ThankYou! ThankYou! ThankYou!

Nestled in something of an elbow of the city, the top of Beacon Hill affords visitors spectacular panoramic views of the metro area, from the far North Side through downtown and out across the Valley. The best part, though, is that from there, you get to ride back down.

Beacon Hill and Camp Sekani have become the region’s premier mountain biking destination, a distinction earned through the hard work of local volunteers and nonprofits.

“Fat Tire Trail Riders started in about 2008 to preserve land in the area,” says Chris Conley, president of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance’s Eastern Washington chapter, which took the baton from Fat Tire Trail Riders in 2015.

Stretching from Minnehaha Park in the west to the city-owned Camp Sekani Park on the east, the rugged terrain and over 600-plus vertical feet of the Beacon Hill area is crisscrossed by 39 miles of trails. However, between the two parks sits a lot of privately owned land. Until 2020, 61 percent of the area’s trails ran through private land. Now though, 77 percent are protected on public land.

“In 2020, 250 acres were bought by the county through Conservation Futures funds, along with large easements from Avista. There’s still some private land, but we at Evergreen have made agreements with the landowners to allow access to the trails,” Conley says. “We’re working on a new round of Conservation Futures for 2027.”

Volunteers who’ve helped make Beacon Hill what it is today aren’t just waiting around until 2027, though. Work is underway this spring to improve Camp Sekani’s central park features like the pump track and jumps, which are already located on public land.

For visitors who are unfamiliar, Evergreen has drawn up handy digital trail maps to help riders navigate the 1,024-acre space; find them at evergreeneast.org.

“Get out there and explore it,” Conley says.

— WILL MAUPIN

2nd PLACE: Mount Spokane State Park

3rd PLACE: Riverside State Park

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Silver Mountain

Best Disc Golf Course Downriver

The Professional Disc Golf Association describes this course as “one of the toughest” in Washington. The 6,705-foot-long course has 18 holes, soaring ponderosa pines and great views of the Spokane River. Be careful — the river is also known to claim haphazardly thrown discs. But it’s all part of the challenge that makes this such a fun spot for disc enthusiasts. (NS)

2nd PLACE: Camp Sekani; 3rd PLACE: High Bridge Park NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Corbin Park, Post Falls

Best Snow Sports Shop Shred

Formally known as Sports Outlet, Shred offers a wide selection of outdoors and sporting equipment. As this winter comes to an end, Shred is the perfect shop to hit to repair your equipment after the season’s wear and tear, plus is a great place to pick up some new gear for your upcoming adventures. (SSa)

2nd PLACE: Sports Creel

3rd PLACE: Spokane Alpine Haus NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Ski Shack, Hayden

Best Playground Ice Age Floods Playground Riverfront

“Lots of fun stuff for kids of all ages. Massive leap up from previous playgrounds.” (Sheila B.); “Grandkids love to go!” (Elizabeth G.); “Fabulous and educational.” (Joyce R.)

2nd PLACE: Providence Playscape, Riverfront Park

3rd PLACE: Manito Park playgrounds

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: McEuen Park, Coeur d’Alene

Best Outdoor Rec Supplies Rei

“Because they are a co-op! REI offers group outings, rental gear, excellent quality and diversity of gear for purchase as well. As a co-op, members receive dividends.” (Lynda W.); “They have so many great items in their inventory!” (Jessie M.)

2nd PLACE: Rambleraven

3rd PLACE: The General Store

NORTH IDAHO’S BEST: Black Sheep Sporting Goods, Coeur d’Alene

Best Running Event Bloomsday

“Spokane’s outdoor running tradition.” (Darleen F.); “Longest running race, fun for all ages and fitness levels.” (Jyl G.); “Wonderful way to start summer!” (Car C.); “Accessible and community focused.” (Eric E.)

2nd PLACE: (tie) Spokane River Run, The Turkey Trot

3rd PLACE: Running Shoes & Micro Brews, Post Falls