The collection of North Idaho trail and off-road races include Race the Wolf (June 25-26), Dig Your Grave Trail Marathon (July 30), The Smokechaser 30k (Sept. 10), and the Priest Lake 50k, Priest Lake Marathon, or Priest Lake Half-Marathon (all happening Oct. 1). There’s no additional fee for running in the series, and points are assigned for completion, not your time.

 “Our passion for trail running comes from a lifetime of running road races, triathlons, and other endurance events,” says race director Ken Eldore. “Participating in a trail race or off-pavement course means trading the traffic and crowds for fresh mountain air, scenic views, and seeing some occasional wildlife. It’s an enriching experience for those who like to challenge themselves outdoors.”            

New to a trail race series? Eldore recommends taking a slower approach to training, incorporating interval training, and building in longer runs. This can help you focus on strength and will minimize the risk of injury.

And don’t train or race in road running shoes. Finally, just focus on the finish, not the clock.

North Idaho Trail Running: Along Priest Lake (left), Photo: Fiona Hicks. // Race the Wolf trail race on Schweitzer Mountain (right), Photo courtesy Schweitzer.

Find more Running stories and articles about Races & Rides.

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In the interest of saving time, I almost always run from home. But at this point I’ve been up the hill, down the hill, to the east, to the west, around my favorite loop, past the school, through the park trail, just . . . everywhere. Dozens of times.

My brain is bored, my body is bored, and I can feel aches and pains increasing, probably because I’m running similar distances on similar terrain repeatedly. I sense a deep need to shake things up.

Perhaps you, like me, could do with a little change of pace? Here is some of what I’d like to try.

Meet a Friend

It’s harder to be bored with a buddy. When the conversation is flowing, it matters less if you’ve already run the current route countless times before. And, bonus, your friend very likely has some routes in their back pocket that aren’t part of your usual repertoire.

Plus, you’ll likely shake up your pace a bit—your pal might go a bit faster or slower than you do, or prefer a different distance. This is great: It mixes things up for your over-it brain and your bored/sore muscles, provides catch-up time with a friend, and makes your run something to enjoy rather than slog through.

Try a Running Club

Like running with a friend—a lot of friends. A running club gives you a whole pool of people who all enjoy the same activity you do. Plus joining a club takes away some of the mental work, telling you what routes to run and when. Anything that brings new people and places into your life is a win.

Sign Up for a New Race or a New Distance

Always do the same annual 10K, Turkey Trot, or marathon? Make things interesting by registering for something new. Committed to half marathons? Sign up for a 5K or mile race.

Regularly do 10Ks? How about a sprint triathlon or a marathon relay? Need an adventure? Try a long-distance relay or an ultra trail race.

You might discover you’re really good—or really bad, which is exciting in its own way—at something you’ve never before considered.

Look for a New Route

Take one day a week and commit to driving to a new starting point: a trail run at Riverside State Park, a circuit that takes you around a series of neighborhood parks on the other side of town, or a hilly off-road adventure up Mica Peak.

Your mind will appreciate the new location, and your body will be grateful for any variation in terrain.

Take Some Time Off

Just because you’re a runner doesn’t mean you can’t ever take a break. If you’re sick of running, you don’t have to force it. Rest.

Do something else you love—hike, bike, swim, play some disc golf. Sign up for a yoga class, or a climbing package at Wild Walls or Bloc Yard. Focus on strength training. (See “Become a Better Runner with Yoga” and “Five Beginner Yoga Poses for Runners.”)

Or just dial your mileage way, way down to maybe one or two days of running each week (depending on what is your normal). Any new activities you attempt during this time—SUPping, or martial arts, or spinning, or tap dancing—are providing something for you through their very different-ness.

Originally published as “Running Rut Remedy” in the September-October 2021 issue.

Photos: (top left) Running at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. (top left) // Jon Jonckers; Running Club (top right); Spokane’s High Drive Bluff (bottom left); Mica Peak trails. // Holly Weiler; Spokane running clubs (bottom right).

To learn about Northwest running clubs, visit the OTO archives.

Find more Run Wild columns here.

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Wanting to get a better sense of the world of backcountry and alpine running, I contacted Ken and Stephanie Eldore, who own Priest Lake Multisports. Their organization puts on many backcountry races each year.

“We both got really interested in trail running instead of road marathons because that’s where we live in North Idaho,” Ken says. “We’ve got all of this beautiful terrain and backcountry.” Out in nature, runs are naturally quieter, more serene. Trail races have a different feel, Ken says, because runners are more spread out over the course. You’re not elbow to elbow. “Runner density gets really spread out on a trail race…It’s you and the cedar trees and the huckleberry bushes.”

“Once I did my first trail 50k I kind of never looked back,” says Stephanie, who is now training for 100-milers and is a member of the Altra Red Team. The increase in distance and shift to trails has been a really fun progression she says. “I much prefer the trails, the beauty of it, the challenge.”

There’s something special about both the terrain and the people you encounter in backcountry running. “When I’m in a road race, surrounded by so many people, aid stations, cars, I don’t really have time to relax and unwind and kind of let go of things,” Stephanie says. “When I’m out on a trail, whether I’m in a race or not, it’s been very therapeutic for me. I can process grief, process life stresses.”

Trail running is also lower impact. “I notice my body handles it a lot better—my knees, my stomach, everything,” says Stephanie. The people they’ve met through trail running and organizing backcountry racing make up a community they treasure too. “I also really love the group of people you meet at trail races,” says Stephanie. “It’s kind of a mellower, lower key group of people. It’s very supportive.”

Ken agrees. “Trail running affords somebody to take on more of an individual athletic pursuit. It’s common for people to do more of a hiking combination with running, versus trying to beat the clock,” he explains. People seem to enjoy trail races more for the feat itself than their finish time. It’s about “the challenge of the individual doing it—their own self-accomplishment and not to PR the clock out there somewhere.”

New trail runners can start small, looking for local loops or out and backs without a lot of elevation gain. Make sure to pack your own hydration and fuel, a whistle, and bear spray, and be prepared to handle your own navigation. Though she’s never felt a sense of danger from animals, Stephanie has encountered plenty. “I’ve seen bears and I’ve seen moose, all sorts of critters. Just carrying [bear spray] gives you a little extra confidence.”

Chances are you might become just as hooked as the Eldores have—and you could also find yourself quickly plugged into the trail running community. “One of my first trail races I headed out on my own,” says Stephanie. “Within five miles I met a group of ladies. We ended up running the whole race together and we just became literally lifelong friends. You end up meeting likeminded people. I’ve just really loved it.”

To register for one of Priest Lake Multisports’ events (which range from 5ks up to ultras), go to priestlakerace.com.

Sarah Hauge is a Spokane-based runner, writer, and editor.

For more Run Wild column stories, visit the OTO archives.

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In July and August, you’ll see native wildflowers flush the area with hues of white, blue, purple, and yellow. Look for yarrow, bachelor’s buttons, wavy-leaf thistles, goldenrod, and more this time of year.

This is a great place to stroll with kids or babies strapped to your back, as the elevation gain is mild and there are several out-and-back or short loop options. Dogs should remain on leash, since this area is home to waterfowl and songbirds that frequent the small lake at the center of this trail’s loop. Equestrian riders are also common.

What I enjoy most about this hike is its “best of both worlds” feeling. Half of the time I’m wandering through a singletrack wooded trail, looking close at the plants and flowers with a peek of the lake every now and then; the other half I’m strolling an open meadow, where the clouds take precedence and you can soak in the seasonal color palette at large. It’s a place that inspires deep breathing.

Take the full 3-mile loop around the lake to experience both trail types. Seasonal trail closure occurs in the northwest corner due to flooding. In upcoming months, grasses will turn taupe and gold for a beautiful morning or sunset hike.

Visit Spokanecounty.org for a trail map and list of the 121 species of birds that find habitat here.

To learn about some of the other best hiking trails and destinations throughout the Inland Northwest, visit the OTO archives.

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Coming to Silver Mountain & Mt. Spokane

Negative Split has organized several of the region’s most popular races for years, but this is their first foray into putting on larger trail running events, says the race company’s owner Ryan Hite. “We have always liked trail runs but have never really put many on. Coming off of COVID, we felt like people were going to really be looking to get outdoors and back to nature in 2021.” Hite says they watched the trend of exploding RV sales, national park visits, and interest in camping in 2020 and figured now was the time to bring some new trail runs to the Inland Northwest. Thus the Back to Nature series was born.

The first series race on the Route of the Hiawatha Trail in June sold out quickly, and the remaining two trail races at Silver Mountain Resort (Aug. 22) and at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (Sept. 12) will likely follow suit. “I can honestly say the Hiawatha event was one of the most unique and scenic races we have ever produced,” says Hite. “It was a pretty magical experience along the trestles and tunnels of the Hiawatha.” The scenic views and wild setting of the Back to Nature runs are a big draw, says Hite. “Our Hiawatha event included several moose sightings and runners saw eagles and even a bear!”  

Hite says the demand seems to be pretty strong for the remaining two races at Silver Mountain and Mt. Spokane and that they might sell out too. Both of the remaining trail races include options for beginners and more advanced trail runners, explains Hite. “We really tried to offer a variety of distances with the short courses being less technical with less elevation change. The long courses on the other hand offer more technical aspects, including singletrack, shale rock, and more elevation gain.” The races also offer a double-summit experience for more experienced runners, says Hite. Advanced runners get to summit Kellogg and Wardner peaks at Silver and Mount Spokane and Kit Carson at the Mt. Spokane race. 

Silver Mountain & Mt. Spokane Trail Race Details

Negative Split’s Back to Nature trail races are on their way to becoming favorites of Northwest trail runners. Don’t delay and miss your chance to be a part of the first year of the remaining two events.

Silver Mountain Trail Run: August 22, 2021

Start the race with a ride up North America’s longest gondola at Silver Mountain Resort. Route distances include 6K, 9K, and 18K options. Run through the woods on Silver Mountain’s famous bike trails with breakout views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Longer distance runners will challenge their technical skills with shale rock sections and varying terrain. More info and registration link.

Mt. Spokane Trail Run: Sept 12, 2021

Run singletrack and doubletrack trails through Mount Spokane State Park after a start at Mt. Spokane’s Lodge 2. Three scenic course options include a 5K beginner-friendly course on mostly doubletrack, a 10K that makes its way on single and doubletrack to the Vista House at the summit, and a 25K that hits trails and extra climbing all the way out to Mt. Kit Carson and back. All courses end back at Lodge 2. More info and registration link.

Read more about Negative Split races in the Inland Northwest.

(Sponsored Content)

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Retreat dates are September 24-26, 2021, and includes a workshop to develop your skills as a trail runner and prevent injury, nourishing meals from locally grown food, yoga to re-center and refocus, and the opportunity to build community with fellow female runners and give back to the land through fireside chats and community science.

To learn more and sign-up, visit basecampcascadia.org/runintothewild.

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Sometimes a reasonable day hike is enough. Sometimes you need to push your mind and body to see how far you can go. The following recommendations are for hikers and trail runners who want to cover some serious distance in a single-day push.  

Okanogan Highlands—Kettle Crest Trail 

Trail Distance: 30 miles one way 

The Kettle Crest Trail is a National Recreation Trail and segment of the newest long-distance National Scenic Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail. Experience its beauty as it skirts 10 named peaks and goes directly over the summit of an 11th, Copper Butte. To do this traverse as one long push, start by dropping off a shuttle vehicle at the northern terminus, Deer Creek/Boulder Summit, then drive around to Highway 20 to start at Sherman Pass. The trail heads north while contouring around the summits along the way, offering views of both the Selkirk Mountain Range to the east and the Cascade Range to the west. Time this traverse to finish at sunset for spectacular views of a post-fire landscape as the route concludes through the Stickpin burn of 2015. (HW) 

Okanogan Highlands—Mini Kettle Crest 

Trail Distance: 8 miles roundtrip  

To try this traverse as a shorter option without a long shuttle required, start at Sherman Pass and take the Kettle Crest Trail north as far as the Columbia Mountain Loop. A spur trail leading northeast to the summit intersects the main Kettle Crest Trail at the 2.4-mile mark. This trail circles the mountain for great views in all directions, with a secondary spur trail leading directly to the summit where a restored historic fire lookout cabin awaits visitors. Return to the Kettle Crest via the same spur trail, and then retrace the route south back to Sherman Pass for an 8-mile version of the Kettle Crest North traverse. (HW) 

Selkirk Mountains—Long Canyon Creek Trail 16 

Trail Distance: Choose your own adventure length 

This (mostly) gentle, sloping trail works its way up the aptly named Long Canyon until it connects to Pyramid Mountain Trail No 7 at around 12 miles. The canyon offers shelter from warm temperatures thanks to the beautiful hemlock and cedar forest, as well as several mild and refreshing creek crossings. This is an out-and-back trail that allows for turning around anytime, but it can also be turned into a loop at its junction with Parker Ridge and Pyramid Mountain trails. This makes for a brutal 30+ mile day, but the views once out of the canyon are worth it. The trail is accessed via Copeland Road north of Bonners Ferry and is perfect for a long run in the woods without a summit. (AM) 

Cabinet Mountains—Rock Lake Trail 935 

Trail Distance: 8 miles roundtrip 

This adventure near Trout Creek, Mont., begins with a spicy creek crossing right out of the gate (bring extra shoes and tie them to a tree for the return crossing). The trail follows an old mining road for the first three miles, leading happy runners through beautiful meadows before reaching the Heidelberg Mine site—a perfect history break—and then climbing up to some beautiful falls before reaching the lake. For much of the run, one is surrounded by views of tempting peaks. Jump in the lake with the fish before heading back down for a pleasant descent (and oh, right, that last creek crossing). This trail is also the means of accessing several of the Cabinet Wilderness Area’s peaks, including the off-trail adventures of Ojibway and Rock Peak. (AM)

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Enter at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge main gate, 4 miles south of Cheney on S. Cheney Plaza Road (free Nov. 1-Feb. 28; March 31-Oct. 31, $3 per day or use various annual National Wildlife Refuge/Parks passes). Drive approximately 1 mile in and park at the paved lot with toilets (check Turnbull’s website for possible coronavirus-related bathroom and other facility closure updates). Both of these hikes or runs leave from here. 

Pine Lake Trail/Stubblefield Trail (1.3-5 miles)

Directly across from the bathroom, follow the paved Pine Lake Trail alongside Winslow Pool and around Middle Pine Lake. This is the best place in the refuge for spotting swans, and the music of numerous songbirds fills the air above the cattails from early spring through late fall. This loop trail is 1.3 miles of level terrain. To add out-and-back distance to this loop, leave the paved trail onto the dirt two track near the far side of Middle Pine Lake. This dirt two track soon comes to a T-junction; take the right. This two track soon comes to a Y junction and a sign for Stubblefield Trail. Take the left uphill into the prairie for longer-range views and spring wildflowers. 

Auto Tour Route (6-12+ miles)

From the parking lot, run back towards the refuge entrance. Take the first right to run the Auto Tour Route loop dirt road clockwise (cars go counterclockwise and are very infrequent). This loop passes numerous wetlands, ponds, and little lakes. From the parking lot around the loop and back is 6 miles of level terrain. Watch for moose, fox, coyotes, ducks, muskrats, and numerous migratory waterfowl. There are clean, year-round toilets every 1.5 to 2 miles (check Turnbull’s website for closure updates). Because of the toilets, level terrain, relative solitude, varied scenery, and accessibility to auto support from friends and family, this loop is ideal for long-distance training or even personal long-distance events at six miles per lap. Five laps plus one around Pine Lake Trail makes a fine 50K, for example.  

Cautions: Moose can be dangerous and should not be approached. Ticks are numerous in the spring and early summer; use insect repellant and stay on the wide, dirt road Auto Tour Route (toward the middle, away from grass and shrubs) during tick season.

Read Jonathan Johnson’s essay about running the trails of Turnbull.

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Ugh, shoulder season. Throw in your adventure towel. Maybe it’s time to take up gardening. And you should probably clean out the gutters or something, too. Whether the trails aren’t quite dry, the rock’s still under its winter blanket of snow, or the ski lines are melting out, spring  can be a rough time of year for the intrepid adventurer. But these in-between conditions are exactly what make the Wenatchee Valley—and its surrounding hills, rivers, and trails—the perfect shoulder season destination.   

Skiing 

The powder’s mostly gone and the temps are rising, but don’t give up just yet. Instead, throw on your Hawaiian shirt and shades and head to Mission Ridge to enjoy the spring skiing without the crowds. The resort is located on the east slopes of the Cascades and is higher, drier, and sunnier than many nearby ski hills.  

At only 12 miles from downtown, Mission Ridge makes Wenatchee the state’s most accessible ski town. There aren’t any fancy condos on mountain yet, and the food is classic pub fare that you’d expect to find at any resort, which is part of the charm. However, Mission punches above its weight in terms of snow quality and fun terrain. It boasts a small mountain vibe but with really interesting terrain. The free SkiLink bus runs every Saturday and Sunday from the downtown Columbia Station and Lincoln Park through the end of the season. Also check out ski and stay deals through several local hotels. 

After getting sufficiently sunburned, grab a drink at the Chair 5 Pub or fire up your grill in the parking lot. With events and live music on every weekend this spring, there’s plenty of reasons to ski hard and party hard through closing day on April 12. 

Hiking and Trail Running 

Trail running and hiking are great ways to carry over that ski-season fitness to longer summer endeavors. Wenatchee is home to some of the best early season trail running and hiking in central Washington. Whether you choose to lace up your shoes in town and run straight into the surrounding hills or take a short drive to a trailhead, there’s something for everyone. 

Apple Loop Trail: For a low-key paved option guaranteed to be dry, head out on the Apple Loop Trail. This trail is such a community mainstay that the city plows it after snow events. Jump on this 10-mile loop from the parking lot of Pybus Market and enjoy a flat run along the river. Be sure to refuel and grab a brew or a bite at one of the market’s bars and restaurants after your jaunt. 

Horse Lake Reserve: For moderate trails through reclaimed farmland with views of the Columbia River and North Cascades, visit Horse Lake Reserve starting on April 1. With interpretive signage to help identify flora, fauna, and nearby mountain peaks, Horse Lake offers a remarkable opportunity to get your bearings on the valley. Many .15 through 2.5-mile options can be braided together to create shorter or longer runs or hikes. These popular trails are dog and mountain-bike friendly and burst with color when balsamroot and other wildflowers are blooming.  

Ancient Lakes and Beezley Hills: The earliest trails to dry out are usually around Ancient Lakes near Quincy and the Beezley Hills in Ephrata. For information about these trails and other regional recommendations, visit WenatcheeOutdoors.org, which offers the most comprehensive guidebook to the region. Here you can find dog friendly, family friendly, and accessible trails, as well as up-to-date information about other outdoor activities.  

Climbing  

When the skiing starts to fade, and the trails are in the process of drying out, it’s prime time to start climbing outside in Eastern Washington. Even when the nights are still frigid, know that there’s plenty of local dry rock to be climbed. 

Frenchman Coulee: The most popular place for early spring climbing is Frenchman Coulee, better known to climbers as Vantage. The area’s columnar basalt offers a lifetime’s worth of splitter cracks for trad climbers and bolted face climbing for sport climbers.  The area known as the sunshine wall catches a lot of—you guessed it—sunshine, so it heats up pretty well for a few hours on even the coldest spring days. Because Vantage is often warm and dry when most other areas in the state are overcast and wet, this place can get packed. Plan ahead if you’d like to get on any of the classic moderates. Note that camping in the area is allowed but that a Discover Pass is required for parking.  One last hot tip: for climbing at vantage: The queue for the latrine is about 40 people deep on popular weekends. Plan to take care of your business early or bring your own TP and a winning attitude.  

Peshastin Pinnacles: If you’re not into fighting the crowds, there’s another unique spot to check out. Before Vantage stole the show for shoulder-season cragging, the Peshastin Pinnacles were the crud-weather climbing destination of choice in central Washington. Located just west of Cashmere, this group of sandstone fins overlooks orchards, the Wenatchee River valley, and the stunning peaks of the Enchantments. While too hot to climb in the middle of the summer, the primarily southwest-facing pinnacles offer sunny cragging close to the road in the early spring and late fall. Known for its unique but somewhat crumbly sandstone, many folks prefer the bolted sport climbs here, although there are a number of unique trad lines. Be prepared for old school grades and funky gear placements. Note that Peshastin Pinnacles has been a state park since being purchased from orchard owners in 1991, so you’ll need to buy a parking permit or have a Washington State Discover Pass. (MJ) 

Kayaking and River Sports 

The Wenatchee Valley is truly stacked with incredible whitewater opportunity. While your other hobbies may be taking a break for the season or haven’t ramped up yet, there really is no such thing as a spring shoulder season once you add rivers to your quiver of play. The Wenatchee area boasts incredible spring whitewater for every level of enthusiast. Within an hour of town you can find world class, big water playboating, class IV-V steep creeking, and lots of fun river running.  

Challenging Whitewater: For the adrenaline junkies there are only two places to be: Tumwater Canyon and Icicle Creek. Both located within five minutes of Leavenworth, these class V gems drop the jaws of every tourist who drives by. Icicle Creek can feel more like a river that’s been tipped upwards and poured over boulders, producing an endless series of long, complex, pushy, and intimidating whitewater. Tumwater is pool-drop in nature; it’s mellow sections only stand to give you extra time to pucker before dropping into some of Washington State’s biggest whitewater.  

Intermediate River Runs: Notching it down a grade, the Little Wenatchee offers a remote, lower volume, and tight canyon adventure for competent class IV boaters. Be on your toes for wood. Next, throw your boat on your shoulder and hike a mile up Ingalls Creek for class IV creeking that dumps you into the Peshastin River for non-stop class III-III+ boogie all way down to the Wenatchee River. Since you’re now back on the Wenatchee right near the put-in for the play section, just swap into your playboat and float down to Cashmere for one of Washington’s best play runs—massive standing waves, many with eddy service, await your surfing pleasure.  

Class-Fun Runs: Got some kiddos who want to play? Maybe a non-river person who is excited to see the valley from a different perspective? There are three great sections to suit: The upper Wenatchee River from Lake Wenatchee to the top of Tumwater Canyon provides a beautiful family-friendly scenic float. The town run from Leavenworth down to Peshastin offers easy logistics and keeps you in the heart of the mountains. Finally, the lower Wenatchee River from Cashmere to the Columbia provides a great way to admire the beauty of the lower valley.  Flow-dependent, these sections range from class I to II+ and can be fantastic for anything from canoe, to SUP, to family raft, to kayak. (CG)  

Mountain Biking 

After 10 years of project planning, the Central Chapter of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has received grants and generous community donations that have led to massive trail development over the past four years in the Wenatchee area, stretching from Leavenworth to Chelan. While the areas and trails listed are a sample of what the region has to offer, make no mistake, Wenatchee is a mountain biker’s dream. 

Sage Hills: Located on the fringe of Wenatchee, Sage Hills has over 20 miles of beginner and intermediate trails suitable for cross-country and enduro bikes. There are amazing views of the Wenatchee area and dynamic early season wildflower displays. Opens April 1. 

Squilchuck State Park Trail System: A perfect place for the mountain biking family. Bikers will find over 8 miles of beginner to intermediate singletrack trails, as well as a skills park. The skills park includes beginner to advanced jumps, skinnies, and log rides. One log ride is over 200-feet long! Creature Comfort Dark Forest is a recommended intermediate trail within Squilchuck. The trail has a manageable climb and a fast, fun descent.  

Devil’s Gulch/Mission Ridge: These two trails are intermediate rides through old growth forest, with occasional views of the North Cascades. They are best described as old school, rugged trails that also have some of the fastest singletrack in the state. The two trails cross, allowing bikers the option to ride a section of one trail, and then ride a section of the other trail. And they merge near the bottom and can be ridden up or shuttled. The climb is challenging. 

PTD (Prepare to Die): This is a new black diamond trail opening this spring. It is part of the Number 2 Canyon trail system trail near Wenatchee. It is a ride for bikers seeking an aggressive trail with natural features. This trail includes a large rock slab with a 30-foot dirt berm at the bottom. (JDE)  

Love Wenatchee’s Trails—Don’t Wreck Them! 

Even if it’s a nice bluebird day, certain trails may not be dried out for the season yet. Running, riding, or even hiking on wet trails can ruin them for the rest of the summer. If you’re in the Wenatchee area, make sure to visit the Chelan Douglas Land Trust’s website for current trail conditions or closures and please pay attention to the dirt under your feet or wheels. (Summer Hess)

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