More than ever, women are helping grow the Northwest mountain biking community. “In mountain biking you can really set your own level of fun. It’s a way to get out in nature and play as an adult,” says Penny Schwyn co-founder of the Biking Betties women’s riding group, based out of The Bike Hub in Spokane. Women age 15 to 65, and older, enjoy group rides on local trail networks, such as Beacon Hill and Saltese Flats.
Mountain Biking Women of Spokane Read More »
While there have always been news stories about avalanches, some incidents more sad and deadly than others, this Silver Mountain avalanche is a home heart-break story. Mountains will still be our happy place, and powder days will still bring us joy. But now we do so with the knowledge of this cautionary chapter in our regional history. We would be remiss to not learn lessons from our sorrow.
Mountain Safety – Avalanche Awareness Read More »
In November, the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy announced the release of the new River to Ridges Spokane Trail Map that details 10 area hikes. Printed on waterproof and tear-resistant paper, the map was created to help more people explore and navigate the many trails and natural areas around Spokane. Each trail was carefully chosen by
New River to Ridges Spokane Trail Map Read More »
On September 21, Avista significantly lowered the Spokane River above Nine Mile Falls Dam in order to complete some maintenance projects. Local paddlers and divers have known about a significant collection of old tires in the area, but the water was always too deep to retrieve them. Thanks to volunteer efforts from the Spokane Riverkeeper
200 Tires Removed from the Spokane River Read More »
Four of the best destinations around Spokane for hiking and enjoying nature’s colorful transition to autumn, from family-friendly to more challenging routes.
Best Autumn Hikes around Spokane Read More »
Today’s Spokane Trolley Trail seems rather disconnected; going from one out-of-the way road to another, it’s a nice but somewhat confusing stretch of urban solitude. The flat, wooded trail—used now by runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians for recreation—is a relic from the electric trolley heyday of Spokane. It spans what was once the Washington Power/Medical
Spokane’s Trolley Trail Preserves a Piece of Local History Read More »
The Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho might be the state’s wildest corner. Until recently, this was the last place you could see wild caribou in the lower 48. The caribou are gone now, but you can still find solitude and expansive vistas on one of the many rocky ridgelines stretching across the range. The shimmering
Hiking into the Heart of the Selkirks: North Idaho’s Long Mountain Lake Read More »
It’s easy to lose track of your speed at a cruising altitude of 200 feet. That’s a lesson I’m quickly learning on White Lightning, the penultimate run of Liberty Lake-based Mica Moon Zip Tours which has since been replaced by the even bigger Big Mama, a 3,500-foot long zipline that takes a full minute to
Zip, Climb, & Play at Mica Moon Zip Tours & Aerial Park Read More »
During recess at Pioneer School this past May, a baby crow fell out of its nest. Betty Wolf’s 1st and 2nd grade students knew exactly what to do. “You can’t touch the baby bird,” they said. Because all of the school’s students had been learning about birds for weeks, with experiential learning activities such as
Spokane Valley’s Pioneer School Makes K-5 Learning an Adventure Read More »
Kids never remember their best day of television, but they will never forget summer camp—where they adventured outdoors, were mentored by caring adults, and overcame challenges. Here’s our annual list of regional summer camps and nature-based schools that provide unique opportunities for outdoor adventure and hands-on learning about nature, science, and outdoor skills—with something for
Outdoorsy Summer Camps & Schools Near Spokane & North Idaho Read More »
