By Holly Weiler In September 2004, I was a relatively new teacher trying to land that elusive continuing contract at one of our local school districts. Most of my free time was spent running on local trails, but that fall I joined my first volunteer trail work crew at the urging of a friend. It’s […]
A 20-Year Evolution of Local Trails & Natural Areas Read More »
By Nigel Davies Cover photo courtesy of Nigel Davies Explore these tools that geologist Nigel Davies suggests to further understand the geology of your adventure while you are out recreating in our region.
Geology Resources for Outdoor Enthusiasts Read More »
A local 190-acre natural area, known as the Westwood Natural Area or Thorpe Property, is currently up for sale by the State of Washington. In a neighborhood that is already shadowed by a proposed 3,500 development units with inadequate infrastructure for the load, natural areas such as this hang in the balance. The City of
The Undecided Fate of the Westwood Natural Area Read More »
The Dishman Hills Natural Area is a fantastic close-in hike at any time of year, but it is never more beautiful than in the early spring as the wildflowers begin to emerge. This year the Dishman Hills Conservancy celebrates half a century of working to preserve public open space in Spokane Valley. The partnerships that
Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane) Read More »
With hundreds of wildfires burning around the Pacific Northwest, including thousands of acres in Eastern Washington and North Idaho, the skies around Spokane look apocalyptic today. Fire fighters have died, homes have burned, communities have been evacuated, roads and huge swaths of public lands have been closed. While wildfires are a natural part of our
Inland Northwest Wildfire Resources for Outdoor Recreationists Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Jon Jonckers Plan a safe and fun adventure to Mount Spokane State Park this fall with a Friends of Mount Spokane full-color, waterproof, all-season trail map. Learn about park rules and regulations, trail distances, points of interest, and other tips. This map provides the most up-to-date trail information and has been
Navigate Mount Spokane with a Friends of Mt. Spokane Trail Map Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of The Kalispel Tribe This fall, as you are enjoying the numerous recreation opportunities that our public lands have to offer, don’t forget to take a moment to acknowledge the people who have inhabited this beautiful place long before European colonization. Indigenous residents, such as the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, have survived
Aboriginal Lands and Fire Read More »
Why the Spokane River’s fate runs through us all Cover photo courtesy Cutboard Studios The Spokane River tumbles powerfully through the heart of the Spokane metro. It’s a small section of the river, which threads 111 miles from Lake Coeur d’Alene to Lake Roosevelt, but the location is a metaphor for how we should view
Reflections On a River Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Nick Thomas Drumheller Springs is a 12-acre park with historic tribal significance near Ash Street, just north of downtown Spokane. While the park has undergone recent restorative efforts from the Upper Columbia United Tribes, it now faces a dense, adjacent development project. Directly across the street (50 feet) from the park
Development Threats to Drumheller Springs Park Read More »
Which passes you’ll need and what activities you can do on different lands For anyone who has ever been a bit confused by the breakdown of various land managers, which recreation pass is required where, and what activities are generally allowed, this guide will serve as a handy reference and starting point to explore your
A Quick and Dirty Guide to Your Public Lands Read More »
