Get Out There

LEFT: T-TEAM WITH THE SPOKANE NORDIC SKI ASSOCIATION. PHOTO: CHRIS SHARMAN. // RIGHT: DR. RAE AT A BEAR DEN. PHOTO: PETER HOULIHAN

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEARS COMES TO SPOKANE JAN. 26

For wildlife ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, a scientist who works to protect and restore large species like grizzlies and bison, the love of the wilderness started indoors. “As a kid, I used to watch nature shows on TV. My passion was sparked by sitting and watching TV when I was 7,” she says with a laugh. That passion has since become an extensive education and career studying the movements and behavior of large carnivores. “Really I just wanted to start big with the really big problem, the really big animal,” she says.

Focusing on large carnivores has a proportionally large impact. These “umbrella species,” as they’re termed in conservation, need the most space and require the most specific resources. If you work to protect them, “you’ll likely be protecting a lot of other species that fall under that same habitat,” Wynn-Grant explains. She will be visiting Spokane in January for her show with National Geographic Live called “The Secret Life of Bears,” where she’ll share some of the “really crazy behaviors” and “some of the mysteries scientists still haven’t figured out yet.”

“There are eight species of bears around the world. In this show, I’m going to take the audience around the world to learn about all the things you were never taught about bears,” she explains. One species of bear she’ll cover “has a fur pattern so interesting that every bear is unique—so you can actually identify a bear by the pattern on its fur, like a human fingerprint. No two bears that ever lived, ever in the history of the world, have ever matched. Scientists are just uncovering that.”

She’ll also talk about a bear species that today eats only plants—but scientists have discovered the species probably used to be entirely carnivorous. “Sometime over the past several thousand years of its evolution, it has evolved into a totally different animal than it used to be.” Discoveries like these illustrate that even with more familiar, wellknown species, “there’s still a lot of science to be done, still a lot of discoveries to be made,” says Wynn-Grant.

“For a Spokane audience, I imagine folks at that tour stop will already know a lot about bears, especially black bears . . . and that’s really cool,” she says. “They’ll know what I’m talking about in some ways, but there’s just going to be so much [new information] to talk about.”

“It gives me so much joy to talk about nature on TV, on stage, wherever it is,” says Wynn-Grant. “I’m definitely trying to inspire people to see themselves as curious scientists and people who can make

a difference and keep asking questions.” Wynn-Grant will be in Spokane for the National Geographic Live “The Secret Life of Bears” on January 26, 2022, at 7 p.m. at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox. (Sarah Hauge)

WINTER HIKE SPOKANE’S HIGH DRIVE BLUFF

For a casual winter hike that features wooded singletrack and open spaces with a view and stays close to the city, look no farther than the area known as the High Drive Bluff off of Spokane’s South Hill. What makes this a great winter hike is its flexibility in trail distance and access to afternoon winter sun, which thaws these trails a bit more than spots like Riverside that stay shaded most of the winter.

The Bluff has over 20 miles of trails that are great for winter hiking, mountain biking, and dog walking, as long as the trails are not icy, muddy, or in a freezethaw cycle that will damage the trail tread. Choose any direction and you’ll find singletrack that rises and falls, snakes around pine-cluttered turns, and runs straight and long on open faces of the Bluff. It’s a great place to catch the winter skyline or an early sunset, watching as the colors fade into the silhouettes of our Northwest pines. Visit Friendsofthebluff.org for more info. (Lisa Laughlin)

SPOKANE NORDIC’S WINTERFEST JAN. 16

After a two-year hibernation, Spokane Nordic Ski Association’s cross-country skiing celebration, Winterfest, is finally returning to the Mount Spokane State Park Nordic Ski Area on January 16, 2022. This annual event is the only day all year that Spokane Nordic offers its cross-country ski lessons to non-members, so it’s a great opportunity for new skiers to get a taste of what SNSA has to offer while learning a few of the basics. Adults and kids can get 45-minute lessons for $10 or a two-hour skijoring clinic is available for $25. The event’s title sponsor, Rambleraven Gear Trader, will be on-site offering free waxing to all participants. There will also be a treasure hunt that encourages kids and families to get out on the trails on their own. To learn more about the event or reserve your spot in a class, visit Spokanenordic.org/ Winterfest. (Trevor Finchamp)

EXPLORE PALISADES PARK FOR CITY VIEWS & EASY STROLLING

Enjoy a snowy or icy day with a quick walk, run, or snowshoe through Palisades Park perched on the rimrock above the western edge of downtown Spokane. This area has both a secluded loop of singletrack (avoid when thawing or muddy) and a flat, open path with a great view of downtown and Mount Spokane. The wide gravel path that runs along the edge of Palisades Park, about a mile out and back, is ideal for hiking with a group or walking trail-sturdy strollers if it isn’t too snowy. With rocky outcroppings that overlook the city, it’s a joy in winter to just take a few breaths and watch the steam rise up from the downtown buildings. Mount Spokane, visible toward the north end of this hike, often has a snowy cap this time of year that makes for a nice landmark view. Explore the singletrack that loops at the center of this park through native brush, meadows, and pines, but bring navigation if snow or ice may obscure the trail. (Lisa Laughlin)

FATTY FLURRY FAT BIKE FESTIVAL JAN. 15

The 8th annual Fatty Flurry Fest, an annual gathering of packed-snow riders, is set for Jan. 15, 2022, and organizers are giving a new event location a try this year: the Section 16 Trail system near Bonners Ferry. The groomed trail system will provide rides for all abilities at this social gathering of the Inland NW fat biking community. Group rides start at 10 a.m., and limited fat bike rentals are available (reservations required). If you don't have a bike with tires at least 3.8" wide, please leave it at home so as not to leave ruts on the groomed trails. Call the event organizers at Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair in Sandpoint with questions or to reserve a rental bike (208-255.4496). (OTO)

SPOKANE GREAT OUTDOORS & BIKE EXPO IS BACK (FEB. 19-20)

After a year hiatus due to COVID, outdoor recreation vendors, bike shops, travel destinations, and more will return to the Spokane Convention Center for a day of outdoor adventure indoors as part of the Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo (an Out There Outdoors event). Spokane bike shops will be displaying the latest bikes and gear and Rambleraven Gear Trader will be selling used outdoor gear, including a selection of used bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards as part of the Expo’s new Bike & Boat Swap.

Dozens of other vendors, including a boat rental company, zipline adventures, outdoor clubs and organizations, and other outfitters and tourism destinations will be there to help you plan your warm-weather adventures. This family-friendly event will also include bikes for kids to try, free outdoor snacks, entertainment, games, and other kids’ outdoorsy activities, as well as gear and trip giveaways for adults throughout the weekend. Each ticket purchased online in advance also comes with a free outdoor adventure giveaway valued at $10-$20. Find ticket info and event details at Spokaneoutdoorexpo. com. (OTO)