Cover photo courtesy of WDFW

Looking for a great place to get outside and explore? The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages more than 1 million acres of public lands and over 450 water access areas statewide. As stewards of Washington’s natural places, WDFW protects these lands and waters for wildlife and human populations while providing hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities.  

In Eastern Washington, there are almost 150,000 acres of WDFW-managed lands. Closest to Spokane is the Rustler’s Gulch Unit of the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area. It features streams, lakes and conifer forests, and offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife watching. The Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area in Lincoln County is almost 21,000 acres of channeled scablands, shrub-steppe habitat, and lakes. Mule deer hunting is the main draw, complemented by mountain biking and stunning scenery. 

In Southeast Washington, there are almost 79,000 acres of WDFW-managed lands that provide spectacular views, great fishing, prolific wildlife and hiking opportunities. Heller Bar Access Area, part of the Chief Joseph Wildlife Area along the Snake River, is a popular launch spot for powerboats heading into Hells Canyon, the Grande Ronde or Salmon rivers. 

While enjoying these lands, remember that a Discover Pass or WDFW Vehicle Access Pass is required and please respect other wildlife area visitors. Whether hunting, birding, or doing other outdoor activities, each visitor cares deeply about the wildlife and habitat of that area. There are other WDFW-managed lands in Eastern Washington, including the LeClerc, W.T. Wooten, and Revere wildlife areas. More information on those and others is at Wdfw.wa.gov/lands. 

The post Get Outdoors on WDFW Public Lands   appeared first on Out There Venture.

Decades ago, SAS helped the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) secure what became the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Reardan Audubon Lake Wildlife Area. Several years ago, SAS helped Dishman Hills Conservancy add the Wilson property to the natural area in Spokane Valley. Just this year, SAS contributed to INLC’s campaign to acquire the Glen Tana property on the Little Spokane River to connect the Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve to Riverside State Park. 

SAS members also volunteer with habitat restoration and other conservation work on public lands like Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area. We lead bird walks at all of these places and many more to help you enjoy everything from colorful avocets to noisy wood-pewees.  

If you care about public lands like SAS does, you care about birds. Learn more at Audubonspokane.org.  

The post If you Care about public lands, you care about birds appeared first on Out There Venture.

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.

Cover photo courtesy Shallan Knowles

Don’t let summer pass you by: use this roundup of things to do in the mountains, lakes, rivers, trails, and small towns around our beautiful corner of the Northwest. 

1. Attend the Fur Trade Festival May 18 at the Kettle Falls Historical Center. Take a step back in time while enjoying a living history encampment and learn about the Pacific Northwest fur trade from reenactors discussing how traders lived, trapped, hunted, dressed, and communicated in the 1800s. 

2. Rent a boat from Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho and go tubing, water skiing, or wake surfing. 

3. Tube, kayak, or raft the mellow rapids of the lower Spokane River below downtown Spokane once the river level drops and the water warms up, typically in late June or early July. Be sure to end your trip at the TJ Meenach Bridge area to avoid large, more dangerous rapids downstream. Simplify your float by booking a shuttle and renting tubes from FLOW Adventures (509-242-8699). 

4. Take a good book on a walk to a public park or natural area near you and relax and read from a real paper book or copy of Out There. 

5. Ride or hike part of the Ferry County Rail Trail near Republic in Northeast Washington, then hit Curlew State Park for a swim. 

6. Use public transit to go on a hike from your house. Get creative with the hiking and bus routes to pull off an all-day wander.   

7. Paddle Echo Bay near Farragut State Park on Lake Pend Oreille and bring a spotting scope or binoculars to look for the resident mountain goats that are sometimes spotted on and around Bernard Peak. 

8. Run in your birthday suit (or fully clothed) at the clothing-optional Bare Buns Fun Run July 28. This annual tradition happens at the Kaniksu Ranch north of Spokane near Deer Lake.  

9. Hike the 4-mile roundtrip Similkameen Trail near Oroville, Wash., a beautiful rail-trail with amazing scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. 

10. Round up some friends and take turns riding mountain bikes together at Spokane’s Riverside State Park for 24 hours at the 24 Hours of Riverside event May 25. 

11. Ride the bike park at Big White Resort near Kelowna, B.C., and then taste wine in B.C.’s renowned Okanagan Valley on your way back to the states. 

12. Take advantage of the some of the hottest or smokiest days of the summer to escape indoors to build on your rock-climbing skills at the Coeur Climbing Company gym in Post Falls. 

13. Spend a day giving back to the trails you love by joining a trail maintenance or construction project by one of our region’s many trail organizations. Locally, the Washington Trails Association, Evergreen East, Pend Oreille Pedalers, Idaho Trails Association, and Lake City Trails Alliance each organize trail projects all summer long that need volunteers. There are many other regional trails organizations that work in Inland Northwest wilderness and backcountry areas.  

14. Ride the new Cancourse mountain bike trails in Coeur d’Alene. 

15. Get over your fear of jumping out of a plane and sign up for a tandem skydiving trip with Skydive West Plains west of Spokane. 

16. Enjoy the traffic-free streets on Spokane’s South Hill near Manito Park for an evening of biking, walking, or rolling without watching for cars thanks to Summer Parkways, held June 18 from 6-9 p.m. 

17. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes out of Wallace, Idaho, then enjoy a cold beverage and meal at City Limits Pub a few blocks from the trail. 

18. Try mountain bikes, catch shuttles to the top of the Camp Sekani trails, watch a MTB jump show, and enjoy adult beverages June 14-15 at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival at Camp Sekani Park. Or participate in the Spokatopia Poker Ride for the chance to win prizes (June 15).  

19. Go road biking on one of the many scenic, low-traffic back road routes around Colville, Wash. 

20. Book a rafting trip on the Clark Fork River in Montana with ROW Adventures. The fun class III rapids and plentiful swimming opportunities make for a great day trip from Spokane or North Idaho.  

21. Hunt for bigfoot in Northeast Washington then Run the Bigfoot 5K and check out the Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival June 15-16. 

22. Take a yoga class from Harmony Yoga in Spokane (check out their ad in this issue of Out There for deals). 

23. Pedal a “RailRider” on retired railroad tracks along the Pend Oreille River near Metaline Falls, Wash. 

24. Book a multi-day rafting adventure on Idaho’s Salmon River with a local outfitter like FLOW Adventures. 

25. Park near the entrance to the 42,000-acre Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge near Colville, Wash., and ride your bike on the 10-mile auto tour loop, making stops at interpretive sites or for short hikes. 

26. Visit an Inland Northwest old-growth forest grove, like the Ross Creek or Hobo cedar groves. Find an online guide at Outthereoutdoors.com/where-to-go-to-see-old-growth-forest-in-the-inland-northwest 

27. Bike to a farmers’ market in a neighborhood near you and go shopping for fresh, local food. 

28. Ride your bike from one of the Riverside State Park trailheads to Long Lake at the Nine Mile Recreation Area and go swimming or fishing. Campsites are available if you want to make it a bikepacking overnighter. 

29. Hike the 7 miles of trails at Pend Oreille County Park between Spokane and Sandpoint off of Highway 2. 

30. Surf the world’s largest standing wave at Lakeside Surf in Chelan. Whether you are an ocean surfer, river surfer, wake surfer, or have never surfed before, you’ll love getting out on this thrilling river-style wave. Book sessions in advance online. 

31. Walk or bike the Children of the Sun Trail, a new paved path that parallels Spokane’s in-progress north-south freeway. 

32. Buy a copy of the Washington State Birding Trail Palouse to Pines map from Audubon Washington and explore some of the best bird habitat in our area, documenting and learning about different species of birds as you go. 

33. Plan a bike tour on the low-traffic back roads of Eastern Oregon, like the 130-mile loop route through the Pained Hills and John Day Fossil Beds. Find info and other route options at Visiteasternoregon.com 

34. Connect as many trails as you can in the Dishman Hills Conservancy in Spokane Valley to create an epic day hike.  

35. After work, head to Post Falls to hike the trails in Post Falls Community Forest and then have a picnic dinner at Q’emiln Park or a pint at one of the breweries in town. 

36. Hike Kamiak Butte, an island of forest in the Palouse near Pullman. 

37. Raft some of the best whitewater in America on Idaho’s Lochsa River in May during peak runoff. These class IV and class III rapids are best experienced with a seasoned rafting outfitter like ROW Adventures. 

38. Take a mountain bike road trip to Moscow and spend a day or two riding the trails at Moscow Mountain. 

39. Learn to sail on a local lake by renting a boat with other sailing friends or taking a lesson. Fun to Sail offers sailing lessons for all abilities (Funtosail.com). 

40. Spend a few days riding the many new mountain bike trails around the Sandpoint, Idaho, area, staying in town or at a nearby campground. Find trail info at Pendoreillepedalers.org. 

41. Roadtrip the International Selkirk Loop that connects scenic byways and unique small towns in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, Canada. 

42. Rent a campervan from Gusto Vans in Spokane Valley and live the van life for a weekend or longer while exploring iconic Northwest parks and public lands. 

43. Take a kid or anyone with accessibility or disability requirements needs fishing at Post Falls Park Pond near Post Falls, Idaho. Fish easily from a bridge, shore, or fishing platforms with great odds for catching fish at this well-stocked pond. 

44. Rally friends to pedal down old train tracks on a pedal-powered rail bike in northeast Washington with NPOV Lions Railriders. Make a reservation at Lionsrailriders.com. 

45. Ride the new giant swing coming to Zipwallace near Wallace, Idaho, along with the superman zipline, and then stay the night in one of the new rental yurts!  

46. Take a mountain biking trip to Nelson, B.C. and ride trails in the Morning Mountain and Kokanee Creek Provincial Park areas then hit the hot springs at Ainsworth. 

47. Run wild on the Mountain Magic 5/10/25K Trail Run at Mount Spokane State Park on June 30.  

48. Get up early and do yoga while the sun rises in a public park or natural area. 

49. Backpack to an alpine lake you’ve never been to before. Find plenty of options in Rich Lander’s classic guidebook “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.” 

50. Ride the Silver Mountain gondola in Kellogg, Idaho, to mountain bike or hike around the huge trail network at Silver Mountain Bike Park.  

51. Walk or run the Dad’s Day Dash with dad on Fathers’ Day at Spokane’s Riverfront Park, June 16. 

52. Visit 20 parks in the Spokane area to hike, bike, play or participate in other fun activities as part of the Greater Spokane Parks Challenge. Once you sign up and finish the challenge, you’ll be entered to win raffle prizes, including cash and gift cards. Scan the QR to download the app on page xx of this issue to get started. 

53. Spend part of a day exploring the challenges in Mica Moon’s aerial park with bridges, tight ropes, and more in Liberty Lake, Wash.  

54. Kayak or go tubing on a calm stretch of Idaho’s St. Joe River.  

55. Mountain bike the Empire Trails that includes new trails near Spirit Lake, Idaho.  

56. Go ziplining with Timberline Adventures in Coeur d’Alene and experience seven zip lines and two sky bridges, and then have lunch in a tree house.  

57. Hike one of the many trails on Mount Spokane and hunt for huckleberries. 

58. Kayak in a glass-bottom boat on Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Ore., to experience the underwater environment in a whole new way. You can rent kayaks or sign up for a tour, including a night tour with lighted kayaks that illuminate the fish, boulders, and lake bottom for a magical paddling experience. Info at Jopaddle.com 

59. Canoe or kayak a stretch of the Pend Oreille River Water Trail in northeast Wash.  

60. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from Plummer to Harrison, Idaho, and go swimming at the beach.  

61. Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway, a 3,700’ gondola ride to the peak of Mt. Howard in the Wallowa Mountains near Joseph, Ore. 

62. Ride the IMBA Epic Seven Summits mountain bike trail in Rossland, B.C. 

63. Sign your kids up for an indoor climbing camp at Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane. 

64. Bike to the Townshend Cellar tasting room in downtown Spokane to try some of their wines and get a “Wowler” wine growler filled to go.  

65. Explore some of the sites along the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. 

66. Try kiteboarding or wing foiling on the Columbia River near Hood River, Ore.   

67. Ride your bike to one of Spokane’s smallest and coolest bars, The Baby Bar, downtown behind Neato Burrito. 

68. Run or walk the 5k at the Wallace Huckleberry Festival on Sunday, Aug. 18. 

69. Ride the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha Trail, named “America’s Crown Jewel of the Rails to Trails.”  

70. Treat the family to a trip to Slide Waters water park at Lake Chelan in central Washington. There’s a lazy river, body slides, tube slides, surfing on the Lakeside Surf wave, downhill racer slides and more all with incredible views of the lake and mountains. 

71. Go fishing or paddling at Fish Lake Regional Park, near Cheney, Wash.  

72. Camp on Idaho’s Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho, or stay in town and go on a whitewater rafting day trip and enjoy the local nightlife in this cool river town.   

73. Go kayaking or boating on Lake Roosevelt and picnic on one of its many sandy, primitive beaches.  

74. Forage for wild berries, mushrooms, and plants that you know or use a guidebook to help you discover new ones.  

75. Hike or bike the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park through Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge from trailheads near Cheney, Wash. 

76. Go camping and tube the Touchet River at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, near Dayton, Washington.  

77. Canoe or kayak the Little Spokane River. Use the Spokane Parks & Recreation weekend shuttle service (reservations recommended). 

78. Hunt for fossils by breaking open rocks at the Stonerose Fossil Site in the small town of Republic in northeast Washington (stonerosefossil.org) then check out the super cool interpretive center and go for a bike ride or walk on the Golden Tiger Pathway that starts in town. This is a great family outing! 

79. Spend a few days swimming and chilling on the city beaches in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint.  

80. Take a wildflower day hike on the Kettle Crest in late June, starting from Sherman Pass and hiking north toward Columbia Mountain. 

Learn About the Places Where We Play 

Join one of these educational nature outings hosted by the Spokane County Library District, including some outings led by Out There Venture writers! Unless otherwise noted, outings are for adults and registration is required. More info and sign up at Scld.org. 

81. Nature Journaling Hike: Glenrose Trail (June 13, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Take an invigorating hike on the Glenrose trail in the Dishman Hills Natural Area with a break for a nature journaling exercise. This hike is moderately difficult along a 5.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. Led by Out There contributor Heidi Lasher.  

82. History Hike: Mt. Spokane State Park (July 9, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Explore the upper elevations of Mount Spokane State Park and discover park history at Bald Knob Campground, the site of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ spike camp, and Cook’s Cabin Woodshed. This trail hike over uneven terrain is a 3.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of 400 feet is led by Holly Weiler, Out There contributor and board member of the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park.  

83. Medicinal & Edible Plants Hike: Liberty Lake Regional Park (Aug. 20, 8–10:30 a.m.) 

Explore the trails at Liberty Lake Regional Park and learn about the medicinal and edible plants that grow wild along the route as well as tips for locating them. This hike is led by Karie Lee Knoke, Out There contributor and contestant on the TV series Alone.  

84. Hiking Safely Near Bears Presentation (June 12 & June 25) 

Learn how to recreate safely in bear country by taking the right precautions, plus learn grizzly and black bear identification, basic bear biology and phenology, and how to respond if you encounter a bear in the field, from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Matt Brinkman (Cheney Library June 12, 6:30 p.m. and North Spokane Library June 25, 6:30 p.m.). 

85. Medical Lake Geo-Walk & Water Sampling: Waterfront Park (Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m.) 

Walk 3 miles along the trail around Medical Lake with Chad Pritchard, professor of Geology at EWU, and learn about the lake’s history and natural science and help gather water samples for stormwater research and pick up trash along the way (tween and teen friendly).  

The post Summer Bucket List appeared first on Out There Venture.

Free Outdoor Entertainment 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is hosting a free Hike for Health series throughout the year, with offerings near Leavenworth on May 18 and Wenatchee on June 15. A guided interpretive walk will be available, or participants can opt for a self-guided hike. 
• The annual Wenas Audubon birding campout will take place the weekend of May 31-June 2 at Wenas Creek campground. The event will include evening campfire chats and daytime birding field trips in the area. Camping is free with a Discover Pass. 
• Dig out your fishing pole! Washington free fishing weekend is June 8-9, where fishing for rainbow trout and bass at lowland lakes across the state will not require a fishing license. All other regulations will remain in place, including number and size limits and special equipment rules. This coincides with fee-free days for areas normally requiring a Discover Pass, including Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife water-access sites. Idaho will host its free fishing day on June 8. 
• Many parks will have entrance fees waived in observance of Juneteenth, June 19. It is a free entrance day for all National Parks, and a free day for recreation sites in Washington that normally require a Discover Pass. 

Conservation, Stewardship & Volunteer Opportunities 

• Help The Lands Council mark the 50^th anniversary of Expo ‘74 with a massive SpoCanopy tree planting effort from May 7-11 as the nonprofit works to plant 500 trees over the course of five days! The trees will be planted in urban areas that currently have low tree canopy coverage. Anyone can sign up online for a volunteer time slot to help plant trees, and Spokane residents can request a SpoCanopy tree for their neighborhood. 
• Wallowa Mountains—Hells Canyon Trails Association is offering a broad range of early season stewardship opportunities in May and June, from brushing work parties to multi-day log-out trips. A unique opportunity includes registering for sign scouting trips within areas impacted by recent wildfires, where volunteers will work in small groups to document damaged and missing trail signage that needs to be replaced.  
• Join Spokane Riverkeeper in Riverfront Park on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to mark the 50th anniversary of Expo ‘74 with a cleanup event focusing on the Spokane River in the downtown area. Advance registration is required so that enough gloves and bags are available for everyone. 
• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will be hosting a series of day work parties for late spring, including a log-out trip to namesake Scotchman Peak on National Trails Day, June 1! 
• Pacific Northwest Trail Association is offering a variety of front country (day trip) and backcountry (camping or backpacking) projects in northeast Washington. Two unique project days will be devoted to Intro to Crosscut Sawing, with offerings on June 1 at the Mill Pond site near Sullivan Lake, and June 15 on Flume Creek Trail northwest of Metaline Falls. 
• Washington Trails Association will be offering a mix of day trailwork trips to Spokane County Parks and Mount Spokane State Park, as well as several backcountry trips within the Colville National Forest. A new project destination will pair car camping with trailwork on South Fork Silver Creek and Sherlock Mountain on June 21-23.  
• Idaho Trail Association is offering both one-day and multi-day trail maintenance trips within the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The nonprofit also has a fun Backpacking 101 event that pairs webinars and group sessions on backpacking with a culminating trail maintenance trip to Plowboy Campground at Priest Lake on June 8-9. 

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

By Olivia Dugenet

Cover photo courtesy of Kanisku Land Trust

They don’t call it spring fever for nothing. When the big, dark Inland Northwest winter finally melts away and the whole world is green and growing, anything seems possible. Every step outside into the sweet, mild air feels like a celebration. Rain? Shine? It doesn’t matter. It’s a perfect time to get outside and explore some of our diverse local natural areas.

If you’re already experiencing gratitude for this season of abundance, why not add a note of thanks for the natural areas themselves? They all exist because sometime, somewhere, a group of people got together and worked hard to preserve these spaces before they were cordoned off and carved up into housing subdivisions. It is important to remember that we have a choice in how our communities are built. As anthropologist David Graeber once put it, “the ultimate hidden truth of the world is that it is something that we make, and could just as easily make differently.”

Here are four local hikes to appreciate the work that has been done to preserve some of our region’s natural areas.

Pine Street Woods (Sandpoint, Idaho)

Sandpoint, Idaho understands community. With support from Kaniksu Land Trust, the people of Sandpoint raised $2.1 million to save a beloved forest from imminent development. Now called Pine Street Woods, this fully protected 180-acre “forest for all” opened in 2019 and is open to everyone.

“What’s so great about Pine Street Woods is that it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Sandpoint, but it feels really wild,” says Marcy Timblin, Director of Communications for Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT), adding that even with its feeling of remoteness, it’s very safe. She points out that all the trails are loop trails, so no one gets lost.

Pine Street Woods was originally part of an old homestead owned by the Weisz family, who held the 160-acre property for KLT while the organization raised money for the purchase.  Another conservation-minded private owner, L.E. Krause, donated an adjacent 20-acre parcel.

The Pine Street Woods are strategically located adjacent to several other important pieces of land. The names Syringa Trail System and Sherwood Forest are used interchangeably to refer to the same privately-owned property. The owners have a conservation easement with KLT in a joint commitment to protect the land. VTT (Veló Tout Terrain), operated by Pend Oreille Pedalers, is a relatively new mountain bike trail system that connects with the Syringa Trail System/Sherwood Forest and Pine Street Woods. The private owners of another adjoining piece of land, Greta’s Segway, generously keep their trails open to the public. Together, this patchwork of properties forms a large and diverse area full of trails, forests and meadows.

“When you’re up there,” says Timblin, “it feels like it goes on and on forever.” Trails are available for all ability levels, from longer, more challenging hikes to walks that are accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and strollers.

This year, KLT opened the adjoining Sled Hill property. This privately owned land served as Sandpoint’s primary ski hill before Schweitzer opened in 1963 and has been a favorite sledding spot for decades. If hiking trails are still snow-packed in early spring, bring a sled instead. Visit kaniksu.org to join group hikes or connect with the friendly Sandpoint hiking community.

Directions: Drive west from Sandpoint on W. Pine Street. Pass the Selkirk School and Upland Drive. The Pine Street Woods access road is ¼ mile past the intersection of Pine Street and Hunt Lane on the left side of the road. Please respect posted speed limit and parking guidelines.

Post Falls Community Forest (Post Falls, Idaho)

Post Falls Community Forest is a true hidden gem. This 500-acre natural area just east of the Washington-Idaho border is easily accessible from I-90 and adjacent to the 78-acre Q’emlin (pronounced “ka-mee-lin”) Park and swimming area. The riverside preserve offers excellent hiking and rock-climbing opportunities. Several well-marked loop trails cover a range of terrain. The 2.9-mile Upper Falls Loop trail offers beautiful river views and options for birding or fishing. The 5.2-mile Post Falls Community Forest Q’emlin Park loop is moderately challenging with a bit of scrambling involved.

This community forest exists thanks to work that started more than 30 years ago. Today, after long-term collaboration from the Bureau of Land Management, Avista Utilities, the Post Falls Parks Department, the Post Falls Water Reclamation Division, and several private property owners, this broad swath of wild land along the Spokane River is permanently protected and available for the public to enjoy.

Directions: To get there via I-90, take the Spokane Street exit at Post Falls and travel south on Spokane Street to Q’emlin Park. As an alternative (with no seasonal parking fees), continue 3.2 miles south on West Riverview Drive to the Post Falls Community Forest Trailhead. The City of Post Falls asks that visitors park in designated lots only and take care not to block fire and emergency lanes.

Reardan Audubon Lake (Reardan, Idaho)

Just 22 miles from Spokane, in the small town of Reardan, Audubon Lake is a lifeline for many species of birds during their spring migrations. Buffleheads, canvasbacks and northern pintails. Black-necked stilts, American avocets and northern shovelers. These are just a few of the winged travelers that rely on the 277 acres that encompass the lake, its surrounding wetlands, grasslands and other landscape features that provide vital habitat.

Back in the early 2000s, when the lakeside property was up for sale and slated for development as a lakeside housing subdivision, The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and Spokane Audubon Society understood the damaging impact that would have on wildlife habitat and secured an option to buy the land. These organizations joined with Ducks Unlimited, the City of Reardan and the Reardan Chamber of Commerce to preserve the ecosystem and responsibly develop it as a wildlife viewing area.

Reardan Audubon Lake is now officially part of Audubon Washington’s “Palouse to Pines Loop,” which includes 51 spots around the Inland Northwest to view 215 out of Washington’s 346 annually recorded bird species.

There’s a lot of research to suggest that birdwatching, or even just listening to birds, brings stress relief and other mental health benefits. There’s a bit of a learning curve involved, though. If you’re new to birdwatching or would like to get started, check out Audubonspokane.org for free field trips and other fun and welcoming educational opportunities. You can find more information about Reardan Audubon Lake at Inlandnwland.org.

Directions: From Hwy 2 at the City of Reardan, go north on Hwy 231 three blocks to the SW corner of the property on the east side of Hwy 231.

Haynes Estate Conservation Area, North Spokane (Spokane, Wash.)

Edward and Eloise Haynes bought property on the banks of the Little Spokane River in 1950. The undeveloped land, which served as an important wildlife habitat, stayed in the family for generations. When the cost of property taxes became difficult to manage, the owner considered developing the land as a housing subdivision, but neighbors and conservation experts recognized an opportunity to protect wildlife while also maintaining access to a beautiful community green space.

The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, with support from the Friends of the Little Spokane River Valley, joined with the Haynes family to find an alternative. Through that effort, the Spokane County Conservation Futures Program secured the property in 2001. The Haynes family established a generous endowment to help maintain and care for the land. Today, the 97-acre Haynes Estate Conservation Area in north Spokane offers several short, well-marked loop trails for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. The beautiful half-mile stretch of river shoreline is a good place to take a fishing pole too.

Directions: At the North Spokane Y, take a slight right onto Highway 2. After 3.5 miles, turn right onto E. Farwell Road. Take the first left onto Shady Slope Drive for 1.5 miles, then turn left onto Leona St., which ends at the parking area. //

Olivia Dugenet is a Spokane writer who can often be found at her local natural area picking up trash, chatting with neighbors and running trails with her best friend Zizou the yellow lab.

The post Think Spring 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. //

The post 101 Things to do this Summer in the Inland Northwest appeared first on Out There Venture.

• On May 2, join the Methow Conservancy in conjunction with the Wenatchee River Institute for a Zoom presentation on how plants are coping with climate change. Methowconservancy.org
• Join the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy on May 13 for a free hike- or bike-in silent film held outdoors at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve. Advance registration is required for this unique opportunity to watch a film at sunset in a natural setting.
• Birders across the state will migrate to the Wenas Wildlife Area’s Audubon Camp for a weekend of camping, birding, and campfire talks with guest speakers from June 2-5. The campground is free with a Discover Pass and this family-friendly event does not require advance registration. The Audubon Society will arrange for birding outings during the day and guest speakers at camp. Wenasaudubon.org
• Washington’s state-managed public lands will have a series of fee-free days in June. Plan a fun weekend for June 10-11, taking advantage of waived Discover Pass fees for National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday followed by Washington Free Fishing day on Sunday (campground fees will still apply). Discover Pass requirements will also be waived in celebration of Juneteenth on June 19.
• Ready for a little friendly competition on your stand-up paddle board? The second annual Kettle Falls SUP Cup is back on June 4, with both recreational and competitive divisions. The event will take place at Ricky Point Beach on Lake Roosevelt.

Conservation & Trail Work Opportunities

• Join the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness for a trailwork project at Star Peak in May. Scotchmanpeaks.org
• Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is partnering with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help remove derelict fences near Winthrop in May. Join this conservation effort to remove abandoned barb wire fences, which otherwise have a negative impact on safe wildlife movement. Backcountryhunters.org/washington_calendar
• Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is hosting a series of “May in the ‘way’” trail work events at Teanaway Community Forest. There are several nearby options for camping, free with Discover Pass. Evergreenmtb.org/calendar/work-parties
• Pend Oreille Pedalers hosts Thursday night trail work events near Sandpoint throughout May and June. Pendoreillepedalers.org/calendar
• Washington Trails Association Back Country Response Team and day volunteer work parties are happening across the state! Join a backpacking crew working on Clackamas Mountain in the Kettle Range in May, or join crews in June working on the Salmo Loop near Sullivan Lake or the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness in the far southeast corner of Washington. Wta.org/volunteer/schedule
• Idaho Trails Association has a full summer calendar of both day trip and overnight volunteer projects across the state. Join day work parties at English Point and Priest Lake in May or a women-only extended trip to the Selway River in June. Don’t miss their free webinar series in May, with topics on safety and first aid as well as backcountry cooking. Idahotrailsassociation.org/volunteer
• Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association will be following the receding snow as they gain elevation with trailwork events ramping up in May and June, holding both one-day and multi-day events. Wmhcta.org/upcoming-events/events-trainings.

Holly Weiler is a long-time contributor to Out There Venture and writes The Trailhead column for each issue. You can find all of her hike recommendations at Outthereoutdoors.com.

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• Free, guided late-winter snowshoe hikes and Nordic ski outings with Friends of Scotchman Peak Wilderness wrap up in early March. Check their website for events that range from strenuous, all-day tours to locations of Star Peak Lookout and Spar Lake to a moderate wildlife tracking outing to Blue Creek Watershed. 
• Join Methow Conservancy for upcoming presentations featuring Washington wildlife. The March 7 offering will be online and focuses on predator and prey relationships. March 14 will be an in-person presentation (Twisp River Tap House) on how wildlife and recreation interact. On April 4, they will be joined by WDFW for an in-person presentation (Winthrop Barn) on the Karelian bear dog program as a tool for wildlife management.
• Celebrate the anniversary of Washington State Parks (since 1913!) with a fee-free day on March 19th. In April, Earth Day falls on a Saturday for 2023 and is a fee-free day for all Washington State-managed public lands.
• April 22nd is a fee-free day for National Parks, as well as the start of National Park Week. Both virtual and in-person events will be held at parks across the nation between April 22-April 30, so be sure to check nps.gov for opportunities.

Fundraisers & Events

• Spokane Nordic will close out the ski season with a Loppet event (long distance ski) on March 5 and the fantastic BarkerBeiner skijor events for humans and their canine partners on March 12.
• Bower Climbing Coalition is bringing Reel Rock 17 to Spokane on March 5 with all proceeds going to support the nonprofit.
• Okanogan Land Trust will be holding their Spring Forward! fundraiser on March 11 at the Community Cultural Center in Tonasket.

Conservation & Stewardship News and Opportunities

• The Spokane Conservation District is bringing back its Backyard Conservation Stewardship Program in March! The program cost is $45 and meets every Monday evening. Registration information is available at SCCD.org.
• Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative will resume spring projects in early March, with opportunities ranging from front-country facilities improvements to trail maintenance projects with jetboat shuttles to work sites on both the Idaho and Oregon sides of the Snake River. Email hellscanyonrecreation@gmail.com to learn more!
• Join Inland Northwest Land Conservancy for a chipping and mulching day at Waikiki Springs on March 15, or for a birding hike at Saltese Flats on March 19. In April, help the Conservancy construct a new native plant nursery on April 5, followed by a native plant potting party at their new site on April 22.
• Washington Trails Association Back Country Response Team trips for summer are open for registration! One early season opportunity will be held at Indian Creek Community Forest April 28-30, with private camping for the volunteer crew. Eastern Washington day trips are also open for volunteers.
• Idaho Trails Association trips will be live and ready for registrations beginning March 1st. Trips will be scheduled throughout Idaho and include both day projects and backcountry trips.
• Pacific Northwest Trail Association volunteer trail projects will be available to potential volunteers beginning in March. Or, for those who enjoy hiking trails within the Colville National Forest, PNTA is always seeking early season conditions reports which can be submitted at any time! See https://newashingtontrails.com/volunteer/ to learn more.
• Weekly Thursday evening trail-work parties with the Pend Oreille Pedalers in Sandpoint resume April 13. Email POPpedalers@gmail.com to sign up.
• Backcountry Horsemen of Washington have secured an important grant to help fund efforts to restore trails impacted by multiple fires in the Pasayten Wilderness! Watch their website for opportunities to get involved.

Holly Weiler is a long-time contributor to Out There Venture and writes The Trailhead column for each issue. You can find all of her hike recommendations at Outthereoutdoors.com.

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New & Improved Trail Alerts!

The Stickpin Trail, a feeder trail to the Kettle Crest National Recreation Trail in Northeast Washington, is getting a much-needed facelift. It has been unmaintained since the Stickpin Fire of 2015 but will be brought up to standard this summer.

Improvements include some minor reroutes to avoid wetland areas along the trail that were perennial problem spots. (Find stories about the Kettle Crest in the OTO archives.)

Additionally, two new overlooks near Boundary Dam in Pend Oreille County north of Newport, Wash., should be open to the public by the end of August. Planned future improvements in the area include a new hiking trail connecting the two overlooks via an approximately 5-mile nonmotorized trail.

Okanogan Land Trust Weekend, July 9-10

The nonprofit Okanogan Land Trust is hosting a volunteer project on Strawberry Mountain in north central Washington on July 9, followed by an annual meeting and 30th year celebration at the Lost Lake group campsite (free).

On July 10, join the Get Lost! trail race, a fundraiser to help support the work of OLT with race distances at 3, 7, and 14 miles (registration fee required), plus a free kids’ 1k run for the littlest racers.

Teanaway Community Forest Events

The Teanaway Community Forest, a 50,241-acre slice of Washington State-owned forest near Yakima. This forest is managed with diverse community and conservation interests as a major goal. The summer series of free public events includes a Forest Health and Resiliency Tour on July 9, a Geology Tour on July 23, a Native Plants Walk on August 6, and a Late Season Birding Trip on August 20.

Each event begins at 10 a.m. Find more information and register on the Teanaway Community Forest Facebook page.

Hikes & Interpretive Tours at Scotchman Peaks & Mount Spokane

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is hosting a family-friendly tour to North Idaho’s Ross Creek Cedars on July 1 and a moderate hike along Dry Creek on July 11. (More event details on the Friends’ website events page or Facebook page.)

The Friends of Mount Spokane State Park is working in conjunction with Spokane Parks and Recreation to host a series of interpretive tours at Mount Spokane as a fundraiser for the organization.

The hikes include the Four Summits on July 10, the Burping Brook Loop on July 23, and a Huckleberry Hike on July 30 (fee required). Advance registration with Parks and Recreation is required.

Free Park Days

In celebration of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, gain free entry to all National Parks on August 4.

If heading to Glacier National Park this summer, be sure to check out the robust interpretive program and cultural presentations hosted in collaboration with the Native America Speaks program. There is at least one event each day in both July and August. Many events are free, although some do have a nominal charge.

For Washington State Parks, there are four more fee-free days this year, Sept.-November. Plan now — this is a great opportunity to encourage family and friends who don’t yet have a Discover Pass to visit a state park; or even invite them to join you for day-visit.

upcoming Trail & Stewardship Projects: July-August 2022

Trailwork and public lands stewardship projects continue to seek volunteer help across the Inland Northwest. The summer season brings projects at higher elevations, including both day trips and backpacking volunteer opportunities.

• Evergreen East: In addition to ongoing Spokane-area mountain bike trail projects, Evergreen East will be working near the Kettle Crest in conjunction with Kettle Fest, a long weekend of group rides, trail work, camping, and camaraderie July 13-17. Evergreeneast.org.
• Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness: Robust schedule of volunteer trail maintenance projects include trips to Scotchman Peak, Little Spar Lake, and Star Peak. Or sign up to become a Goat Ambassador! Register online to volunteer on a weekend or holiday to help educate the public on how to keep both mountain goats and trail visitors safe on Scotchman Peak.
• Idaho Trails Association: Summer trail work trips across the state include the Pulaski Tunnel Trail on August 5, the Pend Oreille Divide August 13-15, and Fawn Lake in the Mallard Larkin Pioneer Area on August 21-27.
• Pacific Northwest Trail Association: Upcoming events includes volunteer work parties aimed at new volunteers, drop-in work parties for experienced volunteers who are willing to work alongside PNTA Performance Crews, and Backcountry Trips that require two or more days of camping/backpacking along with volunteer trail maintenance. Summer highlights include trips within the Pasayten Wilderness, along the Kettle Crest, and within the Salmo Priest Wilderness.
• Wallowa Mountains Hells Canyon Trails Association: Several trail projects within the Eagle Cap Wilderness include near Minam Meadows and the Imnaha River.
• Washington Trails Association: Upcoming WTA events include summer day trips for Washington State Parks at both Mount Spokane and Riverside, for the Kalispel Tribe Natural Resources Department at Indian Creek Community Forest, and Backcountry Response Team Trips (backpacking opportunities) to the Salmo Priest Wilderness. 

Find signup links to volunteer opportunities with several of these great nonprofits on the Out There stewardship volunteer calendar: Outthereoutdoors.com/volunteer-scheduling.     

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