Recreational trails in the Inland Northwest are constantly undergoing upgrades, thanks to local volunteers who tackle both new and ongoing projects in our region. Months or even years before recreationists see new trail construction, upgrades to existing trails, or even annual maintenance, dedicated representatives from local organizations are meeting with land managers. Together, they identify […]
State of Inland Northwest Hiking Trails Read More »
To escape the crowds and noise on Independence Day this year, I headed up to Mt. Spokane State Park that evening. I picked up two burritos at Atilanos on the way up—one for me and one for my dog, Grouper. At the trailhead just above the ranger station, I loaded Grouper’s pack with his carne
Wild Encounters on Familiar Trails Read More »
The most difficult part of this hike is getting to the trailhead, as the forest service (FS) road to the beginning of the trail is especially rough. Large swales to improve water run-off might prove impossible for all but high clearance 4WD vehicles, so consider parking lower on the access road and hiking or utilizing
Hiking The Mollies (Priest Lake, Idaho) Read More »
Outside St. Regis, Montana are two beautiful lakes that are worth taking the time to explore. Diamond and Cliff Lakes are perched in an alpine cirque basin at 5,400 feet in Montana’s Bitterroot Divide. This moderate hike has only 500 feet of elevation gain and some of the best scenery in the area. Yet, sadly,
Two Lakes, One Trail: Hiking Montana’s Diamond and Cliff Lakes Read More »
I prefer hiking in trail running shoes or light-weight hiking boots, but there are times when a more burly, waterproof hiking boot with better ankle support are a good idea. Like dodging prickly pear and sidestepping down scree piles on Hells Canyon ghost trails; slopping your way along long-neglected Bitterroot Mountain trails still holding slush
AKU Alterra GTX Hiking Boot Read More »
Whether you prefer long road tours, short family-friendly rides, or bikepacking off the grid, the Inland Northwest offers an array of beautiful, fun, and challenging bike trails worth checking out this season. Route of the Hiawatha This 15-mile trail leads through 10 tunnels and across seven trestles (some over 200 feet high). The 1.6
8 Inland NW Bike Trails to Add to Your Bucket List Read More »
 What’s New with Spokane Area Mountain Bike Trails Mountain biking in the greater Spokane area is phenomenal, and it’s one of the main reasons I moved to this area from Central Washington. We are seriously spoiled to that point I can ride from my house to the Saltese Uplands trailhead and be on single track
State of Inland Northwest Mountain Bike Trails Read More »
A secluded peninsula jutting out along the Spokane River, McLellan Conservation Area offers early season accessibility and relatively easy hiking. Early April wildflowers will likely include buttercup, prairie star, and grasswidow, all gradually giving way to arrowleaf balsamroot and phlox by the end of the month. With its forested core and riparian habitat along
Hiking Spokane’s McLellan Conservation Area Read More »
Hawk Creek is gaining popularity among hikers, mainly as an early spring, snow-free option that generally boasts spring flowers and scenic views. Even so, every time I hike it I notice the majority of the cars in the parking lot belong to fisherman. I gave the fishing a shot on my last visit and got
Hiking Hawk Creek (Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area) Read More »
I absolutely love living in a place with four distinct seasons, and I have a variety of sports to keep me active at any point in the year. But spring holds a special place in my heart, as it’s the time of the year when even the air seems softer and sweeter than usual. Temperatures
Spring Into the Inland NW Hiking Season Read More »
