Summers in the Inland Northwest are unparalleled, and as the temperature continues to rise, there is no better place to be than on the water. Boasting a plethora of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, we have it made—especially when it comes to outdoor recreation events.
Hayden Triathlon
(July 14, Hayden, Idaho)
Beginning on Honeysuckle Beach in Hayden, Idaho, participate in the three-sport spectacular: swim a half mile in the clear waters of Hayden Lake, bike 12 miles through the local community, and finish with a 3.1-mile run along tree-lined neighborhoods. The event is an official USAT sanctioned sprint triathlon, with the official race start time at 7 a.m. Visit haydentri.com to register.
Bands on Boats
(July 6–Aug. 31, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)
What’s better than watching live music in the summertime? Enjoying the show from the middle of Lake Coeur d’Alene, atop a double decker cruise boat with fresh air and North Idaho mountain views. The Bands on Boats series features lively shows from local musicians on select Thursday and Friday evenings. The boats depart from the Coeur d’Alene Resort at 7 p.m. Participants must be 21 to ride. For more information, visit cdacruises.com.
ChelanMan
(July 21-22, Chelan, Wash.)
From the kids’ Splash n’ Dash to official Sprint, Olympic, and Half Ironman races, the ChelanMan triathlon event on the banks of Lake Chelan in Central Washington has something for everyone in the family. Put on by the Lake Chelan Multisport Foundation, all of the events boast impeccable organization; a fun, festive atmosphere; and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest vistas. For more information on the available races visit chelanman.com.
The Long Bridge Swim
(Aug. 4, Sandpoint, Idaho)
Swim alongside the iconic Long Bridge in the largest freshwater lake in the Northwest: Lake Pend Oreille. Taking place in Sandpoint, Idaho, join hundreds of participants of all ages in the 1.76-mile open water swim with views of the Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Panhandle National Forests accompanying as you go. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. with a mandatory safety meeting and the race to follow. For more information, visit longbridgeswim.org.
Coulee Playland Banks Lake Open Team Bass Tournament
(Aug. 4-5, Electric City, Wash.)
Test your fishing finesse at the 9th annual Banks Lake Open Bass Tournament on Central Washington’s beautiful Banks Lake. This team event is open to the public and is hosted by the Banks Lake Bass Club. Enjoy casting lines in the Devil’s Punchbowl or soaking up the Steamboat Rock State Park panoramas between bass bites. Headquarters for the tournament is located at Coulee Playland, and a Washington state-sanctioned fishing license is required for participation. Learn more at bankslakebassclub.com.
Willow Bay Surf Fest
(Aug. 4, Priest River, Idaho)
If you spend your summer surfing freshwater waves, then the Willow Bay Surf Fest is the event for you. Surf Fest is a wakesurf competition for people of all skill levels. Participants in the Juniors, Masters, and Amateurs categories will be towed behind a Nautique G23, ensuring an event enjoyable by surfers and spectators alike. Visit intleague.com for more information.
Nelson Sprints Rowing Regatta
(Aug. 11, Nelson, British Columbia)
Calling all rowers to the only sanctioned Rowing BC event in Inland British Columbia! Along the banks of Kootenay Lake in Nelson, BC, the Rowing Regatta offers races of both 1000-meter and 500-meter distances. The event is open to rowers of all ages and abilities and is followed by a Kootenay-style Nelson barbeque. To learn more, visit nelsonrowing.ca.
Paddle, Splash, and Play
(Aug. 11, Nine Mile Falls, Wash.)
This free event, located in the Nine Mile Recreation Area in Eastern Washington, is a chance to engage the whole family in a paddle-packed day. Try stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and more on the Spokane River, with gear and tutorials available to the public. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a Discover Pass is required. Visit sckc.ws/events for details.
[Feature photo: Long Bridge Swim // Daryl Baird]
