Out There Monthly - July 2017

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COntents

Special Sections

18 | Spokatopia Festival Guide 32 | Lake Guide

32 Features 13 | Mission Mountain Lake Hikes 26 | Wine, Wheels and Wanderlust

26 columns

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14 | River Rambles

15 | Buzz Bin

16 | Out There Kids

17 | Gear Room

29 | Eatology

23 | Health & Fitness 28 | Dispatches 30 | Race Report 31 | Spotlight

in every issue 7 | Intro 8 | Out There News & Events 10 | Hike of the Month 22 | Urban Outdoors 25 | Nature 45 | Outdoor Calendar 46 | Last Page

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Just when I am not sure I can contain my excitement any longer, the starting horn sounds and we surge past marina docks, happily fanning out into the wide expanse of open water. We’re swimming toward a shore I can barely see, and I focus on my

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July 2017 www.outtheremonthly.com Publishers

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S. Michal Bennett Siobhan Ebel Susan Hales Summer Hess Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Harley McAllister Ammi Midstokke Brad Naccarato Brad Northrup Erika Prins Simonds Aaron Theisen Brad Thiessen Nick Thomas Holly Weiler Jerry White Jr. Contributing photographers:

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

Intro: Goodbye Deer Lake Surrounded by lakes, we are, invariably, lake people. And the more time we spend with one particular lake or another, the more we notice and appreciate its unique personality. It’s common to gravitate to one body of cool, clear water based on those accumulating experiences. The more hours we rack up on the waters, beaches, cabins, lodges, marinas, and shorelines of a specific lake, the more memories we accrue that cement our perceptions of and relationship to said land-locked water body until it can start to feel like some kind of aquatic home away from home, or, in some cases, like a part of the family.

My first memories of Deer Lake, where my family has had one form of “lake place” or another for the past several decades, reach way back to some of my earliest childhood recollections. Before my parents bought

their first place on the lake in my late teens, my grandparents would park their trailer at one of Deer Lake’s simple resorts. We evidently spent some time there when I was just a wee-one, since I still carry around the types of mystical, imagination-embellished memories that young minds seem to create. There was a hike up an old logging road with my grandmother where we found a lifeless garter snake crushed dead in the dirt. Other faint but affecting memories stand out: staring into the glass counter at the little store longing to buy a pack of candy cigarettes; paddling with older cousins up to the HUGE wild island full of muskrat dens and giant toads (a marshy little hill, it turns out, when I paddled out to inspect my memories last year); getting clocked in the face by a horseshoe as my dad pitched it in a game with

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several uncles; and, most haunting, watching the consequence of an older kid cracking an abandoned duck egg on a rock near the water’s edge. I can still recall the sad drama of the tiny, premature duckling that spilled out in the water unable to swim.

After countless summers wakeboarding, fishing, swimming, boat cruising, kayaking, reading, learning native plants, mountain biking, and kicking back with family and beers on Deer Lake, those early memories still bubble up each year. I often wonder what made those memories stick. Will my own toddler son recall chasing bright green frogs across the cabin deck, or checking for the snake in the recycling bin? Will he wonder, years down the road, why the distant memories of slow, cruising boat laps with grandma and grandpa are so

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vivid and poignant? Is there something more powerful than we can fully appreciate or begin to understand in the calm, soothing presence of large bodies of water: a collection of sights, sounds, smells and experiences that open us up to feel and remember more deeply?

This summer is our last at Deer Lake. I will miss the cabin, dock and bay, but there will be other lakes. I like to think I’ll be back when my son is older to connect with our memories and ask if he remembers the big fish that grandpa almost caught, or the snakes and the frogs and the long boat rides round and around and around Deer Lake. //

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Out ThereNews&Events

By Jon Jonckers Zenbivy Bed Scores Kickstarter Funding If you prefer to sleep on your stomach, then

you’re among the many people who simply can’t get a good night’s sleep in a traditional mummy bag. This was the initial quandary for Michael Glavin of Spokane. He knew that getting sufficient rest while camping can often make or break the trip, and with this in mind, he created the Zenbivy sleep system.

The Zenbivy sits somewhere between a quilt and a mummy bag. It’s a unique product that’s aimed at anyone who doesn’t lie perfectly still on their back all night long. Glavin has over 20 years of experience in the outdoor industry, and he knew he had a genius idea. He didn’t have the funds to launch it himself, however, plus he didn’t want to surrender the idea to a major brand. So he rolled the dice, and turned to Kickstarter.

Some rough estimates suggest it takes between $50,000 to $75,000 to enter into production of a sleeping bag system. Glavin hoped to raise at least $50,000 in a month; however, at press time, Kickstarter figures report he raised nearly $95,000, and the campaign will be closed by the time this issue is released. You can still visit the website and learn about his idea. He calls it “the world’s first freestyle sleeping bag.”

Glavin’s production schedule is moving ahead, and from July to September, he plans to finalize testing and sourcing Zenbivy materials. Any design revisions will also be finalized before October. If everything goes well, production will begin in October or November, which means he could be shipping Zenbivy systems by the end of the year.

Check them out at Kickstarter.com.

Trail Maniacs Foundation Aims to Groom Winter Trails for Fat Bikes Trail Maniacs trail running club members run trails year-round, unless of course there’s too much snow covering the trails. Trail Maniacs race director and founder, Dave Dutro, recently created the Trail Maniacs Foundation, a non-profit organization, to provide more winter trail use opportunities for trail runners, riders and hikers to get out when area trails are buried in snow.

“Our goal is to create more winter trail use in our area,” says Dutro. “Specifically, I want to purchase a multi-use groomer to groom trails for snowshoes, fat bikes and classic Nordic skiing on different trails in the region.”

There’s more to the foundation besides grooming winter trails, but he says he has to start somewhere. “I am looking at two groomers to start with.

One is specifically designed for single-track and the other will groom single-track but not tight narrow stuff,” he says. He estimates the cost at around $7,300, but admits that “we will need more than that because we plan to raise funds to operate the

Silas McQuain cruises down Mt. Spokane. The Inland NW could soon have more groomed fat bike trails thanks to the Trail Maniacs Foundation. // Photo: Shallan Knowles

machines as well. Personally, I will be donating my time, but I will need to cover operating costs.

Eventually, as we grow we will be looking at more expensive sleds to groom longer trails.”

Currently, during the coldest winter months, Farragut State Park offers a 10-mile loop and Priest Lake State Park offers some multi-use trails. Off the cuff, Dutro mentioned some of the trails that would be ideal for grooming, pending property owners and managers permission, including the Empire Trails out of Spirit Lake and Canfield trails in Coeur d’Alene. A trail grooming partnership with Spokane County Parks is also something the foundation would like to explore.

Dutro notes that Nordic skiers have certain groomed trails, and snowmobilers have their own groomed trails, and he hopes the Trail Maniacs Foundation will open up other trails and different areas for fat bikers, snowshoers and trail runners.

Follow the foundation’s efforts on Facebook.

Fleet Feet Spokane Moving to Kendall Yards This fall, Fleet Feet Spokane will be relocating

its downtown location to Kendall Yards overlooking the Spokane River and downtown Spokane.

Co-owner Wade Pannell says “We believe Fleet Feet Sports will be an excellent addition to that neighborhood. Of course, free parking and quick access to the Centennial Trail for training groups and social runs were definite draws to the area.”

Admittedly, Pannell has bigger plans than a running shoe store. This new location will provide more space, which means he can stock more inventory, and he plans to incorporate a coffee bar into the store. He also hinted that he plans to find more ways to get involved in Spokane’s running and fitness community.

“Running remains the basis of many sports and the fastest way to burn calories and build aerobic fitness,” he says. “But Fleet Feet is about more than just running. We are about building a

stronger, more active community, excellent customer service, helping people who have foot pain find comfort and so much more. We carry products that benefit everyone from the walker to the competitive runner, and for the weekend warrior, the business traveler, the factory worker and the healthcare professional. Everyone is welcome at Fleet Feet Spokane.”

With the addition of the coffee bar in the Kendall Yards store, Fleet Feet may bring some changes to the Spokane Valley store as well. One of the most exciting developments taking place this summer is the introduction of a Fit ID foot scanning system and the integration of 3D technology into the running shoe fitting experience. Clearly, Fleet Feet aims to bolster and increase the running community in the Inland Northwest.

centennial trail in kendall yards near new Fleet Feet store. // Photo: Jon Jonckers

The North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation Gets a New Director The North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation

recently hired Todd Dunfield as its new executive director. Dunfield took over the job last month, and he’s already working on some big projects.

“The Centennial Trail is a regional treasure because it connects our entire community with 63 miles of walking and biking trail. By spanning two states and multiple cities, it provides a place to recreate next to the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene, while also providing a safe path to schools, parks, and a multitude of workplaces,” he says. Previously Dunfield worked for the Spokane Nordic Ski Association, which testifies to his experience and investment in the local outdoors community. He rides on the trail frequently, and has always been interested in contributing to the trail’s growth and development.

“My favorite part of the Centennial Trail is through McEuen Park in Coeur d’Alene because there is so much to do there,” he says. “It has been a

destination for my family for years. We have ridden our bikes from Spokane Valley to visit the splash pad, eat at the Bakery by the Lake and drink a few pints at Sweet Lou’s.”

Coincidently, McEuen Park hosts the next great project benefitting the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation: Ales for the Trail. It’s the Inland Northwest’s premier outdoor craft beer festival on August 12 featuring 28 breweries and 2 cideries all in support of the North Idaho Centennial Trail.

Looking ahead, Dunfield notes a couple of trail updates to look for in the coming months. Pending funding from a recent Recreation Trails Program grant, the foundation hopes to repair problem sections and sealcoat the entire 23 miles of the North Idaho Centennial Trail this fall. The foundation also continues prioritizing completing the next mile of the Prairie Trail in northwest Coeur d’Alene.

Learn more about the foundation and its Ales for the Trail fundraiser at Alesforthetrail.org.

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Reap the benefits of recent trail improvements (with more to come later this summer) on this long loop hike into the Salmo Priest Wilderness.

Enter via Thunder Creek trail #526, where the first two miles are along an old roadbed with an easy grade through an abandoned logging unit.

When the trail enters the old growth forest, hikers will encounter five puncheon bridges that were replaced by Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, and Washington Trails Association crews in several work parties during summer 2016. Volunteers removed the old broken structures and rebuilt the puncheon using mostly hand tools. Now, the trail needs hikers and horseback riders to test them out.

Inspect the work, then continue up trail to the Salmo Priest Wilderness boundary at approximately the three-mile mark. From the wilderness sign the trail climbs nearly three miles more through impressive cedar stands and other large diameter trees. Don’t forget to look low, too, as there are many yew trees and other smaller shrubs along the route. At approximately the six-mile mark, hikers will reach the intersection with the Shedroof Divide Trail. For those who would prefer the loop as a short backpack rather than a long day hike, there is a small campsite located near this intersection (or at another small campsite 1.7 miles north).

Turn left to continue north on the Shedroof Divide Trail #512.

The Shedroof Divide is one of two ridges running along the spine of the Salmo Priest Wilderness. Be sure to pause to filter water at one of the two campsites (or carry enough for the entire trip) as the Divide has few water sources available.

The bear grass bloom will peak sometime during the month of July, with the showy white spikes sometimes making hillsides near the trail appear

coated with a layer of snow. Watch for breaks in the trees, which afford hikers several views of Upper and Lower Priest Lake in the distance, with the Idaho Selkirks serving as an impressive backdrop.

At the 12.5-mile mark, turn left on the marked Shedroof Cutoff Trail #511. This trail exits the Wilderness Area after .8 miles then continues another mile along another old roadbed to reach the trailhead. A short road hike completes the loop, as the Shedroof Cutoff Trailhead is located approximately 1 mile up Forest Road 2220. Shave a mile off the route by parking a shuttle vehicle at the exit on the Shedroof Cut-off Trail.

It’s especially nice to make a weekend of this trip.

There are several free dispersed primitive campsites along the access road, or head to Sullivan Lake for its developed campground with access to vault toilets and a nice swimming beach.

Distance: 15.2 miles round-trip

Getting there: Take Highway 20 north along the Pend Oreille River, then continue north on Highway 31 to the Sullivan Lake Road (just before Ione). Continue past Sullivan Lake and the Ranger District Office to Sullivan Creek Road (Forest Road 22). Travel east to where the road splits, then bear left on Forest Road 2220 toward Salmo Mountain. Thunder Creek Trailhead is located on the right, across from Gypsy Meadows. //

Holly Weiler can often be found wandering Inland Northwest trails with a crosscut saw or other trail maintenance tools in tow on the Washington Trails Association trail maintenance projects she leads.

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

Washington Trails Association has a backpack-style trail work weekend planned for portions of this trail July 8-11, where crews will use crosscut saws to clear any downed trees (no previous saw experience necessary!) This is preparation for the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington statewide work party on August 2-6, where the WTA crew will serve as a spike camp of the BCHW crew.

Expect huge improvements for this entire trail system. To register, visit the WTA website and click on the “volunteer” link. //

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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TOUGHS IT OUT WHILE TAKING IT IN. all out blaze 2

O U T- O F-T H E - B O X C O M F O R T F O R L I G H T H I K E S 12

OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

MISSION MOUNTAIN LAKE HIKES

By Aaron Theisen

The Mission Mountains

make a familiar sight to travelers between Missoula and Flathead Lake, their serrated, snow-draped peaks, crowned by 9,280-foot McDonald Peak and its dozen or so neighbors in the 9,000-foot club. Despite appearing impassible to travel, the Missions boast some of the most easily rewarding, high-country day hiking in the Northwest. They have short, shallow-grade trails accessing hundreds of high-elevation tarns with one of the highest densities of alpine lakes in the Northern Rockies. Centerpiece is the nearly 75,000-acre Mission Mountains Wilderness on the east side of the range that overlooks the Seeley-Swan Valley. One adventurous option is to set up camp down low and make a long weekend goal of traversing a handful or more of highmountain lakes. Missions accepted?

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake occupies the head of a large glacial valley upstream of the private shoreline lodges of Lindbergh Lake. And while numerous routes—including a canoe portage—access Crystal, the best day hike is the 2.2-mile, dessert-first descent from the upper Bunyan Lake trailhead.

The trail seems to showcase every tree species in western Montana: gargantuan larch and ponderosa grow shoulder to shoulder with cedar and yew. Huckleberries and beargrass frame the relatively low-elevation lake. Befitting a lake that occupies a milder clime than most of its Missions neighbors, Crystal boasts a sandy beach with a gradual drop-off; it’s the best on this list for foot-soaking or a float. Just be sure to save energy for the post-lake haul to the trailhead.

“...the 1.6-mile trail to Glacier ambles through open old-growth Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir forest while the airy canopy allows plenty of fruit-sweetening light to reach the huckleberry shrubs below.

Glacier Lake

The Glacier Creek portal epitomizes the appeal of hiking in the Mission Mountains Wilderness between Missoula and Kalispell. It includes pleasant old-growth forest, well-maintained and nevertoo-steep trails, and spectacular shoreline destinations that belie their ease of access. Simply put, few regions of the Northwest offer so many options for rewarding, done-in-a-day outings, and few Mission hikes attract as many done-in-a-day visitors as Glacier Lake. Maintaining a shallow streamside grade its entire length, the 1.6-mile trail to Glacier ambles through open old-growth Engelmann spruce and Douglas fir forest, while the airy canopy allows plenty of fruit-sweetening light to reach the huckleberry shrubs below.

Glacier Lake occupies a vast cirque, the smooth granite shelves at the far end sheltering several high tarns; a trail that splits off from Glacier Lake’s approach goes to Turquoise, the largest of the pools. Owing to a history of heavy use, the Forest Service prohibits camping within a quarter mile of the shore. No matter: with its short length, the hike to Glacier Lake is better suited to a day of picnicking than a backpacking trip.

Cold Lakes

The Cold Lakes are one of the Mission Mountains’ hottest destinations, but hikers averse to hordes should still make the trek. The 2.2-mile hike to Lower Cold Lake parallels Cold Creek for much of its length, and widely-spaced spruces cast dappled shadows on its shallow depths. Heavy undergrowth limits shoreline access except at the lower lake’s outlet. Of the two Cold Lakes, the upper is that much prettier because it sits even closer to the

heavily glaciated cirques of the Missions peaks.

No official trail connects Lower to Upper Cold Lake, but hikers keen on clambering over logs on a rough-hewn user path can easily reach the upper lake; plan on taking as long to go the half mile from the lower to upper lake as it takes to travel from the trailhead to the lower lake. Wavedeposited logs welter in the chilly water; swimming options are few. Camping within a quarter mile of either lake is prohibited. This leaves few overnight options in the deadfall-clogged understory, which, like Glacier Lake, is better suited to a family picnic than a pack trip.

Top: Hemlock Lake // below: Glacier Lake.

Photos: Aaron Theisen

Hemlock Lake

Hikers will be hard-pressed to count any hemlock on this 6.8-mile roundtrip hike, which provides a unique opportunity in the typically wet Missions to travel through a recovering burn area. From the trailhead, the trail immediately sets to work on a shadeless slope of shoulder-high larch and pioneering, post-fire blooms. The 2003 burn revealed unobstructed views across the Seeley-Swan Valley to the snow-capped panorama of the Swans. Once in the wilderness, pockets of uniform lodgepole and low huckleberry provide some respite and refreshment. Thick timber shelters the lake, which occupies a spot just below a slump in the crest of the Missions. Tiny Conko Lake sits on a high bedrock bench above the lake’s inlet; reaching it is more a matter of resolve than any technical climbing ability.

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Lake Elsina - Lake Dinah

Lakes Elsina and Dinah lie just outside the Mission Mountains Wilderness. Although they lack the dramatic rock-and-ice aesthetic of the high-alpine tarns in the wilderness proper, they offer superb wildlife watching with a fraction of the crowds of their more chiseled kin.

Beginning at the shallow, grass-fringed shores of Lake Elsina, the 4.4-mile roundtrip hike stays in the timber as it gradually crests the rocky sheaves of the Clearwater-Jocko Divide.

Low-growing rock garden plants eke out a living amidst late-lingering snow; summer is but a brief visitor on the lee side of the Missions.

Surrounded by willow, Lake Dinah makes a reliable spot to watch moose paddle improbably fast across the frigid water. //

C O RVA LLI S , O R

WA RREN , O R & P O RT L A N D, O R

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

13

River Rambles

is our river clean? // By Jerry White Jr. every dog is an explorer

Latah creek erosion pouring into the spokane river// photo: Jerry White Jr.

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When I talk to folks about the river, I can always count on one question: Is the river clean? This can be tough to answer since clean is in the eye of the beholder and can be a point of contention among different parties that work along the river.

The starting point is the Washington State water Quality Standards. These are legally established limits for each pollutant and are measured in milligrams per liter or degrees Fahrenheit. They are the limits that protect the public’s right to clean water, and they provide the basis for any discussion on water quality standards—but the topic can still get muddy. Let’s look at just a couple of pollutants that we worry about, and talk about how we judge cleanliness and how it might affect you the swimmer, boater, or angler.

First are toxins like polychlorinated biphynals or PCBs. These are compounds found in old industrial oils, caulks, road paints and pigments and dyes from recycled paper.

The new Washington State standard is just 7 parts per quadrillion in the river. One way I have heard this expressed is 1 part per quadrillion is compared to a postage stamp in the state of California. So getting down to 7 p/q in our river is squeaky clean. Right now, we have a river that has between 7 and 400 parts per quadrillion in the water column. Now this is not altogether filthy so you can swim and boat without fear! The real problem with the pesky PCBs is that they stick to fish.

We also worry about bacteria from human sewage, especially if the public is putting their face in that river. Sewage, chemicals and bacteria are a concern in rainy conditions and high water.

Spokane has a storm water collection system that still dumps raw sewage into the river during very wet weather, and folks need to know about this. If it rains more than a fraction of an inch in 24 hours,

it is possible to have sewage and chemicals from roads entering our river from storm water and the Combined Sewer Overflow System. As we saw this winter, when the river floods, it also overruns cow pastures and septic tanks. The good news is that the City of Spokane is drastically reducing its sewage overflows to the river. This reduction will continue to occur as giant holding tanks intercept the sewage overflow that you don’t want in your kayak.

Nutrient and sediment pollution is another huge worry for us. Phosphorus in the river starves water of oxygen and causes toxic algae blooms. In general, the Spokane River is getting cleaner as those who have pipes discharging in the river are reducing their nutrient discharge immensely. The problem is that in tributaries like Peone Creek and Hangman Creek, the Washington Department of Ecology is still stalling on enforcing pollution laws. Nutrients still run off into the tributaries because shoreline

The real problem with the pesky PCBs is that they stick to fish.

905 N. Wasington St. The Old Broadview Dairy 509.381.BIRD (2473) info@theblackbirdspokane.com BlackbirdSpokane @TheBlackbirdGEG

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

vegetation that’s essential for clean water is badly damaged by poor land use in some places. Walk or ride the Centennial Trail below Sandifur Bridge between December and May after a storm, and look at the mud spewing into our river from Hangman Creek. At these times, sediment pollution can be 10 times over the legal limit for dirt in the water.

A river is always changing and can be dirty sometimes and clean others. However, the state standards are the legal guide we use to judge cleanliness, and while our river is great to swim and fish in most of the summer, there are times and places that according to the Washington State water quality standards when the river needs a good cleaning. //

BuzzBin Ground Breaker Brewing’s Olallie Ale

Daft Badger Brewing’s Blood Orange IPA

Daft Badger Brewing produced one of its beloved small batch beers in larger quantities after celebrating two years as a popular, community-minded craft brewery in January. Daft’s Blood Orange IPA is a fruity juice bomb. The brewers use generous amounts of Citra, Simcoe, and Cascade hops to create a solid, distinctive base with fresh, tropical and citrusy notes. They then added blood orange purée for a candy-like sweetness that perfectly complements the bitterness from the hop oils.

Coming in at only 65 on the International Bitterness Unit scale, it finishes bold and rich at

7.3% ABV. It also pairs well with summery salads and BBQ. For a unique sipper, combine eight ounces of the blood orange cocktail mixer with two ounces of Campari and serve over ice with a blood orange wedge.

You can find this luscious beer on tap at the brewery in Coeur d’Alene all summer. A pint drinks nicely with the brewery’s garbanzo bean salad and smoked turkey sandwich. A limited supply of bottles are also available at the taproom and at Smokes and Suds on Government Way in Dalton Gardens while supplies last. (S. Michal Bennett)

On a hot summer day at the lake, soaking in the river, or sitting in your backyard hammock watching the barbecue smoke, an ice-cold Olallie provides a burst of thirst-quenching flavor that will, like summer itself, disappear way too fast.

At only 4.5% ABV, it’s a relatively safe beer for long lawn-chair chilling or sky-staring sessions. Olallie is Portland-based Ground Breaker’s lightest beer, but don’t expect a tasteless, watered-down brew. The rich, pink-colored ale packs a pleasantly fruity and slightly bitter punch that manifests in your mouth in a way that makes you forget you’re drinking a beer. I’m not sure exactly what to compare Olallie to; it’s dry, yet refreshing, and so complex and unique tasting that sometimes I think it deserves its own adult beverage classification. The closest thing I can come up with to describe an Olallie experience is the outcome of pouring a quality craft ale into a cold glass that still had a bit of dry red wine, or, maybe, under-ripe blackberry smoothie, left in the bottom. Fruit notes, without the sweetness, dominate your typical beer flavors thanks to the original, all-natural ingredi-

ents that also make this beer naturally gluten free: organic lentils, blackberries, rose hips, Crystal hops and other real ingredients. And it comes in a can, which makes for easy packing to and fro on your summertime outdoor outings. Pick up a can, or 4-pack, at the Main Market Co-op, Rocket Market, Huckleberry’s, or Total Wine. (Derrick Knowles)

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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++++++

Kids++++++

Falling in Love with a Pop-Up Tent Trailer // amy s. mccaffree

THe Mccaffrees loaded and ready to go. // Photo: Judd McCaffree

Big Agnes served her purpose well until last

summer. My family’s orange and yellow 4-person Big Agnes tent was acquired early in our marriage, four years before our first child was born. Not only did she come with a cool name; Big Agnes had a vestibule (purchased separately) that made the tent more versatile and functional for storing gear such as bikes, bags and camp chairs and providing a shelter area for our two husky dogs. That

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

tent dutifully toured around the Pacific Northwest for 10 years, from Glacier National Park to Lopez Island in northern Puget Sound. But last summer her end was clearly in sight. Not only did her seams leak when it rained heavily at Lake Pend Oreille, but one of her door zippers had broken the previous year, thanks to repeated use and little children who inadvertently snagged the nylon when trying to zip it closed. I, too, caused her

harm when I tripped over a stake line in the dark and ripped the nylon.

The reality was obvious: it was worn out and too small for a family with growing kids. We slept shoulder to shoulder with zero personal space, felt every jostle and kick of our children as they slept, and couldn’t stand upright to change our clothes. Big Agnes was literally a pain in the neck.

While researching 6-person tents to replace her, we realized that the latest tent technology was more expensive than we anticipated. And a bigger tent required that much more space in our cargo box, which meant less room for other gear. If we were going to spend a lot of money, why not just get a pop-up tent trailer?

The stars aligned last fall, and we purchased a not-too-old and small-enough-to-be-towed-byour-Subaru-Outback tent trailer through Craigslist.

We brought it home in time to winterize it before the first snowfall. And my husband spent the next five months figuring out the modifications needed to equip our Outback for towing it, including adding brakes to the trailer – thank God for DIY videos on YouTube.

This past April, we took our trailer on its maiden overnight trip – a one-night stay at Riverside State Park’s Bowl & Pitcher campground. Let me say it loud and clear: it was awesome. I could stand up!

I didn’t have to sleep five inches away from my daughter’s face on one side and smooshed into a nylon barrier on the other. Best of all, I no longer had to sleep on a Therma-Rest mattress and feel like

a 2x4 was strapped to my spine the next morning.

We were giddy with joy and envisioned all the future fun and cozy comfort we would enjoy – a refuge with an indoor table for eating and a spacious place to hang out when it was raining or windy. Our trailer felt fancy with its heater, propane-fueled electric lights, sink, stove and fridge.

And with a sleeping side for the kids and a sleeping side for the parents, plus space on the floor for our dog, we were all happy campers.

Those rookie nights in the trailer, which also included one night of urban camping on our residential street, helped us figure out packing and space-management ideas. With some Pinteresttype discussion boards and pictures and a quick trip to the hardware store, my husband created a DIY shelving system that proved valuable for our 3-night Memorial Day weekend trip. We still have kinks and packing and storage challenges to work out. But we’re strategizing and learning by trial and error and have more campground reservations over the next few months so that we can enjoy this spectacular new way of camping.

I still like tent camping; there is a beautiful simplicity to it, and a rugged resilience. But now that I’ve experienced the freedom and comfort of our pop-up tent trailer, who has yet to be nicknamed by us, I don’t want to return to a claustrophobic dome. Ultimately, this new gear allows my family to extend our camping season from spring to fall with more confidence and comfort, and truly provides a home away from home. //

e r u t n e v ad its aw a

GearRoom summer adventure gear //

By Jon Jonckers

4 1

GET OUT AND PLAY.

2

City of Spokane Parks & Recreation offers hundreds of camps and classes – plus four golf courses, six aquatic centers, and more than 80 parks. Check out our activity

5 FlipBelt (1)

The FlipBelt carries everything you need during a workout in the simplest way possible. Athletic wear is most often sleek and flattering and specifically aimed at helping you train or perform at your best. This means your shorts or tights rarely have a suitable pocket for anything other than a car key or credit card. Armbands can’t hold all your things, and running pouches bounce as you move. The sleek, tubular design of the FlipBelt fits comfortably and often discretely under a t-shirt or tank top. The material is stretchy, moisture wicking, and provides plenty of room for keys, phone, cards, IDs, an inhaler, and a couple energy gels.

MSRP: $28.95. Flipbelt.com.

GSI Outdoors Fairshare Mug II (2)

The Fairshare Mug II has multiple selling points.

It’s a hybrid mug/bowl with a screw-top lid and an insulating cover. I didn’t like the handle at first, but I grew to love it the more I used the bowl for other tasks. Interior markings make it easy to measure ingredients or water for a meal. The lid not only prevents spills, but it also helps your food retain heat. It’s also great for storing and transporting dry food, such as rice or pasta, to your campsite, thereby eliminating another container or baggie. Choose between four different colors.

MSRP: $15.95. Gsioutdoors.com.

GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube (3)

It’s so simple and inexpensive, plus it makes cooking and cleaning at a campsite so much easier with instant water at the twist of the tap handle. The Folding Water Cube comes in three sizes, and it features an ergonomic handle and a simple tap.

GSI Outdoors reports they’re made with a proprietary blow-molding method for superior burst strength and added durability. The food-grade polyethylene material is pliable and easy to fold.

There are other containers on the market, but few of them stand up alone, are easy to open and close with one hand, or pack down quite as compact as the Folding Water Cube. MSRP: $7.50 - $10.

Gsioutdoors.com.

guide at spokaneparks.org.

6 See-Me-Standz (4)

Paddlers often share waterways with a variety of fast-moving motorized watercraft. See-Me-Standz aims to reduce accidents by solving the age-old problem of visibility on the water. The lightweight, two-tier flag and three-option mounting base is designed for one purpose: for paddlers to be seen and be safer. This innovative system features fiberglass poles, a polycarbonate orange base, and a reflective strip in the middle. Frankly, it’s hard not to see. It mounts to anything via Velcro, and it swivels 360 degrees. It’s perfect for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, or even slow-moving fishing boats. Starting this summer, you will be able to pick one up locally at White Elephant and Alpine Haus Marina in Spokane Valley and the Coeur d’Alene Resort Boardwalk gas station.

MSRP: $20. Seemestandz.com.

Farm to Feet Damascus Hiking Sock (5)

Located a few feet from the Appalachian Trail, Damascus, Virginia, is host of the annual Trail Days festival, so it’s no surprise that Farm to Feet named one of its top hiking socks after the small town that’s known as Trail Town USA. The midweight version of its namesake sock is everything you would expect in a quality sock, and all Farm to Feet socks are American made with U.S. materials. The Damascus Hiking Sock features finegauge, 19.5-micron merino wool for incredible moisture management and next-to-skin comfort.

Most impressive of all, the seamless toe closure creates a totally flat connection in the toe box.

This means less bulk in the front of your trail shoes and a reduced chance of any blisters under your toes. MSRP: $26. Farmtofeet.com.

• Go kayaking

7

• Take up painting

3

• Join a sports league • Get outdoors

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack (6)

If your dog gets super excited each time you reveal their leash, just imagine their excitement each time the Approach Pack signals they’re going for a lengthy hike. Ruffwear created this pack with an integrated harness that enhances the fit, adds stability, and evenly distributes the load. Radial-cut saddlebags create a passive compression system that is form fitting and fairly streamlined. Word to the wise, stuff some newspapers into the bags and let your dog wear the pack without any weight so they can learn to take wider turns. Ruffwear recommends that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight in a dog pack. MSRP: $79.95.

Ruffwear.com.

Gregory Citro 25 Daypack (7)

Summer adventures require a convenient and dependable daypack, and the Gregory Citro is loaded with features that make it easy to keep your gear organized and accessible. It has a dedicated hydration sleeve with snap-n-go reservoir installation. The shoulder strap features a sunglasses quick-stow system for a scratch-free way to store your shades. Hipbelt pockets are great for keys and energy gels. Best of all, the soft-touch top pocket is a great place to keep your phone easily accessible and protected from getting scratched up with other items in your pack. The 3D Hydro Reservoir is included. MSRP: $129.95. Gregorypacks.com. //

SpokaneParks.org Call 311 or 509.755.2489

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Festival Guide Free Activities

Festival Schedule

(Details at Spokatopia.com) 7:30-8:30 AM: Up Chuck Challenge Late Registration Forgot to register for the trail run/walk in advance? No problem.

Test your balance on a slackline in the pines on the west edge of the exhibitor area. Relax in an ENO hammock in the hammock garden. Listen to live music all day. Try parkour with Odyssey Parkour.

Watch mountain bike tricks at the jump show. Try new camp games and activities and spin REI’s “Wheel of Fun” for great prizes as you relax in REI’s custom camp lounge with some the latest, comfiest REI camp furniture. Catch a MTB shuttle to the top of Camp Sekani. Try yoga at the “yoga for everyone” class. Sample a KIND bar, some Roast House coffee, or some Lyte Balance electrolytes.

Watch a crosscut saw demo with WTA. Pick up a free sample of Mountain House backcountry meals at the Out There Monthly booth. Win cool outdoor gear prizes by entering the Great Gear Giveaway.

Check out over 40 exhibitor booths from the region’s top outdoor recreation oriented companies, travel destinations, and organizations!

9:00-10:30 AM: Up Chuck Challenge 5k & 1.5 Mile Trail Run/Walk Start

The Up Chuck Challenge starts at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun 5k climb to the top of Beacon Hill. Or run or walk the more forgiving 1.5 mile “Up Chuck Lite” course.

Look for the start near the old red house next to the Camp Sekani dirt parking lot.

10 AM: Free Morning Yoga Lesson

Join yoga instructor Janelle Britton for a free “Outdoor Yoga for Everyone” class appropriate for all levels. (Bring your own mat and loose-fitting clothing.) Follow the signs up the hill from the Camp Sekani parking lot to the yoga tent.

10-6 PM: Bike Demos

This is the biggest bike demo event in the region! Wheel Sport, North Division Bicycle Shop, Mojo Cyclery, The Bike Hub, and NORCO will be demoing mountain and road bikes, fat bikes, e-bikes and more. Bring a current ID, helmet and riding gear. An all-day demo pass good for bike and water sports demos is $5 (available at Spokatopia.com and at the Out There Monthly booth at the festival).

10-6 PM: Slacklining

Test your balance on a series of slacklines set up in the pines on the westside of the festival grounds. Look for the signs.

11-4 PM: Paddleboard, Kayak, and Canoe Demos

Try Stillwater Outdoors inflatable stand up paddleboards and canoes and kayaks from Mountain Gear at Boulder Beach on the Spokane River. Bring a current ID, swimsuit and towel (pfd’s provided). An all-day demo pass good for water sports and bike demos is $5 (available at Spokatopia.com and at the Out There Monthly booth at the festival).

10:30 AM-6 PM: Spokatopia Beverage Garden

Enjoy craft beers and beverages from 238 Brewing, Bare Culture Kombucha, DruBru Brewing, Ghostfish Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, River City Brewing and more!

Proceeds from the beer garden benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance so enjoy a pint and support our local trails!

10:30-12:30 & 2:30-5:30 PM: MTB Shuttles to the Top of Camp Sekani

Ride the trails at Camp Sekani on a demo bike or your own ride and beat the heat with an uphill shuttle back to the top courtesy of Evergreen East. Stop by the Evergreen booth for details, trail maps, and info. Follow the signs to the shuttle trucks.

10 AM-6 PM: Live Music Joe Cajon: 10-11 AM

Transcendental, mellow, drifty hand pan drum music.

Wyatt Wood: 11-1:30 PM

Back again for year three, Wyatt Wood plays classic tunes from the 80s to the present plus a few originals.

Hey! Is for Horses: 2-3:30 PM

Northwest rock n’ roll that will light up the afternoon with originals brewed right here in Spokane. Front man John Blakesley pours his soul out to get you grooving to blues -inspired jams!

Sovereign Citizen and the Non-Prophets: 4:15-5:45 PM

They have been called “cowboy-grunge,” “acoustic folk core,” and “metal grass” and are sure to close out Spokatopia with a bang!

1-2 PM: Mountain Bike Jump Show

Watch riders show off their tricks and style as they fly through the air off large gapped jumps and other crazy-big features. Follow the signs to the bike park east of the main festival grounds.

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Grand Prize: Cabela’s Kayaking Package ($500 Value) Other hourly prizes from Crazy Creek, Yeti Cooler from REI, Winter Biking gear from Bar Mitts, The North Face Gear, and ENO Hammock package and more!

Stop by the Great Gear Giveaway booth at Spokatopia and enter to win sweet outdoor prizes that will be given away hourly.

(Listen for winners to be announced from the stage throughout the festival.)

Must Be Present to Win!

details @ spokatopia.com

Saturday July 8, 2017 10 AM - 6 PM Camp Sekani Park Paddleboard, Canoe & Kayak Demos

Try Stillwater Outdoors inflatable stand up paddleboards with Fun Unlimited. Mountain Gear will also have demo canoes and kayaks you can try. Water sports demos happen at Boulder Beach on the Spokane River from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Bring a current ID, swimsuit and towel (pfd’s provided). An all-day demo pass good for water sports and bike demos is $5 (available at Spokatopia.com and at the Out There Monthly booth at the festival).

Outdoor Adventure Clinics—Try a New Outdoor Activity!

Try these outdoor recreation activities. Sign up in advance or at Camp Sekani Park the day of the festival (if there’s space remaining). Cost: $10-20 per person depending on the activity. Water-based clinics happen on the river at Boulder Beach (see map) and the geocaching, rock climbing and disc golf take place at Camp Sekani Park. For all clinics, check in at the registration booth at the festival grounds at Camp Sekani Park to confirm when and where to meet. Gear and instruction are provided, but bring your own activity-appropriate clothing and a swimsuit/towel for water sports clinics. Register in advance at Spokatopia.com/excursions.

SIP BACK AND RELAX Taking it easy with friends, or just taking a daycation.

Intro to Rock Climbing: Let Mountain Gear staff teach you basic rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a beginner-friendly crag at Camp Sekani. Gear provided. Cost: $20. 10-11:30 a.m; 12-1:30 p.m; 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a voyage with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 23-foot voyageur canoe. Cost: $15. 9-9:45 a.m.; 10:15-11 a.m.; 11:30-12:15 p.m.; 12:45-1:30 p.m.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation for a morning or afternoon stand up paddleboard tour and try out brand new SUP boards. Equipment provided. Cost: $20. 11-12 p.m.; 12:30-1:30 p.m.; 2-3 p.m.; 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Tandem Kayak Tour: Explore this flatwater section of the Spokane River with Spokane Parks and Recreation on a guided tandem kayak tour and lesson. Equipment provided. Cost: $15. 10-11 a.m.; 11:30-12:30 p.m.; 1-2 p.m.; 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga: Kick off your Spokatopia festival experience with a tranquil stand up paddleboard yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. Cost: $20. 9-10 a.m.; 10:15-11:15 a.m.; 11:3012:30 p.m.

Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River. Cost: $20; 9-12 p.m.; 1-4 p.m.

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising to learn about different types of discs and techniques. Cost: $10. 11-12 p.m.; 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival July 8th 10:00am-6:00pm at Camp Sekani Park

Intro to Geocaching: Learn all about this high-tech scavenger hunt with Cache-Advance instructors, including cache-finding strategies, basic GPS skills and equipment needs. Cost: $15.

11-12:30 p.m.; 1-2:30 p.m.

NewBelgium.com

• free general admission

Dayblazer™, New Belgium® and the bicycle logo are trademarks of New Belgium Brewing Co. ENJOY NEW BELGIUM RESPONSIBLY. ©2017 New Belgium Brewing, Fort Collins, CO & Asheville, NC

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Festival Map

Getting to the Festival

1 - Shields Park/Minnehaha Climbing Area Park & Walk 2 - Festival Grounds/Exhibitor Area and Adventure Clinics Registration 3 - Boulder Beach Water Sports Clinics & Demos 4 - Mountain Bike Jump Show/Trails

4

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Camp Sekani Park is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley at 6707 E. Upriver Drive across from the Spokane River and Centennial Trail. Parking will be limited at the Camp Sekani/Boulder Beach area, so please carpool and consider using one of the nearby park & ride/bike locations.

Event Parking/Park & Ride

2

The two small parking lots at Camp Sekani Park will fill up early, so please use one of these alternative options:

3

5 - Pasadena Elementary Park & Ride

1. Roadside Parking:

Park on the shoulder/bike lane of E. Upriver Drive in select, signed locations between Shields Park and Boulder Beach, which will be allowed through a permit on the day of the festival.

2. Park & Ride Van Shuttles:

Park at nearby Pasadena Elementary or the neighboring church parking lot (1-mile east on Upriver Drive) and catch a van shuttle (running every 15 minutes).

1

3. Park & Walk:

Park near Shields Park/Minnehaha (the paved and dirt lots just west of Camp Sekani on the north side of E. Upriver Drive) and walk/bike from there.

Avista - Park and Bike

4. Park & Bike:

Try the more fun option–park at Avista Utilities (1411 E. Mission Ave.) and ride your bike 4.6 miles on the Centennial Trail to the festival or from your neighborhood if you live close enough. A secure, free bike corral will be available at Camp Sekani and you get a free water bottle from Wheel Sport for riding!

Summer Sale

On Commuter Bikes & the Last of 2017 Full Suspension Bikes

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STOP BY FOR A SAMPLE ON JULY 8 PROUD SPONSOR OF

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

LYTE BALANCE electrolyte CONCENTRATE BUY LOC AL Huckleberry’s | Main Market | Pilgrim’s Market Winter Ridge | Moscow Food Co-op OR AMA ZON.COM

The Biggest Bike Demo Event of the Year!

What makes Spokatopia the biggest bike demo and sales event in the region?

You can try many different types of mountain bikes, as well as electric-assist, townie, hybrid, fat bikes and road bikes from Spokane-area shops plus demo fleets from a few reps. Wheel Sport will have bikes from Specialized, Pivot, and Salsa including several types of Specialized e-bikes for demo, plus Specialized and Fox riding gear for sale. Mojo Cyclery is bringing demo bikes from Rocky Mountain; The Bike Hub will have their full demo fleet including bikes from Santa Cruz, Liv, Giant, Trek, and Electra; North Division Bicycle will have several Trek and Jamis mountain bike options for demo, along with a few road bikes. And Norco will be back this year with its demo fleet including all mountain, enduro, and trail bike options. NW Outdoors, Spokane’s new used gear consignment store, will also have great deals on all types of used bikes. Bring a current ID, helmet and riding gear. An all-day demo pass good for bike and water sports demos is $5 (available at Spokatopia.com and at the Out There Monthly booth at the festival).

Thanks to Our Awesome Sponsors!

Food Trucks Grab a seat in the shade at one of the picnic tables and enjoy a snack or full meal from one of the festival food vendors, including BEET It Up! Mobile Juice Bar, CRATE, Nick’s Shameless Sausages, Charlie’s Organic Produce and more!

Alpine Haus / Mountain Gear / Bike Hub / KPND / Avista / North Division Bike Shop / ROW Silver Mountain Bike Park / Mojo Cyclery / Lyte Balance / REI Ferry county Rail Trail / New Belgium / Ghostfish Brewing / Soulful Soups & Spirits / Ptera Charlie’s organic produce / A to Z Rental / Stonerose fossil center / American Canoe Association

Event Presented By:

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

21

Come See Us!!

Every Saturday and Wednesday

UrbanOutdoors Down Dog Downtown // By Erika Prins Simonds

Through October Workouts in the park. // photo: Derrick Knowles

∙veggies ∙eggs ∙meats ∙breads ∙honey ∙bedding plants

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5th Avenue between Division and Browne

At the end of a long day, there are plenty of reasonable excuses for skipping a workout: fatigue, evening plans, a growling stomach or simple laziness. But for eight weeks this summer, the cost of a fitness class won’t be one of them.

Free evening exercise classes at Huntington Park’s main plaza, the Spokane Tribal Gathering Place, begin in July and continue through the end of August. Downtown Spokane Partnership has partnered with The Union, YMCA, Spokane Club and Pure Barre to offer everything from barre classes to Zumba at no cost to the public — just show up and join in.

Working out with a group might add that extra nudge of motivation to get moving after a long, sedentary day. If that doesn’t do it, the sunset view of the river will. The classes offer a variety of approaches to moving in a way that you can later practice at home — a pretty good deal for zero dollars.

The killer lineup of free workouts started much smaller with a series of outdoor yoga classes. Now, a couple of years later, the demand and generosity of local businesses have transformed that humble idea into a full-blown summer workout schedule, and partners like Numerica Credit Union have stepped up to sponsor the series.

“Two years ago we partnered with The Union yoga studio to offer lunchtime yoga at the Parkade Plaza,” say Elisabeth Hooker, Marketing & Programming Manager at Downtown Spokane Partnership. Last year, the classes moved to the roomier — and much prettier — Spokane Tribal Gathering Place next to City Hall to accommodate high turnout. “I don’t think we had fewer than 80 participants each week,” she says. For people who stumbled upon it, a crowd of people working out together in public was quite a sight.

“It was kind of a surprise, especially in the middle of downtown,” she says. Some of those unsuspecting passers-by ended up participating in the class. That’s exactly the intent: Inviting the public

to reimagine what downtown living can be. So, the organizers come well equipped to accommodate newcomers. “I think jumping right in to anything could be a little intimidating, but last year we had a lot of people walking by [attend], and The Union and Lululemon bring a lot of extra yoga mats,” Hooker says.

This year, Downtown Spokane Partnership has added three additional days and some variety to the mix. Most notably, they’ve added a family night with fitness activities for kids. “On Mondays, we’re going to be offering Pure Barre. Tuesdays is going to be more of a rotating evening, so it can be anything from Zumba, it can be tribal dance [or] it can be hula hoop. Whatever the flavor of the day will be.

Wednesdays will be yoga with The Union, still, and Thursdays we’ll be partnering with the YMCA, so it’ll be more like family activities.”

Workouts begin at 7:15 p.m., giving participants a chance to find parking after meters turn off and make their way to the plaza, and will last about an hour. All classes are beginner friendly, and Hooker recommends taking any activity at one’s own pace to avoid injury. Trained instructors will be there to help answer questions and offer lower-impact options. “It’s definitely for everybody,” she says.

Downtown Spokane Partnership’s overall aim is to increase the vibrancy of the downtown area as a place to work and live. In addition to offering community fitness opportunities and supporting other community events, the non-profit organization administers downtown’s Business Improvement District funding by operating the area’s Clean Team and Security Ambassador Program. For Hooker, the classes are as much about building appreciation of Spokane’s downtown as they are about fitness.

“Seeing 200 people ‘downward dog’ all at once is pretty impressive, and it’s a really beautiful location. I mean, the sun is setting,” she says. “As people would walk by, I’d hear such positive things about our community.” Visit downtownspokane.org for details and the full class schedule. //

2017 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 7/8/17 Up Chuck Challenge 7/22/17 SPS #3 Mt. Spokane 8/5/17 7-Summits MTB vs Trail Runners 8/19/17 Jackass Hill Climb 9/9/17 SPS #4 Riverside

www.trailmaniacs.com

10/28/17 SPS #5 Halloween at Hell's Gate

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

Health&Fitness Fitness Training with Your Own DIY Multi-Sport Challenge // By Summer Hess

Clear water swims //Photo: SUmmer Hess

The number of race options in the world is enough to excite and, in some cases, overwhelm athletes. There are road races, themed races like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and Color Me Rad, charity races like Race for the Cure, mud runs like the Dirty Dash, and even more daring events like the Bare Buns Fun Run. Unfortunately, once you start participating in multi-sport events like triathlons and adventure races, the price tag also increases.

In Spokane we are lucky. Race fees here are modest compared to high-dollar events in other cities.

For example, you can enter a sprint triathlon like the Valley Girl Tri for $75. But some people don’t have the flexibility in their budget to drop that kind of cash; or, they might prefer to spend money on gassing up their cars for a weekend in the mountains. Another obstacle to organized races can be making the time. Mountain athletes, for example, are already multi-sport athletes, as they hike, ski, and climb in pursuit of summits. It doesn’t make sense for them to dedicate weekends to long runs and brick training sessions; their consecutive days are spent going to the hills.

I was inspired to think about DIY multi-sport challenges by a group of climber friends. We work together as partners and teammates in risk management, decision-making, and trading leads on long ascents. But, every once in a while, we thought, it might be fun to switch up how we train and to unleash our competitive sides. In other words, it’s time to throw down over some homegrown adventures. Here are a few local DIY multisport options we came up with.

should put you around one mile, which is the standard Olympic triathlon distance. Grab a towel from your backpack to dry off, then hop on your bike to ride home. Plan B could include riding to nearby Eastern Washington University to catch the bus home. Keep in mind that Spokane buses are equipped to handle only two bikes at a time.

Downtown Spokane Urban in nature

Get outside at downtownspokane.org

Bike, Climb, Bike: Pack up your panniers with climbing gear and coast to the Centennial Trail.

Plan to take longer on this ride with the extra weight so that you don’t blow out your knees.

Ride the 5.5 miles from downtown to the John C. Shields Park, lock up your bike, and cruise some of the Minnehaha classics with a partner. If you’re after a workout, set up a top rope and run laps.

Run, Throw, Run: From downtown Spokane,

walk or jog down to High Bridge Park for some disc golf. If the course is empty, try for a more

I was inspired to think about DIY multi-sport challenges by a group of climber friends. We work together as partners and teammates in risk management, decision-making, and trading leads on long ascents.

Bike, Swim, Bike: From the trailhead at

Government Way and Milton, ride 10.8 miles to Fish Lake. Once there, lock up your bike and wade past the kids splashing at the swimming beach. A 30 minute swim—15 minutes out and 15 back—

challenging speed round to get that heart rate up. Instead of teeing off and taking turns, let the first person pull then run to where her disc lands, pick it up, and try for the basket again. Allow this person to throw, run, throw, run, throw, until they score. Then the next person tees off and repeats. // Summer Hess is a fledgling surfer and Out There Monthly’s new managing editor.

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Nature The Plants and Creatures That Beautify Our States // By S. Michal Bennett culed Washington for not having a state tree.

Within a year, state representative George Adams passed a bill establishing the western hemlock as Washington’s tree. To this day, it remains a valuable tree to the state’s timber industry, and is one of the largest of its species. You can find its drooping evergreen branches and small, cylindrical cones from the coast to central Washington and in the Idaho Panhandle.

While we’re on plants, the Walla Walla sweet onion is the Washington state vegetable, the apple is the state fruit, and its flower is the Pacific rhododendron. In 1892, women throughout the state chose this deep pink flower but, because they couldn’t vote at the time, it was not official. After a statewide election the following year, their choice won over its proposed rival, the clover.

Washington took a daring approach with its animal icons, even selecting an amphibian (pacific chorus frog), an insect (green darner dragonfly), and two mammals: the orca (marine) and the Olympic marmot (endemic or native). However, the ones you are most likely to see on your outdoor excursions are the American goldfinch and the steelhead trout. The meadowlark was first considered for the state bird, but seven other states picked this little yellow bird as their symbol. Still, a dainty yellow bird won out in the end when school children officially chose the goldfinch in 1951.

Syringa and river smells combine to usher in summer // Photo: Derrick Knowles

Regardless of who holds office in Washington

D.C., citizens of the United States tend to have a deep sense of pride in their cities, states, and country. One illustration of this patriotic affection is the fact that we have state symbols and icons, not just national ones. These symbols represent the

culture and natural marvels unique to each state, and spotting the plant and animal embodiments in the wild can be an adventure in itself.

Washington: State symbols used to be a big deal. In 1946, The Portland “Oregonian” ridi-

Idaho: Once upon a time, Idaho almost voted to establish a state bush (the silver tipped sagebrush), and reptile (rattlesnake). Both failed, but the native plants and living creatures that did pass the legislature are prolific in Idaho, and many people in the Inland Northwest can readily identify them.

In spite of its vast and diverse agriculture, Idaho’s state vegetable is the potato. Most Americans would undoubtedly get that trivia answer correct. And the huckleberry is Idaho’s fruit. Much more than just a symbol and a favorite bear snack, this simple purple berry has become wildly popular throughout the Northwest and beyond. The abundant western white pine is the state tree, and the native syringa is the state flower. The syringa, a deciduous shrub with gorgeous white flowers, was collected by Meriwether Lewis in 1806.

Like Washington, Idaho also has a state amphibian (Idaho giant salamander), but unlike its neighbor, it has a horse (appaloosa), and a raptor (peregrine falcon). The peregrine is not as common of a sight in the Inland Northwest as the state raptor, the bald eagle, or Idaho’s beloved state bird (the mountain bluebird). One of two bluebird species found in the state, this bright blue bird was adopted

by Idaho in 1931.

To round out the critter list, the cutthroat trout was selected as the state fish in 1990 through a bill sponsored by Coeur d’Alene’s Mary Lou Reed.

And one of the most recognizable North American insects, the monarch butterfly, became the state insect in 1992.

As you head out onto the lake, mountains, and trails this summer, keep your eyes open for these unique and marvelous wonders of nature. They make our states, and world, more beautiful and a privilege to enjoy. // Michal Bennett wrote about Art Manley and Scott Reed in April.

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Wine, Wheels, and Wanderlust Exploring British Columbia’s Lake Country

By Derrick Knowles “Discovering” a new place so close to home that you immediately love is an uncommon delight when you’ve lived in the same place your whole life. My wife Shallan and I had skied the B.C. Okanagan region’s snowy peaks, Big White (near Kelowna) and Silver Star (a short drive from Vernon), and had heard several of the skiers and riders we met talking up the summertime lake life on sprawling, 135k-long Okanagan Lake.

But we had never experienced the Okanagan Lake region—a hotspot of trails, wineries, and watersports only four-and-a-half-hours north of Spokane — in its warm-season glory.

Last September, early enough in the month that summer was still full-on, we headed north for a few days of hiking, biking, touring wineries and checking out the interior B.C. city of Kelowna and the more mountain-town-sized Vernon. The number one takeaway from the trip was how shocking it is that more of us Americans who live so close to the border don’t make regular pilgrimages to British Columbia’s third largest city (with 127,000 residents) that is picturesquely situated along the shores of one of the largest lakes in southern British Columbia. Kelowna, which takes its name from an Okanagan First Nation’s word for grizzly bear, is an exceptional lake-and-outdoorrecreation-based tourist destination with all of the best urban amenities you’d expect from a small Pacific Northwest city.

Day 1: Kelowna

We rolled into town—after taking the faster, scenic backroad route to the border through remote northeast Washington’s Ferry County—and made our way to our downtown hotel where we immediately ditched our bags to set off exploring the area by bike. Situated right on Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is like a bigger, more cosmopolitan and urban-feeling Coeur d’Alene with more access to paved lakeside paths, hiking and biking trails, and renowned wineries. Our first taste of the town and lake was along the city’s 2.2k lakefront boardwalk. Families and friends gathered for picnics in the beautifully manicured ribbon of parkland.

Dreadlocked millennials balanced on slacklines between giant trees. A mix of languages drifted off the tongues of tourists strolling past street musicians. Sail boats, motorboats, and paddleboards plied the wide expanse of blue water abutting the city’s well-developed and lively strip of resort towers, marinas, restaurants and bars.

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

trail system eventually peters out where the resort strip transitions into a mix of residential and industrial development including a lake-side sawmill, but if you keep pedaling or walking north towards the mountain in the distance, you eventually reach Knox Mountain Park, Kelowna’s largest natural park that has a system of 15 hiking, biking and running trails accessible from several different trailheads near downtown. With dwindling daylight, we opted to save Knox Mountain for later on in the trip. We cruised on back to our room at Hotel Zed, an old downtown motel turned refurbished and revitalized hipster boutique hotel that comes with free use of bikes and roller skates, a ping pong lounge, pool and hot tub, classic rotary phones and comic books in every room, and, best of all, an unbeatable location dead-downtown and across the street from the lake, park, and boardwalk.

All cleaned up and on foot, we hoofed it a few blocks north to scope out the downtown Kelowna nightlife and hunt down some drinks and quality eats, which we found in abundance thanks to Kelowna’s sophisticated culinary and craft brew, spirits, and wine scene. We opted for a more casual evening and eventually settled in at a patio table at Fernando’s Pub, a few blocks from our hotel, where we chowed down on happy hour poutine, fish and chips, and tacos.

Day 2: Vernon, B.C., and Okanagan Lake Country

It’s a short and scenic 40 minute drive from Kelowna north to Vernon, B.C., and on the way, travelers on Highway 97 pass through the northern reaches of the province’s lake-studded, arid Okanagan wine region known as the Lakes Country. On the way to Vernon, we again took the scenic route, this time detouring off the main drag to check out several recommended wineries.

Our first stop was for lunch and a tour of the Gray

Monk Estate Winery. Our meal at Gray Monk’s Grapevine Restaurant and Patio was pretty much worth the drive from Spokane all on its own. We toasted a glass of bubbles surrounded by vineyards overlooking the stunning blue waters of Okanagan Lake. Of course we also sampled some of Gray Monk’s award-winning wine with our lunch before joining one of the tours of the wine making facility followed by a tasting and then a cheese and wine shopping spree in the gift shop.

Departing Gray Monk en route to Vernon, we made pit-stops at several more roadside wineries for tastings, encountering more of the usual relaxed and friendly conversations with staff and other patrons that are typical throughout much of interior British Columbia. And, after sampling more amazing wines, we added a few more bottles to the pile of hiking and biking gear and luggage in the car. Almost to Vernon, we made one final stop at Davison Orchards, a family-farm enterprise offering fresh fruit, vegetables, and other unique local products that reminded us of Green Bluff back at home.

After checking in at the Best Western Pacific Inn near downtown Vernon, we had dinner at the Midtown Bistro in the heart of town which was recommended for its fresh, local ingredients and inviting atmosphere. The menu included a huge and diverse selection of locally-sourced and housemade sandwiches, sliders and entrees. The owner brought out an epic charcuterie plate as a teaser for the OMG-this-is-amazing butter chicken and stuffed cabbage rolls to come. Midtown Bistro is the place to stop to fill your belly after a day of riding (bikes or boards) at nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort. You’re sure to find something to be stoked about on the vast and diverse menu.

Day 3: Ellison Provincial Park and Back to Kelowna

We were back on our bikes for a ride on the mellow cross-country mountain bike trails at Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon before breakfast. We took our time on the mostly single-track climb up through mixed conifer forest to the reward: expansive views of Okanagan Lake in the distance.

After a fun, squirrely decent back to our rig, we continued on to Kelowna for our final night north of the border. Not wanting to miss a major local hiking attraction, later that afternoon we squeezed in a hike to the top of Knox Mountain, Kelowna’s version of Coeur d’Alene’s Tubb’s Hill, but with more acreage, trails, and elevation. The viewpoints on the way up and on top of Knox Mountain make

for great Lake Okanagan gazing and photo ops of the beautiful city of Kelowna below.

After resting for a few minutes at the top with other hikers and trail runners, we hurried back down the trail to get cleaned up for our final night on the town, which for Shallan meant a pre-dinner yoga class at Hot Box Yoga a few blocks away, and for me, a few pints at my new favorite Kelowna eating and drinking establishment, Fernando’s Pub. We rallied later that evening for the wait-list worthy RauDZ Regional Table. Given how highly it was recommended by several locals we randomly polled, the small, jam-packed restaurant was surprisingly laid-back and comfortable and, not surprisingly, the dishes we tried, a huge plate of sautéed mushrooms, tomato salad with fresh herbs and local cheese, and melt-in-your mouth risotto, were simply prepared and totally delicious. Thankfully after an extended happy hour and a late dinner, it was only a few block walk to our room. Despite the energetic, Friday-night scene back at Hotel Zed, our last night in Kelowna delivered sweet dreams on soft pillows.

On our way out of town and back to the U.S., we wanted to weave in one more casual, leg-stretching bike ride. The Mission Creek Regional Park a few miles south of downtown Kelowna sounded about right. The trail system is 16.5 k in length; however, we only had time to pedal an out-and-back on the first 8k or so of the flat, wide pathway tucked in the trees along Mission Creek. Since it was September, the spawning kokanee were thick, and we stopped at every interpretive sign and creek viewing spot along the way to watch the brightly colored fish swim upstream toward their final days. While we weren’t able to pull it off on this trip, riding the entire trail system, including the Phase 2 from Ziprick Road to KLO Creek, would make for an adventurous day’s ride. The upper part of the trail features a canyon environment with a narrower trail, several bridges, and some steep hills with switchbacks.

Plan Your Own Trip to B.C.’s Okanagan Region

The two major tourism promotion agencies in the Kelowna and Vernon area provide invaluable information online (and in print at various visitor centers) covering things to do—from outdoor recreation opportunities to cultural and culinary options—places to stay and eat, events, and travel tips. Visit Tourismkelowna.com and Tourismvernon.com to help wade through the options and plan your perfect trip. //

More Outdoor Adventures in the B.C. Okanagan • Knox Mountain Park (easy to difficult) Trails of varying difficulty offer relatively easy-grade walking to some awesome views of the lake, city and mountains. The hike up to the Lower Crown Lookout (approximately 40 minutes to an hour roundtrip) or all the way up to the Upper Apex Lookout (about an hour and a half roundtrip).

Some trails are open to mountain bikes too.

• Kettle Valley Railway—Myra Canyon (easy) This section of the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is highly lauded for its spectacular scenery, including 18 trestle bridges and two tunnels. The railroad line was originally built at the turn of the last century and was rebuilt again after wildfire damage between 2003 and 2008 when the Okanagan Mountain Park Fire claimed 12 of the trestle bridges. Bike or hike as far as you care to go before turning around and returning the way you came.

• Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park (easy to difficult) The centerpiece of this stunning park is the distinctively blue-green Kalamalka Lake, which gets its unique and beautiful color from dissolved limestone that crystalizes when the lake heats up in the summer. A network of hiking and biking trails traverse the park, with some leading to swimming beaches (try Jade Bay and Cosens Bay). Juniper Bay is the most developed and easily accessible area in the park and has a playground, picnic tables, toilets, water, and a swimming area.

• Silver Star Mountain Resort (easy to difficult) 20 minutes from Vernon, Silver Star is Canada’s second largest bike park, featuring 125 kilometers of cross-country and downhill trails for every level of rider. A high-speed bike chairlift offers riders and hikers quick and easy access to the top where the trail choices include 18 downhill trails, 21 cross-country trails, four hiking-only trails, and two multi-use trails. // Three days in Kelowna, Lake Country, and Vernon B.C. // Photos: Shallan Knowles July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Dispatches Troy, Montana, Gets a Pump Track (1)

For the first time, mountain bikers in the northwestern Montana town of Troy can build confidence, strength, and bike-handling skills in a bike park without ever leaving downtown. Pump tracks—short loops of trail made of dirt rollers—are gaining momentum in the mountain bike world because they are a space-efficient, fun way for riders to practice using the shape of a trail to pick up speed without pedaling. Once riders learn the basics of “pumping,” they can use the tracks to work on jumping, cornering, and other skills.

A trail advocacy organization called the Kootenai Mountain Riders recently built Troy’s first pump track. Shana Bernall, secretary for the organization, says the pump track is only the first phase of their planned skills park. They also hope to build nearly a mile of beginner and intermediate trail in the area for novice riders, with the goal of making mountain biking accessible for anybody who wants to try it. Pump tracks often become bike community hubs because the riding is concentrated into a small area, which makes it easy for groups of all abilities to gather, ride, and hang out. Bernall says the Troy bike park’s downtown location makes it especially useful for people of all ages.

The Troy pump track is one of five ongoing bike park projects across Montana. The spread of bike parks means that riders and trail advocacy organizations are defining how projects like Troy’s pump track can help make outdoor recreation more accessible. “You don’t have to have a special bike,” Bernall says. “You see kids just going out and doing it.” Follow the Kootenai Mountain Riders’ progress on Facebook. (Alicia Leggett)

Spokane River Rowing Classes Offered (3)

One of the original Olympic disciplines, rowing is a low-impact sport that develops strength, coordination, and teamwork. Learn to row this summer by signing up for the Spokane River Rowing Association’s two-week class offered morning or evening. The first session begins July 10 and costs $175 for morning classes or $200 for evening. The Spokane River Rowing Association is a non-profit organization that started up in 2003 when the founder of Women on Wheels offered rowing to the community as a means of cross training for biking.

In addition to the Learn to Row class, SRRA a l s o offers

Ride the Selkirk Loop (4)

Arguably the best way to experience the International Selkirk Loop, which follows paved backroad routes through northeast Washington, North Idaho, and southeast British Columbia, is from the human-powered, windshield-free seat of a bicycle. The WaCanId Bike Ride is an annual, 6-day bicycle tour that covers 370 miles and showcases the International Selkirk Loop’s spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, and communities. It also includes a ride on North America’s longest free ferry route and excellent “SAG support,” meaning if you need a lift somewhere out there, no problem.

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“Masters” rowing sessions three days a week, six months out of the year. These coached sessions are offered to SRRA members with prior rowing experience, no matter how extensive.

If you decide to become an SRRA member after completing the Learn to Row course, the annual membership ($75) is waived. For more information visit Spokanerowing.org. (Siobhan Ebel)

Spirit Lake, Idaho, to the east of Mt. Spokane and a short drive from all major Inland Northwest population centers, may be one of the region’s coolest small towns with the most potential for establishing itself as an out-of-the-way outdoor recreation destination. People who like clean, uncrowded lakes; authentic, small-town character; newly built mountain biking and hiking trails; and endless room to roam on backroads should take note of what the thoughtful community leaders in Spirit Lake are up to. One of the most exciting developments for those of us who are drawn to flowy, non-motorized single-track trails is the relatively new Empire Trails system of biking and hiking trails on the north side of Spirit Lake that have been developed over the last few years in partnership with the Inland Empire Paper Company. And the trail system and the vision of connecting it with other regional trails continues to grow. Two more miles of trails were added to the system this year. To check them out yourself, a $2.50 per day trail pass is required, which you can pick up along with a trail map at the trailhead or at Miller’s Harvest Foods, Bubble Boy Boutique, C’s Trains and Antiques, and Sondahl’s Pottery in Spirit Lake. More trail info at Bikespiritlake.com and keep an eye out on the Bike Spirit Lake Facebook Group page for details on an upcoming fundraiser to help keep the trail development efforts going.

(Derrick Knowles) New Addition of “Trails of the Wild Cabinets” Released (6)

New Loop Trail on Colville Mountain (2)

Long envisioned by local hikers and mountain bikers, the first miles of a new trail system are finally in the works on city-owned property on Colville Mountain just on the outskirts of Colville, Wash. “With maps fresh off the press,” reports Washington Trails Association’s Holly Weiler in a recent trip report at Wta.org, “our group of six hikers toured the Colville Mountain trail system by hiking the loop counter-clockwise. These trails are still under construction, but even in the places where the tread isn’t 100% perfect, the trail is easy to follow and shouldn’t present problems to visitors.” There are fantastic views from the trail system, notes Weiler, “with glimpses of the Kettles to the west and the Selkirks to the east.” With a small trailhead on the edge of town, this new hiking option is definitely worth checking out she says.

Find a map and more info at Wta.org. (OTM)

Empire Trails Put Spirit Lake on the Map (5)

Participants who complete the ride also get a commemorative WaCanId Century Club patch. The route includes a few climbs, but organizers note that “it will be the scenery that will take your breath away.”

Wacanid.org. (Derrick Knowles)

The “hiker’s bible” to the Cabinet Mountains of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana is out in a new edition, with updated trail information, new trails and even a new cover. “Trails of the Wild Cabinets: Third Edition,” was a work of nearly two years by writer and inveterate hiker Jim Mellen, who has picked up and carried on the trail guides originally authored by the late Dennis Nicholls.

“Updating these trail guides always throws me for a loop,” says Mellen. “I think it might only take me 40 hours to do an update, but 300 hours later I am still struggling with the details. I would hate to see someone make a plan to do a great hike and then get thrown off track by inaccuracies in the book.” The guidebook has detailed descriptions for more than 100 trails, numerous maps and photos, and a features chart of major points of interest. Sprawling 150 miles across the two states, the Cabinet Mountains hold inspiring peaks, breathtaking alpine lakes, unspoiled old-growth forests and rare wildlife. The guide is available at regional book and outdoor stores, or online at Keokeebooks.com. (OTM)

Eatology Shame on Science and the Skinny, Faster, Smarter Pill // By Ammi Midstokke There is a phenomenon in journalism where a fascinating scientific study gets blown out of proportion. For example, many studies show that consumption of collagen aids in health and connective tissues and appears to have a link with reduced inflammation. Even though your grandmother achieved this by making chicken soup, people have been persuaded to pay top dollar for grass-fed collagen as the result of a single study.

I experienced this recently. “Have you heard of Akkermansia?” the woman asked me. I nearly blew my coffee through my nose, but I hate to waste the caffeine. I belong to a small percentage of the population who actually has heard of it--not because I hawk the latest snip of research as the missing link to my fat thighs, but because I read stool bacteria reports for a living. As a result, I know that studies show that a high count of the bacteria Akkermansia correlates to increased insulin sensitivity and efficiency of fat metabolism in mice.

Equally, I have read the independent studies on various products from Protandim to Asea. Studies have long shown the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of curcuminoids and green-tea extract.

Studies have also shown that balancing electrolytes aids in intracellular communication.

Here is what those studies don’t show—and it’s not their fault: They don’t tell the rest of the story. For example, you can take a bunch of Akkermansia bacteria and think you’re getting skinny; but, if the environment of your gut cannot support Akkermansia growth, it will die off and you’ll be paying for it out the other end.

I am not saying these products are bad or they do not do what they claim to do (in part because they have better lawyers than me). But I can say that the FDA can barely keep up with sending them requests to take dubious claims off their websites.

Here is the stark reality that we must all accept before we shell out $50 for a cure-all: Your body is an environment in which many variables must operate synergistically in order to maintain homeostasis. Any single item, ingredient or red pill on its own will not change your body.

You can, however, change the environment by making it capable of responding to and using those fancy ingredients you are putting into it. If you are

injured, by all means, swig that bone broth and take those curcuminoids. But, if you’re drinking beer and shoveling down a pint of ice cream at the same time, you are making the environment worse.

We must become more responsible and accountable for our environment as a whole. It takes a measure of self-honesty that I seldom see—even in myself. I’m remodeling my house right now and living mostly on oatmeal cookies and cocktails. I could take some inositol because studies show it aids in a reduction of sugar cravings. Or maybe I could slow the f@#k down and take the time to make myself a salad with salmon and actually chew my meal.

Is stress making us eat more or poorly? Reduce the stress. Are we inflamed and suffering sore joints? Maybe we should review our training regimen. Do you want to drink a bottle of wine in the garage before you make dinner for the kids? Maybe

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Here is the stark reality that we must all accept before we shell out $50 for a cure-all: Your body is an environment in which many variables must operate synergistically in order to maintain homeostasis. you need a 10 minute yoga session instead.

It’s simple, really. Eat good food. Get enough sleep. Drink your water. Laugh with your friends.

Hug your children. Move your body. Use your brain. Studies show that the happiest and healthiest people are those who maintain healthy habits and relationships throughout their lives. They also occasionally enjoy oatmeal cookies. // When Ammi is not chasing her first love (trails), she is preaching her second (food) as a Nutritional Therapist. To find out more about saving the world with kale or the misadventures of a single mom, visit her website at www.twobirdsnutrition.com.

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RaceReport

The Coeur d’Alene Crossing (August 13)

nial Trail! n e t n e C Spokane River and

Fellow open water swimmers, the Coeur d’Alene Crossing on August 13, is a gem of a race you will not want to miss. This is an open water simmers’ only opportunity to swim all the way across this beautiful lake protected from boat traffic. I love how its long, 2.4-mile, one-way course tests mind and body.

We begin race day in a huddle, wrapped in blankets in the early morning as we sign-in for race numbers and caps. Then we wait impatiently to board the boat, cruise across the lake, and line the starting beach. Just when I am not sure I can contain my excitement any longer, the starting horn sounds and we surge past marina docks, happily fanning out into the wide expanse of open water.

We’re swimming toward a shore I can barely see, and I focus on my mantra: stretch, breathe, stroke.

Just when I’m convinced I have missed the midrace buoy, there it is beside me. It’s hard to believe I am only half way. Surrounded by water, waves and sun, I give in to a surrealistic suspension of time and space, experiencing moment by moment.

Warm water spots soothe me; cold spots jolt me alert. Sunlight warms my cheek, offering a brief reprieve from the dark, cold of the deep. Stretch, breathe, stroke. Suddenly stronger swimmers are bursting by me. It’s the final stretch—I can see the finish!

The first finishers have been out long ago with times of just over 50 minutes, which seems all but impossible. But these are Coeur d’Alene Area Swim Team members for whom the race was created six years ago. Greater numbers of swimmers each year have inspired the race organizers to develop innovative options. For example, now we can choose a boat drop off for a shorter 1.2 mile course or become an Iron Series Athlete by combining the 2.4-mile Crossing distance with the CDA Marathon and Coeur d’Fondo cycling event.

I’ll be sticking to the 2.4 mile race this year. Hope to see you out there, and don’t forget the other great

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Centennial Beer Chase Runners between craft beer tastings. // Photo: Cascade Relays

swimming races coming up that were highlighted in the June issue of Out There Monthly, which is available online. (Susan Hales) Centennial Beer Chase (October 7)

It’s simple math: local craft beer + running buddies + Centennial Trail = good times. This winning formula led to the birth of the Centennial Beer Chase in the fall of 2016. The event returns this year on October 7, with teams of up to six runners and a driver taking off in Spokane in relay fashion to the finish in Coeur d’Alene. Along the way, team members tackle 12 legs of 3-7 miles, each between craft breweries, for a total of 50 miles. Between stops for sips (and gulps) of samples at breweries, the inactive runners in the van will stop to support their team-mate with cheers, water, food and navigation help. At the finish line, all runners join in a mini Northwest Octoberfest of beers from all of the participating brewers.

Here, the driver finally gets to sip her/his reward of brews for stewing in the smell of exertion for the past several hours as runners switched off and rode from station to station.

Megan McIntyre took part in last year’s inaugural beer chase and noted the unique team spirit of the event and the quality and number of local breweries participating. “The best part was visiting breweries I never knew existed,” she says. Runner Ken Zigler, who also participated on a Centennial Beer Chase team last year, says he will do it again for sure, adding that “most of the breweries had specials for us if we wanted more than the sample.”

What’s so special about a relay like the Centennial Beer Chase? Race organizer Scott Douglass says “Running is often a solitary sport, but in a relay, it’s all about your team. Teams are able to accomplish something that most people could not do on their own.” There are multiple divisions by age and gender as well as several corporate and group designations. Learn more and register at Centennialbeerchase.com. // (Brad Thiessen)

Spotlight SUP rents // By Brad Naccarato

Unpack, inflate, and go. // Photo: courtesy of Suprents

A few years back, Scott Allen was on a family vacation in San Diego, California, with plans to do some stand up paddleboarding on Mission Bay. The experience he had on that vacation left him unsatisfied with his board rental experience and spawned a great idea that developed into a successful local business.

“The boards we rented were large fiberglass boards that we really couldn’t transport from beach to beach with standard rental cars,” says Allen.

“They also were expensive to rent given that we could really only use them one time before having to return them.”

So in July of 2015, Allen, with help of busi-

ness partner Eric Lindstrom, launched SUP Rents, a company specializing in stand up paddleboard rentals. SUP Rents is unique in that they ship boards either to your home or vacation destination ahead of time. The boards are inflatable, which allows them to be shipped and transported easily. Once on vacation, the user unpacks the box and inflates the board using easy to follow instructions. This offers the consumer a transportable SUP set-up that they can use for multiple days, in multiple locations, for one competitive price. SUP Rents has enjoyed steady growth and now has three warehouses, Spokane, Bend, and northern California, that serve customers vacationing anywhere in the United States. “We offer 10’, 10’ 4”, 11’, and 12’ 6” boards for every size and ability level of paddler. If you’re not sure what you need, you can always call us and we can advise you on what board is best,” adds Allen.

I wanted to experience first-hand what it’s like to use SUP Rents to give an honest assessment of the value of the service. Scott gladly sent us over a board for a quick day trip to Priest Lake. Weighing in at an average 30 pounds, the board, paddle and pump, made by ISLE boards, are packaged together

in a sturdy backpack that can be adjusted to fit most body types. The kit was easy to haul to our destination at Priest Lake, taking up no more room than an average duffel bag. Once we arrived at the beach, the board was inflated and ready to go after about 10 minutes of moderately-paced pumping.

The two-piece paddle locked together with one click and the fins snapped in easy. The instructions inside were clear and easy to follow, and soon we were ready to roll.

On the water, our board (the 11-foot model) was stable and easy to paddle. Heavy paddlers, or more advanced paddlers might opt for the 12’ 6” model.

Although it’s slightly larger and heavier for transport, the extra length creates a faster, better tracking board for long distance touring. Keep in mind that inflatable boards are a bit of a compromise. You won’t quite get the top-end performance that you get out of a fiberglass board but, for most paddlers, the convenience of being able to pack and haul your board around without damaging it is well worth it.

SUP Rents could be an ideal set up for hiking into a remote lake you’ve always wanted to paddle or as a package that’s easy to travel with to any of our region’s lakes for a weekend. If paddleboarding is not quite your cup of tea, SUP Rents also offers 12’ foldable touring kayaks by ORU. PFDs are also available for rent at an additional cost. Check them out at Suprents.com, or you can give Allen a call at 509-979-2981. “So far, we’ve had nothing but 5-star reviews,” he says. “We love that we are getting lots of positive feedback from our customers.”// Brad Naccarato wrote about fly fishing in the May issue.

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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to Going the Lake

Special Section 2017

Inland NW LAke Guide If you already have a “lake place” – your own or your parents, your friend’s grandparents or cousins, or your Uncle Bob’s – then you likely already have your favorite lake. But for the rest of us, any of the dozens of Inland Northwest lakes can be ours for the loving. To feel the cold water envelop our bodies as we dive in from the bow of a boat on a scorching afternoon. To paddle a kayak, canoe or SUP with sunlight glistening from the mirror-like lake surface, and surrender to the lovely ache of tired muscles back on shore. If you are free to sojourn and explore some of the region’s many lakes, this is your go-to guide for finding your favorite lake-based activities and adventures. While not comprehensive or inclusive, it’s meant to inspire your exploration and travel to new destinations – whether you’re looking for lakes to launch your canoe or ski boat, swimming beaches for your kids, or a quiet fishing spot. By Amy S. McCaffree

EASTERN WASHINGTON

From rustic scabland lakes carved by the Ice Age floods to those surrounded by mixed-conifer forests and wildlife, including out-of-the-way or backcountry gems offering solace from the frenetic scene at more common destinations, there is a lake for you in the eastern half of Washington. While many small regional lakes have shorelines dominated by private property, many have a public boat launch maintained by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for the primary purpose of providing access for boaters and bank fishing (Discover Pass required). And other lakes have dedicated municipal parks or privately-owned resorts, both rustic and modern, that provide access for day-use swimming, dock fishing, boat-launching and overnight camping. (Visit wdfw.wa.gov and find the “Water Access Sites” page for directions to many of these lakes.)

Newman Lake One of the largest lakes in Spokane County, at 1,200 acres, locals describe Newman as being shaped like a five-leaf clover. With a view of local mountain peaks, including Mt. Spokane, much of its nine miles of shoreline is lined with homes and rustic cabins. Newman’s public access points include a WDFW boat launch and the 462-acre McKenzie Conservation Area with 3,000-feet of shoreline, hiking trails and picnic areas. As for resorts, Newman Lake Resort & Marina is on the lake’s east side and is open from 8 a.m. to dusk for day-use swimming (no lifeguard on duty), dock fishing, row boat rentals, picnicking ($5 per person; free for children under 12 and all military personnel).The on-site convenience store will be closed this summer, according to resort manager Lori Stoa, so stock up on supplies before you arrive. Because of the milfoil, Stoa recommends bringing floaties and swimming off the designated swimming dock, which has a ladder. Launch a boat for $5 or ask about tent camping options. On the lake’s southwest shore, there is also the small, rustic Sutton Bay Resort.

Liberty Lake Paddlers enjoy convenient access to the WDFW boat launch on the north end, not far from the city’s main business district. On its south end is Liberty Lake Regional Park, which provides a lifeguarded swimming beach, BBQ area, playground, hiking trails (including the 8.3-mile Liberty Lake Loop Trail), and campground (no boat launch). The park has a $2 per person day-use summer entrance fee (family season passes are available).

Bear Lake Off Highway 2, 15 miles north of Spokane, this spring-fed lake is only accessible via the 166-acre Bear Lake Regional Park. Enjoy the swimming beach (no lifeguards), BBQ area, playground and hiking trails (no boat launch).

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Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area The 130-mile long Lake Roosevelt was formed out of the upper Columbia River with the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. The national recreation area (nps.gov/laro) designation protects the human-made reservoir and provides public access with numerous boat launches, campgrounds and primitive shoreline with many sandy beaches.

Three government agencies and two tribes collectively manage the lake and much of its shoreline, so be sure to consult a map and plan carefully before you fish or camp. Numerous day-use areas and campgrounds are within the recreation area, including Kettle Falls and Fort Spokane. Fort Spokane, near the confluence of the Columbia and Spokane rivers, is the closest reservoir boat launch to the Spokane-metro area.

Fish Lake One of many channeled scablands lakes, Fish Lake Regional Park is the only official way to access this rural 32-acre lake, located two miles northeast of Cheney. There is a fishing dock, swimming beach (no lifeguards), boat launch, playground, restrooms, basketball court and hiking and biking trails. Boats with internal combustion motors are prohibited, making this a serene and popular destination for families. Bring your bikes to enjoy the paved Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, which borders the park and connects to the City of Cheney, only 3.25-miles away.

Williams Lake Located 12 miles southwest of Cheney, near the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Williams Lake attracts anglers and paddlers from around the region. Odds of catching rainbow or cutthroat trout are high thanks to annual fish stocking.

Three main access points include: a WDFW boat launch, Klink’s Resort, and Bunker’s Resort & Marina. Klink’s Resort is also home to the separately owned and operated Bistro at Williams Lake, with lake-view dining, outdoor seating, and live music on summer weekends (see p.34).

Sprague Lake Known for its rainbow trout and steelhead fishing, the 6-mile long by 1-mile wide lake is accessible through the Four Seasons Campground and Resort or Sprague Lake Resort.

Sullivan Lake Generations of locals make annual sojourns to Sullivan Lake to enjoy camping, paddling, fishing, hiking and huckleberry picking. Located in the Colville National Forest, and only four miles southeast of the small town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County, Sullivan Lake has two access sites: East Sullivan Lake Campground at the north end and Noisy Creek Campground on the south end (fs.usda.gov). The serene, rustic setting allows you to unplug and unwind. Wild animals love it too, so keep an eye out for bear, elk, cougar, moose and even wolves.

Trout & Emerald Lakes Escape the masses and visit these rustic, canyon lakes tucked into the Colville National Forest’s Kettle River Range. Near the towns of Kettle Falls and Republic, you can drive directly to Trout Lake Campground, with its four lakeside campsites. To reach Emerald Lake, hike Hoodoo Canyon Trail #17 to Emerald Lake Trail #94, just over 6 miles round-trip. It also makes for a great backpacking destination. Bring a water-filtration system to refill your water bottles. Find hiking info at Wta.org.

Twin Lakes On the Colville Indian Reservation, near the town of Inchelium, are two lakes referred to as Twin Lakes. Each is accessible from locally-owned resort areas, and anglers need tribal fishing permits. North Twin Lake has Rainbow Beach Resort, while South Twin Lake has Hartman’s Log Cabin Resort.

Fishtrap Lake In eastern Lincoln County southwest of Spokane, Fishtrap Recreation Area includes more than 7,000 acres of public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Access the 190-acre lake in one of two ways: the WDFW boat launch or Fishtrap Lake Resort on the lake’s north side.

Deer Lake This spring-and-snowmelt-fed 1,150-acre lake is located off the west side of Highway 395, 14 miles southeast of Chewelah. Use the WDFW boat launch located off N. Deer Lake Road on one of the west bays, or check-in at Deer Lake Resort, which offers boat rentals, mini-golf, and overnight accommodations, including cabins, condos and

Escape the masses and visit these rustic, canyon lakes tucked into the Colville National Forest’s Kettle River Range. - Trout & Emerald Lake campsites. For a more private lake retreat, consider a home or cabin rental through VRBO.com or Airbnb.com.

View a map of boating access points and beaches and find current boat launch permit fees at fyinorthidaho.com or kc.gov.us.

Loon Lake Located off the west side of Highway 395 in Stevens County, this 1,086-acre lake has three access points: a WDFW boat launch, Shore Acres Resort, and Granite Point Park.

Lake Coeur d’Alene This 25-mile long tourist mecca, with its more than 31,000 acres open to power boats, waterskiing, paddling and cruising, has 16 boat launch locations and additional water access points. See the complete list at lakecoeurdalene.com. Here are a few favorite Lake Coeur d’Alene destinations.

• Harrison: Arriving in this small town is like stepping back in time for a relaxing lakeside escape. Located 28 miles south of I-90 via the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, Harrison offers all you need, whether you get here by car, boat (20 minutes from the city of Coeur d’Alene), or bike on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Don’t miss visiting the Harrison Creamery and Fudge Factory, one of many small businesses in the historic area bordering the large city park. A sandy public beach is nearby. Two businesses rent pontoon or ski boats, kayaks, SUPs or other watercraft: Harrison Idaho Water Adventures and Harrison Pontoons & Rentals. Consider paddling up the Coeur d’Alene River to visit the Chain Lakes, as they’re collectively referred, which consist of a series of small, remote lakes where you’re sure to see wildlife. For more information, visit harrisonidaho.org.

• Yap-Keehn-Um, aka NIC Beach: Avoid the crowds of City Beach and head to the North Idaho College campus, where you’ll find a family-friendly beach accessible off Rosenberry Drive (referred to locally as “the dike road”).

The beach’s official name means “The Gathering Place” in the Coeur d’Alene tribal language. NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits recreation program boat house (open daily from 10 a.m.

- 6 p.m. through Labor Day) provides gear rentals, including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and sailboats. There is also a concession building, restrooms and swimming area but no lifeguard. All parking on campus is free during

Waitts Lake North of Deer Lake and south of Chewelah, this remote, nearly 500-acre lake has a WDFW access site with a boat launch on the southeast side of the lake, as well as three resorts: Silver Beach Resort, Winona Beach Resort, and Waitts Lake Resort.

Eloika Lake You’ll find this narrow, 3-mile long lake near the town of Elk, one-mile west off Highway 2. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountain foothills, paddlers can enjoy some peace and quiet and look for wildlife, including beavers and muskrats (see p. 36). There are two access points on the east side: a WDFW boat launch (near Gray’s Landing) and Jerry’s Landing Resort near Pocahontas Bay. Davis Lake In Pend Oreille County, located along the west side of Highway 211, five miles south of the town of Usk, this quiet, nearly 500-acre lake has a WDFW boat launch on the north end. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is possible through October 31. You’ll find Camp Spalding situated along the lake’s southwest shoreline – a faith-based resident camp and home of Clearwater Lodge, which hosts a family camp every August.

NORTH IDAHO

Lake culture is as big as the massive lakes in Idaho’s Panhandle. From skiing and wakeboarding; scenic touring or sailing; to paddling, swimming, and fishing, there is a North Idaho lake, bay or beach just right for your favorite lake activities.

summer until the third week of August, before the fall term begins. Rental reservations are recommended – call the boat house directly at 208-769-3290.

Hauser Lake Located north of Post Falls, Hauser Lake Park (kcgov.us) has a boat launch, swimming area, restrooms, picnic tables and children’s playground.

Chatcolet Lake & Benewah Lake Located in Benewah County, less than 90 minutes from south Spokane, is where you’ll find these two small lakes – accessible through Heyburn State Park ($5 daily vehicle fee). The Rocky Point Beach and Marina off Highway 5 – located about 10 minutes from the park’s visitor center near Hawley’s Landing campground – has boat rentals and a dayuse area with a swimming beach (no lifeguards), fishing dock, playground and restrooms. You can boat or paddle from here to Benewah Lake, which also has a first-come-first-serve campground, one of three within the state park. Hawley’s Landing, the most developed campground, has two loops for full-hookup RVs and a loop with 10 tent campsites that offer views of Lake Chatcolet. Further north along the western shoreline is Plummer Point, a day-use, dog-friendly swimming beach, and beyond that is the Chatcolet day-use area, which includes a boat launch, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms and trailhead access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved 72-mile long multi-use trail. Consider biking to Harrison for ice cream, an 18-mile round trip from the historic Chatcolet Bridge, which is the dividing line between Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Chatcolet.

Spirit Lake Enjoy views of the Selkirk Mountains at this lake located north of Rathdrum and west of Athol. A portion of the lake is within the boundary of the City of Spirit Lake. There are three public boat launches: an Idaho Fish & Game sportsman’s access on the north shoreline and two maintained

by Kootenai County – Maiden Rock on the east side and Bronze Bay on the west. There are also two resorts – Sedlmayers Campground & Resort and Silver Beach Resort. Spirit Lake also has an expanding system of hiking and mountain biking trails called the Empire Trails. Access to the 8 miles of recently built non-motorized single-track on Inland Empire Paper Company land requires a $2.50 day-use pass that can be purchased at the trailhead and from local merchants (bikespiritlake.com). For more outdoor activity information, visit the city’s chamber of commerce website at Spiritlakechamber.com.

Hayden Lake Here you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding Selkirk Mountains and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Most people use the city’s Honeysuckle Beach, which offers all the amenities you need – a lifeguarded swimming area, dock, boat launch (fee applies), beach volleyball area and concession stand. A sportsman’s access with a public boat launch is located on the lake’s northeast side, and the south side has Hayden Lake Marina with a store, restaurant, boat rentals, boat launch and moorage.

Round Lake This rustic, 142-acre lake with a quiet, unpretentious vibe is the ideal destination to escape, both literally and figuratively. Campers and day-use visitors enjoy swimming, paddling and fishing at Round Lake State Park southwest of Sandpoint.

Only human-powered watercraft and electricmotor boats are allowed, so you can immerse yourself in nature with all your senses.

Lake Pend Oreille Idaho’s largest and deepest lake has some key areas not to be missed.

• Sandpoint: City Beach is the main public gathering place for swimming and launching boats, though there are lots of recreation opportunities in the area around the city (visitsandpoint.com). Lake Pend Oreille Cruises departs Continued on pg 34

Top Left: medical Lake. Photo: Shallan Knowles // Top right: Long Bridge Paddle. Photo: Amy S. Mccaffree // Bottom Left: Kicking back on CDA. Lake photo: Amy S. Mccaffree // Bottom right: Williams lake. Photo: Amy S. Mccaffree

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

33

Coeur d’Alene Lake has plenty of room for paddling around. // Photo: Amy S.Mccaffree

lodge, B & B, campground or with its 40-foot, 36-passenger to cabin (either Forest Service boat – the Shawnodese – from the or state park), RV park, priCity Beach during the sumInland NW LAke Guide vate vacation home, or familymer, and from East Hope’s friend who owns a lake place.

Kramer Marina in fall and Paddling the Thorofare to Upper spring. For kayak, SUP, boat Priest Lake Scenic Area and hiking to see oldand other watercraft rentals, check out Action growth groves within the Panhandle National Water Sports, Outdoor Experience, or A Day Forest, such as the Stagger Inn day-use area, are On the Lake. epic adventures everyone should do. Boating to • Farragut State Park: Enjoy day-use swimming Kalispell Island for day-use swimming, hiking or or paddling at Beaver Bay Beach, play some disc overnight camping is another bucket-list idea – use golf, go hiking or mountain biking, and even the Kalispell Boat Launch on the south end. If you camp overnight. can’t get campsite reservations – people book early • Bayview: This picturesque lakeside city on the and sites fill quickly, often a year in advance – Priest south side of the lake, 25 miles north of Coeur Lake is a great day-trip destination. You can also stay d’Alene, has it all – marinas, floating homes, overnight in nearby Priest River, Idaho, or Newport, cabins, RV and tent campsites and more. A Wash. Start your trip planning at outtheremonthly. county public boat launch (kcgov.us) is located com and search for all the OTM articles about at the town’s main waterfront area. Scenic Bay Priest Lake from past issues. Or try the Priest Lake Marina and Resort and MacDonald’s Hudson Chamber of Commerce (priestlake.org) for ideas.

Bay Resort offer scenic lodging and boat rentals.

The city’s annual Bayview Daze around the 4th of July includes a street fair, boat parade, and WESTERN MONTANA fireworks show (Bayviewidaho.org).

Big lakes, big mountains – everything you’d expect • Hope: Arrive either by boat or car to this small from Northwest Montana. While the landscape is town on the lake’s east side along Highway rugged, people are friendly and laid-back, and the 200, 12 minutes from Sandpoint. Beyond Hope lake-based outdoor recreation options are as wide Resort has a floating restaurant and oversees open as the views. the Hope Marina, which rents motor boats. A short distance south of town on a peninsula is Flathead Lake the National Forest Service’s rustic Sam Owen As the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Campground, which has a public boat launch Mississippi – 28 miles long and 15 miles wide – it and swimming beach, including a dog-friendly dominates the Flathead Valley, which serves as the beach. Action Water Sports also has a rental gateway to Glacier National Park’s west entrance. location in Hope.

Five units comprise Flathead State Park, including West Shore, Finley Point, Wayfarers (east side, Priest & Upper Priest Lakes near the city of Bigfork), Yellow Bay and Big Arm, So much to do here – how to do it all? Camping, which is the starting point for boating to the primboating, swimming, paddling, waterskiing, fishitive Wild Horse Island State Park. Start your trip ing, hiking, mountain biking and huckleberry planning with the Flathead Convention & Visitor picking – this is what you do at the 19-mile long Bureau (fcvb.org), which provides resources for Priest, located about 2 hours northeast of Spokane. lodging, boat rentals, outfitters and more.

Choose your overnight preference: resort, inn, Continued on pg 36

Going

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Thank you Spokane!

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Come see us at Spokatopia and pick up a portable, inflatable SUP at a great price!

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patio time! // Photo: courtesy of Bistro at Williams Lake

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

6/28/2017 10:25:26 AM

Lake

It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere Happy Hours, Live Music, and Lakeside Dining at Williams Lake

Every weekend throughout the summer (weather permitting), Klink’s Resort and the Bistro at Williams Lake host special events, including live music on the restaurant’s deck every Friday and Saturday evening in July and August (6-9 p.m.), street dances with the country band “Dusty Klink & Nobody Famous,” family-friendly movie nights, and other activities. Looking to quench your thirst after a morning on the lake? The Bistro at Williams Lake has a happy hour they call “2-2-4,” because it runs every day from 2-4 p.m., featuring a number of great appetizer items for $7 as well as beer, wine and cocktail specials.

One of the nice things about the restaurant is that the menu has something for everyone, whether you’re there for a special occasion or just in off the beach, says Robin Schrader, who owns the bistro with her husband (and chef) Jerry Schrader. The menu features hand-cut rib eye and New York strip loin steaks, popular parmesan chicken and seafood pasta dishes, and plenty of casual favorites including great burgers and fish and chips.

To check out the summer event and live music schedule or to view the full restaurant menu, visit klinksresort. com and Facebook.com/pg/The-Bistro-at-Williams-Lake. (OTM)

5 Sweet

Swimming

Beaches

By Amy S. Mccaffree

Seeking a nice beach for lounging and bookreading? A swimming area for your young children to wade and a sandy or rocky beach for digging?

Load up the kids’ PFDs, floaties and beach toys for a visit to these favorite local beaches.

City Beach at Lake Pend Oreille – Sandpoint, Idaho Conveniently located in the heart of town off Bridge Street, this white sand mecca has everything you need: a large, supervised swimming beach that includes a floating swim dock; restrooms; children’s playground; large grassy area; picnic tables and barbeque grills; bike rack; marina and lots of free parking. During the summer months, the concession stand is open, while the main street of Sandpoint (1st Avenue) and its eateries are only a short walk or bike ride away.

No dogs are allowed at City Beach; however, if you want to swim with your pooch, Sandpoint’s Dog Beach is located off a section of the bike path adjacent to Long Bridge. You’ll still need to bike or walk the path to the beach since the only parking is at the trailhead in town.

Beaver Bay Beach at Lake Pend Oreille, Farragut State Park – Athol, Idaho Bring your picnic blanket, tubes, rafts and other water toys. While many beach visitors are campers from the park, day use visitors are just as common. Huge flotillas of families come here to have fun and enjoy the serene bay. There is a downhill hike from the parking area (with restrooms and showers) to the beach. While no dogs are allowed at Beaver Bay, other parts of the lake shoreline provide pet-friendly access. A hiking trail connects the upper part of the Beaver Bay parking area to a shoreline dotted with pseudo-beach patches. A $5 Idaho State Parks vehicle access fee (included in your campsite reservation) or an annual park pass is required.

Q’emiln Park along the Spokane River – Post Falls, Idaho Situated in a small bay on the south bank of the river, Q’emiln Park provides a great, all-in-one, day-trip experience for the whole family. It has a lifeguard-supervised swim area, playground, rest-

rooms, picnic area with barbeque grills and more.

The beach and boat launch open after Avista closes the Post Falls Dam for the season; the City of Post Falls Parks and Recreation reports that it should open in early July (check the city website for official announcement before you go). A $5 daily parking fee is required, with hours running 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays and weekends from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Rocky Point at Lake Chatcolet, Heyburn State Park – Plummer, Idaho Located less than 90 minutes from Spokane’s South Hill, this gem of a beach is south of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes at Chatcolet Bridge.

Amenities for the large, crescent-shaped beach and swim area (no lifeguards), include a dock, treed picnic area, restrooms, and a nearby marina store that sells ice cream and other snacks. The Hawley’s Landing Campground and park visitor center are located only a short drive away. A $5 Idaho State Parks vehicle access fee (included in your campsite reservation) or annual park pass is required.

Fort Spokane, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area – 21 miles north of Davenport (on Hwy 25) A playground, restrooms and more await you at this lake, which is part of the Columbia River before it reaches the Grand Coulee Dam. There is no cost for beach access, but there is an $8 boat launch fee. If you want a really secluded experience, paddle or boat to find a primitive beach along the shoreline, which range from sandy to rocky. Be sure to refer to a detailed map of the lake and surrounding land before choosing your beach.

While all the immediate shoreline is public, the amount of beach space changes depending on the lake level, and the land surrounding the shoreline can be private property, reservation land or public land. Because there are no amenities available, bring your own water and/or water purification system and pack out all trash. For a list of designated swimming beaches on the lake, visit nps. gov/laro/planyourvisit/swimming.htm or call the Fort Spokane Visitor Center at 509-754-7893. //

Swimming Tip: Avoiding Swimmer’s Itch As summer progresses and lake water temperatures rise, so does the risk of acquiring “swimmer’s itch” –a type of dermatitis caused by a small aquatic parasite that burrows into your skin. It sounds more disgusting and dangerous than it actually is. Swimmer’s itch is a common reality of lake swimming and has been for years – wherever there is waterfowl and a lake, swimmer’s itch is a natural consequence.

There are, however, a few easy ways to prevent it. According to the Spokane Regional Health District, you should dry off immediately after exiting the water, rubbing vigorously with a towel or using your hands to wipe the water from your skin. This removes the parasites from your skin surface before they have a chance to burrow in. If possible, shower or rinse off with clean water after exiting the lake, in addition to drying yourself well. For more information, including signs and symptoms of swimmer’s itch and treatment options, check out the online guide provided by the public health department at spokanecounty.org. (ASM) July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

35

Going

to the

Lake

Inland NW LAke Guide

Whitefish Lake Even closer to Glacier National Park is the 7-mile long Whitefish Lake near the bustling mountain town of Whitefish. Establish base camp at Whitefish Lake State Park or stay in town and enjoy its charming vibe. Another unique option is the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, which offers an exceptional lodging experience. Visit local breweries, City Beach, and the Downtown Whitefish Depot Park. For more info and lodging and boat rental resources, visit the Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau (explorewhitefish.com).

Loon Lake Come ready to paddle and fish at this small and secluded lake in the Kootenai National Forest, about 20 miles southeast of Libby, Mont., (explorelibbymontana.com). It’s a designated “no-wake lake” and has an average depth of 5 feet, with four campsites at the lake’s primitive campground with vault toilets but no potable water. Nearby destinations to explore include the Ross Creek Scenic Area’s old-growth preserve and Kootenai Falls and its swinging bridge.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Stunning mountain scenery, clear blue lakes, and a favorable exchange rate awaits in southwest British Columbia. Lakeside communities and numerous provincial parks – B.C.’s version of state parks – provide lake access and recreation opportunities a few hours north of Spokane.

Kootenay Lake Nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges lies a narrow, 67-mile long and nearly 500 foot deep lake – one of British Columbia’s largest. The two major hubs providing marinas, boat rentals, lake cruises, lodging and cultural entertainment are the city of Nelson, located on the lake’s west arm, and Kaslo, a mountain village along the lake’s main section that hosts many summer festivals, including a jazz festival in July and Pirate Day in August. Immerse yourself in nature at any of the five regional provincial parks around the lake: West Arm, Kootenay Lake, Drewry Point (accessible only by boat), Lockhart Beach and Pilot Bay. Start your trip planning for the entire region at nelsonkootenaylake.com.

Christina Lake Not far from the U.S.-Canada border is where you’ll find another long and narrow lake, with its namesake city at the southern end and its northern half surrounded by Gladstone Provincial Park. In town is Christina Lake Provincial Park, providing easy lake access for swimming, paddling and fishing. There are also seven boat-access only beaches, plus an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails in the area. To find marinas, boat launch locations, rental businesses, and lodging and trail info, go to christinalake.com.

Lake Critters: Spotting Beaver and Muskrat According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, beavers are the largest living rodents in North America, with adults averaging 40 pounds and measuring more than three feet in length including the tail. Beavers have a coarse, brown coat, naked and scaly tail, and webbed hind feet and live in many Northwest streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. While they can be elusive, if you find a beaver den or dam, like the prominent den on Lake Chatcolet that’s visible from Hawley’s Landing campground, you’re more likely to see one. Look for their little heads poking up above the surface and their swan dives back underwater when they get spooked. Beavers can hold their breath and swim underwater for up to 15 minutes, and if a beaver swimming on the surface wants to deter you, it will slap its tail in your direction.

Although sometimes misidentified as beaver, muskrats are much smaller (2-4 pounds and 18-25 inches long) and more of their bodies can be seen above the water when they swim. Common in many Inland Northwest lakes and ponds, muskrats are glossy brown on top with tiny ears and a flattened, hairless tail. According to WDFW, by harvesting aquatic plants for food and den sites, muskrats create open water for ducks, geese, and shorebirds, and many other wildlife species use muskrat lodges to rest and nest in. Look for muskrat and their lodges in marshy areas or along natural shorelines. Paddling quietly near dawn or dusk improves your odds of spotting both muskrat and beaver. (ASM)

Lake Chatcolet beaver Lodges. // Photo: Amy S. Mccaffree

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

Liquid Limo

By S. Michal Bennett

Since the 1860s, boats have been delivering mail to residents who live in rural areas on Lake Pend Oreille. The steamer Mary Moody was the first official mail carrier; today, the mail is delivered six days a week by Wes Jones in a 22-foot Duckworth that he’s dubbed “The Liquid Limo.”

I had the privilege of riding with him this spring and discovering everything he has to offer for those looking to romp around Lake Pend Oreille.

I had heard that Jones was a warm and interesting person, even before I met him. Originally from Pennsylvania, he has experienced many things in his life, and it is evident in how open and welcoming he is with everyone. Natalie Huls, a local resident hoping to offer lakeside massage in the near future, told me how he easily related to her mother and deaf sister on a recent ride. “He just makes anyone feel comfortable,” she says. “My mom cried when we got off the boat.”

Jones spent four years in the Navy right out of college, then worked as a hospital security guard, medical assistant, flight attendant, pastry chef, truck driver, and other odd jobs. “I’ve got lots of stories,” he says, “but that’s about all I’ve got.” While driving trucks, he discovered the majestic allure of North Idaho and decided it was time to get off the road. He worked a handful of part-time jobs around Sandpoint before becoming a security guard at the Naval Sea Systems Command in Bayview and eventually buying the mail boat from former US Postal Service contractor Scott Bjergo.

Jones has been the area marine mailman for about four years, and he knows all the urban legends, history, and best spots to adventure on the south end of the lake. This past year, he decided

he wanted to share all of this with others. Thus the Bayview Shuttle and scenic tour service was born.

On my ride, we ran the line of Jones’ mail route, which leaves the Bayview public dock at 9:30 a.m. and doubles as a scenic route on the way back for passengers. The captain took us past Whiskey Rock campground, the rock slides near the now-closed limestone mines, and cliffs perfect for climbing at Granite Creek. “If you want to go to the campground on Friday,” says Jones, “You can ride the mail boat, and I can drop you off at the end of the route. Then I can pick you up Saturday or Monday morning, weather depending.” He makes supply runs from the Bayview Mercantile, hauls out your trash for $5 per bag, belays climbers from the boat, operates scenic tours that include James Horner music and wildlife sightings, and has even recently added a kayak/paddleboard rack to the top of his boat for paddlers.

Jones’ business model doesn’t just promote his own services. He truly believes in working with other locals to provide amenities that are beyond his expertise. Karen Wilmoth joined us on the boat and talked about her passion for kayaking. She plans, with the help of the Liquid Limo, to teach people how to safely paddle on the often unpredictable waters of Lake Pend Oreille. For lunch, we pulled into the dock at Lakeview and jumped in a van to the newly-renovated Gold Creek Lodge.

Jones is working with owner Dave McCahill to bring expanded awareness and accessibility to the lodge, the restaurant, and the many outdoor activities that McCahill and his staff are providing. It’s truly a community mindset in this incredible corner of the lake. //

Top: captain Wes Jones. // Karen Wilmoth, Wes Jones, & Natalie Huls at Rock Slides. // Photos: Joel Riner

Never play above or below a dam.

When boating or swimming this summer, please remember to play it safe. Call or visit avistautilities.com/waterflow ahead of time to learn about Spokane river flows and water levels on Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Spokane.

Washington: 509-495-8043, or Idaho: 208-769-1357.

We just want you to be safe.

What You Need to Know about the Liquid Limo

• • • • • •

The Limo can hold up to six passengers at a time.

Fare is $20 per person for a 90 minute scenic tour.

Shuttle service runs Monday through Saturday and Sunday by appointment only.

Boat rides depart from Bayview public dock at 9:30 a.m.

Weather conditions can affect a pick up or drop off.

Tour and shuttle booking info at Bayviewshuttle.com. //

avistautilities.com/waterflow

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

37

7TH ANNUAL

2017

A community cycling event for all ages and abilities.

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Fishing for Steelhead at Rock Lake

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LIBERTY LAKE, WASHINGTON

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Rock Lake in Spring. // Photo: Harley McCallister

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a proper fishing boat, I rowed our whitewater raft out onto the lake and used my arms for a trolling motor! The fish didn’t mind, and they continued to attack brown and metal colored spinners and spoons regularly. A subsequent trip later that summer was a bit more humbling, however, as we ended a pretty full day with just two fish. Speaking with others who had experienced more success I learned the reason why. Because the weather was warmer, by this point in the season the fish were found deeper in the water - at about 30 feet - while we had been trolling the surface.

If you are like me and don’t have a good fishing boat, then Rock Lake will present some challenges.

The public land is limited to a small area near the boat ramp, and the lake in this area is quite shallow – not good as the warmer weather comes. If you do have a small craft, be cautious heading out as strong winds can whip up the whitecaps in no time. Also, some rock formations just under the surface of the water on the east side of the lake can give unsuspecting boaters a nasty surprise, so pay attention and be safe. //

fishing 101 How to catch a fish at Spokane Area Lakes

LIBERTY LAKE CENTENNIAL ROTARY CLUB’S 7TH ANNUAL

38

Spokane is blessed with 76 regional lakes, and all of them harbor some combination of game fish. This can make choosing which lake to fish a little bit of a challenge. My family has had a degree of success fishing for steelhead the past two years at Rock Lake, which is located about 40 minutes south of Cheney near the small town of Ewan, Washington.

Steelhead are not your typical lake fish, but a last-minute lawsuit in 2015 prevented the release of hatchery raised steelhead smolts in Western Washington rivers, so biologists had to act quickly to find these fish a home. As a result, some 250,000 juvenile steelhead were released in Rock Lake, and the result has been some pretty fantastic fishing.

Because they are landlocked fish, they are no longer considered steelhead but are treated as trout in your freshwater catch limit. That first summer, it was easy to catch the 7-9 inch fish by throwing spinners from the bank at the public access point on the south end of the lake.

We returned the following spring of 2016, and by this point the fish had grown to a very respectable 11-14 inches and were still very plentiful. Lacking

If you are researching for places close to Spokane to fish with or without a boat, be sure to check out the resources on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s website (wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ Washington). The website has been updated to allow searching for access sites by county and by species of fish, and they also provide a schedule of when local lakes will be stocked and with how many fish. There are also a number of videos that will teach you basic fishing techniques and another “Fishing 101” section with tips on methods, knots, equipment, and cleaning your fish. When it comes to finding the right lake, here are a few lakes close to Spokane that provide decent access to shore fishing.

• Long Lake, also known as Lake Spokane, is the dammed section of the Spokane River downstream from the city of Spokane. As you drive along Highway 291 northwest of Spokane, pass the town of Tumtum where you will find a number of turnouts that provide public access to the water.

• West Medical Lake is located near the town of Medical Lake west of Spokane and close to Cheney.

This lake is one of the best producers of trout on opening weekend, but the fishing stays solid for a long time due to the large amount of stocked fish. There is also good bank access.

• Silver Lake, Newman Lake, and Liberty Lake all have good numbers of fish and also have public fishing platforms that get you closer to the action.

History Highlight

Harrison, Idaho, Turns 118

One-hundred years ago, on July 21, the small town of Harrison, Idaho, on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene was destroyed by a raging fire in 90 minutes. At the time, the town had only been incorporated for 18 years. All new buildings, made of brick, arose from the ashes. This summer, Harrison is celebrating the centennial of its rebirth with several special events. On Friday, July 21, the 100 year commemoration event – “Harrison Turns 118” – features a weenie roast at Harrison City Park, beginning at 6 p.m. The next week is the “Old Time Picnic Weekend,” with a historical presentation on Saturday, July 29 (1:30 p.m., Harrison Grange), and a downtown parade on Sunday, July 30. To learn more about the town’s history, outdoor activities, and lodging and tourism opportunities, visit harrisonidaho.org. (ASM)

Campfire Cooking Over-the-fire Recipes for Tasty Meals Under the Stars Becoming a good camp cook using the open flames of a campfire can be easy with the right equipment, ingredients, recipes and a little preparation.

Here are some tips and recipes to get you started. photos and story by amy S. mccaffree Equipment and Tools Having the right supplies with you for campfire cooking is critical, since a run to the store may not be easy or possible. Don’t leave home without these key items.

• Leatherman® tool • Lightweight, portable cutting board and a sharp knife • Heavy-duty aluminum foil • Long-handled metal tongs • Fire-resistant silicone glove or welder’s glove • Steel fireplace poker, grill hoe or shovel, or “fire stick” found around campsite for moving around campfire wood and coals • Collapsible mixing bowls such as Squish® • Metal camp plates • Roasting sticks: long, clean sticks (find downed branches around your campsite); telescoping forks; or long metal skewers • Metal campfire grate (use over large grate provided at campsite fire-ring) • Cast-iron skillet, pie iron, and/or Dutch oven Cooking and Preparation Save time and make campfire cooking easier with these tips.

• Freeze meat before packing in your cooler so it remains cold enough until you’re ready to cook it. This helps keep meat from spoiling. Marinate meat in a gallon Ziploc bag and double-bag it to prevent leakage.

• Prep time: pre-cut vegetables at home to save time. Veggies like bell peppers, onion, carrots, and zucchini keep well in a cooler after being cut up.

• Cook time: usually two bundles of firewood are needed for an evening campfire – one for cooking and another to maintain the cooking fire and keep it going after dark for roasting marshmallows, warmth and all-around campsite merriment.

• Clean-up time: When planning your menu and meals, consider the number of dirty dishes it will create. If you plan to do an evening kayak paddle before sunset, for example, you don’t want to be tied down doing endless dishes. Be as sustainable as you’re willing to be with reusable plates, utensils, cups and prep bowls. Consider how some dishes serve dual purposes – such as a mixing bowl becoming your “sink” for washing the rest of the dishes. //

Campfire Recipes Campfire Shrimp Boil Bundles Ingredients & supplies: 1 lb. baby red potatoes or fingerlings, halves or quarters; 1 lb. green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, and other vegetables of your choice (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2-3 ears of corn, husked and broken into thirds; 1 lb. cooked sausage (cut into 1” pieces); 1 lb. uncooked shrimp, deveined with tails attached; avocado or grapeseed oil (which both have a high heat threshold); seasonings of your choice (e.g., all-purpose, salt and pepper, etc.) – season to taste; heavy-duty aluminum foil – square sheets large enough to “bundle” each meal; garnish (optional): cocktail sauce, melted butter, lemon wedges.

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, add cut vegetables, potatoes and meat (no corn cobs); add oil and seasonings, and mix it all together. Put a small amount of oil on each foil sheet to prevent food from sticking. Place a handful or more of vegetable, potato, and meat mixture onto the oiled surface of the foil and bundle ingredients depending on personal preferences. Add shrimp and corn cobs to the top of the vegetables. Fold foil edges together to create a bundle and secure the edges. Place bundles directly on campfire coals or on a campfire grate. Cook for about 7-10 minutes; check after a few minutes to prevent burning (shrimp cooks fast, but potatoes take longer). When done cooking, place the bundles on a metal plate or rock. Carefully cut open the foil and enjoy! Recipe courtesy of Spokane mom Keri Reser who first learned to cook around the fire camping on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Donut Snakes Ingredients & supplies: 1 tube of eight refrigerated biscuits; ¼ c. butter, melted; cinnamon and sugar mixture; and a roasting stick or long metal skewers.

Directions: Unroll each biscuit, shape them into long strips, and wrap each biscuit “snake” around a long, clean stick or metal skewer. Hold sticks about 6” to a foot above hot coals. When browned, push biscuits off the sticks and onto a plate and then brush them with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Recipe from “Campfire Cooking” published by CQ Products (2004). //

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39

Paddle Splash & Play

Back of Beyond

Stehekin Camping on Lake Chelan

A free kid’s event - August 5th, 2017 For details visit sckc.ws and click “events”

Photo Credit: Siobahn Ebel

By nick thomas

SCKC SPOKANE CANOE & KAYAK CLUB

stehekin Valley // Photo: Nick Thomas

It never ceases to surprise me that there are so many unique and out-of-the-way places in the Inland Northwest. Stehekin, Wash., is one such place, and getting there is an adventure in its own right. Because we made the trip during the busy Memorial Day weekend, we could only acquire tickets on the slow boat, which takes three hours.

Thankfully, the views of the steep, high-desert slopes plunging into Lake Chelan paired with personable passengers made the 50-mile voyage to the lake’s mountainous north shore an amazing experience in itself.

The best thing about Stehekin is its remoteness.

It is only accessible by boat or foot, and the few vehicles, like many of the houses, have a hardy, weather-beaten beauty. Once ashore, the crowds quickly dispersed, and we set off to check out the quaint resorts, cabins and backcountry trailheads.

Even though it was a busy weekend, we walked for stretches without seeing a soul.

We opted for tent camping at a Forest Service campground a five minute walk from the dock, although you can also rent cabins. We cooked our meals on our backpacking stove and showered at the coin-op bath and laundry on Main Street. The second night we moved camp to an open spot right on the water, but the wind pummeled us all evening, as if to punish us for being too greedy.

The best way to get around Stehekin is by bike.

You can bring your own bike on the ferry for $27 or rent them there in town for around $40 per bike. Most of the sights, activities and trailheads are scattered a few miles along the main road, but the reason you’ll want a bike is for quick access to the Stehekin Pastry Company. The bakery serves mouthwatering treats of all kinds. The Danish was

my favorite, but they also have great coffee, pizza and ice cream, and sometimes it’s worth stopping in more than once a day. After hiking the popular Rainbow Loop, we staggered past the bakery again, ready for dinner. The pizza was tempting, but I ordered a second round of huckleberry ice cream.

We had heard about a fantastic garden called, strangely, The Garden, and we made a point to visit the small organic farm along the main road and try the fresh herb goat cheese and sesame crackers. After arriving, we wandered around until the famously barefoot owner, Karl Gaskill, strolled over.

Besides offering honey, goat yogurt, crackers, and seasonal produce, the man was a pleasure to chat with. He told us great stories about his days running the wildly successful Honey Bear Bakery in Seattle and his return in 2000 to full-time gardening in sleepy Stehekin. We left with a jar of big leaf maple syrup and a new appreciation for the wonders of goat’s milk.

On the ferry ride to Stehekin, we had befriended two hikers, Mike and Scott, and Mike’s dog Irma, and our paths crossed all weekend long. We ran into them a half-dozen times. Scott had just returned from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, and one evening we shared beers and stories in the little picnic shelter, and our conversations kept returning to the joys of spending time in nature. We saw them again on the return ferry—this time on the faster Lady of the Lake, which was still a leisurely two-hour cruise. We shared goat yogurt and admired the vivid-green hillsides passing by us in the evening sunlight. That’s the thing about a one-road, remote lake town like Stehekin--you’re likely to come away with new friends and a new favorite place to escape the grind. //

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OutThereMonthly.com / July 2017

Shredding the Lake

What It Takes to Wake Surf in the Inland NW By brad naccarato Wakesurfing time!// Photo: Brad Naccarato

For Inland Northwest surfers, getting your drive boats will still produce great wakes that are boat. Surf speeds are typically anywhere from 8-12 wave fix has often meant driving 8-10 hours to slightly smaller. In the last couple of years, jet boat mph depending on how the wave reacts. Some brave the chilly waters at a popular and often boats will also produce a better wake when the manufacturers have also gained in popularity as a crowded Washington or Oregon coast surf spot. jet propulsion boat offers a safe alternative with no driver performs a slight turn inward toward the Over the last several years though, many landexposed props. These boats are the least expensive of side the wakesurfer is on; you’ll have to experiment locked surfers have discovered a new way to ride the three, but, while they do produce surfable wakes, with your boat to find the right mix. If you have lake waves with the help of a specialized boat and they are more difficult to ride because a jet doesn’t cruise control, utilize it as holding slow speeds on basic wakesurfing gear. a boat can be tricky. produce the large, clean wakes that a prop boat can.

Wakesurfing is the act of surfing the tailing wake Wakesurfing Gear off the back of a boat, just a few feet from the stern, Driving the Boat and Shaping the Wake While you can use any board behind the boat, to Once you’ve figured out which boat is best for without bindings holding you to the board and, really maximize your fun, invest in a wakesurf you, dialing in the ballast or added weight distrioften, as riders progress, without holding on to a board. Wakesurf boards are a hybrid of tradibution system is next. Even top-end inboard surf tow rope, letting the wave push you along. When tional short board surfboards and wakeboards. boats need ballast to create spectacular wakes. The it began attracting more public attention a decade Almost all major brands that manufacture wakesafest way to achieve proper surf ballast is to use ago, it took the tow-sports industry by storm and boards now carry a line of wakesurf boards. These ballast bags in both the stern and bow of the boat. quickly grew into one of the more exciting and boards will help you make the most out of the Ballast bags are filled with water using a special challenging sports you can experience behind a small surf pocket that boat. The sport was these boats produce, pioneered by surfers while also increasing in the early 1960s, but your odds of surfing it didn’t really take off without a rope as you until surf-specific boats progress. and board designs were created, allowing the It’s also smart to This summer, Spokane Alpine Haus is offering several different demo days on local lakes where you progression of wakeinvest in a wakesurf can try wakesurfing, wake boarding and water skiing on the latest gear, including equipment from rop e. Traditional surfing to reach its curRonix, Radar, HO, Hyperlite, Byerly, and Liquid Force. Space is limited to 10 people per outing and wakeboarding ropes rent heights. many of the demo-day dates are still TBD, so check back on the Spokane Alpine Haus Facebook and Wakesurfing has are long and thin. The Instagram pages for all of the developing details. The 3-4 hour demo day trips will “bounce around picked up even more thicker and shorter between Newman, Liberty Lake, and Coeur d’Alene,” says shop owner Drew Harding. No experience design of wakesurf momentum recently as is necessary to participate, says Harding. “We will be able to give instructions for beginners, and ropes makes maneunew classes of surf-speexperienced riders will have a good opportunity to ride new boards or skis.” (OTM) cific boats are getting vering much easier into the game--a game for the rider. Wakesurf once owned completely ropes will often have pump. Once full, they add anywhere from 100 to by inboard boat manufacturers. Currently, there are extra knots and grips throughout the rope, allow1,000 pounds of weight depending on their size. three types of boats that are legal to surf behind; ing the wakesurfer to utilize as much or little of the This dramatically increases the size and improves inboard, jet, and forward drive boats. Surfing rope as they want when trying to find the sweet the shape of the wave. While ballast bags are stanbehind any other type of boat is not only illegal spot on the wake. dard equipment on any surf-specific boat, they but very dangerous. will need to be added to older boats.

Inboards are the cream of the crop surf boats.

Safety and Shoreline Concerns Wakesurfing is a fun and safe activity for the Their props are located underneath the boat and More recently, manufacturers have added wedgwhole family, but in recent years, some waterfront well out of the way of a surfer. Boats in this class are es, plates and other external devices to help shape home owners have begun to lobby against it. Surf typically used specifically for tow sports and carry the wake even further. Often proprietary to their boats produce large wakes that can contribute to a hefty price tag. The surf-specific models produce surf-specific boats, these gadgets do help, but they erosion when surfing is done too close to docks the largest wakes and have the most bells and whiswill only have a small effect when compared to baland shorelines. To minimize impacts to the lake tles when it comes to changing the size and shape last bags. A tower is not necessary but is nice to environment and private property, it’s always best of the wake. With forward drive engines, the prohave. It offers a high tow point that makes water to wakesurf in larger lakes in areas that are far peller works from an exposed position beyond the starts easy while keeping the rope out of the way away from the shoreline, and, if possible, away transom to underneath the hull, safely away from of passengers sitting in the stern of the boat. These from other boaters. Doing this will help ensure a a rider. They look and act similar to a sterndrive are often standard equipment of surf-specific boats. sustainable and safe future for this great sport. // but are designed for safe surfing.

Once you have your boat and your ballast bags Less costly than their inboard cousins, forward are full, it’s time to figure out how to drive a surf

Try Wakesurfing, Wakeboarding, and Water Skiing with Spokane Alpine Haus

FIND IT IN SPOKANE AT:

Boots Bakery and Lounge The Juicery The Kitchen Engine Madeleine’s Café & Patisserie Revel 77 Coffee Rocket Market

Lake Art: Lakebound Maps Lakebound maps are really lake-inspired art that you will want to hang on your lake cabin or living room wall to remind you of those sweet, simple days at the lake. The maps, which are digitally-created, all-original artwork, have a vintage feel, with retro color combinations and a typeface reminiscent of the 1950s. Lakebound has a huge list of prints available, including Inland Northwest favorites such as Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Pend Oreille, Priest and many others, all of which include hand-placed bay names and towns. Mary Skerrett Koff, who grew up in Coeur d’Alene, launched Lakebound in 2007 as a way to stay connected to the Inland Northwest. “Lake Coeur d’Alene was my first map. I was living in Los Angeles at the time and wanted a nice map of the lake to remind me of home.” Skerrett Koff couldn’t find a map she liked and had a friend put a design together. After she showed the maps around town and they started selling in several downtown Coeur d’Alene stores, she knew she was onto something. “I realized that a lot of other people love their lakes as much as I do. Sense of place is very powerful, we are connected to the places where we have had powerful and formative experiences.” Check them out at Lakebound.org. (OTM)

domacoffee.com July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

41

Play it Safe on the Water

Safety Tips for Boaters and Paddlers

By Amy S. McCaffree

Last summer, Lake Coeur d’Alene was the setting of fatal boating accidents, and every summer, unfortunately, there are too many drowning deaths on regional lakes. Whether you’re wakeboarding, water skiing, cruising in a motorboat, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or swimming, play it safe by always looking for other boaters, paddlers, and swimmers in the water; keeping speed down to a safe level if you’re in a motorboat; and following safety guidelines, precautions, and laws for the lake and state or province where you’re boating or paddling. And never operate a motorized boat or paddle craft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including marijuana). Enjoy your favorite lakes and water sports this summer and use these tips and resources (and common sense) to help make it a safe boating and paddling season for everyone out on the water.

Paddling Safety Tips

• Always wear a properly-fitted, Coast Guard-certified personal floatation device (PFD) that has a whistle attached, which can be used in case of emergency to call for help. Wear a bright-colored hat and shirt under your PFD in order to be better seen by motorboats.

• Check the weather and wind forecast. Avoid going out on windy days, as the wind creates waves and the wind itself can make it extremely difficult to return to your take-out point, dock, or boat launch, especially on larger lakes or those long in length. Small regional lakes, especially those that prohibit motorized boat traffic, are better for paddling when there is a chance of moderate to high winds, such as Medical Lake and Fish Lake.

• Paddle with a partner whenever possible; if you must go out alone, be sure to tell someone your paddling location, route, and projected return time.

• Stay close to shore when there is a lot of boat traffic.

• Be prepared and know what to do should you capsize. Dress appropriately for the weather and water temperature. Many Northwest lakes can have temperatures less than 60 degrees, meaning even on hot days capsizing can lead to hypothermia.

• Approach waves at a slight angle, with your watercraft’s bow towards the oncoming waves.

• If it seems that a motorboat has a trajectory that is coming towards you, raise your paddle high and wave it back and forth to get the boat driver’s attention.

• Never paddle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Keep your cell phone in a dry bag – even double-bagging it in a Ziploc bag can work to keep it dry should you capsize.

Safety Tips for Motorboats

• When you are on the water in a motorboat, the bigger and faster your boat is, the more responsibility you have to pay attention to other boats, paddlers, and swimmers out on the water around you.

• Watch your speed. The faster you’re cruising, the less time you will have to react to other craft in your path.

• The captain of the boat must remain focused on driving safely, but it’s also a good idea to designate another spotter on the boat to help keep a lookout for potentially dangerous situations in the water.

• Make sure your boat has all of the proper lights working and safety gear accessible.

• Keep an eye on the weather. Hot summer days can turn in the blink of an eye into wicked thunderstorms with dangerous winds, cold temperatures, and lightning.

• If you’re new to driving a motorboat, whether it’s a small fishing boat or high-powered ski boat, consider going out on the water with someone who has more experience that you can learn from first.

• Make sure everyone on the boat has a PFD • The driver and spotter should always avoid alcohol and drugs.

• Make good use of existing resources for boating laws, regulations, and license certification requirements depending on what state or province you’re boating in. //

Try Different Paddle Sports Paddle, Splash, and Play (August 5)

This free, family event designed to introduce human-powered paddling sports to children and youth takes place at Riverside State Park’s Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane (Long Lake). Families can try all types of paddle craft completely free, including canoes, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and a voyageur canoe. All equipment, including paddles and personal flotation devices, is provided. A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required and will be for sale on-site. All on-water participants or their parents must sign insurance liability waivers. Find details at the Spokane Canoe and Kayak website at www. sckc.ws (click on events).

Find a life jacket that fits! Zora did. // photo Shallan Knowles

Dusty Klink & Life on the Lake at Klink’s Resort Dusty Klink was only 7 years old when he and his family moved to Williams Lake from Woodinville, Wash. His parents, Jerry and Sandy Klink, wanted a change of lifestyle, and through a lucky set of circumstances, in 1989, the family was able to purchase the old fishing resort (established in 1919).

With his dad’s construction expertise and his mom’s business savviness, the Klink family remade the resort into a premier vacation destination called Klink’s Resort on Williams Lake. The 12-acre, seasonal resort has a large fishing dock and marina, rental cabins, a large area for RV and tent camping, as well as kayak, fishing boat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Day-use visitors are welcome to enjoy the sandy beach and fishing dock for a $5 fee. The small general stores sells supplies, snacks, cold beverages, and ice cream treats, while the on-site chef-owned restaurant – The Bistro at Williams Lake – is renowned for its Northwest-inspired cuisine. According to Klink, there is a farmer who occasionally flies his float plane from an hour away just to enjoy dinner here.

The 319-acre, spring-fed waters of Williams Lake has a good fishing reputation as a “catching lake,” says Klink, who works as the resort’s general manager. It’s a father-son operation now, he says, since his mom retired. He credits the “incredible, long-time staff ” for the resort’s success through the years. In addition to being stocked annually with trout courtesy of WDFW, Klink’s Resort has a special permit to stock the lake with additional rainbow trout that they purchase from fish hatcheries. “We plant up to 5,000 fish, depending on what the hatcheries have available,” he says. The average trout caught weighs 2-8 pounds, he says, and Williams Lake is known as one of the top trout lakes in Washington. “Stocking the lake gives us a way to give back,” he says. “We’re not just a business that pulls from the lake – it’s a public lake that everyone can enjoy.”

Another reason why the fishing is good here, he adds, is because the middle of the lake is 120-130 feet deep, which means the fish go lower as the lake water warms, keeping the fish nice and firm year-round. (ASM)

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OutdoorCalendar RUNNING (July 8) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 9:30 a.m. Kick off the day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5k or 1.5 mile trail run to the top of Beacon Hill or Camp Sekani. Both distances include an untimed run, trot or walk back to the festival grounds. Complete the race and sport your Up Chuck bandana at the Spokatopia beer garden! Info: Spokatopia.com (July 15) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National Forest. A non-profit 50 mile ultra run & a 50-mile fast pack relay. For the fast pack relay, 1-5 participants each complete one of five legs carrying a minimum 35lb pack for men and 25lb pack for women.

(July 22) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #3.

Where: Mount Spokane State Park. SPS is a trail run series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances that takes place at six state parks in Idaho and Washington. Info: Trailmaniacs.com/sps

(July 23) Round About 5K.

Where: Deer Park, Wash. Walk or run the 5k course through Deer Park that includes the town’s two roundabouts. A

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society benefit event. Info: Roundabout5k.com

(July 24-28) Glutes in the Koots 100 Mile Training Week. Where: Nelson, B.C. This trail running camp with 2016 Hardrock Co-champion Jason Schlarb covers heart rate, hills, strength, diet and mindset. Info: Glutesinthekoots.com

(July 30) The Original Bare Buns Fun Run 5K.

adventure clinics to learn new sports like climbing, kayaking, geocaching, paddleboard yoga and other outdoor activities; demo paddleboards and other watercraft; watch live music or the mountain bike jump jam; and check out over 50 exhibitors. Info: Spokatopia.com.

(July 22) Blue Goose Chase Free Family Bike Ride. Where: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife

Where: Kaniksu Ranch, Loon Lake, Wash. You’ve always wanted to, so why wait another year? This clothing-optional 5k fun run along a gravel country road should be on every Inland NW runner’s race bucket list. Info: Kaniksufamily.com

Refuge, Colville, Wash. Ride the 11-mile gravel Auto Tour Route through northeast Washington’s scenic wildlife refuge, sponsored by Friends of the Little Pend Oreille NWR and Clark’s All-Sport. There will be prizes, food and music at this fun, family event.

Info: Refugefriends.com

BIKING

triathlons

(July 5, 12, 19, & 26) 4 in July MTB Race Series. Where: Farragut State Park, Idaho. When:

(July 9) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty Lake village beachfront. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s sprint distance triathlon. Info: www.valleygirltri.com

Races start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday night MTB racing in July at Farragut State Park. Riders can choose one or two 8-mile laps, and there’s a new single-track course each week, with proceeds benefitting local youth sports programs. An Idaho State Park Pass is required.

(July 8) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Try different bikes; sign up for

(JULY 15) Tiger Tri. Where: Gillette Lake (Beaver Lodge). When: 6 a.m. Swim in water temperatures around 70 degrees. Bike along State Highway 20 through Colville National Forest with substantial elevation loss. Run through Dominion Meadows golf course on packed gravel, asphalt and grass.

Info:TigerTri.com

SIXMONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (August 19) Taste T Lentil 5k Fun Run. Where: National Lentil Festival, Pullman, Wash. Eat tasty lentils. Drink good beer. And kick it all off with a fun 5k run or walk. Info: Lentilfest.com

(September 9) Trail Maniacs State Park Series #4. Where: Riverside State Park. SPS is a

and the incredibly scenic course make this the perfect fall event for all runners. Enjoy breathtaking views while running past golf courses, lakes, horse pastures, farms, and North Idaho forests. Info: Haydenlakemarathon.org

(September 16) RIM Ride 5-Mile Family Bike Ride. Where: Liberty Lake, Wash. This family-

BIKING

(September 17) RIM Ride. Where: Liberty Lake,

(August 5) Blazing Saddles. Where: Colville City

trail run series, including 5 mile and half marathon distances that takes place at six state parks in Idaho and Washington. Info: Trailmaniacs.com/sps

Park. When: 6 a.m. packet pickup. 100-mile, 68-Mile and 45-Mile ride options. All rides fully supported.

Info: Blazing100.org

(September 19) Two Bear Marathon.

(August 19) Tour de Lentil Bike Ride. Where: National Lentil Festival, Pullman, Wash. A 50k, 100k, or 150k bike ride (not a race) through the scenic Palouse held in conjunction with the National Lentil Festival. Info: Lentilfest.com

Where: Whitefish, Montana. Run the scenic backroads around this beautiful mountain town on an all-new, all-road course with full and half marathon distances.

The race starts and ends at Depot Park in downtown Whitefish, where a free barbeque awaits finishers as part of the post-race party. Info: Twobearmarathon. org.

(September 23) Spokane Happy Girls Run.

(September 11) WACANID Ride. Where: Start in Sandpoint, Idaho. Fully supported 6 day ride through Washington, Idaho and Canada. Info: wacanid.org

Where: Where: Spokane. Women’s half marathon, 10k and 5k runs with great post-race festivities and fabulous goody bags. Info: Happygirlsrun.com

(October 1) Sekani Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani, Spokane. The 9th annual trail run is a 5k/10k event (plus a free Kids’ 1k) with 100% dirt trails and fabulous course challenges with 700 feet of elevation gain for the 10k run! Info: Sekanitrailrun.com (October 7) Centennial Beer Chase.

Where: From Spokane to Coeur d’Alene. Run in a group of six people, exchanging at breweries along the way.

Info: CentennialBeerChase.com

(October 14) Hayden Lake Marathon.

The full, half, and quarter marathon distance options

A SCENIC RIDE WITH 3 ROUTES 30, 45 & 75 MILE

Saturday August 5th, 2017 Spokane, WA

friendly ride bike ride takes you on the trails in the beautiful City of Liberty Lake. Safe ride for families and kids. Info: Rotaryinmotion.com

Wash. A community cycling event for all ages and abilities, with 15, 25, 50 and 100 mile routes on scenic backroads that explores the beautiful areas of Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Green Bluff and Spokane Valley.

Info: Rotaryinmotion.com

TRIATHLONS/MULTISPORT (September 9) Rathdrum Adventure Race.

Where: Rathdrum, Idaho. The premier “alternative” triathlon in North Idaho, experience a mountain bike ride on Rathdrum Mountain or along a beautiful treed path, paddle Twin Lakes in a kayak, and then run the trails back to Rathdrum’s charming City Park.Participate as a team or individual, and choose between a long or short course. Info: Rathdrumadventurerace.org

FOR MORE INFO

www.lcsnw.org/8lakesride 509.343.5020 cmckee@lcsnw.org Presented by Kaiser Permanente & LCS Northwest to benefit vital programs for children & families

July 2017 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Last Page passing the torch // By Brad Northrup

Jacob Near the top. // PHoto Brad Northrup

As the school year came to a close, my family

and I were sitting around the dinner table discussing plans for the summer. Hanging out at the lake, a trip to Seattle, and our annual pilgrimage to Silverwood were all planned out. Out of the blue, my better half said, “You boys should go do something manly.” I swear there was a twinkle in her eye when she said it. Jacob, our then-14-yearold, was entering high school that fall and really enjoyed the outdoors. Which got me thinking.

“The South Climb on Mount Adams,” I said.

Prior to becoming domesticated, I had spent a good chunk of my adult life climbing the great volcanoes and icy peaks of the North Cascades and Canadian Rockies, and Mount Adams was one of my favorites. The South Climb is a relatively “easy” climb by mountaineering standards but is a great first big mountain for the aspiring climber. While the route is non-technical, getting to the 12,200 foot summit requires endurance and will power.

Jacob had just finished track and was in far better condition than me. I hadn’t climbed anything in a few years, unless you count the stairs that led up from the fridge in our basement. Even then I was sucking wind.

And so it came to pass that on a clear and sunny day in July, Jacob and I found ourselves at the South Climb trailhead, ready to assault the hulking mass of Mount Adams. For three hours we trudged our way up the rocky trail towards the high camp, taking breaks every hour or so to eat and drink.

We chatted about cars, music, and how good dinner was going to taste later that night. We spent the last hour on an endless, expansive snowfield that seemed to go on forever. Few words passed between us as our destination for the evening came into view.

Once we rolled into the high camp at what is known as the Lunch Counter, Jacob was tasked with setting up the tent, while I located water and bagged up snow to melt. We spent the remainder of the afternoon lounging in the sun, taking photos, and throwing rocks at other rocks – all of the stuff climbers do to pass the time. As the sun began to set, the sky turned an amazing orange hue, thanks in part to the numerous wildfires burning across the state. Snug in our tent and with bellies full, sleep came quickly.

We awoke at dawn, ate a quick bite, and stepped onto the frozen snowfield. Jacob adjusted his crampons and donned his ice axe. “What do you think your buddies are doing this morning?” I asked. He looked, smiled, and said, “Definitely not something this cool.”

We zigzagged our way up the steep headwall towards the false summit. Jacob seemed unfazed

by the altitude and was a machine. Your humble narrator, however, took a more “slow and steady” pace some distance back. After a quick break at the false summit, we traversed the ice cap and began the final push up the summit pyramid. Less than an hour later, we were on top. After some high fives and the all-important hero summit photos, we sat down. “I have two things to tell you, bud.” I said.

“First, no matter what you do for the rest of your life, you get to keep this. You earned this summit.

No one can ever take this away from you.” “What’s the second?” he asked. “The summit is only halfway. We still have to get down.” I said.

Descending Mount Adams is the best part, because you can glissade from the false summit at 11,200’ down to the Lunch Counter at 9500’ in a matter of minutes. No matter how many times I have climbed Adams, my face hurts every time from laughing as I fly down the glissade chutes.

After reaching the Lunch Counter, we packed up and made our way down the rocky trail to the parking lot. I had warned Jacob that the longest mile is always the last, and this definitely proved to be true.

With temperatures in the 90s and our packs feeling heavier by the minute, we both were ready for the trip to end. Just when I thought Jacob was about to reach the end of his rope, the glint of cars came into view. As we made our way back home, I asked him what he thought about the trip. “Some things were easier than I thought, and some things were way harder,” he said. “But I would definitely do it again.”

I smiled, nodded my head, and said nothing. The torch had been passed. // Brad Northrup is an avid skier, fly-fisherman, and mountain climber.

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