Out There Monthly June 2016

WINE & WHEELS | BIRDING HIKES | CAMP COFFEE JUNE 2016 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

Ultimate

Summer

Your summertime Adventure Guide!

Camp Sekani July 9

BIKING THE FLATHEAD

10

ONE-DAY ADVENTURES

HIKING LODGES

zipline

TOURS

NATIONAL PARKS WITH KIDS

North-of-the-border ROAD TRIPS

5 montana

Day Hikes

THE SEASON HAS STARTED...

N

LO H T A I TR

AR E G / BIKES

!

E C I V SER

WETSUITS

TUNE UP NOW Basic Tune $60 Ironman tune $110

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

SKYE SCHILLHAMMER

WE GET PEOPLE WHO GET OUTSIDE. www.AdventureSoleRT.com nolibrewhouse.com /nolibrewhousE

RUN,

the shores of Lake Chelan!

• Professionally staged • Beautiful course with stunning views • Great post-race party • Chip timed, tech shirt, finisher medal • The last Boston qualifier in the Northwest • Walkers welcome for half and 10K

SIP,

the wines of Lake Chelan!

Packet pick-up and pre-race dinner for the Lake Chelan Shore to Shore Marathon, Half-Marathon and 10K is at Vin du Lac Winery in Chelan.

Race swag includes collector wine glasses.

Lake Chelan’s north and south shores are home to more than 20 wineries. The Lake Chelan American Viticultural Area was formed in 2009.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Wednesday Market starts June 8

Every Saturday and Wednesday

Through October

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

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

5th Avenue between Division and Browne

6/19/16

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

HYDRATION, TRANSFORMED Introducing the extremely durable, ultra-light and leakproof Stash water bottle.

100% BPA free, easy to clean and packs down to less than a quarter of the filled size.

Smart, safe & reliable hydration Give one a twist at a dealer near you hydrapak.com

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

5

MIDNIGHT MADNESS IS DEAD Biggest Demo & Sales event of the summer with

Head to Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival

at Camp Sekani Saturday July 9th and test ride bikes in a real-world environment.

Then head to any of our 3 stores to make your life better!

July 8th, 9th & 10th

During business hours. (Mon-Sat 9-6, Sunday 11-4)

Full Suspension Specialized, Pivot and Yeti $1800 - $2799 range : you get $250 off retail $2800 - $4299 range : you get $400 off retail $4300 and above : you get $500 off retail All parts, accessories and clothing 25% off regular price or 30% off when you buy any bike. (day of purchase only) All other bikes 15% off retail.

All Shebeest and Endura clothing 50% off.

This Includes 2016 Models!

We will pay the freight on ANY bike that needs to be ordered.

Saving you MORE money!

photo: Aarron Theisen CENTRAL

SOUTH

VALLEY

1711 N. Division 509-326-3977

3020 S. Grand 509-747-4187

606 N. Sullivan 509-921-7729

Financed Purchases under $1000 qualify for 6 months no interest and purchases over $1000 can receive 1 year no interest! Every bike purchased from Wheel Sport comes with the first full-service tune up FREE ($75 value) and LIFETIME break and gear adjustments.

Layaways are NOT available for sale weekend. Financing is available (OAC).

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

gsi_2016_JavaPressGrowlerWine_OutThereMonthly_6.2016_r.1.pdf 1 4/27/2016 12:08:06 PM

COntents

Features

27 | Ultimate Summer Adventure Guide Letterboxing // Hiking Lodges // Leavenworth Basecamp // Birding // Spokatopia // 1 Day Adventures // Climbing // Cycling & Wine // B.C. Travel // Hiking // Ziplines // Paddleboarding // Cycling Montana

27 Special Sections 46 | Trailside Guide

departments 16 | Gear Room 18 | Outdoor Living 20 | Food & Fuel 23 | Biking

46

50 | Running

in every issue 9

| From the Editor

10 | Out There News & Events 12 | Hike of the Month

21

14 | Everyday Cyclist

columns

24 | Out There Kids

19 | Leaf Root Fungi Fruit

20

21 | Urban Outdoors 51 | Food & Fuel 52 | Outdoor Calendar 54 | Last Page Advancements in coffee brewing technology, availability, and affordability over the last 10 years have made it relatively easy to make a great cup of coffee practically anywhere.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Out There Monthly / JUNE 2016 www.outtheremonthly.com Publishers

Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor in-chief

Derrick Knowles Managing Editor

Janelle McCabe Kids/family section editor

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree senior writers

Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Contributing Writers:

Crystal Atamian S. Michal Bennett Bradley Bleck Kelly Chadwick Hank Greer Erik K. Anders Larsen Katie LeBlanc Ammi Midstokke Janelle McCabe Aaron Theisen Holly Weiler Contributing photographers:

Shawn Gust Jon Jonckers Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Drew Parker Aaron Theisen Matt Vielle Woods Wheatcroft Special projects coordinator

Janelle McCabe Art + Production

Art Director - Shallan Knowles Contributing Designer - Brad Naccarato Intern/Online contributor

Siobhan Ebel to request copies caLl

509 / 822 / 0123 Ad Sales

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 Brad Naccarato Out There Monthly

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ŠCopyright 2016 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death.

Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley PROUD MEMBER Of

On The Cover: Ian, carla and jeff jumping near the clark fork delta, clark fork, idaho.

Photo: Woods Wheatcroft 8

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

From The Editor: A Whole Summer’s Worth of Fun in One Day What will you be doing on Saturday, July 9?

Try this on for size. Wake up and (insert your Saturday morning ritual here), eat something easy on the stomach since you have some pedaling and running in your near future. It’s a beautiful, sunny day (it’s July in Spokane after all), and you’ve had the day’s festivities on your calendar for months now. You check in with your crew of friends and/ or rally your family to drive on down to the Avista Utilities parking lot on E. Mission Ave. as planned.

That’s where you park the car and hop on your bikes for the 4.6 mile ride along the Centennial Trail and the Spokane River to Camp Sekani Park, where the 2nd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival will be kicking off at 10 a.m.

After leaving your bike at the secure bike corral,

you are about an hour early, which puts you just in time to start the festival day off right with a 5k hill climb trail run to the top of Beacon Hill or a 1.5 mile run or walk to the top of Sekani. Hello Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run, which starts out on the Up Chuck Trail at Camp Sekani and ends back at the festival, where after your run or brisk, scenic walk you have time to sample an iced coffee before the adventure clinic you signed up for in advance gets started. The adventure clinics you had to choose from included all sorts of outdoor sports, including stand up paddleboarding, inflatable kayaking, geocaching, canoeing, rock climbing, disc golf and more, but you signed up to try yoga on a stand up paddleboard!

This year Spokatopia will be the biggest bike

demo and sales event of the entire summer too, so after your SUP yoga session you head over to check out all of the bike shops set up in the meadow to try some of the bikes on hand: mountain bikes, fat bikes, hybrid bikes and downhill bikes from Specialized, Pivot, Yeti, Trek, Norco and other brands. You also heard that for one day only there will be a free vehicle shuttle running to the top of Camp Sekani, serving up downhill-only rides on your own bike or demo wheels, so you take a couple fast, fun laps in time to make it back down to the bike park to watch riders flying through the air doing crazy tricks off huge features at the mountain bike jump jam.

By now it’s pretty hot out, so you walk the short trail down to Boulder Beach to demo a few stand

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up paddleboards on the calm, lake-like waters of the Spokane River. After that, there’s still plenty of Spokatopia action to check out: over 40 exhibitors from outdoor recreation retailers, clubs, bike shops and other local companies and organizations; live music; slacklining; free samples and outdoor gear for sale; and food vendors and a beer garden.

Before you know it, the sun has dropped behind the pines and it’s time to pedal back to your car along the river.

If you were wondering, that’s how you pack a full summer’s worth of fun and adventure into one day.

See you at Spokatopia! // Derrick Knowles, Editor editor@outtheremonthly.com

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9

Out ThereNews&Events

wednesdays in the woods Arguably the best thing about living in

Spokane is summer evenings under the stars. This summer REI is teaming up with the Riverside State Park Foundation to bring outdoors lovers Wednesdays in the Woods, a weekly presentation hosted at the Bowl & Pitcher amphitheater. The outdoor presentations will be educational celebrations of all sorts of outdoor activities from around the Inland Northwest.

The event series kicks off with an interactive, round-robin presentation answering some of REI’s most commonly received questions about camping and camp skills. Presenters will cover setting up a tent for inclement weather, proper set-up of a camp kitchen, how to use the right knots around your campsite, fire building and great games you can play with your family and friends to make your camp experience even better. At the end of the summer, join Rye River bluegrass band for live music and enjoy ice cream courtesy of the Riverside

State Park Foundation. Rye River features four young, talented musicians, including Justin Sherfey, the reigning National Junior Fiddle Champion and Drew Miller, the Northwest Regional Guitar Champion. In between, presenters include the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Hike It Baby, West Central’s OWL Program, SouthCare Animal Medical Center, Washington Trails Association and Center of Lift hang gliding and paragliding club.

The Wednesdays in the Woods programs happen every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. from June 15 through August 31. Representatives from Riverside State Park, REI and outdoor experts from all over the region will inspire audiences to find new ways to experience and enjoy the outdoors.

Wednesdays in the Woods is a free, family friendly series. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the Bowl & Pitcher. More info at REI.com/Learn.

(OTM)

Silver Mountain Announces Early Opening and Another No. 1 Bike Park Ranking Silver Mountain Bike Park was voted the

No. 1 bike park in the Northwest for the second year in a row. The rider survey was conducted by MTBparks.com, an online guide to North American mountain bike resorts. “We are honored to have such strong support from the riders in our region,” says Willy Bartlett, the marketing coordinator at Silver Mountain Resort.

“This award fuels our commitment to continually improve and expand our park. Our aim is to be the top destination in our region for riders of any ability level to be able to have fun and challenge themselves. Whether you’re just getting started mountain biking, or a dedicated gravity rider, we have the trails you’ll love, and new rental bikes that will allow you to push yourself.”

In 2015, Silver Mountain Bike Park built three new trails and continued to rebuild its existing network, bringing trails up to modern bike park standards.

Silver also played host to a stop on the Northwest Cup, the largest downhill race series in the Northwest, drawing over 200 racers in from all over the West Coast. With improvements like an expanded rental

FESTIVAL OF MILES - JUNE 11 HUTTON SETTLEMENT CHALLENGE - JUNE 18 221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654 10208 N. Division 509-468-1786 10

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Expert riders can take the highline on Old School, and tamer riders can enjoy the underpass on Payday. // Photo: Matt Vielle

bike fleet, weekly ladies rides, certified instructors, a fun downhill race series and fresh trails, Silver has become a mountain biking destination.

Improvements for 2016 include opening three weeks ahead of schedule, a brand new fleet of rental bikes, some major trail additions, hosting the almost sold out North American Enduro Cup and continuing to expand on the massive trail complex that Silver is famous for. Be sure to check out Old School, a freshly re-built trail that is highlighted by a 40-foot table top jump that is also an overpass bridging another trail below. Old School is sure to be a signature trail for years to come, with fantastic flow and jumps that are large, but built to be friendly for all ability levels.

Even as the trail crew is putting the finishing touches on the existing network for opening day, new trails are being carefully laid out for the future.

Silver opened nearly 100 percent of its bike trails accessed by the gondola and Chair 3 on Memorial Day weekend. After that, the bike park is open for mostly extended weekends through June 24, when it kicks off 7-day-a-week operations. Silvermt.com.

(OTM)

Silver Valley Online Travel and Information Guide Released The Historic Silver Valley Chamber of

Commerce recently announced the launch of a new app to make navigating the trails, back roads and in-town offerings in North Idaho’s Silver Valley easier and more enjoyable. The app features information on each of the communities, summer and winter recreation, bicycling, history and museum listings, and directions. The app also covers scenic drive suggestions with points of interest and location information along the

way, and a fishing tour feature is in the works.

The free app is available for both smart phones and tablets on the Play Store and the App Store.

There are also direct links on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page. The Silver Valley Chamber encourages anyone interested in visiting and exploring the scenic and historic Silver Valley to download the app before your next trip.

Facebook.com/SilverValleyChamber (OTM)

Help Map Mica Peak Conservation Area for Future Trails Spokane County is undertaking the develop-

ment of non-motorized recreational trail plan for the 911-acre Mica Peak Conservation Area that includes consideration for trails on adjacent land managed by the Department of Natural Resources. The plan will engage recreation user groups, adjacent landowners, and land managers to create a “shovel-ready” trail plan. The plan will be developed with multiple use in design and provide for a range of non-motorized recreational uses, experiences and difficulty levels. A major goal of the new trail system is to preserve a balance between recreational users and wildlife needs and respect private property. Interested in being involved? The Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department is hosting volunteer mapping

events in June to provide hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, equestrians and nature lovers the chance to discover Mica Peak and help map trails and site conditions as the first step in developing a recreational trail plan for the conservation area.

Participants should bring GPS or smart phones with Collector for ArcGIS (a free, downloadable app) to map routes for inclusion in the trail map.

Mapping events are scheduled for Saturday, June 4, and Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mica Peak Conservation Area Trailhead at 20002 E. Belmont Road. Bring water, sunscreen, hiking boots and clothing and a GPS or smartphone. For additional information, contact Mike Terrell at 509-922-7449 or mterrell@mt-la.com. Visit Micapeaktrailplan.com for more info. (OTM)

Bikes, horses and hikers share the trails at Mica Peak. Photo courtesy of Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf

Route of the Hiawatha Open for the Season The Route of the Hiawatha scenic bicycle rails-to-trails opened for the season on May 27, kicking off the biking season that will last through Sunday, September 25. Trail shuttles operate 7 days a week beginning June 11. The 15-mile mountain bike and hiking trail utilizes the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad grade between the old town site of Taft, Montana, and the North Fork of the St. Joe River near Avery, Idaho. The Hiawatha includes 10 tunnels and seven trestles within the Loop Creek canyon at the crest of the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains. The Hiawatha is a

gentle, downhill trail with a grade between 1 and 2 percent that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. Trail passes, shuttle tickets, mountain bike rentals, souvenirs, and picnic lunches are available at Lookout Pass Ski Area located adjacent to I-90 at Exit 0 on the Idaho/Montana state line, 12 miles east of Historic Wallace, Idaho. Route of the Hiawatha is located off of I-90 at Exit 5 on the Montana side of the divide. Call 208-744-1234 or visit www.ridethehiawatha.com for trail and trail shuttle information. (OTM)

Live Life a Whole Lot

BRIGHTER!

BOLDER! BETTER!

Sign up for our weekly events newsletter at www.VisitTRI-CITIES.com.

START YOUR WEEKEND WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT For a BRIGHTER, BOLDER, BETTER getaway, visit TRI-CITIES! Experience the Heart of Washington Wine Country® with more than 200 wineries within an hour’s drive. Take advantage of our endless open spaces with miles of trails from ridges to rivers. Learn about the B Reactor’s important role in American history at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

Kennewick • Pasco • Richland Visit TRI-CITIES and add an exclamation point to your next travel experience!

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is our park!

VisitLincolnCountyWashington.com

To learn more, visit www.VisitTRI-CITIES.com or call (800) 254-5824.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

11

HikeOfTheMonth

sponsored by

Quartzite Mountain

(Colville National Forest) // By Holly Weiler

Friday Night: Dance to DJ Excellence Saturday 2pm: Hash Run/ 7pm Live Music: The Angela Marie Project Sunday 9am: The 32nd Running of the Original Bare Buns Fun Run

Hike of the month: Looking down at Chewelah and the Colville River Valley from the Quartzite wild country near 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. // Photos: Holly Weiler

Quartzite is one of the most prominent natural roadside features of the drive north on

Highway 395, where the rocky outcroppings form a gorgeous backdrop for the town of Chewelah.

The only way to improve the view is to climb to the top and gaze down on town from more than 2,000 feet above the valley floor.

Despite the relatively short round-trip distance for this hike, it’s a workout. From the tiny roadside parking area (tip for groups: pack your carpool, as you won’t easily get more than two vehicles in this spot), the initial mile climb is relentless. Since the trailhead is on the east side of Quartzite, the views consist mainly of flora and fauna along the route. In June the spring wildflowers will be lingering, and some of the Ponderosa pines are massive. Animal sightings are apt to include whitetail deer and turkeys. When the trail finally breaks out onto an open bench above town, hikers will be glad to catch their breath as they take in the view.

The trail is a favorite of local Boy Scout troops, so there’s a campsite here should you try this as a short overnight trip. There’s no water on this trail, so pack plenty. There is a Boy Scout marker, and a mailbox serves as not-quite-summit register. To get to the true summit, continue uphill a little under a half mile. A USGS benchmark indicates the top, but the views are actually better near the camp.

Be cautious if exploring near the cliffs, as this is a rustic trail and the drop-offs are sheer. Then brace your knees for the return trip. Trekking poles will come in handy for your descent to the bottom.

Round trip distance is about 3 miles.

Getting there: From Spokane, travel Highway 395 north to Chewelah. Turn east on Main Avenue at the traffic light, and continue to Flowery Trail Road. At 2.1 miles, turn right on Mud Lake Road, continuing 2.6 miles to the trailhead on the west side of the narrow road. //

Give back to our local trails! Join Washington Trails Association for a volunteer trail improvement outing June 29 at Mount Spokane State Park. Visit www.wta.org for more information.

Get Out & Hike More— Play Out There Monthly’s Backcountry Booty Contest & Win a pair of oboz footwear

Want to get out and explore different trails around the region? Play the OTM Backcountry Booty scavenger hunt contest and you could win gift certificates for cool outdoor gear and other prizes while you’re out hiking. Here’s how it works: 1. We hide a booty certificate that’s good for whatever prizes are up for grabs and name the general location. 2. You watch for clues and photos on Facebook and at OutThereMonthly.com and keep looking until someone finds the booty!

Follow us on Facebook and check our website to play!

oboz footwear–True to the Trail

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

O BO Z O UTTHERE MAGAZI NE 5 . 1 2 5 X 1 2 . 2 5

News,Continued Riggins, Idaho, Big Water Blowout River Festival (June 4) The Big Water Blowout River Festival is the biggest whitewater adventure in Idaho this summer. In its 18th year, this annual festival is an action-packed event with experienced outfitters and guides offering discounted whitewater rafting trips from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come paddle huge class III and IV rapids and enjoy the awesome scenery and wildlife in the second deepest gorge in North America. Get your thrill seeking in by participating or by watching the boats, catarafts, kayaks, and drift boats ride boat-munching waves. Arrive at the city park in time to enter your specialty in the

famous Dutch oven cook-off contest, a river festival tradition. Prep and cooking begins at 4 p.m. and dishes are ready for the judges at 7 p.m. Show up for your opportunity to get a plate and taste the savory dishes yourself for only $5. Dance into the evening to live music and soak in the first day of summer. Riggins is located on the Salmon River just two hours south of Lewiston, Idaho. For additional information on the event, current weather forecasts, awesome river and event photos, and river flows visit Bigwaterblowout.com. (OTM)

Big white water and hot Dutch oven eats in Riggins // Photos courtesy of the Salmon River Chamber of Commerce

OUT HERE, ALONE, YOU PONDER SOME TRULY DEEP QUESTIONS.

August 13, 2016 www.PorPokerPaddle.com

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TRUE TO THE TRAIL

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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SPEED CUSHION FLY THE CLAYTON AT THESE RETAILERS

Everyday Cyclist Bike Racks Just Make Sense // By Hank Greer

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Bike Everywhere Month has passed, and

perhaps you got caught up in the spirit and decided to use a bicycle occasionally. You went to the grocery store. Or you and your children rode to an ice cream parlor. Or you went to a restaurant with your spouse. And perhaps a new reality set in for you. “Where can I lock up my bike?” Well, it depends.

Welcome to a dilemma shared by many who ride.

If your destination did have a bike rack, perhaps another concern arose. The bike rack was in an out-of-the way location. While I don’t have any hard data to back this up, I feel my bike is more secure if it’s out front where everyone can see it as opposed to being in a less trafficked area on the side or back of the building. More importantly, I also feel more welcome as a cyclist when an establishment has a bike rack right out front. It says someone made the extra effort to think of cyclists. And, as many establishments have found, making it easy for cyclists to stop at your place of business brings in more customers. More customers means more revenue. It’s much easier for people to stop and park their bike if you give them a place to secure it.

There are places that shine. Public facilities like schools, libraries, and Spokane’s City Hall have prominent bike racks. Some years ago, The Elk Public House in Browne’s Addition converted a parking spot on the street to bike parking. It’s a decision many cyclists have appreciated. And it’s a smart move. Bicycle parking space requires one-tenth of that for a car, which means that bike space can accommodate more customers than a car can hold.

Without having to increase parking space, establishments can still increase customers.

Dedicated bike parking makes cyclists feel welcome.

The STA Plaza and the Park and Ride areas have plenty of bike racks. The SpokesmanReview has a covered rack that’s under observation at all times. Kendall Yards has bike racks along the business and restaurant area.

You’ll find racks outside the Main Market

Co-op, Auntie’s Bookstore, River Park Square, and quite a few other places along Main Street.

There are a few places that are lacking.

The downtown U.S. Post Office and the U.S. Courthouse each used to have a bike rack. But they were removed and now people lock their bikes up to the parking meters, trees, and light poles out front instead. I think it’s odd when a fitness facility has little or no bike parking.

Ride to any big box grocery store and you’ll probably find yourself locking your bike to whatever is available. I prefer to take the bike into the store with me. Using the bike and panniers as a grocery cart works quite well. I get looks but no complaints.

A fun element of bike racks can be their design. The Garland District has a spiral “wiener dog” rack in which a bike fits inside each coil that make up the body. The Spokane International Airport has bicycle-shaped bike racks in front of the terminals. Bert Bike-ARack resides on the Centennial Trail side of the INB Performing Arts Center. It’s a spidershaped rack that fits a bike wheel in each leg.

Top: The well-used bike racks in front of the Elk Public House in Browne’s Addition. Bottom: Bert can hold one wheel in each leg. // Photos: Hank Greer

The Flying Goat restaurant has a cool rack constructed of bike frames. The Indaba Coffee on Broadway has racks that incorporate miniature bicycles in their design. While artistic racks are appealing and cool, they sometimes present a challenge because their design may not be very functional. For example, Bert Bike-A-Rack can secure a wheel but not the frame. It’ll work if you’re just going to sit on the nearby steps and hang out by the river. But there is a standard rack next to Bert where you can properly secure your bike.

Whether a bike rack is starkly utilitarian or an eye-catching piece of art, businesses have reaped the benefits of installing them.

Believe me, word gets out when a business is bike friendly. Check the well-used bike parking at places like Central Food, The Elk, and the Main Market Co-op and you’ll see what I mean. Be sure to thank the businesses that provide bike parking. And for those that don’t, be an ambassador. Politely let them know how bike racks can be a great investment and how you and other cyclists help make it so. //

O X Y MO R O N Hello S P E E D C U S H I O N. Introducing The Clayton. Maximal cushion. Minimal weight. So you can fly.

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15

GearRoom

e or $25 f e e r b Sav e ist nd g Re 16 a 1.

6.

gear for summer adventures Lacey Green PhotoGraPhy

Lorpen T3 Light Hiker Shorty Socks

3rd Annual

Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS

06.18.16

Ride along the gorgeous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

Ride one mile or the entire 42.6 miles!

Family friendly with aid stations & lunch included.

Register as an Individual, Team, or Virtual Rider!

Ride for Someone Else’s Life. Register Online:

web.alsa.org/SilverValley

Test Your Strength.

Push Your Limits. Fight ALS. facebook.com/SilverValleyALSRide

Presented by:

These hiking socks match well with the lowprofile Oboz hiking shoes I’ve been tromping around the woods in this spring. Who wants superfluous sock strangling your calves or bunching up around your ankles when you’re sporting light-weight footwear in warm weather hiking conditions? Lorpen’s new T3 hiking socks are engineered for comfort and Helinox Chair One

Is it possible to have too many light-weight, packable c a mp chairs? Maybe. But we have found endless uses for them.

The latest we’ve tried and loved is the Helinox from Big Agnes. It lives in our car much of the time, where it comes in handy for everything from picnic lunches to posthike hangouts. It also makes appearances in

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

These classic Chaco sandals just got an upgrade. Expect t he tou g h Chaco construction you’re used to, but with an added layer of cushion under foot. The Z/Cloud has the same adjustable strap system, grippy tread, and durable construction that you expect from Chaco,

function, with cushioning where it’s needed and three separate layers to keep your feet dry: a soft layer of Tencel, a biodegradable fiber that is made from trees; a Coolmax layer that keeps sweat moving out away from your skin; and a final layer of nylon/Lycra that makes the socks more durable and keeps them from creeping down into your hiking shoes or boots. MSRP: $15

our kitchen as an auxiliary meal-time seat.

At 1.9 pounds, packing down to the size of a wine bottle, it’s light enough to invite along on short backpacking trips (I walked 13 miles into Hells Canyon with mine to a sweet camp along the Snake River that was a lot sweeter with a comfortable chair to sit in). The Helinox comes in a variety of colors and is strong enough to hold 300 plus pounds. MSRP: $99.95 - $119.95

with a softer, more comfortable foot bed that is also antimicrobial, meaning you can practically live in your sandals without making your tent partner gag when you crawl into bed at night. (Thank you for that Chaco!

Seriously.) There are plenty of strap colors and designs to choose from too. MSRP: $110

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Scout Lantern

It’s camping and backyard barbeque season again, which also means it’s skeeter season.

Thermacell has a new product out that will make your campsite or backyard patio so much more enjoyable when the buzzing little bloodsuckers come out to play.

I refuse to spray nasty chemicals all over my body, but I also won’t be chased back inside by biting insects either. The new Thermacell Scout Lantern is a unique and welcome

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

fix, serving as a powerful and portable 220 lumen light source and a non-toxic mosquito repellant with a 15-foot zone of protection.

Silent and virtually odorless, each 12-hour repellant mat is heated by a butane cartridge that releases vaporized allethrin, a copy of a repellent that naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers.

All Thermacell Mosquito Repellent products use the same refills, which you can buy online or at select retail chains. MSRP: $39.99 //

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JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

17

OutdoorLiving Bees and their keepers // Backyard Beekeeping is Catching On // By Janelle McCabe

Kimberlee Kealiher tends her backyard hives on Spokane’s South Hill. // Photos: Janelle McCabe

“I’m actually allergic to bees,” chuckles

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Spokane beekeeper Kimberlee Kealiher, who simply packs an EpiPen and keeps on humming.

This is Kealiher’s fourth year keeping bees in the backyard of her South Hill home, and her love and respect for the insect are apparent. “After keeping chickens successfully, I was looking for a new hobby,” Kealiher explains. “A friend loaned me the book ‘Plan Bee’ by Susan Brackney, and I immediately knew I wanted to be a beekeeper.”

Hobbyists often become interested in beekeeping for two reasons, says Ari Alvarez, owner of BeeManiacs, a beekeeping supply store in Deer Park: to help the bees, and to help their gardens.

Bees have made news lately with their plummeting numbers due to a problem called colony collapse disorder (CCD), which is likely caused by pesticides. In fact, last month, two hives of 30,000 honeybees were installed on the grounds of the Washington state governor’s mansion to raise awareness of the issue. “Simply put: no bees, no food,” says Joan Nolan, a master beekeeper with the Inland Empire Beekeepers Association. “The silver lining to CCD is that more people are aware of how critical the honey bee is for pollination.”

Increased awareness of the plight of the humble bee has also caused a shift in beekeeper demographics, notes Alvarez. “Ten years ago, beekeepers were mostly men over 50. As more hobby-friendly beekeeping associations and classes are made available, we are seeing far more women ages 20 to 40,

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usually with kids. This change is making beekeeping a sustainable activity.” Beekeepers celebrate the family-friendly nature of their hobby. “We started beekeeping when our kids were 9 and 10,” says Alvarez. “Beekeeping became a family thing. Our kids even named our company, and we all contribute our skills.” Ellen Miller, Vice President of the West Plains Beekeepers Association, agrees that beekeeping is great for kids. “More children are taking our beginning beekeeping classes, and they’re frequently the most eager participants,” Miller says.

“Many children have learned about honeybees in school and are ready to learn more.”

New or aspiring beekeepers will receive a warm welcome at any of the associations in the area (see sidebar), where they can learn about the costs (new beekeepers will spend about $500 for a bee suit, tools, equipment, and the actual hive and bees), time involvement (beekeeping is a year-long process), and regulations involved with beekeeping.

Kealiher recommends finding someone who’s a beekeeper and tagging along when they check their hives. “I can’t imagine beekeeping without being a part of a local association!” Kealiher says.

“Membership in a local association facilitates relationships with experienced beekeepers who can mentor and pass along knowledge to newer beekeepers. Local associations provide a place to seek advice, learn from mistakes, and discuss new ideas and techniques.” //

BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATIONS AND CLASSES The Inland Empire Beekeepers Association, Spokane

• • • •

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ON LAKES AND RIVERS IN THE COLVILLE AREA: 65 Lakes on the Colville National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/colville/recreation/fishing

— with 28 campgrounds

The West Plains Beekeepers Association, Cheney/Medical Lake

• • • •

Fishing on the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge: www.fws.gov/littlependoreille/2009fishing.pdf

— with 4 campgrounds

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area:

www.nps.gov/laro/planyourvisit/fishing.htm — with 27 campgrounds

WA Department of Natural Resources State Land: www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Recreation/Pages/Home.aspx

—with 6 campgrounds.

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Active membership: 100 Monthly meetings: Second Friday of every month at the WSU Spokane Extension Beginner’s classes: February, $50 per person Website: www.inlandempirebeekeepersassociation.com Active membership: 120 Monthly meetings: Third Friday of every month at Pizza Factory in Medical Lake Beginner’s classes: Early spring and late fall, $35 per household Website: www.wpbeekeepers.org

The Backyard Beekeepers Association, Deer Park est. 1910

986 South Main St, Ste. B Colville, WA 99114 (509) 684-5973 www.colville.com

• • • •

Active membership: 35-40 Monthly meetings: Third Thursday of every month at Deer Park City Hall Beginner’s classes: March and October, $30 per person Website: www.newbeekeepers.us

Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit The Humble Puffball// by Kelly Chadwick

More than just a race… it’s a lifetime experience.

CENTENNIAL BEER CHASE

50 miles • 12 legs 6 friends one-day relay 20 breweries

October 1, 2016

BEND BEER CHASE

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June 4, 2016

You might need a bigger basket if you run across these lunker puffballs. // Photo: Drew Parker

The Blackfeet said they were fallen stars. In

Western ethno botanical literature, puffballs are referenced far more than other fungi. Nowadays people tend to overlook them, maybe because of the resemblance to softballs, golf balls, and volleyballs. Yet they are abundant, good to eat, high in protein, and when mature, fun to kick into explosions of spores — the only acceptable form of fungicide. A mushroom is the fruit of the “plant,” arising to disperse its spores. Most mushrooms produce spores on the underside of the cap on gills or tubes; with morels it’s along their pits and grooves. Gastromycetes, the Puffball family, produce spores on the inside, maturing into a mass of purple or brown, “puffing” out clouds of spores that are carried off by wind and water, animal and insect. Millions disseminate and in large varieties the numbers count in the trillions.

Puffballs have an affinity for disturbed and compacted environments, i.e., human habitat.

You’ll find them in lawns, roads, sides of paths,

fatal Amanitas start as a little white egg before breaking free into a mushroom. This is why you cut all small puffballs in half. If your specimen is a cloaked Amanita, the embryonic appearance of a forming mushroom will be silhouetted within. I have run across these deceptively mingled together in our region.

Puffballs are the tofu of mushrooms — soft, simple, but with a bland, appealing richness. Bread, fry, and bathe them in heavy sauces, unlike most mushrooms that are lost in traditional country recipes.

The creamy texture also blends well with eggs and cheese, like feta or chevre. Larger species may be sliced and lightly fried, then frozen for future use as wraps. Dehydrated they can be powdered for an umami flavoring.

Along with being fun, yummy, and kickable, puffballs played an important role in the old west, where they were used by natives and later frontiersman as a styptic wound dressing and food. In Tibet, puffballs were traditionally made into ink after

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Puffballs are abundant, good to eat, high in protein, and when mature, fun to kick into explosions of spores — the only acceptable form of fungicide. and fields. They can be smaller than a pea or bigger than a soccer ball. A decade ago, I left home to run errands on a sunny spring day. Beside the walkway in the grass was a ping pong-sized puffball.

When I returned several hours later, it had grown to the size of a basketball. I circled in disbelief, as normally they appear overnight in their determined size. Picking it up, the diminutive specimen was still there underneath. A friend had come by and placed the enormous puffball over the small one.

Most inexplicably, it turned out he didn’t know the little guy was below when placing the venerable giant in the expanse of my yard.

All puffballs are edible if pure white inside. Once spores develop, the flesh first turns yellow and then various shades of dark, signifying they are no longer fresh. There are also two nefarious lookalikes. The poisonous (though not lethal) Scleroderma has a thick, leathery skin and dark interior. Potentially

burning and preparing an emulsion. Desiccated fruiting bodies were worn by several cultures as a protective pendant. I’ll watch for your new necklace on the street.

• Identifying attributes: Roundish, white, stemless balls of many sizes, some with ornamental features adorning the surface.

• Cautionary points: Must be pure white inside.

There are also a couple of pear-shaped species that taste pretty funky and are best avoided.

• Culinary attributes: Fry, sear, cube in sauce, make pate. Dried, add for increased flavor complexity. Large puffballs can be cut in slices from steak thickness to crepe thickness. Plan on using a lot of oil.

• Wine pairings: Washington Merlot, generally deeper and more powerful than from other regions, is the right contrast to the soft meat of a fallen star. //

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JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park Since 1939

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Food&Fuel

coffee brewing on the go //

By S. Michal Bennett

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage

in the U.S. behind soda, and number one in the world, not counting water. Most of us who love the black stuff have brewing equipment in our kitchens, but when we travel or go camping, we often endure whatever is available – sometimes even instant coffee. Advancements in coffee brewing technology, availability, and affordability over the last 10 years have made it relatively easy to make a great cup of coffee practically anywhere.

Here are some things to consider when assembling your travel coffee kit.

Boiling Water: If you are staying at a hotel or bed and breakfast, you most likely will have access to hot water. Camping is a little more challenging.

Campfire kettles and percolators, like Enamelware and Coleman, are straightforward and no-frills, but are heavy and bulky to pack. You have several lightweight options. Use a beer can for a pot with the 2.8-ounce FireFly UL Titanium Collapsible Wood Stove, or upgrade to an all-in-one cooking system like the Jetboil MiniMo, which won Backpacker Magazine’s 2015 Editors’ Choice Award. Or charge your phone while heating water with BioLite’s wood-burning CampStove. Unless you packed a Bialetti Moka, you will probably brew your coffee using a pour-over method. Pouring just after the boil has settled will promote the best extraction and flavor.

Grinding Beans: Hand or manual grinders can range in price from $30 for a Hario Mini Mill to $135 for a LIDO 3 Manual Coffee Grinder. When choosing a grinder, consider durability and grind

consistency. Choosing one that utilizes conical burrs will also improve the flavor of your coffee.

For pour over, grind your coffee at a medium consistency as you would for a drip machine. If you are going on a short trip, you can grind your beans beforehand and store them in an airtight container.

Note: This will change the flavor of the coffee and reduce the quality.

Brewing: The most ideal travel brewing apparatus will give you a consistent, delicious cup of coffee, take up minimal space, and be easy to clean.

The current top equipment choice for local coffee roasters and geeks is the AeroPress. Invented

by Alan Adler, creator of the world-record holding Aerobie Pro Ring Flying Disc, this diminutive contraption claims to be self-cleaning, is uncomplicated and can even stow the Porlex Mini Hand Grinder inside its main body. It is affordable and comes standard with a measuring scoop and filters.

Coffee lovers hold many opinions regarding the ideal water-to-coffee ratio, which can differ with the roast, growing region, and grind of the beans.

For a quick brew, it is safe to stick with the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s recommendation of 16 parts water to one part ground coffee. You can also check with the roaster to find out what they recommend for a specific coffee.

Drinking: We all have a favorite mug or two in our cabinet, and chic travel cups like KeepCup and Joco are plentiful. But nothing beats an enamel steel mug when you are cozied up next to a campfire in the cool of the morning. Enamel steel is durable and functional and feels toasty against cold fingers.

“Camp coffee is amazing, and our true passion at Vessel is getting outside. We use the Aeropress when camping. It’s easy, compact - and without a doubt always creates an amazing cup of coffee.” - Sean Tobin, Vessel Coffee Roasters, Spokane “A common tool used among coffee geeks is the Aeropress. They usually pair it with a metal filter from Able Brewing and a Porlex Mini Hand Grinder. Then all they need is hot water, and they’re good to go!”

- Bobby Enslow, Indaba Coffee, Spokane

5K & 1.5 mile as fast as you can

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Beer Garden

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Live Music

“For a long time, we’ve had the luxury of a Volkswagen camper, so for gear, I like the Hario kettle on the gas burner (heats quickly and pours nicely), a Kalita Wave dripper (I like the way the coffee tastes), and enamel steel mugs.” - Terry Patano, DOMA Coffee Roasting Co., Post Falls “Randy and I both do a lot of camping and backcountry skiing. The Aeropress is our go-to brew method.

It’s really easy, small and light to pack, and it makes a killer cup of coffee. Add the Rhinowares Hand Burr Grinder and our Evans Brothers Camp Mug for the full setup.” - Rick Evans, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, Sandpoint “When we camp or backpack, I take an Aeropress, and I individually pack pre-measured ground coffee in re-useable vac bags. We are being sustainable and getting the best taste possible, and there is no guessing. Incremental changes in the coffee aren’t worth it for bringing all that gear!” - Deborah DiBernardo, Roast House Coffee, Spokane “The Aeropress is like having home espresso, and it’s super light and fits into a backpack, no problem. If we want to condense space even more, we take an unbleached coffee filter, put in two tablespoons ground coffee, tie off the top, and drop it into boiling water like a tea bag.” - Hannah Jennings, Nectar of Life Coffee Co., Dalton Gardens

Starts on the Up Chuck Trail out of Camp Sekani for a fun, flowy climb up Beacon Hill to kick off the 2nd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

“We don’t really camp...my family kind-of glamps. We have a 32-foot RV and about six different ways to brew coffee when we camp. For me, it’s my tranquil place to do a lot of tasting and experimenting with coffee. Our go-to is probably the V60 Gold Cup 360ml pour over.” - Malcolm Wicks, Bumper Crop Coffee Roasters, Spokane Valley

more info: www.spokatopia.com

“Some of my earliest memories are of looking under the wall of our lodgepole teepee at the cowboy coffee pot sitting next to the fire. In the early morning when it’s cold out, the aroma and warmth of coffee are incredible. Boil some water, get some instant coffee, pour the water over it, and you’ve got your cup. For tailgate camping, I prefer the Bialetti Moka pot. It’s universal and all right there.” - Young Bennett, Coffee Roboto, Coeur d’Alene //

July 9 - 9:30 a.m.

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“I travel with a Kalita Wave #155 Stainless Steel Dripper and its filters, an OE Lido 2 Hand Grinder, an AWS SC-2kg pocket scale, and some tasty coffee. I prefer the Kalita for two reasons: It’s not likely to break since it’s stainless steel and its narrow diameter makes consistent brewing without a gooseneck kettle a little easier.” - Scott Yost, DOMA Coffee Roasting Co., Post Falls

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

UrbanOutdoors art gone wild // By Janelle McCabe When was the last time a landscape spoke to

Where is the line between art and vandalism? When it shows up on neglected human structures, some urban wildland graffiti can be a delight to encounter. // Photos: Janelle McCabe

finally behold, and while some examples can be seen by car, you’re more likely to appreciate their scale and the effort it took someone to create them if you search by foot or bike. Add these pieces to

your next tour of our beautiful Inland Northwest urban outdoors.

• Palisades Park: Between Rimrock Drive and the railroad near its northeastern border are the

roofless remains of a large cement enclosure whose walls are covered in colorful art. Highlights are a Pacific Northwest mural on an “interior” wall and an alien head on an “exterior” wall. Find it by hiking.

• Spokane Valley: Shortly before Dishman Mica and Highway 27 intersect, a short, one-lane tunnel on a nearby side road features a quadriptych of the Mona Lisa in the style of Andy Warhol. Find it by road bike as part of a beautiful ride on rolling rural roads.

• Riverside State Park: The less-traveled Trail 100 connects the Bowl and Pitcher area to the Centennial Trail at the T.J. Meenach Bridge. Near the midway point, where the river bank becomes wide, is an old two-walled structure that displays several paintings including the skeleton of a greeneyed dinosaur and a tribal mask. Find it by hiking or mountain bike.

• Nine Mile: In times of sweaty duress, even a boulder-sized smiley emoticon can appear as high art and provide just the encouragement you need to start an epic climb. Near the base of the mile-long climb on Charles Road is a large white rock painted with a black smile that cyclists may perceive as either a friendly salute or a menacing sneer, depending on their energy levels. Find it by road bike.

• Little Spokane River: In the Little Spokane River Natural Area are the Indian Painted Rocks, 250-year-old pictographs made from red rock and animal oil. The paintings are at the trailhead, and they’re now visible behind protective bars. Find them by hiking. //

RI DER : Romi K rist l PH OTO : @theJ ef fB roc k meyer

you? Were you marveling at the fields of balsamroot in Riverside State Park? Holding your breath as you pedaled over a trestle on the Hiawatha Trail? Gazing out over Lake Pend Oreille from the top of Scotchman Peak? Or were you standing in front of a cement wall that was covered in spray paint?

Unsurprisingly, both public art (that is, art that has the support of local governments and businesses) and graffiti art exist in the urban centers of the Inland Northwest. In Sandpoint, the alley between Cedar and Main streets displays a city block’s worth of colorful artwork. Murals on the sides of buildings and inside underpasses brighten several areas in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. A few years ago, Coeur d’Alene artists painted their visions on lifesized moose statues while Spokane artists painted their own visions on life-sized Kodiak bear statues.

And now, the arts commissions of both cities are sponsoring a project to beautify the signal boxes and utility boxes along major arterials with local artists’ designs.

Graffiti, like its fancy fine arts cousins, is wildly varied and widely respected in some groups.

Banksy, the elusive and subversive graffiti artist based in England, has stated that “a wall has always been the best place to publish your work.”

And while most public art projects are limited to locations in more densely populated areas, outdoor adventurers often discover graffiti that adds amusement, commentary, or beauty to an already pleasant foray off the beaten path or waterway. Art in the wild is as fun to journey toward as it is to

NATI VE YE WEA R .C O M

E LD O

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Carves Steps out of stones.

© 2015 Wolverine Outdoors, Inc.

The capra bolt

22

WITH UNIFLY™ MIDSOLE FOR HIKING UP QUICKER AND FLYING DOWN FASTER. OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Biking I’d rather be riding beacon // By Anders Larsen

The stoke is always high at the best local shred center.

Photos: Anders Larsen. (Rider: Hunter Adams)

he was working on a trail called Buck Wild and 800 feet. Blasting off a small, rock-littered drop tem has been around for more than 20 years and that he said was probably the biggest jump trail in between two trees, you quickly pick up some seriaccommodates a variety of mountain biking interWashington. With an enthusiastic smile, you think ous speed as you glide across the granite rock slabs. ests and skill levels: from cross-country riders, the to yourself, “Dang, I have to get my bike up here as Surprised by your own skill, you tenaciously pedal little shredder trying out the roller dirt jumps for soon as possible!” into the approach of Girthmore, a 20-foot-down and the first time, to the professional freerider sending 10-foot-out drop that strikes fear into the souls of its A week later, on a cool, bluebird day, you find Girthmore, arguably the biggest feature on the hill, adversaries. Holding your breath as you soar over the yourself pushing your own bike to the top. As you there is something for every rider of any skillset. are making the hike up, you take in the clean smell diagonally cut lip, you feel as if you’re suspended in of the forest, fresh from the rain the night before.

As you pull in to the gravel parking lot off the air and are falling back to earth in slow-motion.

Upriver Drive along the Spokane River, you see An unfamiliar sound echoes throughout the valComing down in a fiery ball of flames, you realize some seasoned disc-golfers heading up the main ley, and you look up at the last second to see three you have overshot the landing and have just turned fire road to start their game, as well as a determined biplanes flying in formation coming in for a landing Girthmore into a huck-to-flat. Bracing for impact you pull the front up for a last-ditch effort to try to recover, cross-country cyclist powering up the impressive at the airstrip on the opposite side of the river. You but on the contrary, you send yourself catapulting over incline. Notice the old-as-dirt Ponderosa pines that approach the summit and see what appears to be the bars into a gigantic ponderosa head-first. Lights out. tower above you as you take in the wonderful smell some sort of old rusty shop that somehow fits right of fresh earth and pine. This encouraging attack on into the mountain as if it was meant to be there.

Waking up slumped over at the base of a large your senses entices you to pursue what you cannot After stopping for a short water break and to pine isn’t exactly the first thing on your bucket list see from the parking lot. After a short stroll up the when you have a bike and helmet you just took the catch your breath, you throw on your brand-new fire road, the canopy opens up to various dirt jump Troy Lee Designs D3, which you are super excitprice tags off. You realize you have most likely been lines that are anything from waist-high table-tops ed to try out for the first time because you have concussed, so you intelligently decide to coast down to 20-foot wood ramp-to-dirt kickers. never had a carbon fiber lid before. You swing a leg the fire road back to the parking lot and call it a day.

Out of nowhere you hear the obnoxious tickover your fresh-out-of-the-shop Knolly Podium, Overall, Beacon/Camp Sekani is a wonderful ing of a rear hub flying down the setup jumps, equipped with a RockShox Vivid RC2 rear and a place to ride, with no fees and few other riders at and notice a bright Northwest Riders shirt and the Fox 40 Factory Kashima-Coated fork up front. This any given time. It is a proving grounds to either land rider’s long, flowing locks flying out from underplush suspension is complemented by a Spank Stiffy your first gap jump or to stomp the 720 cork you’ve neath a Bell helmet that’s marked up with Gravity wheelset covered by Maxxis Minion DHs. been trying to nail for months. It’s a place that begs and Reel stickers. The rider is none other than You hear the adrenaline priming beep-beep-beep to be ridden every day, regardless of academic or Skye Schillhammer, the team Transition Bikes/ of your GoPro turning on and give it the push on work priorities. Just a short drive from nearly everyGravity Components/Northwest Riders profestop to start collecting some prime A-roll. You push where in the greater Spokane area, you could session every day if your heart desired. If there is one sional crank-turner and recently appointed Trail off from the rock you were just sitting on and begin Boss for Beacon. Your jaw hits the dirt as you see the flowy and smooth-as-butter descent of about thing I notice every time I go, it’s that everyone has him pull a fat 360 off the a smile on their face, wood ramp, followed all the time, rain or up by a massive tail shine. beacon hill mtb trails face an uncertain future whip-backflip. Wildly excited, you hurry over Anders Larsen is a Most local riders know the Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani area is a special place that offers some 16-year-old grom at to him before he pushes of the best mountain biking in the Inland Northwest, but did you know that many of these Two Wheeler Dealer up for another rewardtrails are located on private lands? Without each individual landowner’s permission, trails in Hayden who is ing descent and ask him could be lost at any time. Even now there are areas to the north of Camp Sekani that are also on the bike what his plans are for planned for development. Spokane County’s Conservation Futures program offers a way to shop’s downhill team Beacon. “My goal is to purchase some of that land and ensure that favorite trails don’t become housing units. competing in the provide more variety of The Conservation Futures Program was established in 1994 as a property tax levy that Northwest Cup, Alltrail difficulty to Beacon. dedicates all revenue towards preserving and enhancing Spokane County’s quality of life.

Gravity Series, and There is an abundance of Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance has been working with stakeholders to maintain the Silver Mountain blue square trails, but not landowner relationships, formalize the Beacon Hill Trail System Preservation Plan and aid Race Series. many that require expert landowners in nominating their properties for Conservation Futures. To learn more or lend level technical riding a hand, visit Evergreeneast.org. (OTM) skills,” Schillhammer explains. At the time Spokane’s Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani trail sys-

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JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

23

Kids

It’s a Centennial Year and National Parks are Closer Than You Think // amy silbernagel mccaffree • Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve Coupeville, Washington • San Juan Island National Historical Park - Puget Sound, Washington

One of the unique icons of America is its

national parks – beautiful, historic, and usually expansive swaths of protected land for everyone to explore and enjoy. This summer is the centennial anniversary (the official date is August 26) of the creation of the U.S. National Park Service, thanks to a law enacted by President Woodrow Wilson.

Today, there are more than 400 areas designated as national parks including historic sites, recreation areas, monuments, lakeshores, battlefields, seashores, and scenic rivers, and trails. Each is a family-friendly destination – but without the marketing budget of Disney World. Only the 127 national parks out of the more than 400 national park service areas charge entrance fees, while historic sites, recreation areas, monuments, etc. are always free. The National Park Service schedules free admission days to the national parks throughout the year, and it will celebrate its birthday week by providing free admission August 25 through 28.

Start planning your trip by visiting the National Park Service website (nps.gov), which has webpages for every official area within the national park system. It provides extensive information, including a “Plan Your Visit” page and links to learn about each park’s history, visitor centers, interpretative and junior ranger programs, and camping and recreation opportunities. The National Park Foundation website (nationalparks.org) is also helpful. Consider starting with these national parks, historic sites, and recreation areas located within and around the Northwest.

Tips for Families

The beginning of a friendly family snowball fight at Glacier National Park. Photo: Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

• Glacier National Park – West Glacier • Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming • Mount Rainier National Park – West-Central Washington • Olympic National Park – Port Angeles, Washington • Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area – Coulee Dam, Washington • Whitman Mission National Historic Site – Walla Walla, Washington

• Nez Perce National Historical Park – Lapwai, Idaho • Minidoka National Historic Site and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument that includes part of the Oregon National Historic Trail – both near Hagerman and Twin Falls, Idaho • Lewis and Clark National Historical Park Astoria, Oregon • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Vancouver, Washington

educational resources • IMAX film: “National Park Adventures” (nationalparksadventure.com) – download the free Educator Guide and printable map with activities. Though not scheduled to be at Spokane’s Riverfront Park IMAX Theater, it is now at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center IMAX. • PBS series: “The National Park: America’s Best Idea” (pbs.org/nationalparks) • Book: “59 Illustrated National Parks” by Joel Anderson and Nathan Anderson (includes original poster art) //

• Stay overnight inside the park whenever possible, whether it’s a campsite or lodge. In-park campgrounds often have evening presentations at outdoor amphitheaters and everyone is welcome.

• Use the free Junior Ranger programs to engage and educate your kids as you explore the park together.

• Be prepared for variable weather, and be willing to venture beyond the visitor center. Come equipped with hiking shoes, backpacks, and first aid kit so you can explore trails and nature at a deeper level. If there is a lake, go swimming, boating, or paddling. Rental equipment or fee-based boat rides are often available.

• Dine at a national park’s historic lodge and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

• Provide children with an individual National Park Passport to collect one-of-a-kind ink-stamps available at every park they visit throughout their lifetimes. These will become nostalgic keepsakes when they’re older.

• Be patient and friendly with the crowds and diversity of visitors. National parks attract tourists from around the world. Once you see how much foreign travelers adore America’s national parks, you’ll better appreciate what’s so close to home.//

RIDE THE HIAWATHA

10 TUNNELS & 7 SKY HIGH TRESTLES ALL DOWNHILL, SHUTTLE BACK TO THE TOP USA TODAY TOP TEN PICK RAILS TO TRAILS HALL OF FAME

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Tickets, bikes & tag-a-long rentals, and picnic lunches available at Lookout Pass Ski Area

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Ultimate SUMMER Your summertime Adventure Guide!

Adventure Guide

Cover

Native American Culture, Hiking and history

Hiking URban Exploring Road Biking Letterboxing Birding Tubing Fishing Ziplining Paddleboarding Wine tasting Road Tripping Mountain Biking JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Just under 4 hours SE of Spokane

LETTER

WHat?

Letterboxing provides new way to Experience Familiar Spaces

By Erik K. The Mighty Lochsa River is Calling…

Adventure awaits

Families and hipsters unite!

Letterbox found, let the stamping begin. Photo: Erik K.

$30 Off a Lochsa Trip when you stay in one of our handcrafted log cabins with hot tubs

Book your Idaho Adventure today!

From Mid-May to early July 1-866-769-8747

www.riverdancelodge.com 224 S Howard St. - Spokane 509-838-8580 www.coolwaterbikes.org bikes@coolwaterbikes.org

Adventure. New places. Family fun. Creativity.

Spokane’s full-service non-profit bicycle shop

refurbishing used bicycles and offering hope to youth who are homeless

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

If any of that sounds enticing, it might be a great time to start letterboxing. No, this isn’t what your mail carrier does with rival mail carriers. It’s a hobby with roots in England dating back to 1854.

In short, letterboxing is the grandfather of geocaching, without the need for fancy gadgets like a GPS to navigate and find the treasures for you.

This is a true hunt.

I first discovered letterboxing while in college, working at a local outfitter in Baltimore in the late 90s. I overheard a customer talking to his friend about the places they’d been and the boxes they’d found. I had to know more. After conducting a little online research, I was out on my own letterbox hunt the following day. Meandering through the forest, making lefts at fallen oaks and rights at bends in the river, I was shocked to actually find a plastic container hidden under a football-sized rock that far into the forest. The clues had taken me on an adventure, given me a goal, and finished it all up with a prize. I was hooked. Since then I’ve racked up dozens of letterboxes while traveling or when I’m feeling a need to go somewhere new. It has taken me to interesting and scenic places, most of which I would have never known existed otherwise.

Letterboxing is rather simple and has remained virtually unchanged over the years. Using clues found primarily online or by word-of-mouth, “find-

ers” search out and find small waterproof boxes hidden out of sight in various public places. Inside the box is a handmade stamp, pad of paper, and whatever else the “hider” decides to include in the box. Finders bring along their own personal stamp, and they imprint the pad inside the box to prove that they found it. Finders then use the stamp in the box to stamp their own pad. Essentially, a stamp impression exchange is made.

Making your own stamp can be a lot of fun and can easily be done with kids. For beginners, however, I suggest going to local craft store, purchasing a pre-made stamp, ink pad, and small 3 inch by 5 inch spiral notebook (preferably with blank pages). Search online for clues to a box that looks interesting and start your hunt. You can even try finding your first box without a stamp, just to see if you enjoy the challenge. The beauty is that you can make of it whatever you want. Whatever method you choose, just remember to rehide the box as well as you found it as a courtesy to others.

With the days heating up, now is a great time to head out solo or with friends or kids and tour the amazing network of shady trails and green spaces that surround us. There are letterboxes everywhere just waiting to take you on your next adventure. In fact, you likely walked right past a few today. To kick off your adventure and get clues, visit www. letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com. //

HIKING Logdes Add Creature Comforts to Your Next Backcountry Ramble

By Derrick Knowles

Hiking lodge life at Island Lake Lodge, Fernie, B.C. and River Dance Lodge, Syringa, Idaho. Photos: Shallan Knowles

The idea of using a lodge as a day hiking basecamp had never really occurred to either of us before we found ourselves enjoying the hell out of a stay at the Island Lake Lodge near Fernie, B.C., with our then 4-month old son last summer. For me, the idea was foreign because I’ve always been the dirtbag camper who happily traded lodge and campground amenities like toilets, tables and showers in favor of strategically-located spreads of flat dirt (often a remote trailhead close to the next day’s adventure) to roll the sleeping bag out on for the night. For Shallan, her surprise came from the fact that she had never imagined that the wonderful world of nature-inspired luxury lodge rooms with clean and comfortable beds and bathrooms combined with first-rate restaurants next to soul-stirring alpine scenery and trails even existed. We were pleasantly stoked with our discovery.

Island Lake Columbia

Lodge,

Fernie,

British

Famous for world-renowned cat skiing, Island Lake Lodge is equally epic but lesser known for its summertime hiking, dining and overnight lodging accommodations. Any trip to Fernie, B.C., should include taking the short drive up from town through Mount Fernie Provincial Park, even if only for lunch or a drink on the Bear Lodge patio. However, once you get there and lay eyes on the gigantic mountains rising up from behind the lodge and finish wiping the drool from your gaping jaw, you’ll wish you had made reservations for the night.

It was well after noon when we rolled up to the impressive lodge grounds and even more impressive Canadian Rocky Mountain backdrop. We quickly checked into our room to make the most of the remaining daylight hours, which started with a bite to eat and a craft cocktail on the patio with expansive mountain views. Refueled, we set off to explore the lodge grounds that butt up against the

surrounding wild forest and granite peaks. Since we were packing around a little bundle of needy infant, our hiking plans were limited to shorter explorations of the miles of trails and hiking routes that head right out of the lodge. That afternoon we had time to wander right below the lodge, hiking the 2k Lake Trail around picturesque Island Lake under a canopy of giant cedars and firs. We spooked squirrels and a few ducks, looked for huckleberries and kept an eye out for bears as dusk set in along the lakeshore.

Back at the lodge we called it an early night in hopes of coaxing our son to sleep through the night, which, unfortunately, didn’t pan out. On the bright side, our room in the Tamarack Lodge was spacious and bedecked with bright, beautiful wood and log beams from floor to ceiling. With no phone or TV in the room and plenty of comfy bed square footage for two exhausted new parents to collapse on, we soaked up the fading light from the two big windows and breathed deeply from the crisp, cool mountain air drifting in from the dark

woods. Even with plenty of other guests around, we never heard a peep from anyone other than the occasional babble or squawk from the play pen in our own room.

Breakfast the next morning at the Ancient Timbers Dining Room on the main floor of the Tamarack Lodge was a culinary experience that gave us a preview of what we had to look forward to that night at dinner. The elk sausage breakfast was so good I had it again the next morning. The light on the peaks above Island Lake kept us plenty distracted, which meant we spent much longer at the breakfast table than we ever do at restaurants back home. Thankfully the coffee kept coming, which helped fuel our hike up into the 8,000 foot Lizard Range that afternoon.

Our goal was to make it as far as we could up the 3.5 k Spineback Trail, which gains over 1,500 feet along a steep, rocky trail. Toting our supplies for the day along with our son and his entourage of diapers, food, bottles, clothes and other provisions, we steadily moved up the mountain, stop-

ping often to investigate wildflowers and appreciate the changing view as we gained elevation. The stunning trail parallels Spineback Ridge as it climbs up out of the forest into the rock-strewn, sub-alpine world of gray stone, stunted shrubs, flower-filled meadows and the occasional groves of sub-alpine fir. Over the course of the hike, the trail evolved from steep, root and rock tangled dirt singletrack to switchbacks through scree and boulder fields that kept us concentrating on each step. The higher we climbed, the more we stopped to stare at the stunning granite spires that appeared one after another on the horizon.

After several snack breaks and one diaper change, we reached the end of our trail at a lonely wooden bench perched below the tallest peaks with sky and rock-filled views far out into the vast, wild heart of the Canadian Rockies. Somewhere along the way on our hike back down, our conversation drifted from observations of rock, tree and wildlife sign along the trail to what delicious things might wind up on our plates back at the lodge that night.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Glutes in the Koots Presents

A week of premier trail running in British Columbia’s Monashee Mountains with

JEN SEGGER at SOL MOUNTAIN LODGE www.GlutesInTheKoots.com August 1-5, 2016

Crossroads on the trails below Island Lake Lodge, Fernie, B.C. // Photo: Shallan Knowles

As the light began to fade from the fierce blue sky, we celebrated one of the most scenic and memorable hikes together as a new family out on the deck with an epic meal: bison shortribs that melted off the bone with flavorful and rich truffled cheddar polenta and roasted vegetables, juicy and wellseasoned free range chicken with a coconut and lime risotto, and a bottle of bubbly. With our son asleep at the table, we took our time, pausing often to stare out at the peaks of the Lizard Range we had skirted that afternoon, which seemed to glow from within in the fading twilight.

Bellies full and legs tired, we all slept through the night – a first in many months. When we checked out the next morning, we swore we would be back soon, as in next year or the year after that. Island Lake Lodge just may be our first family hiking tradition. Islandlakecatskiing.com.

River Dance Lodge, Syringa, Idaho

I had driven past River Dance Lodge countless times on my way to wilderness trips further up the Lochsa and Selway rivers and had always wondered about the impressive collection of newerlooking cabins and the inviting café that sits just off Highway 12 between Lewiston, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana, along the Clearwater River.

This spring, during the height of the Lochsa River rafting season, I finally got the chance to experience River Dance. In our ongoing quest to check out lodges within easy striking distance of hiking trails and other outdoor attractions, our goal for the trip was to unwind and relax a bit and then check out nearby kid-friendly trails we hadn’t hiked before.

After a morning drive from Spokane that stretched into the afternoon thanks to several park and roadside attraction pit stops for our now 1-year-old, we decided to postpone hiking for a day and spend the rest of the afternoon before dinner sprawled out in the cool grass outside our cabin next to an idyllic, bubbling stream. The sweet smell of river air and spring blossoms in the warm May sun was enchanting, and if it wasn’t for our own growling stomachs and the promise of a meal we didn’t have to cook or clean up after, we may have laid there staring out at the river listening to the hum of crickets until our child revolted in a fit of wailing meant to remind us that bottles don’t fill themselves.

Reservations at the Syringa Café are encouraged to ensure that staff are around and the kitchen is fired up, although passersby can drop in for a meal whenever the open sign is lit. We sat outside on the patio within earshot of the Clearwater, with a few other patrons that included a band of footloose Lochsa river guides. The menu covered the Northwest-inspired fine dining and international fair bases well, but hearing of the chef ’s Turkish background, we rightly ordered several Mediterranean appetizers, including the dip plate of hummus and baba ghanoush and the Mediterranean salad, which were fresh and amaz30

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

ing. For dinner, we shared the flat iron steak with roasted rainbow potatoes and the crispy and moist chicken breast with pumpkin puree and roasted seasonal vegetables, washed down with our by now traditional bottle of hiking lodge sparkling wine.

Well fed, we settled into our clean, quiet, handcrafted cabin, reading up on local hiking trails and sampling the many cool natural history and history books scattered about the place. With the little guy off to bed in his own room (ours was up in the loft), it was time to check out the private hot tub on the front porch, a welcome luxury in the cool, nighttime air. With a huge, comfortable bed big enough to get lost in, sleep came easy and before we knew it we were fixing breakfast in the kitchenette and packing up for a day of checking out trails.

Taking recommendations from a list of hikes printed out in a binder in each cabin, our first walk in the woods started right there from the River Dance parking lot with a short stroll west down the highway to the tiny hamlet of Syringa and up a gravel road that eventually turns into a gated Forest Service road the parallels Smith Creek. It’s a pleasant hike on an old roadbed that gets wilder the farther you hike. Look for frogs and try not to step on snails in the cool shade of the fern-lined “trail,” especially near creek crossings. A great short outand-back, after-breakfast hike on hot days, especially if you have a snoozing child on your back.

After that warm up, we headed up the Lochsa, where there are literally signed trails every few miles that I’d always wanted to hike. You could spend days exploring each one, day hiking your way up the river. For our second hike of the day, we chose the Split Creek Trailhead, starting with a hike across the Lochsa on a swinging bridge. The trail follows the river upstream through a lush, shaded forest in spring bloom. After a half mile or so, the trail eventually pulls away from the river after crossing a bridge-spanned side creek and starts climbing.

We hiked up a ways and then opted to retrace our steps back to the trailhead, leaving time to watch Lochsa rafters plowing through the substantial rapids just upstream from the swinging bridge.

The hiking possibilities around River Dance Lodge are endless (several local favorites are listed on the lodge website), but we recommend driving up the Selway River Road to check out spectacular Selway Falls before a hike up the Selway River Trail into the vast Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness (keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, one of the only trails in the area known for an abundance of rattlers) or nearby Meadow Creek Trail (reportedly rattler free).

River Dance Lodge is the perfect basecamp for a Lochsa/Selway-Bitterroot hiking, rafting, fishing or mountain biking adventure. Guided outings can be arranged and the lodge offers guests discounts on ROW Adventure’s Lochsa River rafting trips. River Dance is a unique and exceptional lodging and dining experience in one of the most wild and beautiful places in North America that happens to be only four hours from Spokane. Riverdancelodge.com. //

County Water Resource Center LEAVENWORTH VISIT the Spokane and Water Reclamation Facility

A Bavarian Basecamp for Summer Adventure

By Bradley Bleck

Saturday, June 11, 2016 Water Resource Center 12pm-4pm FREE! All ages welcome!

Great for families and classrooms.

Arrive and leave as you please.

Reclamation Facility Walking Tours 12:00, 1:30, 3:00 Limit 40 people/tour.

First come, first served.

Recommended 10 years and older for walking tour.

Closed-toe shoes required for facility tour.

Location:

1004 N Freya Street (just SE of the Trent and Freya intersection) Have you wondered about the effects of water reclamation facilities on the environment?

Get answers about the County’s facility at this event!

The dry side of the Cascades around Leavenworth offer wild, wide-open views. Photo: Bradley Bleck

Leavenworth is more than Bavarian kitsch.

Instead, it is one of the best places in the state for an active holiday – a prime location for road and mountain biking, day and overnight hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, eating and drinking, even a little tchotchke shopping.

Located about three hours west of Spokane, Leavenworth has long been known for what the local chamber of commerce describes as “Bavarian charm and Northwest hospitality.” While many visit for a special Christmas outing, the real treasures of the area are the outdoor offerings.

Hiking

When it comes to hiking, Leavenworth offers dozens of trailheads leading into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Overnight permits for the wilderness are required between June 15 and October 15 and available daily at the Ranger Station via a lottery.

Recreation Manager Mason Schuur warns not to come to the station if you’re hoping for an overnight permit; you’ll likely be disappointed. When necessary, permits for day hikes among the 700 miles of Forest Service trails are filled out at the trailhead.

If you are looking for some solitude, stay away from Colchuck Lake and Chiwakum Creek. On weekends, Schuur suggests the ski hill as the local favorite for close-in hiking and mountain biking.

Hikes rated “easier” include 8 Mile Lake (seven miles RT) or Merritt Lake (six miles RT). Like many hikes in the area, there’s a lot of uphill on the way in, and lots of downhill on the way out.

Those looking for more of a challenge might try the Alpine Lookout (10.5 miles RT), Minotaur Lake (6.5 miles RT) or Stuart Lake (9 miles RT), each rated “difficult.”

Biking

A Strava or MapMyRide search can work for both road and mountain biking. Bicycle shops Das Rad Haus and Eurosports can help narrow the choices with expert local advice. The most common road ride might be Icicle Creek Road with a round trip of about 24 miles from the highway. If you bring your cross or gravel bike, you can keep going once the pavement ends, but

the paved route will not disappoint.

A popular 50-mile road loop leaves Leavenworth for Plain, over a steep climb and equally steep and windy descent that returns to Leavenworth via US 2. The final miles into Leavenworth are along a narrow, twisty shoulder where even expert cyclists might be unnerved by the traffic. The scenery is spectacular with the river rushing along stark canyon walls, but many will prefer that view from a car.

Other roads around Plain lead up to and around Lake Wenatchee and nearly traffic-free riding.

Some hiking trails allow mountain bikes, but if they do, they may also allow horses and dogs, so be on the watch. No bikes are allowed in the wilderness. Two mountain bike destinations include nearby Stevens Pass (chairlift up, bike down) and Devil’s Gulch near Cashmere, a 24-mile loop of fire roads and singletrack with 4,000 feet of climbing and descending. Dogs aren’t allowed but you may encounter horses and motorbikes. The route is appropriately named and not for the faint of heart, leg, or lung.

Watersports

When it comes to watersports, there are several rafting guides located in Leavenworth with a wide variety of floats on the Wenatchee River, many of which include food and music to accompany Class III and IV rapids. Local river outfitters include Osprey, Blue Sky, and Alpine. For those who want something a bit more placid after a hot day, the river through town offers a pleasant float on an inner tube or stand up paddleboard.

Out on the Town

After a day of riding, hiking, rafting, or tchotchke shopping, food and drinks are essential.

Leavenworth’s dining choices span the Bavarian, American, Asian, Mexican, and Italian palates.

There are at least eight wine tasting rooms featuring regional wines, and there are two local breweries, Icicle and Doghaus. Icicle’s 12 varieties are brewed with water from the namesake creek, along with regionally sourced hops, malts, barley, and yeast. Whatever you do outdoors, you can do it from the Bavarian basecamp that Leavenworth provides. Leavenworth.org. //

ENGAGE

 Guided activities  Simulated models   Aquifer  River  Water Quality   Stream table  Stormwater  Watershed   Live bird of prey 

TOUR

the state-of-the-art Spokane County Water Reclamation Facility!

More information at: www.spokanecounty.org/wrc Questions? wrc@spokanecounty.org  509.477.7577

SILVER VALLEY I D A H O 10 Station Avenue, Kellogg, ID 83837 www.SilverValleyChamber.com

Download the Silver Valley’s new travel app to discover our 2600 square mile playground!

Silver Valley

Leavenworth river dogs. Photo: Bradley Bleck

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

31

We live in a great place to go birding. In

Riverside State Park, birders have recorded a total of 153 species. But let’s face it: Birding with small children can be challenging. Kids can fidget and scare off timid birds perching nearby. They want to talk about everything they’re seeing, which makes hearing and identifying calls difficult. Encouraging them to “sneak” up on a bird has about a 50/50 chance of success, and oftentimes the slow pace of birding is hard for young kids. But do not be discouraged! Taking our kids on birding trips is probably the best and most rewarding thing my husband and I have ever done with them.

My husband and I have been surveying birds and birding together for a long time, and throwing kids into the mix does present some frustrations.

However, we also know that taking kids out into nature always has to be about them, whatever the activity. There is nothing better than watching a young child staring in awe at a bird they managed to sneak up on and identify, or seeing their joy as

Learn Our LOCAL BIRDS Birding Tips for Families and Newbies

By Crystal Atamian

they connect with something as flighty as they are.

Teaching kids to use binoculars and to zero in on something that’s moving makes them feel like they have a new skill set.

The best part about birding is that anyone can do it. If you like to look at robins, quail, or sparrows in your backyard, you’re already doing it. And birding with kids, while it does require a little patience, does not require you to be an ornithologist. Birding with

kids is as simple as a hike with binoculars. Find moments where the kids can run and moments where they learn to slow down. This is more like a scavenger hunt or a mystery to be solved. I tell my kids to look for clues. Who lives here? What do they eat? These tips will help you get the most out of the experience.

• Sit and ask your kids how many different birds they can see or hear in one minute. Then tell them to

SUMMER BIRDING OUTINGS Spokane Audubon Society offers year-round birding trips, including the summer field trips listed below. The Society might

add trips with short notice, so check the website often. More information on all trips can be found at www.spokaneaudubon.org.

•Saturday, June 4: Liberty Lake. This is a half-day trip along Liberty Lake, which has some of the best habitat diversity in Spokane County. Contact Joyce Alonso (448-2447).

•Sunday, June 5: Mount Spokane Subalpine Birds. This is a half-day hiking trip for all levels of birders. Trip distance is 4 - 6 miles, though you may turn back at any point. Mt. Spokane is the primary (and only publicly accessible) site for subalpine breeding birds in Spokane County, making this a popular and exciting event. Contact Jim Hudlow (flyz4free@yahoo.com or 509-926-2186).

Discover Pass required.

•Saturday, June 11: Iller Creek. This trip is for birders of all levels. The Iller Creek Natural Area is famed for its flycatchers, vireos, and warblers. Contact Gary Lee (bird_fan @aol.com or 389-5474) to sign up.

•Sunday, June 12: Palisades/Indian Canyon. This trip is for birders of all levels who want to explore the Indian Canyon area immediately west of town. Trip distance is 1- 2 miles. Contact Lindell Haggin (446-4118 or lindell4118@comcast.net).

•Thursday–Sunday, June 16–June 19: Conconully State Park Camping. Camp at Conconully State Park. Great birding in the east Cascade Range above Conconully and the Okanogan Valley. See www.spokaneaudubon.org for more info.

•Saturday, July 9: Little Spokane Canoeing. This half-day trip involves floating the Little Spokane River and birding along the way. Provide your own canoe or kayak. Bring a sack lunch for a picnic at the take-out. Max 12 people, so sign up early. Contact Jim Harrison (830-313-0610).

•Thursday–Sunday, August 25–August 28: Fall Birding and Camping at Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. See www.spokaneaudubon.org for more info. //

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Plenty of native birds and places to watch them at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. // Photo: Crystal Atamian

run for one minute without stopping. Run. Stoplook-listen. Repeat.

• Invest in a bird guide.

• Go with Audubon or an experienced birder who can point out a variety of birds and habitats, and provide lots of trivia and facts about what you are seeing. Although some Audubon trips are more appropriate than others, most members are excited to see young people who are interested and want to learn.

• Say the names of birds, and often. Talk about what you’ve seen after the hike to help kids remember.

• Learn one or two bird songs and teach them to your child. The first time they hear the song their eyes will light up. The best one in this area is a black-capped chickadee, whose call sounds like “cheeseburger” — an easy mnemonic for anyone to remember.

• Google bird calls, or find a birding app. Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a great resource.//

Spokatopia

outdoor adventure festival 1 day: a whole summer’s worth of fun (July 9)

By Derrick Knowles At the 2nd annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival Saturday, July 9 at Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River you can try stand up paddleboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, slacklining, geo-caching, SUP yoga, disc golf, and other outdoor activities all while hanging out in a fun, festive atmosphere that includes over 40 outdoor recreation-related exhibitors, live music, a beer garden, mountain bike jump jam and the biggest bike demo and sales event of the year. Kick the festival off with the Up Chuck Challenge 5k trail run or 1.5 mile run or walk. General admission, bike demos, paddleboard demos and many other activities are free, although there is a cost to sign up for the outdoor adventure clinics offered through Spokane Parks and Recreation.

Try Different Outdoor Activities at an Adventure Clinic

Festivalgoers can try out many different outdoor recreation activities, all in the Camp Sekani/ Boulder Beach area. Activities include stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, geocaching, rafting and other fun outdoor sports. Prices range from $10-20 per person depending on the clinic and include equipment and instruction. Find more info for all of these adventure clinics, including times, location, other requirements, and registration info at: Spokatopia. com/excursions. Space is limited, and all of the clinics sold out last year, so don’t wait to sign up!

Intro to Rock Climbing: Learn rock climb-

Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga: Kick off

your Spokatopia experience with a tranquil SUP yoga sequence with SUP Spokane. This amazing cross-training sport is low impact on the joints and is used to improve balance and core strength.

Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Inflatable Whitewater Kayaking: Join FLOW Adventures on an inflatable kayak adventure down the Spokane River. Inflatable kayak trips make a terrific alternative to hard-shell kayak tours for those wanting to try something new. They are incredibly fun and easy to paddle and maneuver. Individual and tandem kayak options are available. Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Disc Golf Intro Lesson: Team up with an

experienced player from Disc Golf Uprising for a 1-hour lesson. Learn about different types of discs and how they fly, proper stance and grip, disc golf terms, and more! Cost: $15 per person.

ing basics on mellow routes in the crags behind the festival grounds in a friendly, encouraging atmosphere, sponsored by Mountain Gear. Learn rock climbing techniques to reach the top of a rock face. All the gear and equipment is provided for this exciting and challenging sport. Multiple sessions.

Intro to Geocaching: Come and experience

Voyageur 8 Person Canoe Tour: Take a voyage

The Biggest Bike Demo and Sales Event of the Year

with Spokane’s Canoe & Kayak Club in this historic 22-foot voyageur canoe that will hold up to eight people. This adventure clinic will be guided by experienced canoeists from the Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club. Rides will leave Boulder Beach for several 30-45 minute long tours. All necessary equipment will be provided and no experience is necessary. Cost: $10 per person.

Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: Join Spokane Parks and Recreation for a morning or afternoon stand up paddleboard tour. Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a great workout and balance tuner, not to mention a fun way to share the summer sun and water with others. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided.

Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

Tandem Kayak Tour: The best way to experi-

ence the Spokane River is with a paddle in your hands and sun on your skin. No experience is necessary, only the desire to paddle. All equipment will be provided. The 60-minute excursions will begin with a 10-minute warm up and instruction.

Multiple sessions. Cost: $15 per person.

this high-tech scavenger hunt. Cache-Advance instructors will teach you the tricks of the trade in the geocaching world as well as sharing new strategies for locating skillfully-hidden caches and basic GPS skill and equipment tips. Cost: $15 per person.

Local bike shops, including Wheel Sport, North Division Bicycle Shop, This Bike Life and The Bike Hub, will be set up at Spokatopia offering demos and selling bikes from Specialized, Pivot, Yeti, Trek, Norco, Santa Cruz and other brands.

Come check out full suspension, front suspension, hardtail, and downhill mountain bikes; fat bikes; hybrids; 29ers; and road and commuter bikes.

This will be the biggest bike demo and sales event in the Inland Northwest this year, so don’t miss out if you’re thinking about buying a new bike or want to see what’s out there for the future. Demo bikes can be checked out and ridden on Camp Sekani singletrack, forest roads or on Centennial Trail pavement right there at the festival. Look for a full list of demo bikes that will be on hand at Spokatopia.com.

standup paddle board demos

If you’ve been thinking about buying a stand up paddleboard, this is your chance to try inflatable SUPs and paddles from Fun Unlimited at Boulder Beach below the central festival grounds on the Spokane River. This Bike Life, a local NRS dealer, will be showing off some NRS paddleboards, and Switchblade paddles (a SUP/kayak/canoe combo paddle) will also be for sale.

Free Sekani Downhill Mountain Bike Shuttles

For one day only, you can ride your choice of Sekani trails without having to pedal or push your bike to the top in the July heat – that is unless you want to! Bring your own mountain bike or take a demo bike for a spin down your choice of Camp Sekani trails, from easy, intermediate to expert or insane. And then catch a ride back to the top in the Evergreen East-sponsored shuttle vehicle and do it again!

Mountain Bike Jump Jam

Watch talented local riders fly through the air on bikes, pulling off tricks and launching off huge gapped jumps that few mountain bikers can execute and land. Follow the signs to the Camp Sekani bike park through the trees a few hundred yards to the east of the main festival grounds. This free event promises to be an awesome experience for spectators. (Time and details TBA.)

5K & 1.5 Mile Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run

this year, run or walk the 1.5 mile “Up Chuck Lite” course to the top of Camp Sekani. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start for the 5k, and a half mile walk/run back down for the Up Chuck Lite 1.5 miler. Pick up your race bandana back at the start at the Spokatopia festival and hit the beer garden.

More info at Spokatopia.com.

Beer Garden, Music & Food

Enjoy craft beers from the Inland Northwest and beyond in the pine-shaded beer garden located in the central festival grounds while watching live music and grooving to KPND 95.3 FM in between sets. Proceeds from the beer garden and the festival benefit Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance – drink up and support your local mountain bike club! Food vendors will also be on hand to fill your belly after a day of spinning pedals, paddleboarding, slacklining, trail running and checking out other festival activities.

Festival Parking

Additional festival parking and park and ride locations are in the works, but please plan on either parking at nearby Pasadena Elementary (1 mile east on Upriver Drive) and catching a van shuttle or walking/biking to Camp Sekani from there. The other more fun options is parking at Avista Utilities (1411 E. Mission Ave.) and riding your bike 4.6 miles on the Centennial Trail to the festival.

Finding the Festival at Camp Sekani Park

Camp Sekani Park is located between downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley on E. Upriver Drive.

For more details, visit Spokatopia.com and follow the festival on Facebook. // (OTM)

The 2nd annual Up Chuck Challenge trail run starts at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, nearly all singletrack 5k climb to the top of Beacon Hill (1,000 feet of elevation gain). New JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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10 Easy one day

adventures

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

Turn any summer day into an adventure to remember! clockwise from top left: shallan knowles // noah clayt // trish merryman // courtney yarber // Amy silbernagel mccaffree // derrick knowles.

With 13 weeks from June through August, it’s time to create your summer bucket list. These oneday adventures will help you explore our region’s recreational bounty. They don’t require extensive gear or technical skills and will provide great story-telling memories.

courses, for some live-action fun (ages 7+). Silver Streak’s downtown Wallace headquarters (516 Pine Street) is only a 10-minute drive from its mountain property. Reserve your zipline or laser tag session by calling (208) 556-1690. Walk-ins also welcome. silverstreakziplinetours.com

1. Hike, Mountain Bike, and Pick Huckleberries at Mt. Spokane State Park :

One of the best ways to enjoy the Spokane River is from the water itself with one of the region’s trusted outfitters. FLOW Adventures provides guided rafting and kayaking excursions as well as unguided river tubing. Tubing season begins around midJune, and FLOW provides everything you need – a tube, PFD, and shuttle service (for ages 5+).

Call (509) 242-8699 or visit flowadventures.com for reservations. ROW Adventure Center offers half-day guided whitewater rafting (through July 2) and river float trips (after June 20) based out of its downtown Spokane location. Reserve your trip by calling (866) 836-9340 or visit rowadventurecenter.com.

4. Bike the Route of the Hiawatha: Ride 15 miles downhill through 10 tunnels and over seven trestles along the historic Hiawatha Trail. Then get a shuttle back to the top, which is at the East Portal trailhead. The trail is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and permits are required, available online or from the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area.

Ridethehiawatha.com

Encompassing nearly 14,000 acres in the Selkirk Mountains, Mt. Spokane State Park is the largest one in Washington state, providing lots of trails for hiking or mountain biking and opportunities to find the park’s stashes of huckleberry bushes.

If you’re new to this mountain, start at the summit’s Vista House and hike down under chairlift No. 2 cables and along the trails to find the iconic Inland Northwest berries. Enjoy the majestic views from the 5,883-foot summit, where on clear days you can see all the way to Montana and Canada.

When you have time on another day, use a trail map to visit the park’s other peaks, including Mt. Kit Carson (5,282 feet) and Quartz Mountain (5,129 feet). Discover Pass required. parks.state.wa.us/549/ Mount-Spokane 2. Zipline in Wallace, Idaho: If you seek adrenaline-fueled adventure, a Silver Streak Zipline Tour is what you need. Wearing a harness and helmet, you’ll zoom over mountainous terrain along cables up to 1,800 feet long and at speeds up to 60 mph. Several zipline courses and packages are available, and some weight restrictions apply.

Silver Streak also has a new, football-field-sized Outdoor Laser Tag Arena, located near the zip 34

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

3. Raft, Float, or Tube the Spokane River:

5. Tube the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River: Do-it-yourself tubing on this rustic

river, accessible off I-90’s Kingston exit, takes three to five hours, depending on where you start. If you don’t know an experienced local willing to share secrets,

visit boatingtheinlandnw.blogspot.com for information and advice. Be aware of parking restrictions and obey all posted signage and Leave No Trace principles. Don’t trespass on private land, which is much of the riverbank other than the national Forest Service campgrounds upriver. For a culinary adventure, visit the historic Snake Pit (snakepitidaho.com) – likely the only Inland Northwest restaurant serving Rocky Mountain Oysters.

6. Cross Bridges Through Riverfront Park: How many bridges can you walk or bike

across in one day? Find out through a do-it-yourself walking or biking tour through Riverfront Park, including Canada Island, and along the Centennial Trail. Between Monroe Street Bridge and upriver to the Don Kardong Bridge near the Gonzaga University campus, you’ll cross back and forth across the Spokane River, enjoying different vantage points along the way. Afterward, cool off at the Rotary Fountain or rest your legs while watching an adventure-themed IMAX film at Riverfront Park.

My.spokanecity.org/riverfrontpark 7. Complete a DIY Urban Duathlon – BikeSwim-Bike-Swim-Bike: Daily admission provides

access to all City of Spokane swimming pools, for a choose-your-own adventure type of swim day.

Here’s what you do: Bike from home to a city pool of your choice for afternoon open swim and then bike to a different pool for the evening session before biking home. To super-size this bike-swim combo, add a morning lap swim at a third pool.

My.spokanecity.org/recreation/aquatics 8. Paddle on Fish Lake or Medical Lake:

These two small lakes in east Spokane County

are great for kayaking, canoeing, or stand up paddleboarding, especially for novice paddlers (motorized boats are prohibited). Both Fish Lake Regional County Park in Cheney and Medical Lake’s Waterfront Park have kid-friendly beaches, bathrooms, and playgrounds. If renting gear, often a 24-hour rental agreement will allow you to not only paddle the day of pick-up, but also to enjoy a morning paddle before returning to the rental shop.

9. Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes:

Numerous trailheads provide access to this 72-mile paved trail that connects the towns of Mullan and Plummer, Idaho. Plan either a long and challenging or a short and leisurely out-and-back route.

Trail highlights include the Silver Valley towns of Wallace and Kellogg, the trail’s stretch along Lake Coeur d’Alene’s eastern shoreline, the town of Harrison and its Creamery and Fudge Factory, and the Chatcolet Bridge at the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene near Heyburn State Park. Be aware that I-90 roadwork this summer near Mullan will impact access to the trail; shuttle service is provided around the construction zone (reservations required). Friendsofcdatrails.org 10. Hike at Pend Oreille County Park:

Old-growth forest, views of Mt. Spokane, and seven miles of trails are highlights of this 440-acre park off Highway 2 just north of the Spokane County line. Stop at The Ram Drive-Inn, less than nine miles south of the park off Highway 2. The Ram’s generous servings of soft ice cream – even the “kid” version is huge – are legendary, especially their homemade Huckleberry ice cream. Trail map recommended and available online at pendoreilleco.org. //

Polished Holds Popular Spokane Climbing Routes to Take On This Summer Nothing highlights the popularity of a climbing

route like polished holds. Most crags feature a few favorite routes or classic climbs, but often the most frequently climbed routes, where many of the holds have been rubbed as smooth as glassy river rock by hundreds or thousands of climbers’ chalky hands, doesn’t mean the route is the best one.

There are a number of Spokane-area climbs with super polished holds, and the reasons for their exceptional traffic fall into three main categories.

For example, consider The Roach (5.11a) at Deep Creek. It’s the essential warm up route that nearly everyone climbs at the Main Wall because it’s the easiest route on the entire cliff. Shawn Talley originally bolted The Roach; however, Bill Centenari nabbed the first ascent back in 1995.

The Roach acts like a gatekeeper to the crag. If a climber can lead that route, then they’re most likely skilled enough to climb many of the coveted 5.12 and 5.13 technical routes nearby. The Roach isn’t exceptionally long, but it’s overhanging the entire way, and there are two minor cruxes to unlock for anyone seeking to onsight the route. Nobody would say it’s the best route at that crag, but it’s a favorite for warming up, which means chalky hands polish every single hold every time they visit.

The same can be said about Chicken Spread at Dishman Hills. Dane Burns established this route in 1980, and it is another common warm up route on a cliff with many difficult lines. Chicken Spread is rated at 5.9, but it’s fairly tough down low and easy to drift away from the best holds. Near the start, the same polished holds for your hands become slick holds for your feet a few moves later.

By Jon Jonckers

left: Serra Baron climbing The Roach at Deep Creek. Right: Jill Yotz climbing The Perfect Storm 5.10a on Big Rock. // photos jon jonckers.

7 spokane crag favorites Minnehaha: The Dihedral (5.9) Trad This is the main line on the main wall. It’s the longest route in the park, and many climbers believe it should be rated 5.10. Beware, the crux is near the top.

Minnehaha: Open Book (5.6) Trad Although it’s a short route, it’s still fun. There are plenty of options for protection, and many beginning climbers get their first taste of rope drag and rope management here.

Dishman: Free Installation (5.11a) Sport The start is fairly tough, but the middle section is fun with lots of big holds. The upper wall is still challenging, but you can rest along the way.

Deep Creek: Pit Lizard (5.11a) Sport Pit Lizard is long and requires some patience and endurance. It’s also slightly overhanging, so there are very few rests. Nevertheless, there’s always a jug whenever you need to clip.

Mirabeau: Viva La Revolution (5.11a) Sport Located right in the middle of an obscure wall near the Mirabeau waterfall, this sport route features tough holds with great moves. No single move is difficult, but the whole route is rather pumpy.

Rocks of Sharon: Perfect Storm (5.10a) Sport Some find the hike to the climb to be the hardest part. This route is normally done in two pitches, and the second pitch is the reward: stunning views overlooking the Palouse and a finish at the top of a gigantic granite spire. (Jon Jonckers)

At Minnehaha, there are a dozen examples of routes with hyper-polished holds. However, two standouts would have to be The Diagonal and Smokey Overhang Traverse. Each boasts slick holds, but for completely different reasons.

According to the illustrated Loomis guide, Bob Loomis completed the first free ascent of The Diagonal in 1978. The popularity of this route hinges on its prime location – smack in the center of the highest wall at Minnehaha, barely 60 paces from the parking lot. Climbers have retraced this route for decades because it’s tough but not-tootough. At 5.8, it’s a modest trad lead; however, it’s pretty slick down low and placing cams or Stoppers challenges many beginners. Honestly, if the route was further away from the crowds or half the height, it wouldn’t see much traffic. Then again, the vast majority of climbers tackle The Diagonal on top rope.

Meanwhile, Smokey Overhang Traverse has polished holds because it’s the best bouldering hangout in the park. Plain and simple, all of the holds can be reached and touched from the ground. However, the challenge is to climb the entire granite seam without a rope and without rest – about five feet off the ground the whole way. Whenever the weather turns rainy or windy, boulderers can retreat to the Smokey Overhang to get out of the elements. The wall is so steep that it’s never wet from the rain, and the greasy chalk residue is never washed away.

In a nutshell, these high-traffic routes share polished holds in common, but they are completely different and have seen so many climbers for completely different reasons. //

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

35

Cycle & Sip

sampling the new tri-cities wine-and-bike Trail

By Aaron Theisen wheels and wine in the tri-cities. // aaron theisen

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.

avistautilities.com/waterflow

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The Tri-Cities region that includes Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick has received justifiable acclaim for its wines. The region shares the same latitude as the legendary Burgundy and Bordeaux wine regions of France, and many oenophiles consider the Red Mountain Region American Viticultural Area (AVA) just outside Richland the state’s best. However, the Tri-Cities’ cycling scene has gone relatively unheralded, but now two-wheeled tourists can easily plan a wine-andwheels vacation.

Courtesy of Bike Tri-Cities, the region’s cycling advocacy organization, the Tri-Cities Wine Map will soon feature a vellum overlay that traces bikefriendly routes among the dozens of wineries and wine sellers in the area, from paved urban bike paths to rolling farm-to-market roads that survey sagebrush and sprawling vineyards. Centuryseeking cyclists can sketch out the perfect post-ride stop, and casual riders can enjoy a car-free wine tour alternative in the often confusing sprawl of one the nation’s fast-growing metropolitan areas.

Bikes and wine make a fine pairing here. The winery roads have good sight lines and get mostly slow-moving tourist traffic, so cyclists can relax a bit. And, despite the area’s reputation in the wine world, there’s still a laid-back vibe; cyclists are more likely to find live music and Food Truck Fridays than frou frou pinky-lifted sipping.

Although the new bike-route enhanced wine maps are not yet available, cyclists can sample one of the best rides with a 19-mile out-and-back in East Richland that begins and ends at the Park and Ride off Columbia Park Trail. A trio of wineries within a block of the Park and Ride — Bookwalter,

Barnard Griffin, and Tagaris — make for a perfect introductory tour of the region’s wineries, and guests will find bocce ball courts and small-plate post-ride appetizers; Friday evenings are a good bet for live music. From here it’s a little over nine miles on wide-shouldered and nearly level Keene Road and then Highway 224 around the south flank of Red Mountain to Sunset Road and its collection of wineries.

Even wine-averse cyclists will have plenty to enjoy on Sunset Road as it climbs past vineyards, their orderly rows contrasting with the adjacent tangle of sagebrush and dryland wildflowers. Below is the slow-flowing and surprisingly lush Yakima River, and beyond is the long buttress of the Horse Heaven Hills, itself a renowned AVA. Hamilton Cellars, halfway up Sunset Road, boasts the best sunset view, but Cooper Wine Company is the most cyclist-friendly. Proprietor Neil Cooper and his dog Bud enthusiastically greet newcomers, who won’t feel out of place in spandex or cut-off shorts here. It’s an ideal spot to throw down a blanket on the large lawn and enjoy a glass or two with some food-truck fare.

Cyclists can make a short lollipop loop for their return trip by taking brand-new Antinori Road from its junction with Sunset Road. It’s a steady climb on new smooth blacktop past several vineyards, followed by a shallow, swooping descent to Hwy 224 and back to the Park and Ride. Greenies in downtown Richland hosts weekly group rides.

And bonus: Across the parking lot is Paperstreet Brewing, which has a great selection of beer. Visit www.greenielife.com and www.biketri-cities.com for more info. //

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

off-the-beaten-path BC ADVENTURE TOWNS

By Aaron Theisen & Derrick Knowles

STRETCH YOUR LIMITS. Ever wanted to: • Join a league • Kayak the river • Take up archery • Go rockclimbing Spokane Parks & Recreation offers hundreds of camps Top left and right: Yes, this is Cranbrook, B.C. Photos: Aaron Theisen // Bottom left: Kaslo’s hidden treasures.

Photos: Derrick Knowles

Living as close as we do to British Columbia

green-walled peaks of the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. The town is quiet, peaceful and welcoming and has a lost-in-time, magical feel about it. And once you get dialed into the edge-of-town trails and paddling potential out on the lake, whether it’s from a historic hotel room or community campground tent site, you may wish you too could lose track of time and tack a few more days onto your trip.

The trails, both the sanctioned ones highlighted in the local tourism handouts and the miles of offthe-map singletrack, are one of the community’s greatest assets. The well-used path that follows the lakeshore away from downtown past the campground and along and up the Kaslo River is a great introduction to the community’s natural beauty and a gateway to the growing network of mountain biking, hiking and running trails in the forest above town.

Back down on the water, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking in the bay, or, if the wind and weather are cooperating, out on the wide, blue Cranbrook, B.C.—The Sunshine Capital of waters of Kootenay Lake, will be the highlight of British Columbia your visit. Kaslo Kayaking rents boards, kayaks and paddling gear and offers tours out to more Set within a broad valley in the rain shadow of the Kootenay Rockies, at the halfway point between far-flung destinations along the wild east shore of Spokane and Calgary, Cranbrook long served as Kaslo, B.C.—A Magical Mountain Village the lake, which you may not want to try on your a transportation hub for trains, planes, fur traders on Kootenay Lake own given the lake’s penchant for blowing up into and fruit growers. Today, Cranbrook has begun white-capped waves when the wind picks up.

If you have yet to venture further north of Nelson the transition from way station to destination. than Ainsworth Hot Springs, you owe yourself a New this year, Kaslo Kayaking has launched The city has leveraged its central location on the few more miles on your next Kootenay road trip. an Adventure Centre (at 344 Front Street) where Powder Highway and its status as the sunshine Another half hour up the road from Ainsworth, you can rent paddling gear and book paddling capital of British Columbia to attract recreationthe mountain village of Kaslo sits along the trips and other guided outings, including white ists year-round for cycling and skiing at nearby shores of sparkling Kootenay Lake between the water rafting, mountain biking and fishing Kimberley and Fernie tours. It also sells outAlpine Resorts. door recreation gear, clothing and equipSimply put, Cranbrook is the best outdoors ment you may have Michal Franti & Spearhead Headline forgotten at home or town you’ve never heard the Kaslo Jazz Festival (July 29-31) destroyed out on the about. But the pros have.

Professional rock climber trail or lost in the lake.

This family-friendly summer music festival in Kaslo Bay Park makes Kootenay Lake a central Gord McArthur, currently Nelsonkootenaylake. fixture of the festival with its floating stage. Camping, craft food and beverages, a music linecom.

(Derrick ranked 13th in the world, up that spans well-beyond jazz all unfold in a stunning outdoor setting that make this festival lives in Cranbrook, and Knowles) // a regional favorite. This year Michal Franti & Spearhead make a headline appearance at the the area is quietly revered festival, along with plenty of other talented, eclectic musicians. Kaslojazzfest.com and the unthinkably uncrowded Kootenay region, with its lifetime’s worth of outdoor adventure potential, dramatic scenery and idyllic, enlightened mountain towns, there’s no excuse for not having a current passport or an enhanced, Canadian-border-crossing approved Washington State driver’s license. Border crossings are a breeze these days, and the reward for the few extra minutes spent answering usually polite questions from border agents is the stuff outdoor junkies in more urbanized corners of the U.S. dream of: empty, epic trails; enormous parks and wilderness areas; lunker native fish; intact ecosystems; and sprawling, wild rivers and lakes. While other more well-known B.C. adventure towns get plenty of press, these two Kootenay communities have often flown below the radar of adventure-seeking Americans, and after spending some time in each of them this past year, we left wondering why as we were already planning our return trips. (OTM)

and programs this summer.

Get out and play!

in kayaking circles for its world-class whitewater; many of the sports top pros train here. Just Liquid Sports, the town’s purveyor of all things paddlingrelated, is owned by a professional SUPer who also holds several kayaking first-descent accolades on world-class waterfalls. But it’s not all experts-only recreation; on the contrary, the common phrase used by local athletes to describe Cranbrook’s outdoor activities is “something for everyone.”

Case in point: the Cranbrook Community Forest. A true community project, with citizen input and sidewalk access from the north end of downtown, the Cranbrook Community Forest boasts 200 kilometers of single- and double-track trails through a low-elevation parkland of vanillascented ponderosa pine and a plethora of prairie flowers: balsamroot, lupine, shooting star and prairie crocus. It’s the sort of forest where cyclists can peel off two hours of after-work singletrack laps and stroller-pushing parents can tote napping toddlers. Add to that the Cranbrook-to-Kimberley bike path, and a forthcoming 40k rails-to-trails route from Cranbrook to the community of Wardner, and there’s plenty for the casual adventurer. Cranbrooktourism.ca (Aaron Theisen)

enjoyspokane.com 509.755.CITY(2489)

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

37

5 HIKES in Montana’s

Bitterroot Mountains

By Aaron Theisen

Much closer to Spokane than the Cascades, a hike in the Bitterroot Mountains will blow your mind. // Photo: Aaron Theisen

South of Lolo Pass, on the Idaho-Montana border, the 200-mile-long mass of granite known as the Idaho Batholith lies exposed on the Bitterroot Divide, like a half-extracted fossil.

The advance of alpine glaciers during the most recent ice age sculpted this ridge into a series of rugged peaks and steep, incredibly straight canyons cut by swift-running streams, some of the Northern Rockies’ most rugged terrain. The largest wilderness area in the continental U.S. designated in the original 1964 Wilderness Act, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness protects 1.3 million acres — 2,000 square miles — of the heart of this landscape, and with it some of western Montana’s most iconic hikes.

Bass Lake: Bass Lake sits high on the Bitterroot

Divide, its mile-long talus shores tucked at the head of an impressive U-shaped glacial valley. The lake itself, dammed for irrigation, is secondary to the beauty of Bass Creek valley: high craggy colonnades, rushing cascades, and sprawling streamside meadows. With the exception of a steep grunt in the final half mile to the lake, Bass Creek trail climbs gradually over its 7.7 miles, with several waterfalls and trailside attractions that make for logical turnaround points. Ambitious hikers can do the 15.4mile roundtrip to Bass Lake in a day, but, like many

38

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

of its Bitterroot canyon neighbors, Bass Lake is best suited as a basecamp for multi-day exploration.

St. Mary Peak: Jesuit missionaries named the tallest peak on the Stevensville skyline after their Bitterroot Valley mission; on summer weekends, as many as several hundred hikers will make the 7.5mile roundtrip pilgrimage to the 9,351-foot summit of Saint Mary Peak and its restored lookout.

The hike is a popular destination for Missoula-area residents; if it’s solitude you seek, come mid-week.

Better yet, come in late September: The steep, east-facing prow of Saint Mary Peak has one of the Bitterroot Valley’s best larch displays, an extensive intermixing of western larch and its alpine kin. But the view from the white clapboard lookout cabin (the second to perch on the summit since a 1952 windstorm blew the first tower off the mountain) is worth braving the crowds as you observe the orderly parcels of farmland in the Bitterroot Valley below, carved at right angles by roads, contrasting with the serrated mass of Bitterroot spires to the west.

Bear Creek Overlook: Peer into a grand, glacier-plowed Bitterroot canyon with a fraction of the effort of most trails in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Bear Creek Overlook trail spends most of its two-mile length gradually switchback-

ing — and switchbacking, and switchbacking — through unremarkable lodgepole forest before wowing hikers at its very obvious end. From as close to the edge of the overlook — a smooth, wind-scoured slab of granite — as you dare, peer down into the deep canyon where the three forks of Bear Creek converge. Beyond towers the prominent pyramid-shaped peak of Sky Pilot. Mile for mile — and switchback for endless switchback — there may be no better hike for viewing the craggy interior of the southern Bitterroots. From here the seemingly endless pickets of the Bitterroots seem humbling in scale but close enough to reach out and touch. Just mind the 900-foot sheer drop.

Blodgett Canyon Overlook: An easy jaunt to a breathtaking vista of a broad, glacier-cut chasm, Blodgett Canyon Overlook is where locals take their out-of-town guests and where photographers go for epic sunsets. The hike, just shy of three miles roundtrip, climbs gradually through open Douglasfir forest and the brushy aftermath of the 2000 Blodgett Trailhead fire. At trail’s end, well-beaten paths weave through the rocky lip of the overlook to reach numerous viewpoints, all of them good.

Across the canyon, 8,467-foot Mill Point caps Printz Ridge and its steep talus-strewn slopes. Below lies broad, nearly straight Blodgett Canyon, the story

of ice-age glacial movement laid bare on its steep, U-shaped profile. There’s no better or easier way to appreciate the effects of ice-age glaciers on the Bitterroots landscape.

Lake Como: Most of the Bitterroots’ famed subalpine lakes require long canyon-bottom treks or steep scrambles. Not so for car-accessible Lake Como, north of Darby. Named by Jesuit missionary Father Ravalli after the resort-ringed lake in his home country of Italy, Lake Como occupies a vast glacial basin at the feet of the Como Peaks, some of the most imposing of the Bitterroots. Beginning in mid-summer, boats crowd Lake Como, but it’s easy to escape the throngs on the nearly level eight-mile loop that traces the lake’s shore. Open ponderosa forest and ankle-taxing talus slopes frame views of the Alps-like granite battlements of the Como Peaks, their east-facing couloirs often holding snow well into summer. As good as the escape is in summer, it’s even better during shoulder season in the spring when other Bitterroots lakes remain snowbound, or in the autumn when aspen provide closeup color. Alpine larch tower over granite-flanked lakes, with serrated, heavily glaciated peaks towering even higher: This is the quintessential Bitterroot Range. //

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JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

39

Mica Moon

LIGHT AND LOC K SALE

Zipline Tours provide Tree-Top Thrills and views

By Aaron Theisen

Trek Bikes Demo Truck will be in town June 4th.

Check our Facebook / Website for details.

Under New Management Mica Moon serves up high-flying fun. // Photo: Aaron Theisen

It’s easy to lose track of your speed at a cruising altitude of 200 feet. That’s a lesson I’m quickly learning on White Lightning, the penultimate run of Liberty Lake-based Mica Moon Zip Tours. Silently and effortlessly gliding over a deep green gorge, I stretch out my legs in front of me, toes pointed, like an Olympic luge racer.

That is, until I realize I’m coming in hot toward a hulking tree, the downhill anchor of the zipline. I execute a high-speed, foot-skidding stop — sort of a reverse-Roadrunner — and brace my feet on the trunk, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing fate as a high-speed tree hugger.

In the heady days of Prohibition, Spokane-area bootleggers set up shop in the heavily forested canyons of Mica Peak, their product coming to be known as “Mica Moon” (-shine). Now the peak delivers altogether more aboveboard thrills courtesy of Mica Moon Zipline Tours, Spokane’s only true zipline adventure.

Mica Moon operates on a private plot one drainage adjacent to the Mica Peak Conservation

Area, which means zipline tour guests experience a hawk’s-eye view of a pristine, high-elevation forest. Over the course of eight ziplines, guests fly, suspended by a cable, between tree-top platforms perched in stately firs and cedars. In-flight entertainment includes deer, elk, and bobcat; guides have even spotted a lynx while on tour.

The 2.5-hour trip begins with a short UTV ride up steep, narrow jeep tracks; a short practice run then gets riders acclimated to the zipline drill: clipping on to the launch platform, securing the zipline handles, and clipping in the safety line. From there it’s a tree-to-tree traverse over eight ziplines of increasing height, length, and speed. Short hikes connect a couple of runs, allowing guests to get their bearings in anticipation of the final two runs: White Lightning, where zipliners hit speeds of nearly 50 mph, and Point of No Return, with its breathtaking quarter-mile canyon. Today’s Mica Moon is more “hang time” than “hangover.” More info: Micamoon.com. //

2016 Trail Runs Idaho / E. Washington 6/11/16 Heyburn* 7/16/16 Castle Rocks State Park 7/23/16 Mt. Spokane* 8/13/16 Jackass Hill Climb 8/26-28 Women’s Yoga Retreat 10/8/16 Riverside* 10/29/16 Halloween at Hell’s Gate*

*State Park Series

www.trailmaniacs.com 40

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

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wallaceidahochamber.com 208.753.7151 JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

41

Cda sup cup

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Put some SUP in your cup this summer with CDA SUP Cup Challenge community paddleboard event on Lake Coeur d’Alene. // Photo courtesy of Brett Saguid

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jumping onto a standup paddleboard on a sunny day and paddling the river or lake. This Father’s Day Weekend, June 18-19, the annual Coeur d’Alene SUP Cup Challenge will celebrate everything we love about summer in the Lake City with two days of paddleboard activities, races, demos, food, and fun for the whole family.

Three years ago, paddleboarding buddies Brett Saguid and Joe Threadgill noticed that there weren’t any significant paddleboard races in the Inland Northwest – at least not like the lively challenges they were looking for. So they decided to create one.

“It is definitely slower than the coastal races,” says Saguid, “but we are getting more people interested every year.”

Their 2015 event drew almost 80 racers, and this year they anticipate even more. “We are nowhere near the size of a triathlon yet,” says Saguid, “but our dream is to get to where it is an event that brings revenue, awareness and excitement to Coeur d’Alene.”

Saguid figures that their event is gaining momentum because it is just as much of a spectator sport as it is a race. Most paddleboard races track out into the water for miles and then return for the finish.

That’s not what Saguid and Threadgill wanted. They keep all of the races close to shore, using buoy turns to create distance and make them more spectatorfriendly. “We are definitely shooting for a more family-oriented event where people feel like they can still come out and enjoy the day, even if they’re not a racer,” he adds.

Saturday morning will kick off at North Idaho College’s Yap-Keehn-Um Beach with a free board and gear demo, courtesy of Hydrus Board Tech, followed by an adventure paddle, cliff jumping at Tubbs Hill, practice runs and a free ice cream hour,

sponsored by Numerica Credit Union and featuring Sweet Peaks Ice Cream. SUP Xross preliminaries will also run that afternoon – this is a short, six-person board-cross race with lots of turns and plenty of bumping.

The day will wrap up with a Hawaiian BBQ on the beach, live music from local band Chisel Fish and a sunset SUP yoga paddle with Lindsay Lambert, the Paddling Yogini. North Idaho College has graciously agreed to allow people to camp on the beach overnight, if you don’t mind using a portable toilet and foregoing showering – 20 spots available for $25 per night.

Race day on Sunday will amp up the energy with yoga at 8:30 a.m. and the first race at 10 a.m. Races will include a 5-mile Long Course, 1-mile Short Course, a Youth Race FREE for kids 16 and under, a Team Relay with lei “batons,” and the SUP High Jump and Xross finals. Don’t have your own paddleboard and still want to race? No problem. Between Hydrus and NIC’s Outdoor Pursuits Beach Rentals, Saguid figures everyone will be covered.

Awards and prizes will be pretty spectacular, thanks to returning major sponsor Tri-State Outfitters, Heirlooms of Hawaii and other sponsors. “Everyone who attends the race will get some kind of door prize,” says Saquid, “and every entry fee will include a ticket to win an inflatable standup paddleboard package worth around $1,800.”

Pre-registration ($65) is now open online at cdasupcup.com and paddleguru.com. Late registration will be available through Sunday morning for an additional fee. Each registration includes a BBQ ticket, but family and friends can buy a ticket that day. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to the NIC Outdoor Pursuits Program’s scholarship fund. You just can’t afford to miss an event with such heart, passion and festivity! //

BIKING THE FLATHEAD World-Class Riding from Road, Rail-Trail

to Singletrack Awaits in Northwest Montana

By Katie LeBlanc I fell hard when I met Kalispell and the

Flathead Valley for the first time, as the theme here is “astounding mountain views in everything you do.” The greater Flathead Valley region is Northwest Montana’s shining star with world-class mountain bike trails, multi-use trails with growth plans, Glacier National Park, historic downtowns, and historic paved bike paths laced with cultural festivities. Unique rides in the Flathead region are abundant, and if you are planning a visit bring both your roadie and mountain bike gear.

Falling in love with Northwest Montana is easy to do. Make a cycling date with her and you will be seduced by more than gear miles.

Top and bottom right: The Flathead cycling scene at its best. Photos: Katie LeBlanc // Bottom left: Bombing down the big mountain at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Photo: Derrick Knowles

Rail Trails

From the heart of Kalispell, get off the auto road for an easy bike cruise-with-views on the Great Northern Historic Trail. This pedal path was founded by the Rails to Trails of Northwest Montana and includes more than 20 miles of paved multi-use and non-motorized trail with incredible mountain views. The Great Northern cruise can take you from Smith Lake to Flathead Lake. Its mellow ride is good for all levels of riders, including beginners. Stay tuned for Kalispell’s future Glacier Rail Park, with plans to convert unused rail to in-town walking and cycling paths.

Their love for bikes and the growing

Going to the Sun Road Riding

Shoulder seasons are for biking in Northwest Montana; see Glacier National Park’s spring road ride before the Going to the Sun Road opens to auto traffic. Many cyclists feel this is the best way to see the park; no car exhaust is a huge bonus.

Expect dramatic views as you cruise past waterfalls, bighorn sheep, and a few other smiley people on two wheels. Park at Avalanche Creek, or take advantage of a new National Park Service shuttle for cyclists accessed from the Lake McDonald Lodge.

Flathead Road Rides

Take your roadie to the lake for a water-meetsmountain views ride, starting in Big Fork on Route 35 along Flathead Lake. This out-andback trip is best on a mid-week shoulder season during lighter auto traffic, or when the orchards are blooming. A local bike-to-beer opportunity awaits you at the Flathead Brewing Company with back-deck views. If you like water views

new hostel Serves cyclists

and lighter road traffic, check out the Whitefish Lake out-and-back road ride. With easy access from the town of Whitefish, this super-fun 21-mile ride to the north end of Whitefish Lake will get your gears turning for more valley time in the saddle.

Mountain Biking

If you didn’t bring your mountain bike to Flathead, repack. Then start with Herron Park and The Whitefish Trail. The multiuse trails of Herron Park in Kalispell exhibit winding switchback turns that climb to the

most dramatic views of the valley. You will be sharing the trail with horseback riders and hikers but can easily get away by riding farther out. The park has growth plans that will extend the trails to Black Tail Mountain, and the ride variety is already a class-act.

You will laugh out loud while riding The Whitefish Trail. More than 30 miles of mountain bike-specific trails make up The Whitefish Trail network, including singletrack loops. If you’re still in Whitefish and craving a downhill ride, push that bike to the next level of thrill at the Whitefish Mountain Resorts’ 22 downhill trails, including its famous flow trail//.

cycling culture in the Flathead Valley inspired Jeni and Hans Axelsen to open a hostel in historic downtown Kalispell.

Kalispell Hostel resides on the second floor of Wheaton’s Cycle, Flathead Valley’s oldest bike shop since 1918. The relationship between the hostel and the bike shop makes getting around the valley easy for bike travelers.

There is a demand for bike-friendly accommodations in Kalispell. “Cycle tourists would come to Wheaton’s for bike repair and ask us where they could camp or for a bicycle-friendly place to stay,” Jeni says. “They would have to go pretty far out of town to camp.” Offering affordable lodging fills the growing demand for accommodations for destination cyclists, and Kalispell Hostel’s five-star reviews demonstrate its popularity. Expect superior customer service at Wheaton’s Cycle, where you can get local ride info as well as bike repairs and gear.

Take a short walk downtown to visit the Kalispell Brewery.

Kalispell Hostel’s proximity to Lone Pine State Park, Herron Park, and The Great Northern Historic Trail make a two-wheeled visit worthwhile. Call 406270-1653 or visit www.kalispellhostel. com for reservations. //

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ticket prices anywhere GO TO silverwoodthemepark.com JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

43

SHOE REVIEW

by Cregg Weinmann

Racing Shoes Spring 2016 Time to own up: You want to run fast or you probably wouldn’t be reading about racing shoes. Here’s our look at Spring racing shoes that are suitable for your fastest road running, whether it’s a mile or a marathon. All eight shoes are updated models—tried and true—thanks to the brands’ commitment to the need for speed.

It’s always a good idea to adapt to racing shoes before wearing them in an important race. They’re more minimal than traditional training shoes so there’s less protection. While the physiological benefits from wearing racers vary from runner to runner, there are benefits. The shoes offer psychological benefits as well since light shoes make you want to run fast.

Bottom line: What can racers mean for the time on the clock? A general rule of thumb is one second per ounce (of shoe weight) per mile—though it’s not just about the shoe. Here’s hoping that your training, shoe choice, and pace judgment align for some great races.

adidas Adios Boost 3 $140

The tough and responsive Adios has been the workhorse of the adidas racing shoe line. The upper receives the most attention in Round 3, because the other components have performed so well. The upper’s fit is a bit closer in the forefoot. The toe rand is notched for better flexion and has a thinner synthetic suede material than Round 2. The midsole is unchanged: Boost foam sculpted for efficiency that manages road distances ranging from the mile to the marathon. The outersole is Continental rubber, here thinned to shave weight while also improving the flexibility and traction of the sole. These incremental changes add up to an even better racer.

“Snug in the heel and with enough room in the toes. Nice, low feel with a bouncy and responsive ride.”

Updates the Adios Boost 2 Sizes: Men 7–13; Women 6–11 Weight: 8.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 7.1 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Range: efficient runners: up to a marathon; heavy strikers: between 15K and 25K

ASICS HyperTri 2 $100

The HyperTri, ASICS’ response to the needs of triathlon racing, is a close relative of the Gel HyperSpeed. Round 2 of the HyperTri maintains its triathlon-specific features while improving others. The graphics have changed a bit, and the closed mesh upper is a stretchier mesh with no-sew overlays replacing the traditional toe construction. Sockless wear is no problem, and the included stretch laces make for speedy transitions, though a traditional lacing option is also available. The midsole continues with its bouncy, cushioned feel but additional drainage ports have been added (discretely), so they’re there if required. The outersole is similar to its debut version, but with a touch more forefoot coverage. Even so, the shoe nets out at a few fractions of an ounce lighter.

The HyperTri 2’s fit, ride, and versatility make it an excellent choice for one event—especially if it’s the third one in a series.

“Snug but forgiving fit, with a smooth, comfortable feel against the foot. Drainage works great (even improved from Round 1). Plenty of cushioning for me to set a best time for the half marathon.”

Updates the HyperTri Sizes: Men 6–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 6.6 oz. (men’s size 11); 5.4 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close but stretchy forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Range: efficient runners: up to 30K, possibly a marathon; heavy strikers: between 10K and 25K

Mizuno Hitogami 3 $100

The Hitogami has become one of Mizuno’s most versatile racing shoes, splitting the difference between an ultralight training shoe and a really good racing shoe. The upper employs a semi-open, nonstretch mesh, with good support and a sleek-looking, sublimated design. The already-spare traditional toe and lace throat overlays of Round 2 have been pared back a bit and softened.

As is often the case with Mizuno’s most effective shoes, the midsole continues with the low-profile chassis from Round 1 on the strength of its protection and good response. The outersole continues, its durable traction at home on the roads as well as on smooth, natural surfaces. The bottom line is that the Hitogami 3 is lighter, but with same performance that the shoe’s fans have come to expect.

“Fits close, but smooth. Plenty of protection, nicely flexible, and feels fast.”

Updates the Hitogami 2 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 6–11 Weight: 8.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 6.6 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, roomy forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Range: efficient runners: up to a marathon or beyond; heavy strikers: between 15K and 30K

New Balance 1400 v4 $100

The 1400 was a right-place, right-time shoe that effectively defined a new profile for New Balance. Round 4 offers some incremental improvements, while maintaining its many strengths. The upper is closed mesh with welded overlays, sporting brightly colored, sublimated graphics. You can’t miss it. The support is better than Round 3 thanks to the revamped forefoot overlays that extend to the bottom of the lace throat. The midsole has the requisite changes to the molding, but continues to feature the effective cushioning and resiliently snappy ride the shoe is known for. The new 10-millimeter drop is better suited to a variety of runners, requiring little adaptation to its low profile. The redesigned outersole has a slightly better combination of traction and durability, plus a little more flexibility in the sole unit. The 1400 v4 solidifies its heritage of performance, versatility, and value.

“Familiar fit. Works very well. Nicely cushioned without being too much shoe.”

Updates the 1400 v3 Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 7.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 6.2 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Range: efficient runners: up to a marathon; heavy strikers: between 10K and 25K

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BEST SHOE Racing Shoe SPRING 2016

Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 $80

The Zoom Streak LT 3 is the latest iteration of an iconic Nike racing shoe. The fit and feel are spike-like, in keeping with the shoe’s speedy reputation, and it’s now nearly an ounce lighter in a men’s size 11. The upper is a minimesh with no-sew overlays and a glovelike fit. The overlays at the toe are minimal but effective, and the lace throat and internal saddle really hold the foot well. As in previous versions, the midsole is a low-profile design, here resculpted to take advantage of its geometry to best effect, rounding the edges to save weight and position the foot for toe-off. The outersole is carbon rubber in the heel with blown rubber in the forefoot, each segmented to allow the foot to move efficiently. A TPU shank gives some structure to the sole. Its light weight, spike-like fit, and reasonable price were enough to earn the Zoom Streak LT 3 honors as our Best Racing Shoe.

“Great sock-like fit. You hardly know it’s there. More cushioning than you’d expect, but it’s certainly for races only—races you hope to blaze.”

Updates the Zoom Streak LT 2 Sizes: Unisex 4–13,14,15 Weight: 5.1 oz. (men’s 11) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close forefoot For: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics Range: efficient runners: up to a marathon; heavy strikers: up to 10K or beyond

Pearl Izumi EM Road N0 v2 $100

The Pearl Izumi E-Motion line has inched forward with minor changes to its shoes—a testament to its solid reputation. The EM Road N0 v2 (version 2 of the Neutral zero-drop racer) is a racer/trainer reserved for your fastest running. The upper is small minimesh supported by no-sew overlays pared down a bit from Round 1 to save weight. A saddle-like framework snugs the foot gently, but effectively.

The midsole features the same zero-drop geometry as the original, but with a healthy chunk of foam underfoot (though it’s still low to the ground). The outersole is a slightly trimmed-down version of Round 1’s, saving weight without noticeably affecting traction or durability. The result is a reliable racer that can manage fast running, whether it’s in speed sessions or on race day.

“Good, close fit with a smooth feel against the foot. Not an everyday shoe by any means, but for racing it served me well.”

Updates the EM Road N0 Sizes: Men 7–12,13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 6.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 5.3 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, roomy forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics Range: efficient runners: from 30K up to a marathon; heavy strikers: between 10K and 20K

Saucony Type A $100

For the past decade and through six updates, the Type A has epitomized Saucony racing. This version, while not entirely new, is a numerical reset. The upper sticks with yet another closed mesh, though it has a breathable, cross-hatched pattern that’s pretty supportive on its own. Flexfilm overlays from mid- to rearfoot keep the foot well-secured. The toecap keeps the fabric off the toes effectively, yet unobtrusively, allowing great flexibility in the process. Open mesh linings work well for sockless use and drain effectively in warm or wet conditions. The midsole is unchanged: 4-millimeter geometry and low-profile stack height. The ride is responsive, with decent protection. The outersole retains two excellent compounds: proven XT-900 rubber in the heel and iBR+ injected blown rubber in the forefoot. What impresses most about the Type A in this round is the continued attention to detail, protection, and performance—all for the same price.

“Great fit, with or without socks. Really responsive without beating you up. Reliable on race day, as I’ve come to expect.”

Updates the Type A6 Sizes: Men 4–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 6.1 oz. (men’s size 11); 4.9 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanic Range: efficient runners: from 30K up to a marathon; heavy strikers: between 15K and 30K

Skechers GOMeb Speed 3 2016 $125

Each version of the GOMeb Speed coincided with an impressive exploit by its namesake, and that continues as Meb Keflezighi earned a spot on the 2016 U.S. Olympic team. The Speed 3 2016 features a new upper and midsole foam, either one of which might be called a major upgrade. The upper is a new, knitted design that flexes well with the foot, yet holds it securely. The interplay of contrasting colors in its knitted design adds noticeable visual appeal. The fit is both roomy enough and snug enough to secure the foot effectively, thanks to its stretchy nature. The midsole features a new foam formulation that has a livelier feel to it. The midsole tooling remains the same as does the embedded plate, adding its responsive and stabilizing feel. The outersole is also as before: just a few dots of carbon rubber, the remainder toughened foam. The versatility of the GOMeb Speed is improved in the 2016 version: better protection, more responsive, and after all, who doesn’t want to be like Meb? ”I was surprised by the stretchy fit. It was snug enough, but allowed my foot room to move. Nice mix of well-cushioned and responsive.”

Updates the GOMeb Speed 3 Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 5–10,11 Weight: 7.9 oz. (men’s size 11); 6.4 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Fit: snug heel, close forefoot Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics Range: efficient runners: from 30K up to a marathon; heavy strikers: between 12K and 25K

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2016 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Where to Eat, Drink and Be Sweaty After Your Next Summer Adventure SUMMER SEASONAL WATE RM EL ON LIM E AL E

By Derrick Knowles, Jon Jonckers and S. Michal Bennett

DOWN LOA D

HEAVY MELON WATERMELON LIME ALE IS BREWED AND BOTTLED BY NEW BELGIUM BREWING FORT COLLINS, CO & ASHEVILLE, NC

The Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas have some pretty sweet outdoor patios and trailside establishments where you can grab a post-outdoor adventure beverage and bite to eat, but there are a few things to look for that make some of the places highlighted in this guide a little sweeter. First, after a sweaty ride, run, hike, stroll, paddle or crag session, your trailside pit-stop of choice needs to be comfortable enough that you can kick back and relax in a casual atmosphere where you’re unlikely to get stink eye from other patrons or staff for showing up in mud-splattered biking shorts toting a hydration pack and a helmet. Second, a quality food and beverage menu that covers the bases with local craft brews, wine and fresh, affordable and appetite-satisfying eats is essential. And third, outdoor and/or comfortable indoor seating with beautiful and/or interesting views and an atmosphere that jibes with your outdoor lifestyle will keep you coming back over and over again. These are a few of our favorite trails, trailside eateries and watering holes. (DK)

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DAY & SUNDA TUR Y8 SA

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The name “Centennial” refers to the Centennial Trail’s initial construction period, which

E B L AC K B I R D S

PO

K

started in 1989, soon after the Washington State Centennial. From east to west, the trail starts at Higgins Point on Lake Coeur d’Alene and travels through Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Liberty Lake, Spokane Valley, Spokane and finishes at Nine Mile Falls. Believe it or not, the Bloomsday Roadrunners Club hosts a 37-mile run from Nine Mile to the State Line every year. Year round, the trail hosts marathons, fun runs, the Flying Irish Running Club and multiple charity walks, along with a steady flow of everyday cyclists, walkers, runners and stroller pushers. Definitely a Northwest treasure. (JJ) Boots Bakery: Housed in the historic Longbotham building in the east end of downtown Spokane a few

blocks south of the Spokane River, Boots has exposed brick walls and ridiculously high ceilings, and its decoration was a collaborative effort by some of Spokane’s best local artists. Boots is completely vegan and mostly gluten-free. Better still, it serves a mean cocktail. The menu is constantly changing and the service is always great. And the outdoor patio on Main Street offers excellent people watching. (JJ)

Ripples: Ripple’s outside patio is one of the best in Spokane. It’s a short walk from the Gonzaga cam-

pus, and its beautiful boardwalk connects to the Centennial Trail and the north side of Riverfront Park.

Ripples has hosted the Flying Irish Running Club for many years, and the service is wonderful. Sit outside or inside with a beer and a burger, and enjoy the scenic river walk. (JJ) No-Li Brewhouse: A Spokane craft-beer institution, No-Li serves up its own celebrated suds along

with a full menu of pub fare, wine and spirits. A stone’s throw away from the Centennial Trail east of the Gonzaga campus near the corner of Trent and Hamilton, the riverside patio is a one-of-a-kind Spokane outdoors experience in its own right. Watch paddle boarders plying the placid waters of the Spokane River, listen to the sound of the breeze blowing through the cottonwood tree leaves, and relax with a pint of one of the Inland Northwest’s finest brews.

CRAFT COCKTAILS, 34 DRAFT BEERS 150+ BOTTLED BEERS, 4 DRAFT WINES WOOD-FIRED GRILL & SMOKER Bicycle Friendly • near the Centennial Trail • bicycle rack • bicyclebenefits.org member • bicycle repair stand (coming soon!)

Hours: M-Th 11a-10p • F 11a-11p • Sa 8a-11p • Su 8a-10p

905 N. WASHINGTON ST. 509.392.4000

THE HISTORIC BROADVIEW DAIRY BUILDING TheBlackbirdSpokane.com /

@TheBlackbirdGEG

Stella’s Café: Find this gem of a café tucked into a cool location at 917 West Broadway at the north

edge of Riverfront Park. The food, ranging from deli favorites to a range of finely crafted international cuisines and vegetarian and vegan options, has earned Stella’s a loyal following. It also serves beer, wine and spirits. There is only one popular front-of-café sidewalk table, but the inside seating offers a welcome respite from the blazing summer sun. (DK)

Main Market Co-op: Spokane’s only natural market co-op – meaning it operates as a non-profit,

membership-driven market – is a purveyor of quality local, organic and natural produce, grocery, meat and dairy items as well as other popular products, including beer and wine. A few blocks north of the Centennial Trail on Browne and Main, the market also has a full deli, an amazing salad bar, and both indoor and outdoor patio seating and plentiful bike parking. Purchase a bottle of beer or kombucha from the cooler and enjoy a delicious, healthy snack or full meal from the deli. You don’t need to be a co-op member to shop or eat there, but you do get discounts and good karma points for signing up.

south hill’s full-service specialty market & bistro with a focus on local products.

Free Flat Repair Class May 14th @ 9:30am

Central Food: Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the food is always a delightful experience, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients from farmers who use sustainable agricultural practices.

Perched just a few feet above the Centennial Trail, Central Food has one of the best views of the river and city around, one that’s worth celebrating with a happy hour beer, glass of wine or cocktail. “Being on the Centennial Trail has a major impact on our business, not just bringing in people but also in defining what kind of place we are. We have tried to be a place people can feel comfortable getting off their bikes and enjoying a meal even in bike clothes,” reports David Blaine, owner and chef at Central Food in Kendall Yards. “The Trail was so important to me. It is why I wanted the specific spot we have because it would not just be on the trail but it would be next to the major access point for the trail along that section. I think of it as the crossroads of West Central.” (JJ/DK) The BlackBird: Created by the same folks who birthed the well-loved Manito Tap House, The Blackbird Tavern and Kitchen offers locally-minded, eclectic, Southern-inspired cooking (it has a smoker and wood-fired grill and makes its own charcuteries, churns its own butter and bakes breads and pastries on site). You will find adventurous, delicious-sounding things on the menu you’ve never seen in Spokane before, but also more familiar and seriously devourable items like a gourmet burger and fries, as well as a comprehensive spread of beers (34 on tap) plus wine and spirits. Just north of Riverfront Park in the historic Broadview Dairy building, choose from the patio, bar or comfortable indoor booth seating. The Blackbird takes its interest in sustainability seriously and is in the process of becoming the second 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant in the Pacific Northwest (Manito Tap House was the first). (DK) Top left: Happy hour along the Centennial Trail at Central Food. Photo: Shallan Knowles // bottom left, opposite page: mojito on the patio. Photo: Shallan Knowles // Bottom right: opposite page boots bakery. Photo jon jonckers. // left: running on the centennial trail. Photo jon jonckers

bike or hike the bluff trails & enjoy your favorite beer on our patio! grocery store prices on beer & wine and you can drink it here. live outdoor music tuesday & saturday starting at 7:30 pm. modern, hand-made soups, salads, paninis, quiche and entrees.

726 E. 43rd, Spokane rocketmarket.com 509.343.2253 6am - 11pm 7 days a week

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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At over 14,000 acres, Riverside is far and away the largest state park in Washington. Notable sections include Bowl and Pitcher, Little Spokane River Natural Area, Fort Wright Military Cemetery, and Deep Creek. Thanks to various land donations back in 1933 and 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corp initially developed the Park, including the Swinging Bridge.

Soon after, Aubrey White, the “father of Spokane Parks,” worked hard to make Riverside one of the greatest parks in the Northwest. From mountain bike singletrack to trail running to river rafting, the park supports a wide variety of recreation. Over 50 miles of biking, hiking and running trails snake their way through the pine-studded park. (JJ) Flying Goat:

The Flying Goat is a staple rest stop for mountain bikers and trail runners visiting Riverside State Park. Located at the epicenter of the Audubon Neighborhood, its craft pizzas are delicious and the signature Horned Aviator beer is outstanding. All of the sauces, dressings, and marinades are made fresh daily, and the beer menu rivals any other pub. Make sure you take a moment to admire the one-of-a-kind bike rack. (JJ)

Fieldhouse Pizza & Pub:

With 25 toppings and six sauces to choose from, there are countless create-your-own pizza combinations at the Fieldhouse. Just a few blocks from Joe Albi stadium and the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex on the rim above Riverside State Park, it’s a spacious restaurant with one side dedicated to family dining and the other to a full bar. Bountiful parking accommodates large outdoor groups or vehicles with trailers. (JJ)

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at the Idaho/Washington state line. 16 parking/access areas make exploring sections of the trail easy. On busy summer beach days, try parking further out from downtown and riding or walking the trail to your favorite stretch of Coeur d’Alene city beach sand. (SMB) The Bluebird: The Bluebird delivers fresh “Northwest bistro fare” and a vibrant atmosphere along the Midtown corridor. Owners Viljo and Autumn Basso offer simple, yet exquisite lunch and dinner menus featuring uniquely delicious salads, entrées, desserts and drinks that highlight their passion for quality ingredients, regionally sourced foods and housemade everything. Their covered outdoor seating area is perfect for sipping an Idaho beer on a sunny day. (SMB) Moon Time: Celebrating 20 years, Moon Time is undoubtedly one of the most popular local eateries

in Coeur d’Alene. The menu features the usual pub items, except with their own delectable variations.

Located two blocks north of the Centennial Trail, it provides a small bike rack for cyclists and offers choice wines, regional brews, nitro taps, and $1 beers with live music every Thursday night. (SMB)

Taphouse Unchained: Located a block from the Centennial Trail and in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene, this CDA Resort-managed, cycling themed bar is open to “all cyclists, hikers, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts,” and boasts 24 taps, a full service bar and a basic, “bike-friendly” menu. It also has designated bicycle parking out front and a Margarita Bike, where you can blend your own drinks. Even the bar stools have pedals! (SMB) Slate Creek Brewing Co.: Slate Creek, the first go-to taproom in Midtown CDA, is a happening spot for all microbrew enthusiasts. It serves up tasty beers, locally-brewed cider and a couple of wines, and you can bring your own food to munch on. The owners heartily support all outdoor pursuits with their décor and events. Ride your bike over on Wednesday evening and get $1 off your first pint, as well as a burger grilled by Coeur d’Alene Bike Co. by the “deck.” (SMB) //

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AVAIL ABLE LOC ALLY Huckleberry’s | Main Market Pilgrim’s Market | Winter Ridge OR AMA ZON.COM 48

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

ripples on the river. //Jon jonckers

The 200-acre outdoors paradise that local riders, runners and hikers call the “Bluff ” or “High Drive” is a pine-packed hillside above Latah Creek that’s crisscrossed with over 20 miles of hiking, biking and running trails. With a connector trail that leads all the way down to the valley near Browne’s Addition, the trails attract riders and runners from all over the city looking to make a day of it, as well as more casual users looking for a mellow, scenic out-and-back off of High Drive Parkway. Spring wildflowers can be epic and a surprising number of wildlife call the Bluff home, including deer, bull snakes, coyotes, many species of birds and the occasional moose. (DK) Luna: After your last climb up out of the south end of the High Drive trails at Hatch Road and 57th, you are only yards away from the beautiful, well-shaded patio at Luna. A fine dining establishment committed to locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients whenever possible, Luna is a great choice for a post-hike dinner date but also a great spot for you and your fat tire-pedaling crew to escape the summer heat in the cool and comfortable confines of the Luna lounge with a cocktail. (DK) Rocket Market: After a ride or hike on the Bluff, the Rocket Market grocery and deli at 726 East 43rd, just a few blocks from the nearest trailhead, covers the bases for trail-tired, hungry and thirsty nature revelers. Enjoy hearty, handmade bistro bites and well-priced beverages selected from a huge assortment of Northwest craft beers and wines, or build your own snack or meal from the packed grocery shelves.

Outdoor and indoor seating options, plenty of places to lock up your wheels, and the owners’ long-time support of Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance make the Rocket Market the mountain bikers’ post-Bluff choice. (DK) Manito Tap House: If there is a craft beer or cider worth your trail-parched thirst, Manito Tap House

will likely have it. An easy pedal east from the Bluff, park your ride at the burly bike rack out front (which has basic bike tools attached just in case) and pick a table inside or out on the shaded patio. The menu features craft pub food with attention to detail and local and seasonal ingredients that is as much of a draw as the beer selection (many items are gluten free and vegetarian friendly too). A lively atmosphere, great music and friendly staff and patrons make Manito Tap House our favorite go-to pub stop and dinner spot on the South Hill. (DK)

stacked up salad on the luna patio: fresh, local, amazing. // shallan knowles

Initially, the Ben Burr Trail was the undeveloped Spokane and Inland Empire Interurban railroad line. In recent decades, the Ben Burr morphed into an incomplete community path, but thanks to forward-thinking city planners and much-needed federal dollars for pedestrian improvements, it will soon connect the South Hill with the Centennial Trail. (JJ) Perry Street Brewing:

A lively neighborhood taproom and craft brewery with soon-to-be better trail/bike route connections between the Perry neighborhood and downtown that will make a pedal up to PSB from those lower down the hill much more safe, easy and enjoyable. The owners and many patrons are fellow outdoors lovers and make great company after any adventure. Bring the kids; PSB is a familyfriendly establishment. (DK)

The Lantern Taphouse:

On the corner of Perry and Tenth, the Lantern is a delightful, family-friendly pub. The Lantern capitalizes on the ever-growing running community with a weekly running club that meets every Tuesday, and it hosts a wide range of events including live music. (JJ)

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Running Revelstoke Trail Running Escape// This is a trail runner’s dream come true.

Here’s your chance to train with an elite trail runner for four days and four nights at a pristine lodge deep in the Kootenay Mountains with professionally catered meals and unparalleled trail running in British Columbia. Glutes in the Koots brings together the best elements of a trail running camp, and then adds superb food, a professional photographer, and bountiful gifts from some of the best brands in endurance sports.

Glutes in the Koots is coached by Jen Segger.

For the past 12 years, Segger has been competing at the elite level in ultra running, adventure racing, and mountain biking. Combining her passion for athletics and competition, she is an endurance coach to athletes of all ages and abilities around the world. She owns a high-performance training facility in Squamish as well as an indoor cycling studio, and she always carries a can of kickass in her back pocket. With any luck, she can teach everyone at the camp where they can secure their own can of kickass. Segger prefers to teach by example in the mountains. She says, “This is an experiential running opportunity where you will be coached through doing.”

Founder and director Greg Munby first heard the phrase “glutes in the koots” playing Ultimate Frisbee in Nelson, and it seemed to work perfectly for trail running in the Kootenay Mountains. Munby is an accomplished ultra runner, and he’s an ambassador for all of the event’s sponsors, including Pearl Izumi, Darn Tough, Nuun, and United States Ski Pole Company.

He also loves the Sol Mountain Lodge.

By Jon Jonckers

Jen Segger makes running up steep mountains look like a lot of fun. // Photo courtesy of Jen Segger

lodge was designed for backcountry skiers and singletrack users. Sol Mountain has comfortable private bedrooms, indoor bathrooms and hot showers, a toasty drying room, a wood-stove heated sauna,

The Sol Mountain Lodge rests in the Monashee Mountains south of Revelstoke. This modern backcountry lodge is family owned and operated. More expansive than a cabin or a hut, the three-story

yoga and stretching studio, a full-service kitchen and bar, and high-quality chef-made cuisine. The lodge is focused on easy backcountry living so guests can focus on what is important: the outdoors.

Munby reports, “From the lodge, athletes can expect above tree-line running primarily on singletrack. In addition, a considerable amount of technical travel on rocky terrain will allow guests to reach summits and ridges on each run. Although Jen intends to coach pre-determined skills, such as hills, pacing, nutrition, safety, and night running, she will also coach to the needs of the runners. Athletes will travel as a group with a guide and sweep. Safety will be emphasized at all times.”

Finally, Revelstoke’s Bruno Long will be traveling with the group to document the experience. He continues to be one of the most prolific photographers in the mountain bike world, and he is eager to capture the beauty and wonder of this brilliant event. If you’re curious about his work, check out his website at brunolong.com.

Altogether, the program is a mix of men and women looking to extend their trail running into longer distances. The group may spend up to five hours hiking and running on the longest day, but most efforts are three or four miles on steep terrain. Guests should be comfortable running 14 to 16 miles in varied weather over rugged terrain. The event website displays a detailed event schedule, and the organizers welcome questions regarding the event’s caliber or guests’ running abilities. Space is limited so sign up soon. For more information, visit glutesinthekoots.com. //

2016 Nomination Round Public Meeting!

Spokane County has received 37 property nominations for the 2016 Conservation Futures Round. Come see a presentation from County Parks, Recreation & Golf Staff and share your verbal or written comments with the Conservation Futures Land Evaluation Committee. This formal step in the evaluation process is your chance for your voice to be heard and provide input to the committee members who will ultimately prioritize a ranked list of properties to be considered by the Board of Spokane County Commissioners.

Meeting Date & Time: June 16th, 4:30‐5:30 p.m. “Open House” & 5:45‐7:00 Presentation & Public Comment Period Location: Centerplace Regional Event Center “Great Room” at 2426 N Discovery Place, Spokane Valley WA, 99216 50

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

Food&Fuel

4th Annual

Tapering as Active Training //

By Ammi Midstokke

5K Run/ Walk

[ chipped & timed race ]

June 19, 2016 9 a.m. start time at Manito Park

Register Now @ snapwa.org/DDD5K

*** Team OTM Challenge Race *** View from a taper-friendly hammock tent. // Photo: Shawn Gust

I spend weeks looking forward to a taper, but

it always comes with the mental anguish of trying not to spend all my free time eating. If carb loading is so popular, why can’t I stock up a week in advance? Of course I use this excuse all winter long, which is why in May I’m still trying to ride off a few mugs of eggnog and most of a Christmas ham. The taper brings all kinds of psychological and physiological confusion. Exactly when we’re nervously anticipating an event we’ve been prepared for, we’re telling our bodies to slow down and recover. Somehow, “recover” sounds just the same to me as “cake.” It is a waste to spend months on training only to feel like a waterlogged can of Spam on race morning, so I’ve been working on some nourishing taper techniques. These help me stay focused on the race and feel like I am still training, even if I’m spending less time on the trails and more time with a book.

Hydrate. Everyone thinks they need to hydrate well so they don’t keel over on race day. There is more to it. Hydrating while we taper is essential to the purpose of the taper. Effective hydration helps our bodies in their efforts to rebuild tissues, remove inflammation, and increase cellular respiration (getting things in and out of them). After weeks of training, keeping up on the H20 is the kindest thing we can offer our bodies.

Nourish your immune system. Training regimens and long-term increases in activity, not to mention the stress they add to daily life, can tax the

alk

016

to Park

@ D5K

ummer event for

immune system. Now is a good time to replenish it with an increase in vitamin-rich foods. My favorites are chicken bone broth, additional vitamin C, and a B complex. And naps. While it has not yet been published in any medical research that I’ve seen, I am pretty sure that napping in a hammock has even more health benefits than standard sofa napping.

Stop the sugar and booze. Sugar and its trashy cousin, alcohol, are both immune suppressing. They are also both inflammatory, pretty empty of nutritional value (regardless of how much lime we put in that caipirinha), and contribute to blood sugar dysregulation. Alcohol contributes to a host of things we don’t want, but most importantly it makes us cranky, and our families are probably already suffering the short fuses of the tapering athlete. It is best we don’t push our luck.

Love up your body. If we’re training for a race, we’ve probably been going hard all season.

Now is the perfect time to use some of that free time to thank your body for all its hard work and good effort. Get a massage. Get a pedicure on the toenails you have left. Take Epsom salt baths. And those naps. Send your body a little gratitude and appreciation for what is has done – and for the next adventure on which it promises to take us.

Use your taper to prepare your body on a cellular level with a little dose of emotional support. You’ll feel refreshed and ready on race day. The cake and cocktails will be waiting for you on the other side of the finish line. //

$20 registration

Prizes for Top Finishers

$25 late registration (after May 15)

& Corporate Team Challenge

Sponsored by

456-SNAP

whitewater and craft beer.

GROUP DISCOUNTS UP TO $50 PER PERSON.

¤Saturday, June 4th - Moyie ¤Saturday, June 18th - Lochsa ¤Saturday, June 25th - St. Joe

Join ROW Adventures and Slate Creek Brewing Co. for a day of whitewater and craft beer.

208.770.2517 | ROWadventures.com JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

51

OutdoorCalendar

JUNE 2016

SIXMONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (July 9) Up Chuck Challenge Trail Run. Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Start off your day at the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival with a 5k or 1.5 Mile run along the Up Chuck Trail to the top of Beacon Hill. Info: Spokatopia.com/up-chuckchallenge-trail-run.

(July 23) Trail Maniacs State Park Series.

Where: Mt. Spokane State Park. Five mile and half marathon distance trail runs. Info: Trailmaniacs.com

(July 31) Bare Buns Fun Run. Where: Deer Lake, WA. 32nd annual clothing optional 5k at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park. Info: Kaniksufamily.com

(August 7) “Dig Your Grave” Trail Marathon.

Where: Hope, ID. When: 6:55 a.m. Run in the beautiful Cabinet Mountains, limit 50 runners. Cost: $50 Info: goat events.com

(August 26-27) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

200 mile relay from Mt. Spokane to Sandpoint City Beach along some of the most scenic trails and lightly-travelled roads in the Northwest. Info: Cascaderelays.com

(August 1-5) Glutes in the Koots.

Where: Sol Mountain Lodge, B.C. A week of premier trail running In British Columbia’s Monashee Mountains with Canadian adventure athlete Jen Segger. Info: www. glutesinthekoots.com

(August 7) “Dig Your Grave” Trail Marathon.

Where: Hope, ID. When: 6:55 a.m. Run in the beautiful Cabinet Mountains, limit 50 runners. Cost: $50 Info: www.goatevents.com

(August 26-27) Spokane to Sandpoint Relay.

200 mile relay from Mt. Spokane to Sandpoint City Beach along some of the most scenic trails and lightly-travelled roads in the Northwest. Info: Cascaderelays.com

(September 3-5) Kootenay Sufferfest.

Where: Kaslo, B.C. 50, 25, 12, and 6k trail runs. Info: Kootenaysufferfest.com

(September 10) Lake Chelan Marathon, Half & 10K. Where: Chelan, Washington. This RunWenatchee-produced race is considered by many to be one of Washington’s premier destination events because of the sights and amenities at Lake Chelan.

It is a point-to-point course. Runners are transported from Manson to the start lines by shuttle.

The event is a USA Track & Field certified race. Info: Adventurewenatchee.com.

(September 18) Scenic Half Marathon. Where: Sandpoint. With a route across Sandpoint’s iconic Long Bridge, offering panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains, the Scenic Half Marathon attracts hundreds of runners from all across the country. Info: Scenichalf.com (September 24) Priest Lake Marathon. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. An off-pavement running adventure through the Panhandle National Forest. The 52

OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

scenery of a trail race, but on drivable dirt forest road with full course support like a road race. All runners beginner to elite love this course for its scenic trail run-like experience. Info: Priestlakerace.com

(September 24) Happy Girls Run.

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

(September 24) Harvest Hustle 5K.

Where: Rockford, WA. When: 7:45 Same day registration available. Cost: $7. Info:sespokanecountyfair.com

(October 15) Chocolate Chip Cookie 50K Trail Run. Where: Riverside State Park Equestrian Area.

Rolling river run with short hills, rocks and open praire. Double track, single track, forest service roads, and even a little gravel and pavement. Info: ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=32772

(October 15) Octoberfest Trail Runs.

Where: Leavenworth. The Oktoberfest Trail Runs (10-mile and 8K, plus a kids’ race) are held on Wenatchee National Forest lands near Leavenworth, with the start and finish occurring at the Leavenworth ski hill facility. The event is held during the community’s famous Oktoberfest celebration. Info: Runwenatchee. com

(October 16) Sekani Trail Run.

Where: Camp Sekani, Spokane. The 8th 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! The trails run above the Spokane River and provide great views of the City of Spokane and surrounding areas. Proceeds benefit Franklin Elementary school’s APPLE program. Info: Sekanitrailrun.com

TRIATHLONS (July 10) Valley Girl Tri. Where: Liberty Lake. This popular women’s sprint distance triathlon includes a 1/3 mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3 mile run.

Finishing in beautiful Pavillion Park with activities for the entire family. Info: Valleygirltri.com

(July 16) Tiger Triathlon.

Where: Colville, Washington. 1k swim, 40k ride and an 8k run that showcases some of Northeast Washington’s scenic landscapes. Info: Tigertri.com

(August 7) Wunder Woman Triathlon.

Where: Medical Lake. A women’s only triathlon featuring both sprint and Olympic distance races. Individuals or relay team entries, featuring a post-race recovery lounge, great shirts, custom finishing medals and a great venue at Waterfront Park. Info: Wunderwomantriathlon.com

(August 27) Priest Lake Triathlon. Where: Priest Lake, Idaho. Swim, bike and run magnificent Priest Lake. Info: Priestlakerace.com/events/triathlon

BIKING (July 24) Ride the Pass. Where: 4th of July Pass.

“Ride the Pass” mountain bike fondo is back at 4th

of July Pass and is included as part of the “5 in July” MTB race series at Farragut State Park this year. Info: 208-667-8969

(July 23) Blue Goose Chase.

Where: Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Colville.

WA. Ride packed, graded gravel and dirt roads at your own pace and enjoy interpretive signs with history, ecolocy and management of the Refuge.

Water and Snacks provided. Info: RefugeFriends. com

(July 31) Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration.

Where: Spokane Valley. Choose from 10, 25 or 50 mile rides through the best parts of the valley. After party celebration to help riders refuel and rehydrate.

Info: Cyclecelebration.com

(July 9) Strider Cup Race Spokane.

Where: Riverfront Park. When: 8 a.m. Open to children of all sizes and skill level. Info: striderbikes.com/blog/ strider-racing/item/5641-spokanejuly9th

(August 8) 8 Lake Leg Aches.

Where: Group Health Corporate Office, Spokane. When: 7 a.m.

Choose from 15, 30 45 or 75 mile routes. Info: lcsnw. org/unebugrun

WATERSPORTS (September 10) The 3rd Annual Riggins Salmon Run. Where: Riggins, Idaho. This is a family- friendly event offering multiple distances including a Kids Fun Run for children ages 3-6 years, as well as a half marathon, 10k and 5k distances. Runners will complete an out-and-back course retrieving a special token at the turn around aid station. The finish line for all distances will be at Riggins City Park where runners and their families can enjoy live music, food and drinks.

OTHER (July 9) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.

Where: Camp Sekani Park, Spokane. Try paddleboarding, kayaking, climbing, geocaching, canoeing, disc golf and other outdoor activities and demo bikes and other outdoor gear. Over 40 exhibitors, live music and beer garden. Info: Spokatopia.com

(August 6) Paddle, Splash and Play. Where: Nine Mile Recreation Area, Riverside State Park.

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Adults and children can try out different kinds of paddle craft for free, with volunteers on sight to provide instruction and ensure the safety of those out on the water. Try sit-on-top kayaks, whitewater kayaks, paddle boards and a 22ft Voyager canoe which seats up to eight at a time. Info: Sckc.ws (September 24) Head of the Pend Oreille Regatta. A weekend of activities in Priest River, Idaho starts with a Friday evening rowby and 1 K sprint race along with a family BBQ at the Priest River Yacht Club. On Saturday morning there will be a 5k head race on the beautiful Pend Oreille and Priest Rivers. Info: HOPregatta.org

OutdoorCalendar RUNNING (June 4) June Bug Fun Run.

Where: Spokane Community College. 3-and 5-mile distances on a scenic course along the Spokane River to benefit Lutheran Community Services Northwest’s efforts to ensure strong, healthy kids. Info: Lcsnw.org/ junebugrun

(June 5) Windermere Marathon.

(June 18) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Colville National Forest. A 50-mile trail race and a relay race where 5 participants each complete one of 5 legs carrying a minimum 35lb ruck for men and 25lb ruck for women. Info: Kaniksu50.com

(June 18) Be Fit to Serve Hutton Settlement Challenge. Where: Hutton Settlement, Spokane

When: 7 a.m.

Full and half marathons are scenic and fast. Info: WindermereMarathon.com

Valley. When: 9 a.m. 5.5 Miles with hills to run and bootcamp-inspired exercises for a total-body challenge.

(June 12) Riverside 24 Hour Relay. Where: Seven

(June 18) Foothills Scenic Five. Where: Foothills

Mile Airstrip. Multiple categories include solo, duals, small and large teams. Cost: $70. Info: r24relay.com

(June 12) Bay Trail Fun Run. Where: Sandpoint City Beach. Celebrate National Trails Day and help protect a treasured waterfront trail by participating in the 4th annual Bay Trail Fun Run, which is both a competitive timed race and a family fun run with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Pend d Oreille Bay Trail and the Idaho Conservation League and their efforts to protect the trail. Kids 12 and under are free. Info: Pobtrail.org (June 14) Title 9 Run.

Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. An all-women and kids 9K run, jog, or walk.

All events include a Rag-A-Muffin Fun Run for the kids and a post-race Expo. Info: Titlenine.com/t9k

(June 17) Summer Solstice 10K and Kids Run. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. Join the Children’s Tumor Foundation, Fleet Feet, and the Flying Irish for a fun run along the Centennial Trail. 100% of registration fees go directly to the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Info: Join.ctf.org/ spokane/events

(June 18) CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo. Where: Sandpoint. 150, 80 and 30-mile fully supported ride routes along Lake Pend Oreille. Info: Chafe150.org

Community Center. A 5-mile rolling hills course for runners or a less strenuous 3-mile course for runners and walkers. This is a beautiful scenic course with views of Mt. Spokane, local agriculture and possibly local wildlife. Info: Ruralspokane.com/2016/Fun%20 Run/Foothills_Scenic_Five_2016.pdf

(June 25) Kootenai River Run. Where: Bonners Ferry, Idaho. 5k and 10k brings you in and around the city of Bonners Ferry. Both courses start and finish at the fairgrounds four blocks west of town. Info: Kootenairiverrun.com

TRIATHLONS (June 19) Medical Lake Founder’s Day Trailblazer Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake. This race is perfect for first timers as well as seasoned veterans of the sport. This sprint distance tri consists of a 350 meter swim followed by a 12.2 mile bike ride on paved roads then a 2.92 mile run around Medical Lake. The race is a mass start with a single transition area that is perfect for spectators. Info: Medicallake.org

BIKING (Ongoing) Spokane Believers on Mountain Bikes. Where: Locations vary. BOMB is a nondenominational Christian outreach fellowship leading no-drop mountain bike rides in the greater

Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com Spokane area. Rides scheduled most Tuesday evenings and Saturdays. Info: Spokanebomb.com

(June 4) Strider Bike Giveaway Party.

Where: Mountain Gear. Mountain Gear and Strider are giving away 10 Strider Bikes to the public at this free party that’s open to the public. Refreshments will be provided and kids can test ride a Strider Bike at the Adventure Zone (helmets will be available).

Mountaingear.com

(June 4) Women’s Mountain Bike Techniques.

Where: Riverside State Park 7 mile airstrip. Learn from certified coaches at our all-day ladies clinic.

We’ll cover everything you need to improve trail skills. Info: Evergreeneast.org

WATERSPORTS (June 11-12) Moving Water Canoe Class.

Where: Spokane River. The class will help paddlers develop the skills to run class l and ll rivers, develop an appreciation for safety on the river, and learn basic river rescue skills. Info: Sckc.ws

OTHER (June 20-24) Wild Walls Summer Climbing Camp. Where: Wild Walls Climbing Gym. These climbing camps are designed to give climbers ages 8-14 the tools they need to climb to their fullest potential. Info: Wildwalls.com

(June 4-5) Sandpoint Sojourn with Pancakes at a Mudhole. Where: Sandpoint. In celebration of National Bike Travel Weekend, Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair is leading an overnight bike trip from Sandpoint to the Mudhole Campground in Priest River, Idaho. Reservations required. Info: greasyfingersbikes.com

(June 4) Apple Century Ride. Where: Wenatchee.

The 28th-annual cycling event offers 25-, 50- and 100-mile rides in the Wenatchee Valley, Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee. The starting point for the rides is Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee. It includes a post-ride party with food, beverages and entertainment. Info: Applebikeride.com

(June 18) CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo.

Where: Sandpoint. 150, 80 and 30-mile fully supported ride routes along Lake Pend Oreille. Info: Chafe150.org

(June 18) Silver Valley Ride to Defeat ALS. Where: Silver Valley, Idaho. Ride along the gorgeous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Choose anywhere from 1 mile or the entire 42.6 mile distance. This is a family-friendly ride with aid stations and lunch—all proceeds aid the fight to defeat ALS. Info: Web.alsa. org/silvervalley

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Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.

JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Last Page Seduced by a Wooly Bugger // By Brad Naccarato No matter where your home fishing waters might be, springtime angling is always a challenging time of year to get your fix. While the warm, sunny days keep the creeks and rivers flooded with snowmelt at almost unrecognizable levels, the cool night temperatures keep the waters frigid, making runoff-weary fish even more lethargic and less willing to play the game. Routine tactics that seem surefire in the late summer months don’t always deliver in the spring, forcing you to engage in fringe activities to catch fish. Nonetheless, we flyfishermen are a stubborn bunch, and when those bright spring days start falling in line, our inborn fish-stalking instincts start tugging at our subconscious, telling us to find water, and find it soon.

When I started flyfishing many years ago, I was entranced by the obsessive study of insects that most hardcore flyfishermen took upon themselves to successfully “match the hatch” and select the appropriate fly for the given situation. This study, or “entomology,” involves the infinitely complex memorization of hundreds of different Latin names, each corresponding to specific insects, at specific stages in their life, under the water, on the water, and in the air.

Years ago, I set out on an early spring fishing trip armed with my usual arsenal of insect-specific flies. Having mastered the most elementary levels of entomology, I was certain I was going to have a successful day. Arriving at the river and staring out at the turbulent mass of water moving in front of me, I looked at my fly box and had absolutely no clue where to begin. Nothing was hatching, no surface activity, and the water clarity was so muddied

that the idea of finding any clues seemed downright impossible. I threw practically everything in my fly box that day, casting for hours, both topwater and subsurface. Nothing I tried could yield so much as a single bite.

Sitting streamside in the late afternoon, with my head hung in defeat, I opened my box one last time,

it was not an insect imitation. And after all, wasn’t insect imitation what us lofty flyfishermen were all about? But it kept calling to me from the box like Darth Vader to Luke.

“Oh, to hell with it,” I thought as I tied it quickly to the end of my leader. Cinching down the knot, I couldn’t help but think that I was somehow cheat-

ing a few rod-twitches in for good measure. Then, 10 feet from where I stood, BAM! Something big slammed the fly and took off with it downstream, ripping 20 feet of line off my reel in seconds. Ten minutes later, I landed and released a fat, healthy spring cutthroat, one of many that afternoon seduced by the power of the dark side.

I came away with a newfound respect for that fly and the tactics that make it unique. My current fly box now has an array of several colors and sizes of Wooly Buggers, harmoniously integrated among the other flies. Bugger, or “streamer” fishing may not be as glamorous as traditional topwater, insectoriented flyfishing, but there is no doubt that in the toughest conditions, a well-placed Bugger is irresistible to almost any fish in any water. Fish hit this fly hard, especially when it’s retrieved quickly.

Fishing a streamer is not that different from fishing lures. The same principals apply, except you’re using a hand retrieve as opposed to the reel retrieve used on spinning rods.

Sometimes it’s less about the number of fish and more about how the fish were caught. There is no right or wrong way to fish; it’s just about what

... after all, wasn’t insect imitation what us lofty flyfishermen were all about? looking for some sort of eureka moment. And then my eyes fell upon it. Segregated in the farthest corner was a big black Wooly Bugger saying “ME! ME! ME!” I paused for a moment as I looked it over. This was a fly that had been given to me. It was certainly not a fly that I had ever considered using, given that

ing. This was a bait-fish imitation, practically a lure, almost a worm! “Do I really want to be one of those fringe guys who fishes Wooly Buggers?” I mumbled as started my windup for the first swing, hoping that nobody was watching. Splunking it down 30 feet upstream, I began a feverish retrieval, throw-

makes you happy – so long as it’s within the confines of the regulations. I am still more inclined to use my entomology knowledge when flyfishing, but on that particular day, I just needed to catch a fish.

And the Wooly Bugger delivered. //

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

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JUNE 2016 / OutThereMonthly.com

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Vasque Men’s & Women’s Breeze GTX 2.0 $169.99 Black Diamond Orbit Lantern Reg $29.95 SALE $17.98 Osprey Atmos AG 50 / Women’s Aura AG 50 Reg $229.95 SALE $169.96

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Marmot Long Hauler Duffle 109.00 SALE $76.98

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Altra Men’s & Women’s Lone Peak 2.5 $120.00 Marmot Tungsten 2 $199.00

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OutThereMonthly.com / JUNE 2016

White Clouds Wilderness, ID

Photo: Jim Rueckel