Learn About the Inland NW Outdoors from These Experts
Spokane Great Outdoors Expo presentations Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, 2024 at the Spokane Convention Center. (Presentations are free with your Expo ticket. Tickets are available here now and come with free outdoor adventure deals for indoor climbing, paddleboarding, ziplining, and more while they last. Also available at the door the weekend of the event.)
Saturday Presentations at the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo (Feb 17)
Saturday 10:10 AM: Gravel Biking in the Inland Northwest. Spokane gravel bike guru and Out There Outdoors “Everyday Cyclist” columnist Justin Short will attempt to answer the question: “What are these gravel bikes everyone is talking about and where do we ride them?” Short will give the goods on the recent phenomenon of multi-surface adventure riding known as gravel, covering the spectrum from bikes and gear to the skills needed to safely and confidently get lost in the woods. No doubt he’ll also cover where to go, because he really can’t help himself when it comes to talking about how great the riding is around the Spokane area.
Saturday 11:10 AM: Bugs n Snakes Live. See tarantulas, amphibians, tortoises, lizards, and snakes up close and personal! Presenters will introduce a variety of exotic reptiles and invertebrates (spiders and stuff!) and give audience members a chance to ask questions, as well as touch and/or hold some of the animals!
Saturday 12:30-1:50 PM: Behind-the-Scenes of ALONE Season 9 with Karie Lee Knoke. Join Karie Lee as she shares untold stories of her incredible experience of surviving and thriving in the wild for 75 days in the wet and freezing conditions in Labrador, Canada, with nothing but 10 items, as seen on ALONE Season 9. The experience was an opportunity to put ALL life skills to the test. Not just wilderness skills, but mental, emotional, and spiritual skills as well, without interruption of modern-day distractions. There will be time for questions and answers following her presentation.
Saturday 2:10 PM: 13 Essentials for Hiking, Backpacking, & Exploring the Outdoors with the Spokane Mountaineers. Recreating safely and responsibly in the outdoors is one of the most important teaching points from the Spokane Mountaineers. While there is always a level of risk when venturing into the outdoors, the group’s list of 13 essential items to carry with you can help mitigate those risks and be lifesavers in an emergency. Items can be tailored to your preferred outdoor pursuits from climbing to hiking to paddling.
Saturday 3:10pm-4:30 PM: The Unexplained in Our Skies—Notable UFO Sightings in Washington State and the Spokane Area. Have you ever seen lights in the night sky that you couldn’t explain? If so, you’re not alone according to presenter Dan Nims, who notes that there are thousands of reported UFO sightings in the U.S. each year. Nims is retired from the U.S. Air Force where he was a fighter pilot and a test pilot and is now Chief Investigator with the WA Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). At his presentation at the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo on February 17, Nims will focus on high-profile and historic cases of UFO sightings in Washington State. Read the full Out There article about Nims’ presentation at the Expo.
Sunday Presentations at the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo (Feb 18)
Sunday 11:10 AM: Fascinating Sites on the Ice Age Floods Geologic Trail. Follow the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail that extends across parts of Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon with photos and descriptions of the well-known features such as Grand Coulee, Dry Falls, Palouse Falls and the Columbia River Gorge. Flood features in the Spokane area such as Spokane Falls, the Bowl and Pitcher, Latah Creek and the Cheney-Palouse scabland tract will also be included in the presentation sponsored by the Ice Age Floods Institute, Cheney/Spokane Chapter.
Sunday 12:10 PM: All About E-bikes. Learn about the different types of electric-assist bikes and where you can ride them from the e-bike experts at North Division Bicycle Shop. Check out some different bikes, ask questions, and learn about these amazing distance-boosting bicycles!
Sunday 1:10 PM: Playing Outside Safely in Bear & Cougar Country. Learn about the amazing wildlife we share our trails, campgrounds, and public lands with, including cougars and bears. The presentation by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife biologist Matt Brinkman will cover techniques for safely recreating in these animals’ habitat, avoiding unwanted encounters and what to do in the rare case of a run-in with a bear or cougar in the wild.
Sunday 2:10 PM: Learn About the 2024 Metaline Falls Bigfoot Festival Speakers. This annual event in the super-scenic northeast corner of Washington State includes talks by a wide-range of bigfoot researchers from around North America; a community festival with vendors, food, and music; a 5k run or walk; opportunities to meet with presenters; and more!
Spokane Great Outdoors Expo 2024
This annual celebration of warm-weather outdoor adventure and travel in the Inland Northwest happens Feb. 17-18 at the Spokane Convention Center. Check out 60+ exhibitors, kids’ and family activities, presentations and clinics on outdoorsy topics, campervans and RVs, hourly prize drawings, games and live music, full bar and golf show access, and more! Learn more about the Spokane Great Outdoors Expo and get your tickets here. Kids 12 and under are free!
Cover photo courtesy of Rachel and Josh Photography
