When you discover something really fun, there’s potential of going overboard. In just over a year, I’ve done three backpacking trips to northeast Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. Man overboard!

For years I had wanted to backpack the Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains. I almost always go solo and thought its remoteness meant few visitors. Should I run into trouble, I’d be on my own.

Overcoming my timidity with a five-day visit in August 2020, I encountered plenty of backpackers, many from the west side of Oregon and Washington. Curious why they’d drive past the Cascades to come here, the answer was simply the beauty. More than once I was told Eagle Cap is more beautiful than the famous Enchantments in Washington’s Cascades.

A four-hour drive from Spokane and the largest wilderness area in Oregon, visitation has increased from 30,000 in 2010 to 80,000 in 2020. There’s still no entrance restrictions, though—just fill out a free, self-issued permit at the trailhead. But the increased use means visitors need to be more diligent than ever at following Leave No Trace practices.

Backpacking the Wallowas’ Two Highest Peaks

I was ready to tackle the two highest points in the wilderness, Sacajawea Peak and Matterhorn, by my second visit. I did a steep climb into a high-elevation valley and pitched my tent at 7,770 feet. Despite the increase in hikers and backpackers in the Wallowas in recent years, I was the only person in the valley that night.

At camp, I set a store-bought hummus wrap on the ground while setting up. When I reached for it several minutes later, hundreds of tiny ants had infiltrated the package and were swarming the wrap. Wondering if it was salvageable and amazed a huge swarm of ants had so quickly found my wrap, I dumped most out. Though some ants were still coming from inside it, I sealed and returned it to my backpack.

I arose next morning seemingly before sunrise. However, I was surrounded by steep mountains, and the sun wouldn’t clear them for some time. I boiled water and added instant ramen. Then more boiled water for the requisite cup of coffee.

By midmorning and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, I reached the summit of Sacajawea Peak at 9,838 feet, the highest point in the Wallowa Mountains. It’s only 1.5 miles of additional ridgeline hiking to Matterhorn; however, it’s a class 3 scramble, and climbing experience is recommended. I’m strictly a hiker, and trekking poles are the closest I have to climbing equipment.

The worst part was immediately ahead—several gendarmes, or ridgeline pinnacles or rock. Some I skirted at the base. Others required finding a climbable route over.

Reaching the subsidiary peak between Sacajawea and Matterhorn, I found two young women snacking. Forest Service employees whose jobs are at a much lower elevation, they spent the night near the summit of Sacajawea. I’d seen them up ahead, going the same direction as me, carrying all their equipment.

The rest of the way was less stressful with a couple interesting sights—a cave that goes straight down and mountain goats. At the summit I admired the views while eating my ant and hummus wrap. I can attest a hummus wrap tastes good even with ants inside.

Matterhorn is 5,000 feet lower and doesn’t resemble the original in Europe at all, but it’s dramatic and beautiful nonetheless. It looks more like Half Dome in Yosemite.

I looped back by hiking the Hurwal Divide, lingering at the high point (9,776 feet). Descending in a hurry seems a waste when I spend so much effort coming up. Also, it’s tough to walk away from a fabulous view.

I finally forced myself to descend and reached my campsite by walking the entire valley again. I’d be the only person in it for a second night.

Lakes Basin and A Guy Who Bikes to Backpack

In the morning I headed to the Lakes Basin to establish a base camp and do day hikes. I hiked up and spent an indulgent hour and a half at the summit of the wilderness’ namesake, Eagle Cap (9,572 feet).

I chatted briefly with several summiteers, except one guy named Bill from Dallas, Texas. When I remarked he’d driven a long way, he corrected me—he came by bicycle.

I use my car as little as possible and prioritize personal time for things I enjoy, but Bill has taken the minimalist approach to living to the next level. Before coming here, he backpacked 400 miles of the Idaho Centennial Trail, ending at Upper Priest Lake. I wondered how he gets back to his bike.

Bill spends six months a year installing phone systems and the other six bicycling the country to hike and backpack. He’s been doing this for 32 years. For his four-day backpacking trip, he chained his bike to a tree near the trailhead.

For one-way, multiday hikes, he asks a local bike shop if they’ll hold it or give names of bike enthusiasts who will. To get back to his bike, he hitchhikes. While hiking down together, I wondered how many other people in the country are out there doing what Bill does.

The Hike Out and Back Again

My six-day stay ended with a 12-mile hike out. I thought my backpacking season was over, but good weather at September’s end brought me back once more.

On my autumn return trip, I climbed Sacajawea and Matterhorn again as a shortcut to beat an approaching storm on my next-to-last day. Gusty winds forced me to squat often along the gendarme-laden ridge, making it slower and more worrisome than before.

Arriving late and tenting far from the main camping area near Ice Lake, I awoke to footsteps in the middle of the night, followed by a loud, forceful nostril exhalation. Later, whoever did it came back and did it again.

Deer snort as a warning, but I saw mountain goats while descending Matterhorn. I don’t know if mountain goats snort, but whoever was responsible, they’ll have to be satisfied that I left in the morning and won’t return for a while.

Snow and temperatures down to the teens were expected by evening. As I hiked out, I inquired of a solitary woman hiking in if she knew about the change. She enjoys the challenge and was prepared.

End of the Hike and Off-Trail Camaraderie

I made it to my car, drove to attractive Main Street in downtown Joseph, Oregon, and stopped at a coffeeshop. Indoor comfort and a hot mocha at a window side seat is an elevated pleasure after a wilderness stint.

Walking to my car, a woman recognized me from a brief trail encounter my first day in. We compared experiences, small-talked—she and her partner were going to work their way back home to Kalispell, Mont. After parting, I wished I could’ve had a longer conversation. The camaraderie of exploring a unique place made me want to share more experiences and inquire of hers.

It’s the same on the trail. Being in the wilderness is such a pleasing experience, and trail encounters add to it. So often a brief chat is interesting and informative.

The superb setting and sharing insights with fellow backpackers makes for a memorable and pleasant adventure. That is, if you can avoid the misfortune of tiny ants swarming over your lunch.

Find more stories in the OTO archives about Eagle Cap Wilderness and Wallowa Mountains as well as other travel destinations and recreation opportunities in Oregon.

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When hiking or backpacking, whether it’s urban wilds or real-deal Wilderness, put in the extra effort to limit your impacts on the land and other visitors with these Leave No Trace standards.

1. Pack out all your trash and any left by others.
2. Respect wildlife and don’t feed them.
3. Don’t harsh on the mellow vibe of other nature lovers.
4. Never leave human waste or toilet paper on the ground. Learn how to burry your waste properly (away from water). Better yet, pack it all out or find a restroom.
5. Don’t collect or disturb native plants or other interesting bits of the natural world.
6. Limit campfires to conserve downed wood and lower chances of burning the place up. Watch the stars and night sky instead.
7. Plan ahead to avoid emergency violation of Leave No Trace principles. This could happen, for instance, if you forget your stove fuel, forcing you to cook over a campfire where it’s not allowed.
8. Camp and travel on designated paths and campsites to avoid hacking and tromping your own way through virgin forest or desert.

Learn more about Leave No Trace principles at Lnt.org.

Originally published as “Leave No Trace More Important Than Ever” in the May-June 2022 issue.

Bad backcountry kharma! Leave no trace. Especially toilet paper. // Photos: Shallan Knowles

Find more stories about backcountry travel and Leave No Trace ethics and practices and in the OTO topic archives.

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Bear biologist Carrie Hunt, founder of Wind River Bear Institute (WRBI), conducted experiments with bear repellant deterrents at the University of Montana in the 1980s, for her master’s in science degree. She found some potential in personal defense and military pepper sprays, but there were drawbacks. Her research indicated that the ingredients and the delivery method are what makes a spray more effective.

Hunt’s study led Bill Pounds to develop a concentrated formula that could be dispersed in a cone-shaped cloud that did not require precise aiming, but could simply be directed downward in front of a charging bear. This helps compensate for the effects of wind, rain, and cold. (Pounds went on to found Counter Assault and to manufacture and market bear spray.)

Bear spray has six times as much spray and is much more pressurized than pepper spray. The contents are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and each can has a registration number on the label.

Improperly stored trash can attract bears (left); Photo: Shutterstock // Chuck Bartlebaugh demonstrates how to deploy bear spray during a training session. // Photo courtesy Be Bear Aware.

Capsaicin and related capsaicinoids are the active ingredients in bear spray; claims of 10%, 20%, or 30% Oleoresin Capsaicin are not indicative of the amount of active capsaicin and capsaicinoids in a spray. This and the spray pattern are what make bear spray so effective.

If it’s not EPA registered, it will not work the same in a bear encounter. Make sure to look before you buy.

The recommendation based on Hunt’s study is to spray for seven seconds, 30 feet in front of you. The minimum sized can registered by the EPA is 225 grams (7.9 oz.); smaller cans may not have sufficient spray duration to deter a charging bear.

Chuck Bartlebaugh of Be Bear Aware said it’s important to ensure that you bring enough bear spray with you; you’ll want enough to deter an aggressive bear and still have some for the hike out. Visit the Be Bear Aware Campaign website to learn about staying safe in bear country and how to deploy bear spray.

Find more stories about bears and other North American wildlife in the OTO archives.

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Spokane is home to many urban wilds. No matter where in Spokane you live, chances are there is a wild-ish natural area near you to explore. Combining urban neighborhoods with these special, scenic places makes for one of the most unique and satisfying hiking experiences imaginable.

And with the right guide to point out everything from native plants and geographical features to historic sites and buildings, it can be even better. This was the idea behind the urban walking tours and my business, Wander Spokane, as well as my desire to become a tour guide. These local tours can’t be repeated anywhere else because they are tied to this unique place.

This summer, get out there to explore on your own or with a Wander Spokane guided tour and see some of Spokane’s lesser-known urban wilds.

Coeur d’Alene Park & Browne’s Addition Neighborhood History

A great starting point is on the corner of Second Avenue and Hemlock at Spokane’s oldest park, Coeur d’Alene Park. The beautiful gazebo in the center of the park was built in 1896 and has been a gathering place for Spokanites for over 120 years. The land for the park was donated after the great fire of 1889 by J.J. Browne and A.M. Cannon as a way of promoting building in the area.

Most homes in this neighborhood reflect the era in which they were built. This was an enclave for the elite who made most of their money in the railway and mining industries.

Overlook Park & Latah Valley Views

Walking west down Second Avenue toward Overlook Park you will pass many homes ranging from the Patsy Clark Mansion (1897) to the Gibbs-Murphy house, the oldest in the neighborhood (1883). Taking in the view of the Hangman Creek valley, directly below you is High Bridge Park located along the banks of the creek.

Take time to read the few signs at the top of the hill that tell some tales of the past. To the south you’ll notice some beautiful bridges, including the Sunset Highway bridge. Downstream you’ll see remnants of old trusses both in the water and on land.

High Bridge Park Walk along the Creek

Starting down the trail to Latah Creek below are plenty of plants, many native to the area. My favorite time to view them is late spring/early summer. Probably the most well-known is the arrowleaf balsamroot that resembles a wild sunflower. Ponderosa pines line the trail and the creek, as well as yarrow, ocean spray, and Douglas fir, all with edible and medicinal uses.

At the bottom of the trail you reach the creek, known by one of two names—Hangman Creek or Latah Creek, depending on who you ask. (In 1858 Col. George Wright had several Native Americans hanged in this valley, hence the name discrepancy).

At this point the pulse of the city is out of sight, and the sound of the water and birds take over.

People’s Park & the Confluence

Follow the creek north to the Spokane River and the confluence with Latah Creek, a special place to members of the Spokane Tribe and other Native Americans. The river and creek provided Native American inhabitants with salmon and other fish for thousands of years before dams downstream cut off their migration from the Pacific Ocean.

More recently, the natural area surrounding the confluence of the Spokane River and Latah Creek is known as People’s Park. This area has several trails an array of beautiful plants and a “colorful” story.

During Spokane’s Expo ’74, this area was set up for free camping and soon became its own little community. After the fair ended, it became a place for peace, love, and nude beaches.

Peaceful Valley

Turning back east along the south bank of the Spokane River, walk along the newly paved path toward the Peaceful Valley neighborhood, following the river where you can still hear the raging waters below during spring runoff. Follow the path to Main Street and you will find yourself in my favorite neighborhoods.

Peaceful Valley went by many names in its lifetime: Poverty Flats and Spring Flats to name a few. There are many interesting and historical homes in this neighborhood, including the Pietsch House, Groshoff Apartments, and the Cowley School.

An unusual feature found in this neighborhood is a series of row cabins. Our hike ends at Redband Park, formerly known as Glover Field. The park was renamed after the redband trout, a native fish to the Spokane River that, along with the salmon, was crucial to the Indigenous inhabitants of the area.

The views from Redband Park are amazing, especially from the field looking toward downtown with the power of the river meeting the gorgeous architecture and cityscape.

For more information about urban tours of Spokane and Wander Spokane, visit Wanderspokane.com.

Find more urban recreation and adventure ideas in the Urban Outdoors column archives.

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The road winds through a countryside blonde with wheat, then dips into a brush-choked gorge. Three of us—me, my husband, and my 82-year-old mother—let out a harmony of “ahs” at the sight of the lovely creek and decide this is the place to stop for a tailgate coffee break. We park in a gravel pullout, situate mom in a folding chair under a poplar tree, and pour coffee. While we sit, five species of songbirds sound off, accompanied by frogs and buzzing insects. It’s a beautiful moment in an afternoon outing.

Over the past several years, my husband and I have formed a habit of taking mom on outings such as this. The challenges of aging—pain, dementia—are wearing on her and nature seems to give her a measure of relief and pleasure.

Experts agree that time outdoors is an important part of overall healthfulness for elders. That’s exactly why Ryan Griffith, Spokane Parks & Recreation’s assistant recreation director, partners with local senior centers to take groups of elderly patrons kayaking and snow shoeing. He says that seniors benefit from being outdoors in myriad ways including exercise, mental stimulation, getting away from the television, and social interaction.

Griffith observes that even seemingly simple occurrences like a bird singing or snow falling on a jacket sleeve help relax the mind. Griffith suggests taking along snacks, water, and trekking poles, and recommends approaching the activity with a flexible mindset.

Fortunately, the Inland Northwest provides a wealth of opportunities for older residents to get outdoors safely. Together, my husband, mother, and I have been to the summit of a mountain, explored a cave, lolled in green orchards, and wandered through wetlands.

Here are four outings around the Spokane area—field tested by mom—to consider planning with your elders.

Mukogawa Institute Stroll or Roll

Drive Government Way to Fremont Road and turn into the Mukogawa Institute (officially called Mukogawa U.S. Campus, an extension of Mukogawa Women’s University in Japan). Park along Offut Road in front of McNally Recital Hall. Walk west 0.25 mile along Custer Drive under graceful Douglas firs. A row of beautifully maintained red brick officers’ quarters line the way and placards note the year each building was built.

Rest on the benches at the roundabout, then either stroll back to your car on the opposite side of the sunshine-dappled parade grounds (along Randolph Road) or wander another 0.2 mile into the forest along paved paths to discover the tiny hidden chapel near Takaoka Hall.

• Comforts: Shade trees, wheelchair accessible (advise keeping to the low-traffic road instead of the uneven sidewalks), benches at the roundabout and near the Nellie Garry Guest House, covered gazebo with picnic table at corner of Fremont and North Wright Drive.
• Walking or rolling distance: 0.5 mile along quiet paved roadway with options to extend.
• Sensory: Birdsong, busy squirrels, historic buildings and interesting architecture, towering pine and fir trees.
• Cautions: No public restrooms along this route.

Mount Spokane Summit and Vista House

Drive north from Spokane to Mount Spokane State Park. At the entrance, stay on Mount Spokane Park Drive and continue uphill to North Summit Road. Follow the narrow strip of blacktop to the parking area. Walk up to Vista House.

• Comforts: Wheelchair accessible outhouses along the road and at waysides and picnic tables at Bald Knob Campground.
• Walking distance: 0.25 mile out-and-back gravel pathway to Vista House.
• Sensory: Dense forest and undergrowth, broad views, sunshine, and an interesting stone house.
• Cautions: Sections of narrow winding road with steep no-guardrail drop-offs, and it can be windy up top.

Valley Chapel Road Trip

From Spokane’s South Hill, take Palouse Highway south to the intersection with South Valley Chapel Road. Travel along Stevens and Latah creeks and take a break at one of the pull-offs to enjoy the babbling water.

Stop at Mt. Hope Chapel (corner of East Valley Chapel Road and South North Kentuck Trails Road) to stretch legs and enjoy the quiet wheat fields.

Take a 4-mile out-and-back side trip drive south on North Kentuck Trails Road to Hanging Tree Historical Monument (watch for the marker pointing the way) and pause for a moment of silence to consider the gravity of events that occurred here. Then continue to the Highway 27 intersection.

Return directly to Spokane via Highway 27 or take a few more twists and turns through farm, field, and forest on rural gravel roads.

• Comforts: Outhouse (not wheelchair accessible) and shade trees at Mount Hope Chapel.
• Walking distance: As desired at chosen rest stops.
• Sensory: Birdsong, frog song, rippling creeks, pastoral views.
• Cautions: Limited restrooms, winding roads.

St. Aloysius Walk or Roll

Park on Astor Street in front of St. Aloysius church on Gonzaga campus. Stroll or roll along wheelchair accessible sidewalk to the church, then head east along the smooth brick and stone promenade to Rosauer Center.

Walk south between buildings, then follow the walkways, this time west, back to St. Aloysius. To extend the outing, continue on to the performing arts center, visit the Jundt Art Museum or cross the grass to the river’s edge.

• Comforts: Wheelchair accessible sidewalks and paths, numerous benches, shade trees.
• Walking or rolling distance: 0.75-mile loop (expand or shorten as desired).
• Sensory: Prayer Grotto (located east of the the church) and Gonzaga University campus’s impressive rhododendrons, basalt-blocks, pocket gardens, statuary, rockwork and architecture, shoreline, birdsong.
• Cautions: No public restrooms along the route.

Tabitha Gregory enjoys exploring, hiking, and skiing in the Inland Northwest. She’s written for Out There Venture and North Columbia Monthly and is the author of the historical nonfiction book “Valdez Rises: One Town’s Struggle for Survival After the Great Alaska Earthquake.”

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Since those days, I can’t recall more than a few fleeting moments, mostly during work and social obligations, where the notion of boredom occurred to me. If you love the outdoors and live here too, you know what I mean. There are so many amazing things to do at any given moment in our corner of the planet that a lifetime seems far too short to make the most of it.

Nevertheless, every now and then, during the long, increasingly hot days of summer, many of us still find ourselves wondering, “What should I do this weekend?” I hope our annual list of trip ideas helps you have one of your best summers ever!

1. Explore nature at the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve: Hike the trails and appreciate the incredible native plants, wildflowers, and wildlife at this over 30,000-acre Nature Conservancy preserve in northeast Oregon’s Wallowa County. Scenic back road drives hug the Hells Canyon rim and rugged forest service trails nearby are waiting there to take prepared hikers into the deepest gorge in North America.
2. Trail run or hike the Little Spokane River Natural Area’s Knothead Loop: This 7-mile roundtrip route in north Spokane County gains 1,000 feet, rising from prime riverside wildlife habitat to open pine forest with views up top. Be aware that dogs and bikes are not allowed on this trail system.
3. Get your mountain biking or hiking in on a volunteer trail project: All of these trails we love don’t build or maintain themselves. Give back to your favorite trails by signing up for a trail work party with a local trails group like Evergreen East, Washington Trails Association, Pend Oreille Pedalers, or Idaho Trails Association.
4. Go paddling on Lake Spokane: Start at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile Recreation Area boat launch and campground (less than a half hour from downtown Spokane) and paddle your arms off or find a quiet place to bird watch or go fishing.
5. Explore the best of the best paddling lakes around Spokane and North Idaho: Some of these lakes don’t allow gas motors, others may be quiet midweek and busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. Then load up your SUP, kayak or canoe and go.
6. Hike a trail you’ve never been on in Dishman Hills Natural Area: Take your pick from dozens of miles of trails on over 3,200 acres of protected hills and prime wildlife habitat in the Dishman Hills Natural Area, located in Spokane Valley.
7. Learn about the geology of your favorite place: Pick up a copy of the “Roadside Geology” book for wherever your summer trips take you and learn something about the ancient geologic origins of the place where you’re hiking, biking, floating or camping.
8. Ride Montana’s first shuttle bike park: The new Legacy Bike Park above Flathead Lake near Whitefish, Montana, opened in 2021. It has 13 downhill trails, camping and the shuttles that make it all possible on those burley downhill bikes.
9. Take a North Idaho mountain bike road trip: These trails are all near Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, or east toward Libby, Mont. Ride them all on one great road trip.
10. Ride or hike Moscow Mountain’s 60+ miles of trails: Located near Moscow, Idaho, this legal trail system on private lands continues to grow thanks to the hard work of groups like the Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association.
11. Take a paddling trip to Cranbrook, B.C.: A few hours’ drive north of Spokane takes you to the western slope of the majestic Canadian Rockies, which happen to host some great mellow paddling spots near the town of Cranbrook. Give Jimsmith Lake and St. Mary’s Lake a try. Learn more about Cranbrook-area paddling and whitewater kayaking adventure ideas.
12. Paddle a stretch of the Pend Oreille River Water Trail: The water trail stretches across approximately 70 miles of the Pend Oreille River in northeast Washington with environmental and historical points of interests, picnic stops, and overnight campsites along the way.
13. Take a cleanup hike along your favorite river: Hike, bike, or float along the Spokane River, Hangman Creek, the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, Pack River, or another regional stream and bring your own garbage bag to help clean up along the way. Spokane River Keeper is also organizing summertime cleanups.
14. Hike the Nelson, B.C., area’s rare Inland Temperate Rainforest: Just north of the border a few hours from Spokane, ancient old growth trees up to five meters thick make up the last-remaining Inland Temperate Rainforest on Earth. Caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, wolverines, and a diversity of native plants and animals still thrive here, and there are plenty of trails to explore. Don’t forget your bear spray and passport.
15. Hike the trails at Pend Oreille County Park: Just north of Spokane and an hour or so west of Sandpoint, the over 7 miles of trails on 440 acres of wildlife-rich low elevation forest is the perfect place for a quiet day’s outing. Primitive camp sites are also available.
16. Raft or kayak the Clark Fork River through the Alberton Gorge in Montana: If you don’t have your own gear and experience in class III/IV whitewater, then sign up for a trip with one of several local outfitters like ROW Adventures.
17. Go paddle boarding or kayaking downtown Spokane: Bring your own boat and launch under the Division Street Bridge, or just show up in your paddling duds and rent the gear from Fun Unlimited and paddle up the mellow Spokane River toward No-Li Brewhouse and points beyond.
18. Take a ride on a Wallowa Lake Tramway near Joseph, Ore.: Enjoy incredible views as you gain 3,700 feet of elevation on the ride up to the summit of Mount Howard high in the Wallowa Mountains overlooking Wallowa Lake, vast stretches of prairie, and distant peaks. Indulge in a snack or beverage at the mountain-top restaurant and stretch your legs on the hiking trails.
19. Hike to remote swimming beaches along Christina Lake: Wander along the Deer Point Trail from the Texas Creek Campground to find your own hidden swimming spot at Christina Lake, B.C., one of the warmest tree-lined lakes in Canada that happens to be just north of the border from Kettle Falls, Wash.
20. Take a mining history tour in Idaho’s Silver Valley: Mine tours, ghost towns, historic districts, mining museums, historic buildings and more await in and around Wallace, Idaho.
21. Ride past lakes and wetlands on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes out of Harrison, Idaho: Harrison is a cool lake town with plenty of fun to be had on the beach, docks, restaurants and bars in town. And the fact that the 70+ mile paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs right through town makes it even cooler. Bring your bike or rent one in town and pedal east past wetlands and woods often teaming with birds and wildlife for an out-and-back cycling adventure anyone can do. Or arrange a shuttle at the bike shop in town for a longer one-way adventure.
22. Ride the Route of the Hiawatha Trail then check out one of these lesser-known rides near Wallace, Idaho: Learn more.
23. Take a multiday whitewater rafting trip on the Salmon River: You’ll need your own gear and experience on this class III and IV wilderness river. You can rent rafting gear from the University of Idaho Outdoor Program, but you’ll still need your own whitewater skills. Or sign up on a Lower Salmon River trip with Spokane-based FLOW Adventures.
24. Go river surfing in Missoula, Montana: Brennan’s Wave, a man-made river wave, provides year-round river surfing opportunities. Rental boards and lessons are available too.
25. Get away from the crowds on a hike near Libby, Montana: Many well-known scenic hikes can get crowded on peak summer weekends these days, but there are still plenty of lesser-known trails throughout the Inland NW where you can find solitude. For instance, there are hundreds of miles of backcountry trails near Libby, Mont., where you may not see another human while you hike.
26. Climb at a new-to-you bouldering area in the greater Spokane area:  A long-needed new bouldering guide to the Spokane area is now available thanks to the hard work of climbers and authors Nate Lynch and Shane Collins. Pick up a copy of Spokane Bouldering at Rambleraven Gear Trader and start exploring with your crash pad.
27. Go to Spokatopia July 9 to ride your bike, listen to music and paddleboard: Spokatopia is a one-day outdoor adventure festival at Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River put on by our magazine, Out There Venture. It’s like having a whole summer’s worth of outdoor fun crammed into one long day. Don’t miss it!
28. Visit the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge south of Colville, Wash.: Bears, elk, moose, bobcat, deer, hundreds of bird species, and other wildlife on over 40,000 acres of public land at the LPONWR. What more could you ask for? Explore on a few trails and gravel roads and reconnect with the wild tangle of rock, trees, and feral life that we all sprang from way back when.
29. Take the back road drive between Sullivan Lake and Priest Lake over Pass Creek Pass in northeast Washington: The highlight of this drive is topping out on the pass. Stop and take a hike, starting at the Pass Creek Pass trailhead (trails head north and south from the road) and pick a few huckleberries and watch for wildlife. Better yet, do it on your mountain bike and connect into some sick singletrack trails leading back down to Sullivan Lake.
30. Hike, mountain bike or trail run the Independence Creek Trail northeast of Coeur d’Alene: Make it a long loop using forest roads or an out-and-back along Independence Creek Trail #22, through beautiful North Idaho forest along a cool mountain stream.
31. Ride the acclaimed mountain bike trails around Helena, Mont.: Learn more.
32. Run or fast hike one of the regions popular backpacking routes in one day: Many of the most scenic backpacking loops and out-and-back or one-way trails in our neck of the woods are getting more and more crowded. Enjoy the trails and views and limit your impact by doing the whole Salmo Loop, Seven Devils Loop, Kettle Crest Trail, or other popular routes all in one fast push. Go prepared physically and with all the essentials you’ll need to avoid paying a hefty evacuation bill.
33. Rent a boat on one of the region’s big lakes: Many lakes can get crazy on weekends, but bigger lakes like Lake Pend Oreille and Coeur d’Alene Lake in North Idaho, Flathead Lake in northwest Montana, and Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, offer more elbow room to spread out and do your own boating thing at your own pace. For a quick-access boat rental experience from Spokane on Lake Coeur d’Alene, check out Cdasports.com.
34. Surf the world’s largest standing wave at Lakeside Surf in Chelan: Quite different than the ocean waves you may have surfed, this river-type wave where the water rushes toward you takes some getting used to, but it is a blast that anyone can get the hang of after a few sessions. After opening last spring, the wave at Lakeside Surf is quickly becoming an annual pilgrimage for landlocked Inland Northwest surfers.
35. Take a ride over the Columbia River on the Palouse to Cascades Trail: This 289-mile cross-Washington rail trail goes from Cedar Falls to Tekoa, and with the newly updated Beverly Bridge over the Columbia River, riders and hikers can now cross the bridge without a vehicle shuttle detour. Grab your bike and go check out this section of one of our region’s greatest rail trails!
36. Explore the waters and shorelines around Lake Roosevelt: This sprawling water body northwest of Spokane is a lake-lovers dream. Find great fishing, boating, beach camping, hiking, history and more along this 130-mile-long lake.
37. Explore the backroads and trails along the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail: The Trail follows the route taken by many members of the Nez Perce Tribe in 1877 on their noble quest to dodge being forced onto a reservation. The 1,170-mile trail covers backroads and trails from Wallowa Lake in northeast Oregon to Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Mont. Drive and walk part of the route and learn about the Nee-Me-Poo people’s tragic flight from pursuing white forces while you’re at it.
38. Look down into the deepest gorge in North America from Hells Canyon Overlook: Safely tucked in the middle of nowhere southeast of Enterprise, Ore., along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, the overlook offers a rare, vehicle-accessible panoramic view of Hells Canyon.
39. Go river rafting in Riggins, Idaho: The Salmon River, or River of No Return, is one of the longest un-dammed rivers in North America. Sign on with a local guide and spend a day splashing through class III and IV rapids and lounging on white sand beaches above and below the cool river town of Riggins.
40. Spend a few days riding sections of the Ferry County Rail Trail in northeast Washington: This 24-mile rail trail that extends from near the town of Republic to the Canadian Border is big on scenery and rural charm. Find an overnight basecamp in town or at a local campground and check it out.
41. Go fishing at Potholes Reservoir near Moses Lake: Great fishing for bass, walleye, and trout can be had via boat, paddle craft, dock, or from the shore on the vast waters of Potholes Reservoir. Choose between private resort, state park, or several developed public access areas.
42. Ride the Columbia Plateau Trail: Or maybe just a couple sections of it if you don’t have several days on a fat bike to dedicate to the trail. The 130-mile rail trail that stretches between Pasco and Cheney, Wash., is known for some rough trail surfaces (dreaded ballast rock) and detours around gated, unsafe bridges. But the wild, off-road scenery is amazing in places and well worth the challenge. More info:
43. Ride Spokane’s Children of the Sun Trail: This 10-mile, one-way paved path that parallels Spokane’s in-progress north-south freeway is a great afternoon or evening, close-to-home leg stretcher that runs between Hillyard and the Little Spokane River. The trail will expand along with the freeway and should eventually connect with the Centennial Trail.
44. Ride the Centennial Trail from downtown Spokane to Nine Mile Recreation Area: Set up a shuttle in advance then enjoy the one-way, nearly 20-mile trip with a picnic and swim in Lake Spokane, or turn around when you’re ready and ride back home to double your mileage. Or reserve a campsite and make it an overnight urban bikepack trip.
45. Explore some of the Inland Northwest’s remaining old growth trees: Big trees are cool and they provide plenty of benefits to people and wildlife, from harboring clean water and air to creating space for critters to live that need big trees. Check out these regional old growth groves.
46. Look for birds and wildlife along the scenic auto tour loop at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge south of Cheney, Wash: Be sure to check out wildlife viewing sites, boardwalks, and hiking trails that lead off the loop into the forest, grasslands and wetlands. And look up and around for birds and other wildlife. Don’t forget your binoculars!
47. Explore the Post Falls Community Forest: Hike through forest, canyons, and along the Spokane River or go rock climbing on the beginner-to-intermediate climbing routes, all accessed from the trailhead at Q’emiln Park (“ka-mee-lin”).

[Feature photo: Lake Pend Oreille is a paddle paradise. // Photo: S. Michael Bennett]

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