Daytripping, May 2022 Pt. 1

DESTINATIONS AROUND THE REGION

YOU CAN VISIT ON THE CHEAP

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2022

Those of us lucky enough to call the Inland Northwest home can get away from it all or in the thick of things at a moment’s notice.

There are seemingly endless opportunities for fun all within a hop, skip or jump of our front doors. With the rising cost of, well, everything, a quick trip on a tank of gas or less is just the ticket this coming summer.

And who isn’t ready to get out and about after two-plus years of pandemic-induced isolation?

All of that is behind this special section called Daytripping. In the following pages are 20 destinations that are both easy to get to and possible to enjoy on the cheap. From a hike to Palouse Falls, a bit of fishing at Winchester Lake State Park, to hours of enjoyment and even

educational opportunities at Washington State University Bear Center or Dworshak Dam and Reservoir.

Daytripping includes descriptions of each destination, some helpful hints of things to do when you get there and, of course, basic directions on how to find where you are going.

We hope you enjoy this section. If you do, drop us a line. If Daytripping is as well received as we think it will be, we may have a second round of destinations next year to help with your never-ending exploration of the Inland Northwest.

Clohessy is managing editor of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News. He can be reached at cclohessy@ lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2251.

PREMIUM EDITION STAFF

Publisher ................. NATHAN ALFORD: (208) 848-2208 / alford@lmtribune.com

Marketing director........DOUG BAUER: (208) 848-2269 / dbauer@lmtribune.com

Managing editor.. CRAIG CLOHESSY: (208) 848-2251 / cclohessy@lmtribune.com

City editor MATT BANEY: (208) 848-2262 / mbaney@lmtribune.com

Photo editor AUGUST FRANK: (208) 848-2210 / afrank@lmtribune.com

Production editor.........BRIAN BEESLEY: (208) 848-8208 / beez@lmtribune.com

Extra copies of this publication can be purchased for $2 at the Tribune and the Daily News offices, 505 Capital St., Lewiston, and 220 E. Fifth St., Suite 314, Moscow.

The Guide Shop and Clearwater Drifters is a full service outfitter and tackle shop. With over 30 years of experience, our team of guides offer some of the finest Steelhead and Salmon fishing available in Idaho.

1. Palouse Falls

2. Walla Walla cycling trip

3. Buffalo Eddy petroglyphs

4. Hole in the Wall along Grand Ronde River

5. Wallowa Lake

6. Lower Granite Dam and fish ladder

7. WSU Bear Center

8. Kamiak Butte County Park

9. Steptoe Butte County Park

10. Newman Lake hiking trip

11. Moscow Mountain

12. Elk Creek Falls

13. Nez Perce National Historical Park

14. Dworshak Dam and Reservoir

15. Deer Creek Reservoir

16. Selway Falls

17. Winchester Lake State Park

18. Monastery at St. Gertrude’s

19. White Bird Battlefield

20. Pittsburg Landing

A waterfall that’s worth the drive

Palouse Falls,

which was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014, is an unforgettable sight

By KAYLEE BREWSTER FOR DAYTRIPPING

Palouse Falls is arguably one of the most scenic views in the Inland Northwest.

The Palouse River drops 200 feet into the pool below and the river continues on. The river flows into a canyon that can be seen for miles at the viewpoint at the Palouse Fall State Park Heritage Site.

When you arrive, it can be difficult to figure out which is the more spectacular view, the churning water flowing down the waterfall, often glittering in the sunlight to create reflective rainbows, or the carved canyon that follows the river south with deep cuts in the basalt columns that you can see bend and curve with the Palouse River.

Either way you want to look at it, Palouse Falls is a must-see for anyone who calls the Pacific Northwest home. In 2014, it was named Washington’s state waterfall.

The falls is a popular stop but it’s often a singular destination. “Off the beaten path” is a good way to describe the road to Palouse Falls as there aren’t many towns or destination points along the way. Still, it’s within an hour of the Quad Cities of Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow and Pullman, and makes for an easy daytrip.

Once you arrive at the park (and either pay the fee or have your Discovery Pass), there is a walkway that describes the geological history of the area. The paths are paved and are accessible for all types of walkers. There are plenty of picnic areas, both covered and uncovered, so visitors can enjoy their lunch and take in the views.

There are three viewpoints offered along a fenced ridge and walkway, which allow for safe and close observation and photo-taking. It also provides different angles and perspectives of the falls and the canyon. It’s also an opportunity to look at wildlife.

Palouse Falls is a remote area with limited or no cellphone service.

Summer months are hot and dry so be sure to bring water. There is also no camping and trailer RV parking is not available. n

> Palouse Falls

LOCATION: For those traveling from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and the Camas Prairie, the easiest route is through Pomeroy (about 50 minutes). Follow U.S. Highway 12 west, then turn onto Washington State Route 261, then turn onto the Palouse Falls Road, which will take you directly to Palouse Falls State Park. Those on the Palouse can take a more direct approach from Washtucna (about 24 minutes), through there you can follow Washington State

Route 261, then turn onto Palouse Falls Road that leads straight into the park.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Observe the beauty of Palouse Falls. There are also short walking paths, picnic areas and restrooms.

DIFFICULTY: 1 out of 5. The walking path is fairly level and is accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DON’T FORGET: Water, food for a picnic and a camera to take stunning photos. You must also bring your Discovery Pass or be

ABOVE: People walk along the trail looking down over Palouse Falls earlier this year. The iconic destination was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014.

August Frank/For Daytripping

LEFT: A photo taken with a drone shows a top-down view of Palouse Falls in early March.

Austin Johnson/For Daytripping

prepared to pay the $10 day pass.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: For those heading through Washtucna, be sure to stop at That NW Bus on Main Street. The former school bus covered in vibrant paint and graffiti became a social media sensation using the hashtag #thatNWbus. For those coming from Pomeroy looking for outdoor attractions, there is Lyons Ferry State Park, about 15 minutes south of Palouse Falls, which has boating, fishing and swimming activities.

A bike sits by Mill Creek in Walla Walla. A system of trails around the creek and Bennington Lake are a good place to take a ride, regardless of a person’s skill level.

Choose your own adventure cycling in Walla Walla

Trails surrounding Mill Creek and Bennington Lake

easy rides or challenging outings, depending on the route you pick

By ELAINE WILLIAMS FOR DAYTRIPPING

WALLA WALLA — The trail system surrounding Mill Creek and Bennington Lake is a place where one of the only boundaries is someone’s own strength.

The area was formed to harness Mill Creek and prevent flooding in Walla Walla. The project was completed after the prompting of the town’s chamber of commerce president at the time, Virgil Bennington, who lobbied Congress.

The public space features expansive views of grasslands, woods, farmland, the Blue Mountains, and, of course, Bennington Lake on more than 20 miles of trails that feel surprisingly remote even though they are less than a mile from the Walla Walla city limits.

ABOVE: People recreate at Bennington Lake in Walla Walla.

Some of the trails are wide and flat and asphalted. Others take steep, sometimes lengthy, climbs through trees or rolling hills. Multiple picnic shelters and benches are placed in scenic spots. Public restrooms are located at the parking areas and in a couple of places along the trail. The combination makes it an excellent destination for people with a variety of skill levels. A family with a child just learning to ride a bicycle could bring a picnic and take the smooth, asphalted trail on the north side of Mill

> See CYCLING, Page 7

offer

Elaine Williams/ For Daytripping

RIGHT: A man walks through charming downtown Walla Walla while eating ice cream.

Elaine Williams/ For Daytripping

Artwork that’s stood the test of millennia

By KERRI SANDAINE FOR DAYTRIPPING

ASOTIN — Buffalo Eddy is a popular destination along Snake River Road for visitors who want to view unique petroglyphs containing hundreds of distinct images that possibly date back as far as 4,500 years ago.

On the Washington side of the Snake River, the petroglyphs are within walking distance of the road, along with signs that provide historical information about the Nez Perce people and rock art. Tour boats regularly idle on the Idaho side of the river so passengers can take a closer look at ancient images there.

Tribal artists from thousands of years ago chipped and scraped the rocks, creating designs of people

> See ARTWORK, Page 7

LOCATION: 16 miles south of Asotin along Snake River Road.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Walk along a short trail to view ancient Nez Perce petroglyphs, and you can also enjoy a picnic lunch and the scenic drive to the sacred site.

DIFFICULTY: Difficulty is a 1 or 2 out of 5, depending on walking ability. Parking is available and a small hiking trail with interpretive signs is accessible.

DON’T FORGET: Swimming at Buffalo Eddy is dangerous. Multiple drownings have occurred in the strong current. The petroglyphs are protected by federal law. Digging or damaging the resources is a felony, punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 or imprisonment.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: If you continue driving along Snake River Road to Heller Bar, you will be able to see where the Grande Ronde and Snake rivers meet.

TOP: Petroglyphs etched into the rocks shine in the morning sunlight at Buffalo Eddy, located 18 miles south of Asotin. The site contains hundreds of distinct drawings left behind by the Nez Perce people, with some of the etchings being 4,500 years old.

ABOVE: Jerry and Cindy Reisinger, right, of Pomeroy, along with Anna Medici, a friend visiting from Maine, read an informational plaque at Buffalo Eddy.

LEFT: Cindy Reisinger and Medici take photos of the petroglyphs etched into the rocks at Buffalo Eddy along the Snake River, 18 miles south of Asotin. These drawings left behind by the Nez Perce people give evidence of their strong connection with the animals and land.

Austin Johnson/For Daytripping

Buffalo Eddy’s petroglyphs are the handiwork of Nez Perce people from hundreds or even thousands of years ago

> Buffalo Eddy

IDAHO

Snake River Anatone

Buffalo Eddy Petroglyphs

Artwork

from Page 6

and animals, along with abstract shapes. The site has been known as a sacred space for the Nez Perce people for countless years, and the carvings likely had spiritual significance and were also used to tell stories related to hunting.

Additions to the rock art stopped about 300 years ago, according to historians. The arrival of white settlers and horses may have been the cause. The Snake River corridor is now populat-

Mountains are seen in the distance across farmland near Bennington Lake in Walla Walla.

Elaine Williams/For Daytripping

Cycling

from Page 5

Creek from the Mill Creek project office to Rooks Park, where there is a playground. Starting in the same place, an experienced rider could head east along Mill Creek and then circle Bennington Lake before going back, a loop that would take about one hour.

Those who seek an even greater challenge could go to downtown Walla Walla or explore the foothills of the Blue Mountains on nearby roads. Allegro Cyclery at 200 E. Main St. in downtown Walla Walla has bicycle rentals and information at the store and on its website at allegrocyclery.com. n

ed with houses, ranches and vacation homes.

The drive from Asotin to Buffalo Eddy is beautiful, especially in the spring when the hills are green. Wild-

life sightings along the way are common, and the sparkling river leading to Hells Canyon is breathtaking.

Buffalo Eddy is one of the deepest parts of the river,

and its swirling water acts as a whirlpool that can suck down swimmers. Signs have been posted to warn visitors about the dangers of taking a plunge. However, anglers

Reisinger and Medici explore the rocks at Buffalo Eddy along the Snake River, 18 miles south of Asotin.

Austin Johnson/For Daytripping

often cast their lines from the banks, and tents along the beach are a frequent sight on hot summer days. The road gets busy in the summer as people flock to beaches, boat ramps and other areas of interest. In recent years, access to beaches has been reduced as more and more private landowners install fences and “no trespassing” signs. Buffalo Eddy is one of the few spots with room for parking and public access. The other side of the river is privately owned. No fees or reservations are needed for recreational activities at Buffalo Eddy. The site is managed by the National Park Service, and more information about the petroglyphs can be found at the Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center at Spalding. n

> Mill Creek Trails, Bennington Lake and Rooks Park, Walla Walla

LOCATION: From the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, travel west along U.S. Highway 12 to Walla Walla. The drive takes about two hours. Exit south on Airport Way and drive south. Head east on Reservoir Road and take the second left to reach the Mill Creek project office, one of many access points to the system.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Bicycling, hiking, fishing,

wildlife spotting and boating in vessels powered by electric motors, wind or human strength.

DIFFICULTY: 1 to 3 out of 5 depending on what you do.

DON’T FORGET: A map of the system. They are available at a chamber of commerce kiosk in downtown Walla Walla at First Avenue and Main Street. (It can be confusing the first time you visit.) Bicycle helmet, sunscreen, fishing license, water, snacks and life jackets for anyone who is boating.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: Downtown Walla Walla is packed with independent restaurants, ice cream

places and coffee houses, as well as stores that sell clothing, books, furniture, souvenirs and second-hand merchandise. Consider Colville Street Patisserie. It has espresso, pastries, gelato and wine by the glass.

WINE: Walla Walla is known for its wines for good reason. It is home to well-known brands that include Dunham Cellars and Canoe Ridge. Check out Vital Wines at 17 N. Second Ave. Its wines are exceptional, especially for the price. The profits go to health care and other resources for vineyard and winery employees.

Face-to-face with bears ... in Cougar country

Biologists study grizzlies at the WSU Bear Center in Pullman, but the public gets a peek at the big beasts too

By KAYLEE BREWSTER FOR DAYTRIPPING

While many people find grizzly bears cute and cuddly, few want to get up close and personal with one in the wild.

Fortunately, the Washington State University Bear Center lets you do some of that at a safe distance.

The WSU Bear Research, Education and Conservation Center allows biologists the opportunity to study the bears to help understand and manage wild grizzly bears.

That means visitors also have the opportunity to observe the animals.

In the warmer months, bears can be seen from a viewing area in the parking lot.

The area provides space for the bears to forage for food or play with equipment and in the pools.

The facility has six outdoor and indoor runs and dens, along with a 2.2-acre yard.

There are currently no bear viewings inside the building or formal tour of the bear center, but a new facility is being proposed to offer more educational opportunities for the public. n

> WSU Bear Center

LOCATION: The Bear Center is located on the east side of Pullman. While traveling on the Pullman Moscow Highway, turn on Terre View Drive. The center is along Terre View Drive, between Grimes Way and Animal Sciences Road.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Watch bears being cute.

DIFFICULTY: 1 out of 5. (Unless the mere sight of massive grizzly bears causes you stress.)

DON’T FORGET: Camera.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST:

A trip to WSU isn’t be complete without stopping at Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe for a scoop of ice cream or some Cougar Gold cheese. Located on Ferdinand’s Lane, five minutes from the bear center. There is also an observation room that lets visitors watch the dairy-making process. Not open on weekends.

ABOVE: Three of the nearly dozen grizzlies held at Washington State University’s Bear Center are seen snacking on the other side of a series of wire fencing at the center in Pullman.

LEFT: Megan Forbes, left, of Louisville, Ky., and Laurie Arp, of Dublin, Ohio, gaze in amazement at roaming grizzly bears at Washington State University’s Bear Center in Pullman. Arp and Forbes, who are visiting for work, said they were told they must visit the bears while in town. They both confirmed it was worth the long walk from their hotel up the road.

LOWER LEFT: One of the nearly dozen grizzlies held at the bear center is seen through a series of wire fencing.

195 WSU Bear Center

Pullman

Zach Wilkinson/ For Daytripping

Accessible angling in Clearwater County

Deer

By MATT BANEY FOR DAYTRIPPING

Most of the backwoods gems in Clearwater County require a significant amount of time and effort to visit. But there are a few destinations that are relatively easy to reach.

One such spot is Deer Creek Reservoir, a 65acre body of water created in 2004 for the purpose of giving locals an accessible fishing hole.

The road to the reservoir is all paved highway until the last 1½-mile stretch, which is a well-maintained gravel road. At the site are two large docks, a boat launch, a vault toilet, plenty of parking — and it’s handicap accessible. The lake is stocked with a variety of trout.

The still waters are surrounded by a dense thicket of pine trees. Eagles and hawks glide overhead, and deer can be spotted on the banks of the reservoir. There aren’t hiking trails, but children will find plenty of areas to explore.

The lake is open to fishing year-round, but the access road is closed to motorized traffic from October to early May. And on the

water, a no-wake rule is always in effect for boats.

No one would confuse this spot with the well-known and rugged North Fork of the Clearwater River, which is at least another hour of driving away and requires surefooting for anyone planning to wet a line. For seniors or families with children, a Deer Creek Reservoir fishing trip might be a better option.

The reservoir is 11 miles north of Pierce, most of which is traversed on State Highway 11. The lake is even closer to the former Potlatch Corp. company town of Headquarters, which was bustling in the mid-20th century but is now almost a ghost town.

Deer Creek Reservoir was built by the Idaho Fish

and Game Department on land donated by Potlatch.

Anglers can also try their luck at another manmade body of water, Deyo Reservoir, which opened to the public in 2013. That spot is near Weippe and also features easy access to fishing, and, unlike at Deer Creek, camping is allowed. A daytrip to either reservoir can also be served with a side dish of Idaho history. The Weippe Prairie is where the Nez Perce Tribe first had contact with the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805, and gold was discovered near Pierce in 1860, the incident that eventually led to Idaho becoming a state. n

> Deer Creek Reservoir

LOCATION: From Pierce, travel north on State Highway 11, turn right at Fish and Game access sign near historic Townsite 4, travel 1½ miles.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Fishing, wildlife spotting.

DIFFICULTY: 1 out of 5.

DON’T FORGET: Fishing gear, fishing license, sunscreen, drinks and snacks.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: Deyo Reservoir near Weippe, which also provides easy access to fishing; J. Howard Bradbury Memorial Logging Museum, open seasonally in Pierce.

WATERING HOLE: To judge by its Facebook page, it’s a party most nights at the Flame Bar in Pierce.

Creek Reservoir was tailor-made for those who want to go fishing but aren’t in the mood for much hassle

Creek

Eric Barker/For Daytripping

A boat slowly motors across Deer Creek Reservoir. The man-made body of water near Pierce was opened in 2004 and is stocked with trout.

Joyce Wollam, of Orofino, pulls in a rainbow trout from Deer Creek Reservior near Pierce. The reservior offers easy access to fishing.

Eric Barker/For Daytripping

A wilderness adventure that’s close to home

Private landowners and the public come together to bring 60-plus miles of trails to Moscow’s backyard

By ANTHONY KUIPERS FOR DAYTRIPPING

A partnership between public and private landowners transformed a natural landmark into one of Moscow’s best daytrip destinations. In the 1990s, the private landowners on Moscow Mountain began allowing the public to create and use nonmotorized trails on their land to indulge the community’s hiking and biking

needs. Since then, it has become one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots on the Palouse.

“It’s such a gift to the community and to the people of the Palouse,” said Ginger Yoder, spokeswoman for the Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association.

MAMBA is the local organization that partners with landowners to create and sustain recreation on

> See MOUNTAIN, Page 11

Zach Wilkinson/For Daytripping

A sign offers directions at the intersection of Mountain View Trail and Meadow View Trail at Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve. These are part of the 60-plus-mile system of trails in the area of Moscow Mountain.

Zach Wilkinson/For Daytripping

A sign on Mountain View Trail highlights the remnants of an old fruit orchard that was planted by homesteaders.

Potlatch

Mountain

from Page 10

Moscow Mountain, she said.

Over the years, more than 60 miles of trails were formed with the help of MAMBA. Several are even available for the winter as trails for snowshoeing, fat biking and cross-country skiing.

Yoder said MAMBA performs trail maintenance, parking lot maintenance, disseminates information about the trails and how its users can respect the land. It has approximately 250 members.

The Moscow resident said one of Moscow Mountain’s best features is its accessibility.

“From my doorstep to the Headwaters parking lot is six minutes,” she said, referring to one of Moscow Mountain’s trailheads. “I can literally load up my bike and be unloading my bike at a trailhead in six or seven minutes, and I live in town.”

The mountain allows people a chance to get out in the wilderness, see stunning views of the Palouse and meet other adventurous folks along the way. Yoder said the social aspect of enjoying the wilderness with others is one of her favorite aspects of outdoor recreation.

“We really get to build community out in this beautiful nature,” she said.

Yoder encouraged anyone interested in visiting the mountain to download a free trail map at mambatrails.org

She also encouraged them to be courteous of the land, respect closures, not start fires and pick up trash.

“Be willing to explore and adventure and know that we want to leave the trails better than we found them,” she said.

Soon, some of those trails may have public permanent access.

According to a March 5 Lewiston Tribune report, the Palouse Land Trust, along with the MAMBA and the Palouse Road Runners running club, have raised more than $40,000 that will help pay for management of two easements near the Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve.

The access easement will allow the construction of hiking and biking trails that connect Idler’s Rest with other trails. n

> Moscow Mountain

LOCATION: From Moscow, travel north on U.S. Highway 95 for 4½ miles, turn right onto Lewis Road then left onto Foothill Road to get to the Headwaters Trailhead parking lot. From Troy, turn onto Big Meadow Road from Highway 8, turn left on Randall Flat Road, turn right onto Tamarack Road and follow for 5 miles, until you reach the Tamarack Road Hiking Path parking area.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Hiking, biking, snow skiing

DIFFICULTY: Between 2 to 4 out of 5.

DON’T FORGET: Trail map, hiking or biking shoes, sunscreen, water

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve

Meadow View Trail at Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve is groomed and ready for use.

Zack Wilkinson/ For Daytripping

ABOVE: A cyclist rides down Headwaters Trail, a 5-mile loop on Moscow Mountain.

RIGHT: Sunlight shines through the trees to highlight Cedar Trail.

Zach Wilkinson/ For Daytripping

See what all the fuss is about: Check out Lower Granite Dam

By ERIC BARKER FOR DAYTRIPPING

We spend a lot of time talking about federal dams on the lower Snake River and whether they should stay or go.

But have you ever visited one? Ever seen a salmon? Now is a great time to go to Lower Granite Dam, especially if you are interested in the debate over how best to recover imperiled salmon and steelhead.

The dam is the last one returning adult salmon and steelhead

bound for Idaho must pass, and its visitor center, on the south side of the river, has a popular fish viewing window. May is fairly reliable for those interested in seeing spring chinook. Adults are passing the dam as they return from the Pacific Ocean and head toward spawning grounds or the hatcheries where they began life. At the same time, juvenile salmon and steelhead are streaming through, over and around the dam on their way to the ocean. Visitors can take in

> See DAM, Page 13

ABOVE: The Lower Granite Lock and Dam are seen from the north shore of the Snake River near Almota. While debate rages between those who want Lower Granite Dam and the other three dams on the lower Snake River breached and those who want them to stay, not many folks have actually visited the remote dams.

LEFT: Water rushes down the adult fish ladder at the Lower Granite Dam.

Zach Wilkinson/

This road trip into the heart of Whitman County is a must for those interested in the fish-versus-dams debate

For Daytripping

Dam

from Page 12

interpretive displays explaining the salmon and steelhead life cycle, the extensive adult and juvenile fish passage infrastructure constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the specialized barges used to ship some of the young fish through the Snake and Columbia rivers hydropower system.

Also at the visitor center is information on the hydroelectricity produced at the dam and the locks that make river transportation possible. Riverborne transportation and hydropower production are both central to the dam-versus-fish debate.

Guided tours of the dam are available at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Vehicles can drive across the dam 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

But there’s more to see at the dam and its immediate vicinity. The Corps maintains recreation facilities such as boat ramps, fishing sites, camping, seasonal beach access and access to habitat management units. Popular spots include Illia Dunes on the south side of the river and Boyer Park on the north side. More information about the dam and nearby recreation opportunities are available at bit. ly/3E8WPih and bit.ly/3KLlI64 

Fish

seen making their way up the

center

fish work their way back upriver.

> Lower Granite Dam

LOCATION: From the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, travel west on U.S. Highway 12, just past Alpowa Summit, then turn right and head north on Ledgerwood Road. After 2 miles, continue north on Kirby Mayview Road and follow it, Casey Creek Road and Almota Ferry Road to the dam. This route approaches the dam from its downriver side and ends on the south side of the river. From Pullman, follow State Route 194 to Almota, to Lower Granite Road and the downstream side of the dam at Boyer Park. To reach the visitor center, cross the dam.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Watch salmon as they access the dam’s fish ladder, learn about salmon passage infrastructure, river transportation and hydroelectric generation.

DIFFICULTY: 2 out of 5.

DON’T FORGET: Sunscreen, drinks and snacks. If you plan to cross the dam, make sure crossings are offered at the time of your visit.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: Boyer Park, Illia Dunes.

Zach Wilkinson/For Daytripping

are

adult fish ladder through a viewing window in the visitors

at the Lower Granite Dam at Almota. Visitors to the dam can watch the migrating

Natural diversion just outside Spokane

Newman Lake’s McKenzie Conservation Area boasts opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, picnicking

By ELAINE WILLIAMS FOR DAYTRIPPING

NEWMAN LAKE — Lake

Coeur d’Alene attracts thousands of visitors every year who swim and boat on its vast waters.

What isn’t as well known are the more than 10 lakes scattered throughout the mountains and forests of northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Many of them are close enough to visit on daytrips, including Newman Lake.

It’s a 2½-hour drive to reach Newman Lake from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, but it could also be a nice diversion if you’re in Spokane for another reason like shopping at department stores. It’s only 30 minutes from the Spokane Valley Mall.

Nestled between the private homes that surround much of Newman Lake, McKenzie Conservation Area offers more than 5 miles of trails that can be used by the public for free. Open between sunrise and sunset, the parking lot has a clean port-apotty, but no running water.

It’s at a low enough elevation to be accessible in the spring, when trails higher in the mountains are blocked by snow.

One of the shortest sections of paths leads to the area’s biggest attraction, Turtle Rock. That hike would be a great way to introduce children to outdoor recreation because of its small distance and large reward.

The rock is great for climbing and has a view of Mount Spokane. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a picnic, next to calm but deep water that would be good for swimming with caution in warmer weather.

Other trails through the forested area are steeper, traversing through rock outcroppings, providing technical terrain for mountain bikers and trail runners.

The 462 acres operated

by Spokane County are ecologically diverse. They are home to bald eagles, painted turtles and frogs. Moose, elk, white-tailed deer, coyote and black bear have been spotted at the site.

Its woods are populated by Western red cedar, Western larch, Western white pine, Douglas fir, Western hemlock, grand fir, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine trees. Its wetlands are ringed by cottonwoods and aspens.

Geology buffs can savor the experience even more with a self-guided tour available at bit.ly/3srhvNM n

> Newman Lake

LOCATION: From the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley or Palouse, head to Spokane on U.S. Highway 195 in Washington. Head east on Interstate 90 and take the Pines Road exit going north. Go east on Trent Avenue and turn left onto North Starr Road. There’s an Exxon Station at the intersection. Take a right on East Hauser Lake Road, then a left onto North Muzzy Road. Follow it around the lake as it changes into Northwest Newman Lake Drive not far from the entrance of McKenzie Conservation Area. Reaching the area from the east is faster because of extreme curves in the road on the west side.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: Hiking, trail running, mountain

ABOVE: Newman Lake is a good spot for a picnic lunch — aside from the hiking, biking and exploring options at the oasis near Spokane.

LEFT: Turtle Rock is a memorable landmark at Newman Lake and can be reached after a short hike.

Elaine Williams/ For Daytripping

bicycling, picnicking and wildlife spotting.

DIFFICULTY: 1 to 2½ out of 5, depending on what activity you choose.

DON’T FORGET: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and a whistle, which comes in handy in the unlikely event you need help.

NEARBY SITES OF INTEREST: Spokane Valley Mall.

PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCH: The Newman Lake public boat is on the southwest end and requires a Washington Discovery Pass. They are sold at the Exxon station at the intersection of North Starr Road and Trent Avenue. It takes less than one hour to paddle a kayak to Turtle Rock from the launch. It’s worth the extra effort to see the geological feature from the water.