We asked some of our friends in the Inland NW outdoors community to share their go-to adventures in hopes that others will find some inspiration to get out there and explore someplace new this summer.

Here are 34 ideas, recommended by 15 notable outdoor enthusiasts in the Spokane region, to inspire new outdoor adventures. (OTO)

Recommended by Paul Knowles, Spokane County Parks Special Projects Manager

Cube Iron Roadless Area

Take a hike through hemlock-cloaked mountains and up to alpine pocket lakes. Located north of Thompson Falls, Mont., a few hours from the Spokane area, the trails in the Cube Iron benefit from more active trail maintenance than other areas due to the Cube Iron Cataract Coalition and its volunteers.

Hiking into Cabin Lake is great for those transitioning from day hiking to backpacking for the first time.

Recommended by Katie Wiseman, Outdoor Programs at REI

BLM Rock Creek Management (Escure Ranch)

Hike some of the lesser-travelled old roads for some solitude or stick to the popular hike or mountain bike ride to Towell Falls.

The Backcountry Horsemen and BLM have significantly improved the trailhead and parking area, which now sports toilets, water for horses, corrals, and over 13,000 acres of shrub-steppe and hiking on old, gated ranch roads.

This time of year wildflowers are in full bloom and Towell Falls is at its peak. Keep a look out for ticks and rattlesnakes, and make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as there is very little shade.

Escura Ranch (left); trail running at Antione Peak Conservation Area; Blossom Lake (lower right). // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Recommended by Lindsay Chutas, Mountaineer and Local Conservationist

Glacier Peak, Chair Peak and the Tatoosh Traverse

Accessed from the east Cascades, this backcountry route offers climbing variety and is “more adventurous than slogging up Adams or St. Helens,” adds Chutas.

Tatoosh offers beautiful views of Mt. Rainier while still being more removed from crowds of visitors. Chair Peak is an alpine climb that gives you the flavor of bigger climbs, yet it’s not too far from the road.

Because of a long hike in, Glacier Peak quickly limits the number of users to this wild and remote place.

Recommended by Alana Livingston, Wander Spokane

Mary Jane’s Farm (Moscow, Idaho)

Livingston owns Wander Spokane, a Spokane-based tour company that takes guests on food, wine, beer, and other tours covering local history, art, architecture, geology, and even medicinal plants, and when she explores, she asks the locals for their favorite hidden gems, the quirky, weird places that not everyone visits.

One of her favorites is Mary Jane’s Farm, where thoughtful, hand-made backpacking meals by the same name come from.

You can also tour the farm and starting in 2022, book a glamping site at the bed and breakfast. This destination has been featured in National Geographic and the New York Times for its whimsical, back-to-the-earth experience, and it’s right in our back yard.

Recommended by Mary Kate & Ryan Griffith, Spokane Outdoor Family

Deep Creek Canyon

A family favorite through ancient volcanic rocks and riverbed, kids can scramble over logs and rocks on a fun exploratory adventure and maybe even see a rock climber scaling the walls.

This hike is best after early spring when water in the creek has dropped, and you can explore the creek bed.

Kayaking Plese Fats to 9 Mile

Another great family adventure that’s best paddled July-September, this scenic section of flatwater on the Spokane River offers an excellent intro to paddling for kiddos.

Floating along Riverside State Park you have the possibility of seeing, osprey, deer, moose, and other forest creatures.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

A hike or scenic drive around Turnbull offers a glimpse back in time to the Ice Age Floods that swept through our area and carved out this unique landscape. Take your binoculars and keep an eye out for all sorts of birds and wildlife while you tour the forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

Hiking McKenzie Conservation Area

Managed by the Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf Department, this forested getaway has several trails, including a short walk on an old road to Turtle Rock, with views of Newman Lake and Mount Spokane.

Camping at Mount Spokane’s Bald Knob Campground

This easy weekend getaway at Mount Spokane State Park features hiking, sunsets, and late-season huckleberry picking. The nearby trails are also popular with mountain bikers and equestrians with the cooler temperatures in the summer.

Camping at Swan Lake

Activities close to camp at the three campgrounds around the lake on Northeast Washington’s Colville National Forest include fishing, paddling, swimming, road and mountain biking, and hiking.

(Left-Right) Bridge at confluence of Deep Creek and the Spokane River; Kayaking the Spokane River. // Photo: Aaron Theisen; Bird watching at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. // Photo: Crystal Atamian.

Recommended by Ken Carmichael, Ponderosa Back Country Horsemen

Riverside State Park

While Carmichael is an avid equestrian, his local recommendations for summer adventure have trails for hikers and mountain bikers as well as horses and their riders. With over 9,000 acres of public land only five minutes from downtown Spokane, Riverside State Park is top on his list.

For horses, it features an equestrian campground, arena, round pen, obstacle course and 80 miles of trails. There are seven trailheads to accommodate trailers and even more for those hoping to hike, mountain bike, or just catch beautiful views of the Spokane River.

Fishtrap Recreation Area

This Bureau of Land Management-managed slice of sagebrush, grasses, and ponderosa pine provides easy access for day outings west of Spokane at I-90 exit 154.  Multiple trails and lakeshore access make this place popular for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Riverside State Park // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Recommended by Dave Dutro, Trail Maniacs Race Director

Post Falls Community Forest

Explore this well-developed system of signed trails for human-powered recreation, including several crags for beginning to intermediate climbers as well. This is also a great spot for a short or long trail run, a family hike, or just enjoying nature and relaxing.

Independence Creek/Coeur d’Alene River Trail

For a fun multi-day, multi-sport adventure, Dutro suggests packing your trail shoes and mountain bike and heading to Independence Creek in the Coeur d’Alene River area. The Independence Trail is a perfect summertime run, with multiple creek crossings for the chance to cool down, and several options for loops that combine trails and road running.

The next day, pedal your heart out on the Coeur d’Alene River Trail. There are excellent fishing holes and beautiful views so plan ahead to maximize this adventure.

Blossom Lakes

Near the Idaho Centennial Trail and Thompson Pass, the trail to the lake is a beautiful trail run by day and beginner backpacking adventure by night. The subalpine lakes are a beautiful summertime treat for those who make the trek.

Palouse Divide Trail System

These multi-use trails are great for mountain biking and running but are also open to ATVs on the double-track. While trail use is varied, it is also low. There is good camping nearby so you can make a weekend of it.

Clark Fork River Trail

A great trail tip for anyone headed to Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, include a run, hike, or mountain bike ride on the Clark Fork River Trail near St. Regis. What better way to earn that end of the day soak then by breaking a sweat on the trail? The trail provides beautiful views and makes a great day outing any time of year.

Recommended by Niki Sibley, Ultramarathon Runner and Outdoor Lifestyle Advocate

Front Door Forays

“Leave the car in the driveway for this adventure. It’s easy to forget that some of the best running to be had is out your very own front door,” says Niki Sibley. “So turn your abode into an aid station and start cranking out those miles! And who knows, you just might inspire the whole neighborhood to get moving.”

Bike downtown, with your kids (Photo: Derrick Knowles, middle), and anywhere near where you live (Photo, right: Jon Jonckers).

Chris Conley, Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance President

Trail #257 Coeur d’ Alene Mountain

A short drive from Spokane near Beauty Bay with an easy, mostly paved 3.5-mile road climb, this mountain bike trail is easily accessible to most intermediate riders.

Drop in for a fast, fun, and flowy 3-mile descent through old growth forest on well-maintained single-track trail. There is some exposure towards the bottom, but the trail is wide and could easily be walked if necessary.

Abercrombie Mountain

Near Metaline Falls two hours north of Spokane, this epic out-and-back backcountry ride can’t be beat (it’s also an excellent hike). The 7.6-mile, 4,300′ climb can be intense, but the view from the top makes it all worth it. Pack plenty of food, water, and a jacket for the summit, even in the summer.

After taking in the views, enjoy the full descent back to the car. “With loose, technical rocks at the top to fast and flowy loam at the bottom, it’s one of my all-time favorite rides,” Conley says.

Jungle Hill Loop

Three hours from Spokane with lots of awesome camping spots, the Kettle Crest offers miles of rugged single-track trails, and this loop is a favorite of many riders. “I prefer to camp at the Jungle Hill campground and ride clockwise to Sherman Pass and finish with the Jungle Hill descent,” says Conley.

This is a big ride with plenty of punchy climbs and long, flowy descents with some of the best views around.

Recommended by Melinda DuPree, Evergreen East Board Member

Mount Hope Cemetery Road Ride

Twenty miles south of Spokane on the corner of Valley Chapel Rd. and North Kentuck Trails Rd., this picturesque country cemetery in the small community of Mt. Hope makes for a scenic road ride destination. The ride out Valley Chapel Road includes a few crossings and views along Latah Creek. The north end of the road is a stretched-out climb/descent from the valley while the southern climb/descent is steeper and includes broad views in the Palouse.

Hayden Lake Loop Ride

This 27-mile road ride departs from Honeysuckle Beach on North Idaho’s Hayden Lake for a loop around the lake on Hayden Lake Rd., English Point Rd., and Lakeview Dr. The road rolls up and down for 2,000’ of overall climbing with views of North Idaho that will give you lake-cabin envy.

Recommended by Jim O’Hare, Spokane Bicycle Club

Spokane Area Road & Paved Path Rides

Check out the SpokeFest loops choosing from the 9, 21, or 47-mile distances on the Spokane Bicycle Club’s website (Popular Rides tab).

The Fish Lake, Centennial, Children of the Sun, and Appleway trails are other great Spokane-area rides that are paved with low-to-moderate elevation gain and are mostly free of motorized traffic.

Greats views while biking along Spokane’s Centennial Trail. // Photos: Jon Jonckers

Recommended by Jane Patten, Local Artist and Mountain Biking Influencer

Glenrose to Phillips Creek Trail

This great out-and-back adventure offers views of Spokane to the west and east, including Mica Peak. This trail system offers fun, flowy single-track through meadows and pine groves and just enough elevation to get the heart pumping. An added bonus—Winescape Winery is a few blocks from the Thierman Trailhead for après ride hydration.

Recommended by Wayne Jordan, Fly Fishing & Fly-Tying Instructor

St. Joe River

Test your fly-fishing skills in this blue-ribbon cutthroat stream that flows through the scenic Idaho Panhandle National Forest. If you are looking for a little extra adventure, take the back road route via St. Regis, Mont.

Lower Grande Ronde River

Located near the tiny community of Rogersburg south of Asotin, Wash., anglers of all ages and skill levels can expect to catch smallmouth bass on the Grande Ronde River while enjoying the scenic beauty of Hells Canyon.

South Skookum Lake

This lake located in the Colville National Forest near Usk, Wash., is perfect for families looking to catch a few trout while escaping the commotion of the city for the day.

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

Dozens of lakes and multiple species of fish are waiting for you in this Eastern Washington high desert oasis. Located just north of Othello, these waters provide a great angling day trip or multi-day adventure for the whole family.

Recommended by Dan Webber, Spokane REI Bike Technician

Themed Rides

Webber recommends making your ride more interesting with a theme. “Morning coffee crawls are a great way to support local businesses and experience new neighborhoods,” he says. “My favorite stops include Atticus, Rockwood, Rocket, and The Shop.” All of these have patio seating for sunny chats and an ability to keep an eye on your precious steed.

Some other themes could include ice cream (The Scoop, Doyle’s, and Sweet Peaks), bridges (13 of them in Spokane that cross the River), public art (murals, electrical boxes, sculptures), or, for the truly hardcore, the Spokane Stairs Ride, where you get to carry your bike up all the outdoor urban staircases!

Recommended by Mark Schneider, Rambleraven Gear Trader

Northrup Canyon

An awesome early-season hiking trip near Banks Lake, this 1.5 mile trail leads to an old homestead and another few miles takes you to Northrup Lake, a great overnight backpacking trip to shake the cobwebs off your gear for the year.

Harrison Peak Climbing

This Selkirk Mountain peak is well known for technical climbing, but you can also scramble up the east face without gear for an amazing view.

Lion’s Head

This prominent set of two Selkirk Mountain summits above Priest Lake is known for its rock-climbing routes, and Priest Lake is also beautiful.

[Feature photo by Aaron Theisen – Cube Iron Roadless Area.]

The post Adventure Inspiration: 34 Summer Trip Ideas appeared first on Out There Venture.

There are over 700 miles of trails, drowning is the number one cause of death in the park, and you must view the National Park Service’s 14-minute video on bears, mountain lions and personal safety before receiving a backcountry permit.

To start planning your Glacier trip, first go to the park’s Web site: www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm. I also recommend consulting a guidebook to help plan the most enjoyable backpacking route for everyone in your group. We used Vicky Spring’s Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park (Second Edition), published by Mountaineers Books in 2003.

Although the park used to accept in-person and phone applications, the process has moved to an online-only reservation system and an application fee is still required. For the most current information about how to obtain a wilderness permit and reserve a backcountry campsite, visit nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/backcountry-reservations.

The National Park Service divides Glacier Park into eight different backcountry areas: Belly River, Goat Haunt, Many Glacier, Lake McDonald, North Fork, St. Mary, Two Medicine and Walton. (Spring’s guidebook categorizes them somewhat differently.)

My husband and I chose the Belly River, located in the northeast section of the park, which is primarily accessed from the Chief Mountain Trailhead—located only 500 feet from the Canadian border off Chief Mountain International Highway (Hwy 17). When the higher elevation trails like the Ptarmigan Tunnel or Redgap Pass are accessible, you can also hike to the Belly River area starting from Many Glacier.

To reach the east side of the park, you can drive from West Glacier to St. Mary along the scenic and historic Going-to-the-Sun Road. But be aware that traffic during peak tourist season (July and August) is slow and often bumper-to-bumper.

Because the pass wasn’t yet open when we visited in June this year, we drove around the perimeter of the park on Highways 2, 49 and 89 to St. Mary Lake, only an additional 39 miles from West Glacier.

Any of the drive-in campgrounds would make for a good stop the night before a backpacking trip. We chose the Rising Sun Campground, which was closest to our trailhead (although still 43 miles away).

Day one

Our backcountry itinerary, which you provide to rangers when applying for your wilderness permit and camping reservations, began with hiking 8.8 miles to our first destination, Cosley Lake Campground. The first two miles of the trail descend 800 feet to the river valley then pass through aspen groves and grassy meadows with views of Chief, Gable, Sentinel, and Bear Mountains.

When we got to the Gable Creek Camp at 6.2 miles, where many backpackers choose to stay their first night, we turned at the junction to cross the Belly River suspension bridge. Although most trail junctions we encountered were well marked, it’s best to equip yourself with a map and compass (and even a GPS).

Each of Glacier’s backcountry campgrounds have the same basic layout: a designated food preparation area that all campers must use, a food storage area consisting of a cable strung between trees (each group is required to carry 25 feet of rope for hanging food and other odiferous items), a pit toilet, and a limited number of marked tent sites. (Some campgrounds have food storage lockers because of flying squirrels.)

Summer days are long at Glacier, especially in June when it only gets dark enough for a headlamp around 10:45 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Savings Time). We slept well and ate even better, thanks to the delicious, easy-to-make meals from freezerbagcooking.com. (Learn more at outthereoutdoors.com/great-backcountry-grub.)

As far as wildlife encounters, mule deer, birds, and ground squirrels were the most common animals seen along the trails and at campgrounds. Fortunately, we did not encounter grizzly bears or cougars during our time in the backcountry. We had bear bells attached to our packs and we talked, sang, and intermittently yelled, “Hey, bear,” as we hiked to prevent surprising any wildlife that may be around a corner or off-trail in bushes or among trees. We also carried bear spray, attached to a pack waist belt to make it easily accessible and quick to grab. (Learn more about being Bear Aware.)

Day two

The second day was a 5.8-mile trek from Cosley Lake Campground to Elizabeth Lake, where we had reservations at the head campground. The trail requires fording the river at the ranger-named “Cosley Lake Outlet Safety Cable.” We were expecting a knee-deep crossing, but the cold, swift-moving flow was nearly four feet deep at one point, rising to our mid-torsos.

Day Three

My husband enjoyed some lake fly-fishing at a cove protected from the strong wind. Arctic grayling and rainbow trout were busy there, making for a productive hour of catch and release.

After completing the 5.1 mile hike to the green and lush Gable Creek Campground (completing more or less a loop from this point on day one), we savored the panoramic views from the meadow at the Belly River Ranger Station (which serves as a residence for backcountry park rangers).

Day four

We finished our trip with 6-mile hike out, for a trip total of 25.7 miles. And a 7-hour drive later, we were home in Spokane, planning our next trip to Glacier for some more backcountry bliss.

When You Go

The most direct driving route from Spokane is I-90 east to Exit 33/St. Regis. Turn left onto Highway 135, heading northeast. Follow the network of two-lane highways to Kalispell. Then take Highway 2 to Columbia Falls and continue to West Glacier.

Originally published in the August 2008 print edition of “Out There Monthly” (the founding predecessor magazine name) for the Roadtrip section.

For more stories about Glacier National Park, visit the magazine archives.

Amy McCaffree is a senior writer, and her first “Out There” story was published in the January 2006 issue. She enjoys hiking, camping, paddling, lake swimming, and riding her hybrid bike. Before becoming a mother, in 2010, she did a lot more backpacking.

[Updated: August 31, 2021]

The post Trip Planning & Backpacking in Glacier National Park appeared first on Out There Venture.