For many people in the Inland Northwest, finishing Bloomsday is a rite of passage. As a former road runner with several Bloomsday finishes, I understand the allure of the race and the festival atmosphere on that first Sunday in May. As a person who much prefers trails and never much liked crowds, I often aim […]
Deep Creek Loop in Riverside State Park 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 »
1) Hike or Bike in Palisades Park: This 700-acre nature park west of Spokane has awesome views of the city and several trails for hiking or biking. Kids will especially enjoy Indian Canyon’s Mystic Falls. A park map is available at Palisadesnw.com. 2) Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Explore a trail and create your
11 Ideas for Family Fun in the Great Outdoors Read More »
Easy access to both the mountains and the deserts ranks high among the many benefits of living in the Inland Northwest, and April is a month for deserts. While it could still snow at any moment in the higher elevations, it’s almost certainly snow-free west of Spokane, and there are usually abundant wildflowers at this
Folsom Farm to Hog Canyon Loop Read More »
It’s no wonder that snowshoeing is the fastest growing winter sport. As one snowshoe joke puts it, anyone can learn how to do it in 10 easy steps: Put on snowshoes and take 10 steps. Now you’re an expert! It may only take 10 steps to master, but there are several safety concerns that accompany
Five Favorite Inland NW Snowshoe Hikes Read More »
December is a fickle month for hiking. Time it right and you may be able to soak up a little sunshine; other times you may just end up soaked. Some favorite local trails can start the day as a skating rink and end in a muddy mess. Required footwear runs the gamut from Gore-Tex hikers
Liberty Lake and Split Creek Loop Plus Falls Read More »
When choosing a fall hike, my biggest considerations are always seeing the best fall colors and finding safe trailhead access in case of changing weather conditions. That last one also suggests a third consideration: keeping myself comfortable and warm, prepared for whatever our temperamental fall season may choose to throw at me. That’s why Snow
Snow Peak Cabin: Colville National Forest Read More »
Big changes are taking place at Antoine Peak Conservation Area. Purchased in three phases that were completed in 2011, Antoine has long boasted a sizable trail system on its 1,076 acres. However, that trail system has always consisted of former logging roads, some of which were incredibly steep and heavily eroded. Spokane County Parks completed
Canfield Gulch, Antoine Peak Conservation Area Read More »
While it’s true that waterfall hikes are more spectacular in the full flow of early spring, their cooling properties can be better appreciated on a hot summer day. This hike begins by crossing an open hillside with a good view of nearby Hall Mountain, and includes a little over 500 feet of elevation gain. That’s
Elk Creek Falls and Mill Pond, Colville National Forest Read More »
Road Biking Road Bike Areas The Spokane area offers the best in road biking. You can live in the heart of our city and ride from home, visiting quiet roads in minutes. We have low traffic rural roads surrounding the city that lead to pine forests, rolling wheat fields and small towns. Spokane has a
Regional Trails–Biking Read More »
