Utilities, the Colville National Forest, Trout Unlimited, and even The Lands Council (my employer) to restore habitat for the threatened bull trout and endemic cutthroat trout across the watershed. To bolster habitat for these fish, they installed a cold-water syphon at Sullivan Lake, which has lowered the temperature of Sullivan Creek by an average 6 degrees Celsius. They are also trying to replicate this to lower the temperature of Priest River.  

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho and the Kalispel Tribe have a small land mass, so as much as they work on their reservation lands, they also conduct much of their habitat work on public lands within their ancestral territory. Both tribes have been working with Canadian agencies, including the Arrow Lakes Society, to restore the Selkirk Mountain Caribou herd to its historic range into the Southern Selkirks. They are also active on the interagency grizzly bear recovery task force, trying to restore genetically viable populations of this key species to the Selkirk and Yaak recovery zones. 

Both the Colville and the Kalispel have leveraged the Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA) to conduct projects on the Colville National Forest. The Colville Tribe engaged in the Sanpoil project in Ferry County to reduce wildfire potential along the reservation boundary. The Kalispel was integral in the Trail Project, which spans six watersheds in Pend Oreille County and focuses on forest health, wildfire fuels reduction close to population centers, and improved recreation. Along with conducting prescribed burns on their forest land, the five nations are also reestablishing the practice of cultural burning, which, along with supporting forest health, can have specific objectives such as increasing huckleberry habitat or camas fields. 

One of the most culturally significant and biggest lifts is the reintroduction of salmon to their historic waterways in the upper Columbia River above Chief Joesph and Grand Coulee Dams. The nations, particularly the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, and Colville, are in the second of three phases of a decades-long fight to bring salmon back. The current phase is studying the habitat suitability of the spring Chinook in their natal waters as well as the reservoir of Lake Roosevelt. Tribes are looking at the ability of these fish to spawn successfully in main stem and tributary waters.  The tribes have released adult fish into streams such as the Sanpoil, Little Spokane, Hangman, and the Spokane and have found that these fish have been able to create redds (fish nests) in the sand and gravel. Another part of the study is looking at movement and survival of juvenile fish within Lake Roosevelt and through the dams, to the ocean and hopefully back again. These young fish need cold, swift, oxygen-rich water to make it to the ocean, and the reservoirs behind the dams make this challenging. One of the key aspects of this project is determining ways to bring salmon back while maintaining the current hydroelectric operation of the Columbia and Spokane Rivers. 

This is only a small subset of all the work that these tribes have been able to accomplish in our region over the las 20 years.  They are the forefront of actions to make our landscapes more climate resilient, habitats healthier, and waters cleaner. As is often quoted in tribal culture, they are looking seven generations in the past and seven generations into the future. 

Adam Gebauer has been slipping and sliding in some local creeks while helping the Spokane Tribe collect data on trout and future salmon habitat. He is passing miles on the trails while enjoying the fall colors. 

The post Regional Tribes Take the Lead on Fish, Wildlife, & Habitat Restoration Across Their Ancestral Lands  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Hughes Fork and Jackson Creek share a trailhead near Hughes Meadows in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Each can be a stand-alone day hike for visitors to nearby Priest Lake, remaining low to enjoy the old growth forest’s lingering huckleberry patches in September or fall mushroom season as rains return in October. The area is home to numerous wildlife species, from lowly western toads to massive moose and relatively rare grizzly bears.

Those looking for a more challenging hike can opt for the backpack loop version, a route to rival the nearby and more popular Salmo Loop. With maintenance projects planned for late summer into early September by area nonprofit groups, the Hughes Fork and Jackson Creek Loop will likely be in the best condition it has been in for several years just in time for fall backpack trips. The trail passes through a recovering forest following the Hughes Fork Fire of 2017. The fire’s impacts are evident on large portions of the loop, but most of the giant cedars along the route survived the blaze.

The best way to hike the full loop is counter-clockwise, heading up Hughes Fork. The trail starts parallel to and providing peek-a-boo views of Hughes Meadows before gradually beginning to climb toward the Shedroof Divide. The trail enters the Salmo Priest Wilderness at the Washington/Idaho state line, and pops out onto the Shedroof Divide at a shared intersection with the Shedroof Cut-off Trail (an alternate starting location from the Washington side). Turn south on the Shedroof Divide, enjoying the ridgeline views in a portion of the trail that saw the most severe fire impacts but also contains some of the best fall colors. The trail passes beneath Thunder Mountain, a fun side-hike option to a former fire lookout via an unmaintained spur trail. At the shared intersection with Thunder Creek (secondary alternate starting point from the Washington side), turn east on Jackson Creek Trail to descend and complete the loop.

At 26 miles total, this is best for a 2-3 day backpack trip if completing the full loop. Day hikers can turn back at whatever distance is desired. Once back at the start, it’s worth the nearby side-trip to continue to the dead-end of NF 1662 to see the old Hughes Meadows Cabin.

USGS Maps: Upper Priest Lake, Continental Mountain, Salmo Mountain, and Helmer Mountain.

Getting There:

From Nordman, Idaho, continue on N Nordman Road. This turns into West Side Road, or NF 302. The road crosses back into Washington, passing Stagger Inn Campground at 12.9 miles north of Nordman. The road re-enters Idaho at 4.4 miles past Stagger Inn; continue straight on NF 1013. Continue 2.2 miles, then turn left on NF 1662. Continue 1.5 miles to an unmarked NF 1399 on the left. When the gate is open, this road leads to trailhead parking for Hughes Fork and Jackson Creek Trails. The gate is closed from late summer through spring to protect grizzly habitat, but there is a small parking area to the side for hikers, adding roughly 1 mile roundtrip to the hike.

Holly Weiler is a long-time contributor to Out There Venture.  

The post Hike of the Month: Hughes Fork and Jackson Creek appeared first on Out There Venture.

• National Public Lands Day (NPLD) falls on September 23rd this year. It’s a fee-free day for both National Parks and Washington state lands. Discover Pass fees will additionally be waived on October 10th for World Mental Health Day.
• Spokane County Library District will be hosting a mushroom foraging for beginners class on September 20 from 6-8 p.m. in the North Spokane meeting room. Attend to learn about some of the edible mushrooms found in our region!
• Join the Methow Conservancy for a series of free events, both in person and online, during September and October. Highlights include an in-person presentation on lynx and wildfire, a field trip through the newly acquired Sunny M. Ranch property with a focus on the forest, and a Zoom presentation on bats from WDFW. (Methowconservancy.org)
• Free guided hike destinations with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy during September include Waikiki Springs, Palisades Park, and Saltese Uplands. (Inlandnwland.org)
• The Dishman Hills Conservancy’s annual dinner and auction fundraiser will be held on October 16 at CenterPlace Regional Event Center. (Dishmanhills.org)

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

The Blue Mountains region, consisting of the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests, is currently undergoing a revision of its existing Forest Plan. A series of public meetings is planned throughout September and October, including an online Zoom meeting option on October 10. Join any of these and then consider providing formal comments to help guide the process. For more information, contact Sm.fs.bluesforests@usda.gov.

Conservation & Stewardship Opportunities

• The annual Spokane River Cleanup with be held on September 16. Sign up with The Lands Council for this self-guided event, with designated trash collection sites in multiple locations along the Spokane River. (Landscouncil.org)
• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have several trailwork events planned through the month of September, including a NPLD project at Regal/Morris Creek on September 23. They will wrap up the trailwork season on September 30 with a project at Goat Mountain. (Scotchmanpeaks.org)
• Spokane Nordic will have several weekend days of volunteer trail maintenance in September and October in preparation for the upcoming Nordic ski season. (Spokanenordic.org)
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance will be offering a fall weekend’s worth of work parties in the Methow from September 29-October 1, with camping available at Upper Beaver Creek Campground and the work happening on nearby Blue Buck and Lightening Creek Trails. Food included, but advance registration required. (Evergreenmtb.org)
• Okanogan Highlands Alliance will be partnering with Pacific Northwest Trail Association on September 9 for a day of heavy restoration work on Beaver Lake Trail. PNTA will be hosting a variety of additional projects throughout September and into early October, working on the Kettle Crest and near Sullivan Lake. (Okanoganhighlands.org and pnt.org)
• Idaho Trails Association (ITA) and Washington Trails Association will be partnering on the Jackson Creek Trail in North Idaho near the Salmo-Priest Wilderness the first weekend after Labor Day. Join either crew as they work to meet in the middle at the WA/ID boundary! ITA will additionally be hosting a National Public Lands Day project at Chimney Rock in the Idaho Selkirks, while WTA will be celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary of the trail maintenance program with a return to Iller Creek Conservation Area in Spokane Valley for annual maintenance on September 18, as well as a project at Fishtrap Recreation Area near Cheney, Wash. (Idahotrailsassociation.org and wta.org) //

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

The deep, clear lakes scattered around the Spokane region provide fascinating evidence of the unique geologic history of the Inland Northwest. The stories they carry are rich enough for myth or legend: massive ice sheets, lost glaciers, churning floods, and fresh flows of groundwater from underground rivers and aquifers. 

Geologist Bruce Bjornstad has devoted years of research and field work to the study of the cataclysmic Missoula Floods that shaped many of the local landscapes. “Out in the scablands of southeast Washington,” he says, “Medical Lake and Sprague Lake—those are fed by groundwater exclusively. There are actually no streams or rivers flowing in.” He describes how the floods carried huge amounts of rushing water and debris that, “scoured out big holes in the basalt. The places where these floods scoured below the water table are now filled with lakes.”

According to Bjornstad, as many as 100 such floods occurred over a few thousand years toward the end of the last ice age, when the Cordilleran ice sheet covered a large part of the Pacific Northwest. During this period, ice repeatedly blocked the Clark Fork River, creating a dam up to 30 miles wide and 4,000 feet thick that blocked the river’s flow. Water from the resulting lake periodically overpowered the ice dam by flowing under it or by permeating and breaking up the ice.

In one of his many lectures, Central Washington University geologist Nick Zentner says that at its top speed, water from Glacial Lake Missoula moved at 70-80 miles per hour, and for multiple days following the breaking up of the ice dam, flowed at a rate of 500 million cubic feet per second—10 times the flow of all the rivers of the world combined.

Idaho’s Rathdrum Prairie sits directly downstream of the outburst area for the Missoula floods. “When the glacial dam broke,” Bjornstad says, “the rushing water dropped so much sediment that it raised the level of the Rathdrum Prairie and blocked tributaries,” damming streams and preventing accumulating water from escaping. This phenomenon created today’s Coeur d’Alene, Liberty, Twin, Newman, Hauser, Hayden and Spirit lakes, all of which are fed from rivers and streams that drain down from surrounding highlands and feed the prolific Rathdrum Prairie-Spokane Aquifer below.

Lake Pend Oreille, the fifth deepest lake in the Unites States, was formed by a combination of grinding ice and floodwater. According to Bjornstad, a lobe of the ice sheet crept down from the Purcell trench (a long, glaciated valley extending from British Columbia into North Idaho), carving a deep trough where the lake rests today. The Clark Fork River, formerly dammed with ice during the Missoula flood period, now feeds Lake Pend Oreille, along with the Pack River.

Bjornstad says a second ice lobe carved out and filled Priest Lake, which is bordered by a buildup of sediment at its southern end unrelated to the Missoula floods. “At the extreme front end of the glacier that carved out Priest Lake, the ice started melting back and dropped a huge amount of sediment, which formed a natural dam. This type of sediment is called a glacial moraine.”

Bjornstad says “there are lots of natural lakes in this area. They’ve formed in a lot of ways, including erosion from the Missoula Floods, glaciers, as well as damming and filling of water behind glacial moraines.” He says floods made the biggest contribution by creating many scour holes and troughs that lakes now occupy. Today these depressions receive water from rivers, streams and groundwater. Still other lakes, like Lake Roosevelt and Long Lake along the Spokane River, are recent lakes created by man-made dams immediately downstream. Banks Lake is also a modern, man-made lake created by the pumping of irrigation water 500 ft above Lake Roosevelt into the upper Grand Coulee.

When asked where one might find other lakes and landscapes similar to those in the Inland Northwest, Bjornstad says: nowhere. “What we have here is unique worldwide. It’s one of a kind. We find evidence elsewhere to suggest the story of perhaps a single large Ice Age flood, but nothing on the scale of what we see from these repeated Missoula floods.”

For more local geology, check out Bruce Bjornstad’s books (available at Auntie’s Bookstore): “On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods: A Geological Field Guide to the Mid-Columbia Basin,” and “On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods—The Northern Reaches: A Geological Field Guide to Northern Idaho and the Channeled Scabland.” //

Olivia Dugenet is a frequent contributor to Out There Venture. This summer, she will be sleeping on the shores of at least eight different lakes and rivers in remote sections of Wyoming, Montana and British Columbia.

The post Rare Blue Jewels appeared first on Out There Venture.

Go Surfing

Wake surfing is a water sport in which a rider is pulled behind a boat, riding the boat’s wake without being directly pulled by the boat. The big difference between wake surfing and water skiing is the speed. For wake surfing, the boat only goes about 8-10 MPH, unlike water skiing at 20-40 MPH. This makes it much easier for children or older adults to enjoy the sport. After getting up on the wake, you can drop the rope, and ride the wave’s peak in a fashion reminiscent of surfing. The only types of boats safe to surf behind are those with the propeller located beneath the boat rather than behind the boat. You can also try the growing sport of hydrofoil surfing on lakes.

Hike The Lake

Whether it’s an all-day hike around or up to a lake, or a short hike from your car to the beach, the idea is to get out and look around.

The Enchantments are considered one of the most beautiful and scenic wilderness areas in the Pacific Northwest and home to Inspiration Lake, Perfection Lake, and Crystal Lake, where nature has carved out an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers.

Spirit Lake in Idaho has a relatively new hiking and biking trail system around the lake.

Dusty Lake and the Ancient Lakes, located in the Quincy Wildlife Recreation Area, are famous for their unique beauty, deep coulees, and even a waterfall, all in a desert landscape.

Lower Gospel Lake in the Gospel Hump Wilderness in Idaho’s Wind River Range has remained somewhat off the radar for hikers, it’s tough going, but you’ll be rewarded with an uncrowded lake and excellent trout fishing.

All three of these websites will help you find great hikes around lakes according to your desired location and related activities.

• The Washington Trails Association (Wta.org)
• Fat Map (Fatmap.com)
• All Trails (Alltrails.com)

Boat in for Happy Hour and Dining

There’s nothing better than pulling your boat up to the dock and hopping off for a happy hour, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few lakeside favorites worth trying.

Cedars Floating Restaurant or Tony’s on Lake Coeur d’Alene serve an array of drinks and dining options. The Cycle Haus in Harrison is also a great boat-in favorite.

The Raven on Flathead Lake in Montana is a premier spot for dockside dining.

The Floating Restaurant in Hope on Lake Pend Oreille (ID) has been a local landmark for over 35 years.

The Dock n Duck on Kootenay Lake in Balfour, BC offers great dining and comfy lodging.

The Blue Diamond Marina and Resort on Priest Lake (ID) offers lakeside lodging and The Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Check out Dockwa.com to find marinas with dining options, just about anywhere! Dockwa.com

Explore Nature and Wildlife

There is an endless amount of wildlife to explore in the greater Inland NW. The most common animals found around lakes include fish, snakes, herons, otters, beavers, muskrats, turtles, frogs, ducks, eagles, and salamanders. However, depending on where you are, there may be more. It’s best to check websites for the National and State Park Services, Fish and Wildlife, and Fish and Game if you’re interested in exploring the wildlife on your next trip to a lake. Here are a few suggestions worth learning more about.

Potholes Reservoir, located in central Washington, is in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area.

Wild Horse Island Unit at Flathead Lake State Park in Montana is known for its wildlife including wild horses, bighorn sheep, mule deer, eagles and falcons.

Wallowa Lake in Oregon is known for its diverse wildlife, nearby including black bears, badgers, cougars, coyotes, elk, lynx, minks, and wolverines.

Learn about Tribal Lands and Heritage

There are seven Inland NW tribes that at one time made part of their living off the bounty provided by nearby lakes. The Colville, Kalispel, and Spokane in Washington, the Kootenai, Coeur d’Alene, and Nez Pearce in Idaho, and the Flathead in Montana. Learning about the heritage, culture, and experience of Native Americans in your area is a wonderful way to learn about the contributions of the region’s first Americans.

Go Skydiving

Take the leap with Sky Dive Chelan and get a whole new perspective on the beautiful vineyards of the region around Lake Chelan. The scenic ride to altitude provides stunning views of Lake Chelan, the Cascade Mountains, and the Columbia River. After your adventure, swing by your favorite tasting room for a much-needed glass of wine!

Join A Boat Club

The Carefree Boat Club on the Spokane River in Post Falls, Idaho, is all about boating without owning. To join the club, you’ll need to pay an initial fee and annual dues. You can use just about any type of boat, all geared up for you and ready to go! They even have kayaks, jet skis, or paddle boards. You don’t have to worry about insurance, maintenance, or storage, and you can try different types of boats. You don’t have to know how to boat, because membership includes training by certified instructors.

Go Wine, Beer or Cider Tasting by the Lake

These websites will get you started in your search for places to find local wines or beers on your next lake destination. By going to local wineries or breweries you can relax, meet new friends, and grab some supplies for the rest of your trip.

Washingtonwine.org

Lakechelan.com/drink/wine-tasting

Visitidaho.org/travel-tips/how-to-tour-northern-idahos-award-winning-wine-country

Glaciermt.com/wineries

Bigskybrewscruise.com

Glacierparkcollection.com/glacier-national-park/stories/the-best-breweries-in-flathead-valley

Visitnorthidaho.com/stories/breweries

Washingtonbeerblog.com/eastern-washington-breweries

Go Fishing

There’s a song by Van Morrison that says it all, “Hands are full of a fishin’ rod, and the tackle on our backs; Yeah, we looked at the swim and we jumped right in; Oh, the water!”

Fishing in the lakes of Inland NW are some of the best fishing experiences in the world. It’s an angler’s paradise. Whether you’re lying on the bank watching them jump, learning about hatcheries, or fishing from a kayak, you can never go wrong making fishing part of your lake experience. Before you go, learn about the type of fishing you’d like to do, take lessons, get the right equipment, and study the regulations for the area. Here are links to the fish and wildlife sites. Expert tip, check out the ‘tournament section,’ for contests and cash prizes.

Wdfw.wa.gov

Idfg.idaho.gov

Fwp.mt.gov

Dfw.state.or.us

Go for a Scavenger Hunt

You can look for scavenger hunts in your area, or you can create your own. Showing your kids or grandkids that you love the outdoors will teach them to appreciate it as much as you do. Teaching them to be observant and to notice nature will carry over into other aspects of their lives. There are websites for buried treasure, ghost towns, and geocaching, or you can create your own scavenger hunt by hiding items in your boat, camp, or car and seeing who can find them based on clues provided throughout your trip.

Enjoy Live Music

If you have a guitar, harmonica, or recorder, bring it along and serenade your friends and family, or join in with the frogs. There’s nothing better than playing music while floating along in a canoe. However, you can also enjoy plenty of live music at some of these great music festivals.

• Bluewaters Bluegrass Festival on Medical Lake (Bluewatersbluegrass.org)
• Kaslo Jazz fest on Kootenay Lake (Kaslojazzfest.com)
• Bands on Boats Coeur d’Alene Lake (Cdacruises.com/bands-on-boats)
• Under the Big Sky Fest, MT (Underthebigskyfest.com)
• Whitefish Songwriter’s Festival, MT (Whitefishsongwriterfestival.org)
• Sunbanks Rhythm & Blues Festival, Grand Coulee (Sunbanksfestival.com)

Participate in Lake Clean-up Days

It’s always important to clean things up and leave everything as you found it, but a great way to do your part and teach your children the importance of keeping our natural surroundings beautiful is to participate in a volunteer clean-up day. All the lakes have them. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Flathead Lake Flathead Waters Clean Up
• Stewards of Wallowa Lake Clean Up
• Lake Pend Oreille Clean Up Day
• Priest Lake Spring Clean Up

Discover a Lake Monster

In McCall, Idaho, there’s a lake monster known as “Sharlie.” The Native Americans were said to fear the calm, seemingly bottomless waters of the Big Payette Lake and told stories of an evil spirit that lurked in its hidden depths.

Sightings report a creature at least 35 feet long, with a dinosaur-type head, pronounced jaw, humps like a camel, and shell-like skin. The infamous monster has been supposedly seen many times, and in 1954 McCall residents had a contest to name the monster, now fondly known as Sharlie.

See Fireworks on the Water (16)

Many of the lakes have firework displays on the 4^th of July, but here are some of the biggest ones.

• Lake Chelan’s Rockin Fireworks Display
• Festival of America at Grand Coulee
• Lake Couer d’Alene has the largest Fourth of July celebration in northern Idaho
• The Fourth of July Mountain Music Fest on Payette Lake in McCall

Go Ziplining

Soaring along the treeline is an exciting way to see the lake and the beauty that surrounds it! Here are some thrilling, action-packed zipline tours to explore.

• The zipline tour at Tamarack Resort at McCall Lake includes eight zip lines and two suspension bridges. (Tamarack, Idaho.)
• Experience the feeling of flight while overlooking the sparkling Columbia River from the high mountain cliffs at Tunnel Zip Lines, Castle Vineyards (Lake Chelan, Wash.)
• Mica Moon Zip Tours include the thrills of ziplining while visiting old moonshine camps. (Liberty Lake, Wash.)
• Soar high above the trees with views of the lake while you zipline or explore the sky bridge and treehouse ad Timberline Adventures (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho).
• Soar hundreds of feet above the trees on Montana’s longest zipline tour with views of Glacier National Park. (Whitefish, Mont.)

Do the Chain Lakes

Coeur d’Alene River Chain Lakes are made up of ten small lakes. Anderson Lake is about 1,183 acres and holds the state record for the biggest largemouth bass; Thompson Lake is one of the smallest chain lakes at 380 acres; Blue Lake and Swan are only accessible by boat; Cave Lake is the largest at 1,640 acres and includes caves; Medicine Lake features several undeveloped camping spots; Killarney Lake includes Popcorn Island; Bull Run Lake is small and marshy; and Rose Lake is a quiet and stocked with channel catfish annually.

Have A Picnic

In your boat, at the dock, floating along under the big blue sky, nothing tastes better than food on the water. There are stores with ready-made sandwiches and salads sprinkled around the lake, or you can get creative with your own charcuterie to go. Whatever you do, don’t forget the picnic blanket. In a kayak, canoe, or paddle board? Don’t forget to pack your picnic in a dry bag.

Be A Pirate

Legends say that pirates arrived in Lake Chelan in 1812, and the Lake Chelan Pirate Fest happens every July. You can also take the Lady of the Lake Pirate Cruise, including events for kids and a pirate costume contest. Be sure to visit Captain Dan Mimmack, well-known to locals as the Sandpoint Beach Pirate (ID), who offers free boat rides aboard his authentic-looking pirate ship, called the “Wild Spirit.”

Lakechelanpiratefest.com

Visit A Castle

Stay at the Schweitzer Castle & Château de Melusine, a unique vacation rental near Schweitzer Mountain near Sandpoint, Idahom or the Idaho Castle overlooking Hope. Both are located near Lake Pend Oreille.

Paddle All Day

There are many ways to paddle at the lake, whether in a kayak, a canoe, or on a stand-up paddleboard. Spending your day enjoying the water while paddling is not only fun but also a great workout. Additionally, you can paddle in just about any lake, rentals are inexpensive and easy to transport, you can do it alone or with friends/family, and it’s quiet and peaceful.

If you’re just getting started with paddling, it’s recommended you start by taking lessons. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club Sckc.club is a great place to begin. Their first priority is safety, next they will teach you the skills you’ll need to fully enjoy the art of paddling. There are paddle clubs in most recreational water areas. To find one near you I recommend exploring the American Canoe Association Americancanoe.org website.

Things to do while paddling:

Fishing from a canoe or kayak isn’t new, but what about a paddleboard? Fishing paddle boards are equipped with mounts to attach rod holders, bait trays, down riggers, fish finders, and more.

Yoga on any paddle board is possible, but for the most comfort try an inflatable paddle board with a spacious deck pad.

Take your pet! Many motorized boat rentals will not allow you to bring a dog, but bringing your dog along for a peaceful paddle, if done safely, can be wonderful. Remember, they too need a personal flotation device (PFD).

Explore wildlife while you quietly paddle close to shore or through wildlife sanctuaries. Not only will you see birds and plopping frogs, you might also see beavers, muskrats, turtles, and soaring eagles.

Resources:

The Spokane Alpine Haus has everything you’ll need for your paddling adventures, including rentals, clothing, and gear. Specializing in Hobie Cat kayaks and peddle kayaks. Thespokanealpinehaus.com

Rambleraven Trader in Spokane has an expansive selection of both new and used equipment and rentals. Their website allows you to select different categories to see what’s available and schedule rentals. Rambleraven.com

Breakwater Expeditions provides custom expeditions, such as teen trips, women’s retreats, and full moon paddles. Unique and fully customized, these personalized expeditions are perfect for families (or groups of friends) who want to experience paddling together. “Different people have different comforts outdoors,” explains Angie Roberts, one of the owners, “if you allow yourself to try something new, you’ll find you’re quite capable of doing quite a lot.”

Breakwaterexp.com

Go Berry Picking

In the summer, roadside stands line the lakes, selling fruits and vegetables throughout the day, but why not pick your own? Cherries are especially sought after around Flathead Lake in Montana, and eastern Washington and North Idaho are legendary for their huckleberries. Research berry picking safety before you go, because bears like them too!

Do Some Magnet Fishing

Magnet fishing is all about searching for metal objects you can pull up with a strong neodymium magnet. This cult hobby/environmental treasure hunting trend has become quite popular and allows you to remove large debris such as discarded bicycles and tire rims from bodies of water. Initially started by boaters to recover fallen keys, magnet fishing has uncovered some interesting artifacts. Magnet fishing is legal in WA, ID, OR and MT. Considering the Spokane and Columbia Rivers were once important transportation routes for early settlers in the Inland NW, there’s potential for some great finds.

Visit Lakes in Canada

Balfour, BC, is less than 4 hours from Spokane, and Kootenay Lake is one of the province’s largest lakes. Okanagan Lake spans 84 miles, north to south, and boasts long, sandy beaches. The 100-mile-long Arrow Lakes region has two hot spring resorts. There are five parks in the region including McDonald Creek, Rosebery, Summit Lake, Syringa, and Valhalla, and several private campgrounds where you can set up a tent or park an RV.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Fly with commercially licensed pilots in a colorful hot-air balloon above Lake Chelan (WA), Lake Coeur d’Alene (ID), Flathead Lake (MT), or Lake Wallowa (OR). If you really love hot air balloons, be sure to attend the Spirit of Boise Balloon Festival (Boise, Idaho) or the Great Prosser Balloon Rally (Prosser, Wash.).

Bike the Lake

Whether biking around the lake, entering a race, going mountain biking, or cruising on an E-bike, there are endless ways to get on your bike around the lakes.  

For something easy, try the Medical Lake Trail, a 2.9-mile trail east of Spokane off I-90, which can also be accessed from Waterfront Park.

For something more extensive, try the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s, a 73-mile paved trail that spans from Mullan to Plummer through Idaho’s chain of lakes region, connected by Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Cycle Haus, a bike shop and restaurant in Harrison along the trail, has rentals for any type of bike, including E-bikes, and a shuttle to transport you and your bike to any trailhead. All you have to do is bike back!

For bike races near lakes, consider the WaCanId (an annual bicycle tour taking cyclists on paved roads encircling the Selkirk Mountains); the Coeur d Alene Ironman; the Enduro Pescado in Whitefish, MT; Cycle Chelan (Wash.); Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (Wash.); or the Kootenai River Ride (ID).

Helpful Resources:

WA Bikes.org Wabikes.org

TrailLink.com Traillink.com

WSDOT.wa.gov

DiscoverBicycleTours.com

AllTarils.com

Get Inspired

Impressionist painters started something called Plein air painting, which is about getting outside to ‘experience painting and drawing in the landscape,’ and what better landscape than a sparkling lake with the mountains and trees surrounding it? Next time you go on a lake adventure, be sure to bring whatever art supplies suit you and let the lake’s beauty inspire you. If painting or drawing seems too complicated, try writing instead. Whenever we went on outdoor excursions as children, we had to bring journals and were asked to write something, even if it was only a haiku, a poem with only three lines, five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third.

Forage for Plants

Non-commercial foraging for plants is legal on most public lands and state parks, and the bounty of wild mushrooms, berries, and edible and medicinal plants in the Northwest is prodigious. There are foraging groups around the lakes you can join, such as the Wilderness Crafts & Forest Foraging Camp in Coeur d’Alene, and you can also look for foraging groups on Facebook.

Resources:

INaturalist.org

NorthernBushcraft.com

Facebook Group Inland Northwest Foraging

Washington Native Plant Society

See the Lake from the Sky

Enjoy the lake(s) from above! The bigger lakes have seaplane tours that pick you up and drop you off at the dock. Look into Brooke’s in Coeur d’Alene (ID), Backcountry Flying Experience in northern Montana, or Sandpoint Seaplane Service at Lake Pend Oreille (ID). Lake Chelan Helicopters can take you above the lake and the Cascade mountains, and the Moses Lake Airshow is one of the biggest in the West. Or, if you want something a bit more daring, try paragliding. You can go tandem with an expert or take lessons to go up on your own.

Visit Museums and Visitor Centers

Let’s face it, the best days at the lake are when the sun is shining, but if you catch a rainy day or need a break from water, seek out the local museums and cultural centers. A great place to start is the visitor center in the town you’re visiting. Most state and national parks have one as well.

View Famous Homes

Since lake property is limited, the homes around it can be rather spectacular. If you take a boat or seaplane tour, they will most likely point out some of the more famous homes. Also look for walking tours, garden tours, or historic home tours. You might even spot a celebrity!

Go Sailing

Sailing on a lake can be less intimidating than the open sea, and therefore a great place to learn. The North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits program has a rental shop on Lake Coeur d’Alene run by students in the summer. Here you can find a variety of paddle boats, as well as sailboats and sailing lessons. The Lake Chelan Sailing Association provides lessons, rentals, and several sailing events. The Sandpoint Sailing Association features several races, and Go Sail Montana at Flathead Lake offers lessons, rentals and charters. Fun To Sail offers lessons and rentals on Spokane and North Idaho area lakes as well.

Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun way to explore the lake. Depending on how clear the water is, you may be able to see fish, shells, and other aquatic life. Snorkeling can be a great learning experience, and unlike scuba diving, which requires a certificate and expensive gear, you can go snorkeling with a good pair of goggles, a snorkel, and a pair of flippers. Lake Chelan is a great choice for this.

Swim/Tube/Float

Lake beaches are a great place to sunbathe, but the swimming is divine. The cool waters can be perfect after a long day playing at the lake—skinny dipping in a moonlit cove, cannon ball jumping off a dock, floating on your back staring at the clouds, tubing behind a boat, or riding about on a giant inflatable. Whatever or however you get into the water, always proceed with caution. The mountain waters can be cold, so always have a towel and a change of clothes. If you start to shiver, get out of the water; never swim alone; always keep your eye on the little ones; and if you’re in open water or not a strong swimmer, wear a PFD.

Learn About Wooden Boats

Wood has been a reliable material for boats, but now we live in an era of fiberglass, aluminum, and steel hulls. Traditional boat owners and historians revere wooden boats as a symbol of boating culture. Because of that, you’ll find several wooden boat events around the lakes in the summer months. Here are some of the bigger events, but you can also look for wooden boat clubs in your area.

• The Wooden & Antique Boat Festival (Sandpoint, Idaho), July 15
• Payette Lake Wooden & Classic Boat Show (McCall, Idaho), August 4,5,6
• Coeur d’Alene Antique & Classic Boat Festival (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), August 12 & 13
• Mahogany & Merlot (Chelan, Wash.), October 6-8

Explore Wallowa Lake

Wallowa County is in Oregon’s northeastern corner and is full of snowcapped mountains, wild prairies, pristine waterways, and North America’s deepest river gorge. It’s also home to Lake Wallowa. Fed by icy snowmelt, this dazzling lake was formed by a series of Pleistocene glaciers. Here you will find fewer people, mind-boggling stars, and the Wallowa Lake Tramway that climbs 3700′ to the top of Mt. Howard with sweeping views of all four states. Enjoy hiking, biking, watersports, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, fishing, and sightseeing around the area, and the 4-day Alpenfest in September.

Ride With the Ladies of the Lake

At the top of Lake Chelan is a little town called Stehekin, a breathtaking destination nestled in the heart of the North Cascades that you can only get to by boat. The Lake Chelan Boat fleet can take you there, and consists of the Lady of the Lake, the Lady Express, and the Lady Liberty—the three ladies of the lake. Once you reach Stehekin, you’ll be surrounded by trees over a hundred feet tall as you wind your way up the one-lane road into a serene and magical place full of unique places to stay, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and electric boat rentals. The Lake Chelan Boat fleet also provides charters and activity packages.

Discover where the Spokane River meets the Columbia River

For thousands of years, this area was a gathering place for native tribes fishing the rapids of the Spokane River and offers plenty of great camping and outdoor activities. Area attractions include the Lake Roosevelt Reservoir, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, the Colville Indian Reservation, the Grand Coulee Dam, Steamboat Rock, Northrup Canyon, Hawk Creek Falls State Park, and Fort Spokane. A little farther north, you’ll move into the land of mountains carved from prehistoric glaciers and the Kettle Falls that plummet nearly 50 feet, carving “kettles” in the quartzite rock. To the south is the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, located along the upper Columbia River and cradled in walls of stone carved by massive ice age floods.

Find Peace

There are numerous reasons why lakes are so popular, but, for many, it’s the peace of a lake that calls to them. Most of this list is about activities you can do at, in or around a lake, but after writing it I realized there was one thing missing, and that was the feeling a lake can give you as you lay beside it, float along it, or slumber upon it and the sense of inner peace it can bestow.

“A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.” -Henry David Thoreau

Kate A. Miner is a writer, traveler, artist, and avid gardener. She has a BA in Visual Anthropology from Bennington College and believes in living a healthy life by seeking new adventures, learning from mistakes, and greeting each day with optimism and a smile.

The post 38 Things to Do at the Lake appeared first on Out There Venture.

It’s been almost two decades since I made North Idaho my home, and, from day one, I noticed people speaking fondly of the St. Joe River and the time spent there year after year. Originally called the “St. Joseph” by Father Pierre-Jean De Smet, the Flemish Jesuit Catholic priest who established the Sacred Heart Mission in Cataldo, Idaho, this unique river and the surrounding area is now affectionately and officially termed the “St. Joe.” In 2022, I had the opportunity to finally experience this captivating river for myself through a whitewater rafting trip.

About the St. Joe

There is much to love about the 140 miles of St. Joe River: blue-ribbon cutthroat trout fishing, extensive roadless public lands, trails for varying recreational pursuits, wildlife, campgrounds, scenic roads, floating, the nearby Route of the Hiawatha, and some of the most exceptional beginner and intermediate whitewater rafting you can find in the Northwest.

The headwaters of the St. Joe are rooted in the Bitterroot Mountains at an elevation of 6,487 feet. The river flows swiftly through the upper, largely roadless stretch and then meanders slowly through the “shadowy” section down to its terminus at Lake Coeur d’Alene. For about a few weeks each year, from early June to early July, the rush of melting snow offers a short window where the river is deep enough to enjoy a series of sometimes surprising, always delightful whitewater runs.

Natural Water Navigation

Using rivers, streams, and other natural waters to travel and navigate forests and other terrain is an ancient undertaking. You could say that indigenous mountain people were the first American whitewater rafters. With a history of six permanent winter villages near its mouth and temporary summer camps along its upper shores, the St. Joe was called “the Gentle River” by Coeur d’Alene Tribes. Steamboats and gold prospectors traveled up the lower part of the river during the 1880s, and the timber industry moved into the upper “swiftwater” at the turn of the century, aggressively working the extensive stands of white pine and cedar for more than 40 years. Then, Idaho Senator Frank Church instigated what we now know as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act aims to protect the “outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural,” and other similar values of rivers across the country. In 1978, 39.7 miles of the St. Joe were designated as “wild” and 26.6 miles as “recreational.” Today, about 74 percent of the river basin is owned, protected, and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or the State of Idaho. The rest is privately owned.

Whitewater Rafting The Joe

What we know as whitewater rafting today quickly became an outdoor pursuit when surplus inflatable military rafts became available to the public after World War II. The Northwest itself is steeped in rafting history. In 1940, the Salmon River was the site of the first commercial whitewater rafting trip. In the 1950s, John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s float trips down the Snake River through his establishment of the Grand Teton National Park helped make this particular outdoor pursuit popular.

The upper St. Joe offers a stretch of Class II-III whitewater during late spring and early summer. Experienced whitewater boaters frequently take on this stretch of the river, but for those without the skills and gear, ROW Adventures is the only rafting company licensed to operate commercially guided trips there. Since ROW Adventures’ first St. Joe trip in 1986, the Coeur d’Alene-based outfitter has been opening up the exciting magic and serene beauty of this North Idaho river to locals and visitors year after year.

My Adventure on the St. Joe

Driving to the designated meeting spot at Gold Creek Campground near Avery, Idaho, in 2022, I felt a sense of anticipation. This was not only my first time visiting the St. Joe, but it was also my first time whitewater rafting. The group of passengers was diverse in age, experience, and gender. Our guides Johnny and Noah impressed upon us the risks involved in what we were about to do, but imbued their instructions and information with a sense of humor that put us all at ease. After donning wet suits, life vests, and helmets, we pushed off into the crystal-clear water.

Having spent many years recreating in Colorado, I think I expected whitewater rafting to be like a series of jump moments in a scary movie. But rafting the Joe was deliciously thrilling, infused with whiffs of damp cedars warming in the sun as well as a lively camaraderie in our raft and with the other rafters and guides. We stopped midway at a campground for lunch and listened to the entertaining story of The Ridge Runner, William Moreland, an “elusive loner and social misfit” who lived along the Joe, “borrowed” necessities from the Forest Service and logging companies, and mostly evaded law enforcement from 1942 until he was last seen in 1961.

Fed and enlivened, we continued our float through waves, splashes, holes, rocks, and rapids to our final destination at the Eagle Creek take-out. Boarding the bus that would take us back to our cars, I could still feel the paradox of warming sunshine and frosty water on my skin. The Joe was gently spirited with me as a first-time rafter. It now holds a special place in this resident’s heart and has whet my appetite for more rafting adventures. //

The post A Whitewater Adventure on North Idaho’s St. Joe River appeared first on Out There Venture.

1. Get your horseback trail riding fix with Spokane Trail Riding & Boarding just south of Spokane.
2. Tube, kayak, or SUP the lower Spokane River between Peaceful Valley and the TJ Meenach Bridge area. Ongoing construction will make river recreation access at the traditional take-out spot challenging, so consider alternatives, including taking out farther downstream at the wastewater treatment plant upstream from the Class III Bowl & Pitcher rapid. FLOW Adventures typically offers shuttles and tube rentals if you want to simplify all that.
3. Ride the 15-mile scenic stretch of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from Plummer to Harrison, Idaho. The trail is paved and elevation lowers in that direction, making it a great choice for infrequent riders and kids. The public beach in Harrison is a welcome destination with swimming. Enjoy a sweet, shady park and several restaurants and pubs. Set up your shuttle with The Cycle Haus in Harrison or double your mileage and ride back to Plummer.
4. Take a brewery tour by bike along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, with stops at the North Idaho Mountain Brew/City Limits Pub and Wallace Brewing in Wallace, Idaho, and Radio Brewing in Kellogg. Call the Wallace Inn for shuttle information.
5. Bike with some friends to a local park and have a barbecue dinner using the grills you can find at parks like Bowl & Pitcher in Riverside State Park in Spokane. Bring foil to protect your food from any unwanted grill contaminants.

6. Run the clothing-optional Bare Buns Fun Run July 30 north of Spokane near Deer Lake. Summer is all about being free, right?
7. Enjoy a gravity-fueled ride from Lookout Pass on the mixed-surface NorPac rail trail to Mullan, Idaho, then hop on the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and roll all the way to Wallace. Call the Wallace Inn for shuttle options.
8. Start a bird list of all of the amazing avian species you can find in our area. Get a regional birding app or book to help and check out the Audubon Society website.
9. Check out the Doris Morrison Learning Center at Saltese Flats near Liberty Lake, Wash., to learn about the restored wetlands. Then take a hike or ride on the Saltese Uplands trails.
10. Take a tour of urban wild areas and historic places downtown Spokane with the local tour company Wander Spokane.
11. Hike the Whistler Canyon area near Oroville, Washington. Hike options range from a few miles to all-day epics. Keep a look out for birds and other wildlife including rattlesnakes and mountain goats.
12. Find a big, beautiful tree in a natural area near your house and lay down under it for a quiet shift in perspective.
13. Crack open rocks in search of fossils at the Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Site in Republic in Northeast Washington.
14. Bike the Ferry County Rail Trail near Republic in Northeast Washington, then hit the Republic Brewing Company.
15. Bike the Columbia Plateau Trail from Cheney out to Amber or Downs Lakes to go fishing.

16. Do a local long day hike across one or more linked trail systems in the Spokane area using an STA bus as a shuttle. Creative options could include sections of trails in one or more of these areas: Riverside State Park, the Little Spokane River Natural Area, the High Drive Bluff, Dishman Hills, and Mica/Liberty Lake area.
17. Get an archery set up and start learning to shoot a bow.
18. Camp at the campground at Mount Spokane or rent one of the condos if available and bike or hike for several days. Peak berry season will soon be upon us, and you can pick your limit here.
19. Set up a shuttle and mountain bike the back roads from Mount Spokane all the way down to Spirit Lake.
20. Paddleboard a quiet bay on Lake Pend Oreille.

21. Visit a fish hatchery to learn about Inland Northwest fish, including the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife one in north Spokane.
22. Take a tour of Grand Coulee Dam or one of the other dams in the Columbia Gorge.
23. Look for the elusive bighorn sheep on Lake Roosevelt in Eastern Washington via boat, back roads, or kayak.
24. Hike or trail run your own Little Spokane River shuttle instead of driving two cars. Or use the Spokane Parks & Recreation shuttle service.
25. Find a friend with a wake surfing boat or rent one and surf your favorite lake.
26. Take an urban hike happy hour, hitting up favorite bars and breweries while sticking to back streets, alleys, and pathways as much as possible.
27. Walk or bike all of the pedestrian-friendly bridges over the Spokane River in Riverfront Park downtown Spokane, including below the falls to Sandifur Bridge.
28. Take a dog for a walk from the Humane Society or from another animal shelter.
29. Visit as many parks as you can in the great Spokane area to see some pretty cool outdoor spaces and win prizes with the Greater Spokane Parks Challenge (see the article in this issue’s Dispatches section for details).
30. Join a full moon group bike ride or create your own.
31. Did you know that swinging on a swing set can help with anxiety? Go swinging at a park you’ve never been too. Try listening to some relaxing tunes or a meditation app while you do it.
32. Sign up for a women’s writing retreat in Yellowstone National Park in September with local author and Out There writer Ammi Midstokke (Wideopenwriting.com/yellowstone-2023).

33. Hike as many of the Spokane Conservation Futures conservation areas as you can (find maps and directions at the Spokane County Conservation Futures website).
34. Hike the John C. Pointner Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary at Cougar Bay a few miles south of Coeur d’Alene on Highway 95.
35. Invite family or friends to ride the Route of the Hiawatha. The 15-mile (one way) crushed rock surface trail has a mellow grade. It includes a ride through nine long, dark train tunnels and across seven trestles with scenic mountain terrain all around. Shuttles and bike rentals are available along with trail tickets.
36. Join one of the many Dishman Hills Conservancy hikes and other outdoor events as a way to explore this urban wildland with other people.
37. Participate in Summer Parkways on June 21 on Spokane’s South Hill and join other people on bike and foot as they enjoy the full use of a road near Manito Park for the evening.
38. Take a hike on Spokane’s High Drive Bluff trails and then get ice cream at The Scoop on the South Hill.
39. Join an outdoor yoga class. There’s a free one for all abilities in the morning at the Spokatopia Festival at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane on July 8.
40. Set your TV up outside or a movie screen and invite some friends or neighbors over to watch an outdoor movie or documentary.
41. Go try out new mountain bikes and e-bikes at Spokatopia at Camp Sekani Park July 8, then listen to live bands and enjoy some adult beverages in support of Evergreen East and local mountain bike trails.
42. Go rollerblading on the Centennial Trail.
43. Go to an outdoor music festival or show, like the Festival at Sandpoint, the Spokane Pavilion at Riverfront Park, the Moscow Mountain Music Festival, the 90s Flannel Fest in Moses Lake, and many other great outdoor music festivals that have popped up since the pandemic.

44. Rent a raft from one of the university or college outdoor programs and take on the upper Spokane (Class II) or Clark Fork (Class III).
45. Catch brook trout on a fly rod at Fish Lake near downtown Spokane. Go on your own or book a guided fishing session with Fly Fish Spokane to get the lake dialed quick. Make a day of it by biking out to the lake on the Fish Lake Trail from downtown Spokane with your fly rod.
46. Find a new book from the library or local book store and bike to a park or natural area to read outside all day. Did you know you can also check out a Discover Pass from Spokane libraries?
47. Bike a section or the entire International Selkirk Loop that connects super-scenic sections of backroads in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia.
48. Pick up a copy of the new-ish “Spokane Bouldering” guide and start exploring local climbing challenges with your crash pad.
49. Ride some of the new trails at Moscow Mountain in the Palouse.
50. If you’re not lucky enough to live in Sandpoint, plan a multi-day mountain biking trip or several weekends to finally ride the major trail systems near town: Syringa, Schweitzer, Mineral Point, Gold Hill, and Bernard Peak.
51. Bikepack all or part of the Adventure Cycling Association-mapped Idaho Hot Springs Loop bikepacking route, which consists of over 500 miles of mostly un-paved roads as well as 200+ miles of optional singletrack and 50 hot springs.
52. Ride all or part of the Palouse to Cascades Trail across Washington from North Bend to the WA/ID border.
53. Plan a trip to the Bonners Ferry area to bike some of the awesome mountain bike trails in the area, including the Enchanted Forest, Brush Lake, and many others you can find on Trailforks.
54. Explore some loop trails you’ve never hiked in the Dishman Hills in Spokane Valley. Centrally located, with mellow trails and a variety of loop distances, you can check out a new hike here one night after work every week or so all summer long!

55. Try different kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, and other water toys at Boulder Beach as part of Spokatopia on July 8.
56. Hike to some of Spokane’s best views: Rocks of Sharon in the Dishman Hills, Mount Spokane, Antoine Peak, Palisades, the summit along the Knothead Loop in the Little Spokane River Natural Area, or the Saltese Uplands.
57. Take an early summer hike to Kamiak Butte near Pullman to marvel at the wildflowers. Set up a hammock and hang out a while.
58. Take some hikes in the Zumwalt Prairie near Joseph, Ore., and enjoy the beautiful prairie meadows and frequent wildlife sightings.
59. Hike into one of Idaho’s many natural hot springs and leave it better off than when you arrived by cleaning up any trash.
60. Rent an adventure van for a hiking, mountain biking, paddling, or climbing road trip to B.C., the Cascades, Bend, Central Idaho, or Montana.
61. Paddle the Pend Oreille River Water Trail near Newport, Wash.
62. Learn how to fly-fish. Take a class from one of several regional fly shops that offer guided trips and lessons.

63. Rent a kayak or SUP from Fun Unlimited under the Division Street bridge downtown Spokane and paddle up river for Thai food at Bangkok Thai. If you live close enough, bike on the Centennial Trail to the put-in for some extra exercise.
64. Hike a section or two of the Pacific Northwest Trail that runs from the Washington Coast to Glacier National Park to get a taste of what a thru hike would be like
65. Visit the spectacular Kootenai Falls in western Montana and take the time to hike to all of the viewpoints.
66. Pedal a “RailRider” on retired railroad tracks along the Pend Oreille River near Metaline Falls, Wash.
67. Raft or kayak as many rivers within 200 miles of Spokane/CDA as you can: Lochsa, Spokane, Moyie, St. Joe, Lower Salmon, Clark Fork, Wenatchee, Methow, Salmo, Lower Selway, Grand Ronde, etc. Guided trips are offered for most of these rivers, and they are all possible on your own if you have the right gear and river rafting experience.
68. Go ziplining at Silverstreak Zip Tours, Timberline Adventures, or Mica Moon.
69. Jump out of an airplane on a tandem skydive with Skydive West Plains west of Spokane.
70. Race your mountain bike as part of the Wednesday night mountain bike races in May and June at Riverside State Park, or the “5 in July” series at Farragut State Park.

71. Mountain bike or hike the Empire Trails in Spirit Lake, Idaho.
72. Keep a wildlife log of all of the different species of wildlife you see over the summer and make trips to places where you have a better chance to encounter critters you really want to see.
73. Ride one or more of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series gravel rides.
74. Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway, a 3,700’ gondola ride to the summit of Mt. Howard near Joseph, Ore.
75. Take the Wallowa County barn tour and visit 31 beautiful, historic barns in the stunning Northeast corner of Oregon.
76. Ride the Seven Summits Trail in Rossland, B.C. There are plenty of shorter but equally gnarly rides around town too.
77. Paddle or boat to one of the islands in Priest Lake—some are day-use only, and Kalispell, Bartoo, and Fourmile islands have rustic campsites.
78. Take a morning or evening drive or bike tour along the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge auto tour loop near Cheney to spot birds and wildlife. There are several trails and wildlife viewing areas along the way.
79. Drive to the dramatic Selway Falls east of Lewiston, Idaho, then find a beach downriver and go for a swim.
80. Go kite boarding on the Columbia River near Hood River, Ore., or mountain bike the trails around town. One of our favorites is Surveyor’s Ridge Trail.  
81. Drive part of the historic Lewis & Clark Trail between Lewiston, Idaho, and Missoula, Mont., near Highway 12 and do some day hikes along the Lochsa River.
82. Give back to the hiking, biking, and running trails you love by spending a day volunteering doing trail work with Evergreen East, Washington Trails Association, Idaho Trails Association, Pend Oreille Pedalers, or Lake City Trail Alliance.
83. Take a tour of small-town museums in just about any region of the Inland Northwest. Hit up any local thrift stores while you’re at it!

84. Go whitewater rafting for a day in Riggins, Idaho’s “whitewater capital.” Stay for a few days and bring your gravel or road bike for some awesome early morning rides up the canyons.
85. Go kayaking or boating on Lake Roosevelt and picnic on one of its many sandy, primitive beaches. Try to catch a walleye.
86. Go to one of the great events Schweitzer has planned this summer and make a weekend of it hiking and biking on the mountain.
87. Bike or walk downtown Spokane’s Cork District to visit local wine tasting spots.
88. Tube the Touchet River at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, near Dayton, Washington.
89. Explore Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park Heritage Site, near Metaline Falls, Wash., on a ranger-led tour.
90. Go swimming and play or nap in the sand at City Beach in Sandpoint.
91. Tube the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
92. Visit the Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area in North Idaho to see what Inland Northwest trees used to look like.
93. Hike or mountain bike the Sherman Peak Loop or Jungle Hill off Sherman Pass in Northeast Washington’s Kettle Range.
94. Paddle around the Moses Lake Water Trail in Moses Lake, Wash. Stop for wine refreshments at the Camas Cove Cellars dock.
95. Take a hike in active wolf country and see if you can hear the haunting sound of wolves howling on an early morning or evening hike. Leave your fur friends at home for this one.
96. Swim across a bay at your favorite lake. Have a friend on a boat, kayak, or paddleboard go with you for safety and to make sure other boaters see you. If you’re on your own, swim around a bay hugging the shoreline.
97. Take a hike along the Hells Canyon rim and score top-of-the-world views at Hat Point Overlook.
98. Bike the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a 23-mile paved path along the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities. If you’re on the hunt for singletrack, hit up the Badger Mountain trails in the area.
99. Drive through the Palouse, alive with color this time of year, to Palouse Falls viewpoint. Bring your own snacks, as there aren’t many facilities along the way.
100. Volunteer at a local road race or trail running race. You can get in on the hype without the training and physical work. It’s super rewarding to be part of the support crew.
101. Bike or walk to any number of our local farmers’ markets and load up on the fresh produce spoils of the season. //

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On a Friday afternoon in mid-July, three old high school friends and I arrived on the shore of Priest Lake in north Idaho. Puffy white clouds speckled the blue sky, and a warm, steady breeze rippled the water from the south. The breeze was crucial because hitched behind my Subaru was a bright red, 12-foot plywood sailboat named Empress of Pullman.

All the gear and supplies we’d need for two nights of beach camping at Upper Priest Lake were stowed beneath the foredeck. It was a perfect Inland Northwest summer day, the beginning of a long-anticipated weekend.

Upper Priest Lake is one of the true gems of the Northwest’s inland waters. Tucked into the top of Idaho’s panhandle, just 14 miles from the Canadian border, it’s one of those rare places that is accessible only by trail or boat.

Even more rare, its shores are entirely free of private development. You’ll find no resorts or multi-million-dollar vacation homes, only a few primitive campgrounds maintained by the U.S. Forest Service.

Paddling, sailing, or motoring up the 2 ½ mile-long thoroughfare that connects to the main lake feels like traveling back through time. Emerging into Upper Priest, the view seems similar to what visitors would have seen hundreds—even thousands—of years ago: unbroken stands of evergreen trees covering rolling hills, cool clear water, and serene, secluded beaches.

This trip felt imbued with a particular anxiety and importance because it was the summer of 2020. The pandemic was still in its first wave. Since March, we’d all been learning about social distancing, wiping down surfaces, disinfecting grocery bags, and turning T-shirts into face masks.

And, of course, we’d been staying indoors. Watching spring turn to summer without getting outside to enjoy our region’s natural beauty felt like a special kind of torture. They’d even closed Washington’s state parks!

My friends and I hadn’t made the decision to gather lightly. Spending two hours together in a car—even with the windows down—felt dangerous. But we figured we’d be outside all weekend. Plus, we were all young and healthy and had a low probability of developing serious illness if we did get sick. So we risked it.

Two friends drove in from Hood River and Leavenworth. The four of us met up in Spokane, packed our gear, and made the two-hour drive to Priest Lake.

History of A Classic: the Empress of Pullman

Empress of Pullman, the boat my friends and I would sail for the weekend, was literally built for Inland Northwest Lakes. Designed in 1959 by William H. Short, the Empress is a San Francisco Pelican.

Short’s intention was an easy-to-build, trailerable, family sailboat that could stand up to the San Francisco Bay’s notoriously gusty conditions.

In 1963, Fred and Don Smith, two boatbuilding brothers from Samish Island, Wash., read an article about the Pelican in Rudder magazine. The flat-bottomed, lightweight plywood design seemed like it might be perfect for sailing and beach-hopping in the San Juan Islands in northwest Washington. The brothers ordered plans from William Short and built one for themselves.

Around the same time, a WSU professor named Bob Littlewood was searching for a small sailboat he could pull behind his car to lakes in the Inland Northwest. The Pelican fit the bill. At just 12 feet long, it’s compact enough to be stored on its trailer in a single-car garage, yet it’s roomy enough to carry a family and a weekend’s worth of camping gear.

Bob ordered one from the fledgling Smith’s Boat Shop, and when it was completed in 1965, the Smith brothers personally delivered it to Bob’s home in Pullman, Wash. Bob christened his new boat with the name, Empress of Pullman.

The Smith brothers went on to build hundreds of Pelicans and the design became a true northwest classic. Frequent Pelican races and gatherings were held in the San Juan islands, which continue to this day.

For the next 50 years, Bob owned the Empress and enjoyed sailing on inland lakes with his family, including his daughter, Paula.

Finding the Empress

In 2015, I was twenty-seven years old and living in Seattle. A few years earlier, I’d sold the Newport 28 sailboat that I’d lived aboard for two years, and I was longing for a way to get back on the water.

Like so many Northwest sailors, I was attracted to the Pelican. My first job out of college had been at the Center for Wooden Boats, a maritime heritage nonprofit that maintains and rents a fleet of Pelicans at their satellite location on Camano Island. I’d fallen in love with the Pelican’s quirkiness and versatility.

One day, I saw a post in a neighborhood Facebook group advertising a “free sailboat.” The person didn’t give many details. All she knew was that it was something called a “pelican” and it belonged to her neighbor, a woman named Paula Littlewood. I responded to the post immediately and made plans to meet Paula that same day.

It was Paula who told me the origin story of the Empress of Pullman. Her father, then in his eighties, could no longer use the boat. It had been sitting under a tarp in her Seattle driveway for a couple of years. The trailer’s frame was covered in rust and its tires had gone flat and fallen off their rims.

It was time, Paula explained, for the boat to go to someone who could give her new life. That’s how I became the Empress of Pullman’s second owner.

New adventures For the Empress

Over the next few months, I revived the Empress, replacing sections of wood that had begun to rot, giving her a fresh red coat of paint, and returning her sails and rigging to working order.

That fall, my wife and I moved to Spokane to attend graduate school at Eastern Washington University. We brought the Empress of Pullman with us, back to the waters of her origin.

All this history traveled with me as I pushed the Empress of Pullman off the rocky boat launch at Priest Lake’s Beaver Creek Campground. I climbed aboard, hoisted the mainsail, then the jib, and the summer’s warm wind propelled us across the lake toward the mouth of the Thoroughfare.

That weekend, my friends and I reveled in the time together, newly precious after months of isolation. We mulled the uncertainty of the world: the pandemic, the protests for racial justice erupting in cities across the country. We gave thanks for our families’ health and safety. We cooked fresh cornmeal cakes, sizzling with oil in a cast iron skillet over an open fire. We laughed until our sides ached, and tears ran down our cheeks. We lay on our backs on the beach and watched the stars blink to light before retiring to our tents.

Meeting The Boatbuilder

Later that same summer, my wife and I took the Pelican back across Washington State for a few days of sailing in the San Juan Islands. In part, it was a celebration of our fifth wedding anniversary for which we’d planned a trip to Europe that had been cancelled by the pandemic.

We launched in Anacortes, Wash., and sailed north, to a spot on the far end of Cypress Island called Pelican Beach—so named for the fleet of boats that so often sailed over from Samish Island to camp or picnic there.

As we approached, we saw another Pelican on the beach. Its owner helped us haul the Empress onto land and asked whether we knew Fred Smith.

“No,” I said, “but I know he built our boat.”

The man’s face broke into a grin. “Well, stick around,” he said. “Fred will be here tomorrow to celebrate his 92nd birthday.”

Sure enough, the next afternoon, 92-year-old Fred Smith arrived at the helm of a Pelican, along with eight other Pelicans he’d built, all captained by friends. When I told Fred my story, he was interested to see our boat. He remembered building the Empress of Pullman for Bob Littlewood 55 years earlier and pointed out several details (“mistakes,” he called them) which had changed in his designs over the years.

“I wasn’t born a boat builder.” Fred said with a twinkle in his eye. “I got better after 50 years or so.”           

Empress of Pullman Lives On

There’s one final chapter in the Empress of Pullman’s story. Last fall, my wife and I made the decision to buy a slightly larger boat. Something a little more comfortable that requires less maintenance. We settled on a Catalina 22, a fiberglass classic.

Once again, it was time for the Empress of Pullman to find a new home. Given her pedigree, I struggled with the idea of selling her to a complete stranger. So instead of doing so, I contacted the Center for Wooden Boats and inquired whether I could donate the boat for use in their rental fleet.

On Memorial Day weekend, I drove the Empress over Snoqualmie pass one last time and delivered her to the Center for Wooden Boats, where I hope she’ll be enjoyed by Northwest sailors for many years to come.

Originally published as “Sailing an Inland Empress: The Story of a Class Northwest Sailboat” in the July-August 2022 print issue.

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A surprising number of intriguing and entertaining small-town museums stand along the routes to the Inland Northwest’s hiking, biking and boating destinations. These museums offer the outdoor enthusiast a new perspective on the natural areas to which they travel.

The region’s human history dates back thousands of years and is inextricably tied to the natural world. Our forests, waterways, fish and wildlife have supported indigenous communities, settlers, adventurers, towns, and industries.

As a matter of fact, it would be surprising to visit anywhere in the region that does not already have a human story attached to it. Those stories, when known, add depth, meaning, and greater connection to our favorite places.

The museums listed below are all worth a stop. Displays are arranged chronologically and in categories (think arrow heads, baskets, typewriters, household implements, and farm tools). Dioramas are packed with artifacts – sometimes to overflowing.

In addition, on the grounds of the museums below you’ll find cabins, a one-room schoolhouse, fire lookouts, sawmills, a chapel, and a full-sized 1910 house filled with original furnishings and décor.

Keep in mind that these facilities are largely operated on a shoestring budget and managed by volunteers. Small town museums typically begin with family collections and grow largely by happenstance and generosity. Exhibits and labels are crafted over decades, often by local old timers or volunteers, and reflect their own unique perspectives, interests, outlooks, and sensitivities.

Visitors may choose to view exhibits as a starting point for understanding timelines, themes, and historical figures of our region’s history, then take a deeper dive by reading some of the many well-written and researched articles and books out there.

Pend Oreille County Museum Historical Society (Newport, Wash.)

On the way from Spokane to Schweitzer, Sandpoint, Priest Lake, and Lake Pend Oreille, this museum is operated by the Pend Oreille County Historical Society.

It includes artifacts and antiques representing the region’s lifestyles and industry including needlework, household implements, typewriters, cash registers, musical instruments, tools, machinery, and vehicles. There is also an impressive and comprehensive collection of tools used for cutting and managing ice.

Don’t miss the mockups of a sawmill, cabin, fire lookout tower, schoolhouse, and chapel, all of which are walk-in and hands-on.

The museum is located in the historic I. & W.N. Depot Building at 402 S. Washington Ave. in Newport, Wash. Admission is $5 per adult (children free), and hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m., and it’s open May 28 through September 5. More info at Pochsmuseum.org.

Wallace District Mining Museum (Wallace, Idaho)

This is a great stop on trips to Lookout Pass, the Route of the Hiawatha, Silver Mountain Bike Park, Fourth of July Pass, or adventures in Montana. The museum at 509 Bank Street is operated by the Wallace District Mining Museum.

Learn about mining history of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District (particularly the large silver mines), geology, methods used for mining over the past century, women and Black miners’ contributions, and the 1910 Big Burn. Cool artifacts include a mine “bicycle.”

Admission is $5 adults with discounts for families, and the museum is open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. More info at Wallaceminingmuseum.com.

Spokane Valley Heritage Museum (Spokane Valley, Wash.)

Visit this museum in the Opportunity Township Hall building at E. 12114 Sprague Ave. as part of a day-trip to the Dishman Hills, Iller Creek, Saltese Uplands, or Antoine Peak trailheads.

Learn about namesakes of some of the area’s popular hiking destinations and natural areas; Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe; the pioneer towns of Opportunity and Spokane Bridge that were razed to make way for I-90; military, and telecommunications, railroads, and early-1900’s school- and home-life.

Don’t miss the 1899 mud shoes fabricated by Peter Morrison for his horses to wear to keep them from sinking into the mud while dredging canals that drained Saltese Lake.

Admission is $6 for adults (discounts for military, seniors, and children), and hours run Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round. More info: Spokanevalleymuseum.com.

Keller Heritage Center (Colville, Wash.)

Take a tour of this museum operated by the Stevens County Historical Society on your next trip to the Colville National Forest, upper Columbia River, or Canada.

Highlights include pre-inundation Kettle Falls and the first bridge crossing the falls; clothing, tools, and implements crafted and used by early indigenous people including regalia, baskets, and arrow heads; the Hudson’s Bay Company and its trapping history; military history including the early U.S. Army installation of Fort Colville; U.S. Border Patrol; regional agricultural, mining, and timber development; Colville’s early 1900’s civic, home, and town life.

Especially cool artifacts include a photo of eels hauled out on rocks of the pre-inundation Kettle Falls, a sturgeon-nosed canoe, and a Nez Perce woven corn husk bottle.

Located at 700 N. Wynne St. in Colville, Wash., admission is $5 for adults with discounts for seniors, people with disabilities, children, and groups. Hours run daily May and September from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and June through August from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday–Sunday. More info at Stevenscountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Lincoln County Historical Museum (Davenport, Wash.)

On the way to Lake Roosevelt and the Channeled Scablands trailheads, Davenport’s small-town museum is operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society.

It includes early Native tools and implements, mammoth fossils, Pioneer Bottling Works, the story of outlaw Harry Tracy, grain farming then and now, Fort Spokane history and early 1900’s domestic life history, and railroad and bridge building. An especially cool artifact is the humongous horse-drawn thresher used to harvest crops.

Located at 600 7^th Street in Davenport, Wash., suggested admission is $4 for adults and hours run June 7 for the summer from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and Sundays by appointment. More info: Lincolncountymuseums.org.

Originally published as “Exploring the History of the Places Where We Play” in the July-August 2022 print issue.

Tabitha Gregory is a former director of a local history museum and has written about local history topics for Out There. She’s the author of the non-fiction book “Valdez Rises: One Town’s Struggle for Survival After the Great Alaska Earthquake.”

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