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Summer Hikes in the Columbia Highlands -
Explore the beautiful wild lands of northeast Washington on a free, guided day hike! All hikes are led by an experienced, volunteer hike leader and co-leader. Hikes are rated (1) Easy, (2) Moderately easy, (3) Moderate, (4) Moderately difficult, (5) Difficult. Sponsored by Conservation Northwest, REI, Spokane Mountaineers, and The Lands Council. For more information about the Columbia Highlands, please visit http://conservationnw.org/columbiahighlands. To register for an outing and receive more details, please contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166. Register early! Group size is limited.
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Sunday, June 22 – Jungle Hill to Columbia Mountain What makes this hike unique is that you get the entire scope of the Kettle Range landscape in one day! Significant elevation gain and loss will take you through a gamut of wildlife habitats -- lush forest with glimpses of Sherman Peak, sunny hillsides of pine and juniper, marshy areas with wildflowers, tall grasses and sagebrush, an amazing stand of old growth that often shelters forget-me-nots along the trail, and more. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 7 AM. Location: Profanity Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 14 miles Difficulty: (5) Difficult To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166. ===============================================
Saturday & Sunday, June 28-29 – Kettle Range Rendezvous Hiking Weekend Join us for this 6th annual weekend of Saturday hiking followed by a delicious potluck barbecue around the campfire and car camping in the beautiful Kettle Range Mountains of the Colville National Forest. Hike options include Wapaloosie to Jungle Hill, Hoodoo Canyon & Emerald Lake, and the Sherman Peak Loop, led by Conservation Northwest staff who will discuss the history, flora, fauna, and fire ecology unique to this area. It’s a marvelous way to get out into the Columbia Highlands, have fun, and learn about the lands we’re working to protect. Space is limited; register early! A carpool for this outing leaves Spokane at 7 AM Saturday morning and returns late Sunday morning (after breakfast). To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166.
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July 12 – Hoodoo Canyon & Emerald Lake A family-friendly day hike great for kids and adults alike! From the cool, wet cedar forest around the trailhead, the trail climbs steadily up the glacially-carved, lush canyon, passing old growth Ponderosa pines and towering rock formations before dropping down to the calm, cooling waters of Emerald Lake. This is peak time for wildflowers, butterflies, and swimming. Children must be accompanied by an adult. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 8 AM. Location: Hoodoo Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 6 miles Difficulty: (3) Moderate. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166.
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Saturday, July 19 - Clackamas Mountain
Wilderness campaign director Tim Coleman will guide you on this day hike through the home of the state-listed Great Gray Owl, largest of all North American owls. You’ll encounter old-growth ponderosa pine and other stately giants in some of the last unroaded wildlife habitat in the eastern Okanogan National Forest. Exploring this remote gem will reward you with views few others have seen of surrounding mountains and the distant Kettle Crest. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 7 AM. Location: Clackamas Mountain Roadless Area, Okanogan National Forest Length: Approx. 8 miles Difficulty: (4) Moderately difficult. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166. ================================================
Saturday, July 26 – Abercrombie Mountain to Hooknose
As the second highest peak in northeast Washington, it’s no wonder that bears, goats, deer and elk love this place: it’s one of the wildest, most remote regions in eastern Washington. The panoramic vistas awaiting you on this day hike—BC’s Monashees to its Purcells, the Cascades to Idaho’s Selkirks, and more—are guaranteed to recharge your batteries. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 7 AM. Location: Abercrombie-Hooknose Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 9 miles Difficulty: (5) Difficult. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166.
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Saturday, Aug 2 - Grassy Top from Pass Creek Pass
On this day hike just south of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness you can drink in views of the Idaho Selkirks, Priest Lake area and splendid meadows of bear grass and wildflowers. One of the closest wild forests to Spokane, this area is home to elk and bighorn sheep and rare wildlife such as grizzly bear, woodland caribou, gray wolf, lynx and bull trout. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 7:30 AM. Location: Grassy Top – Hall Mountain Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 8 miles Difficulty: (3) Moderate.
To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166.
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Saturday, Aug 9 – Sherman Peak Loop
This scenic loop day hike circles Sherman Peak through larch, fir, aspen, and lodgepole pine that are well on their way to a natural recovery from the 1988 White Mountain Fire. Experience views of the Kettle, Selkirk and Cascade mountain ranges and an optional side-trip up to the summit for inspiring views of the southern reaches of the Kettle Range. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 8 AM. Location: Bald Snow Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 6 miles Difficulty: (3) Moderate. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166 .===============================================
Saturday, Aug 16 – Hall Mountain
Knockout views of alpine meadows, Sullivan Valley and Crowell Ridge will reward you at the 6,323-foot summit, the site of a former fire tower lookout. This great day hike offers fit hikers a steady, challenging climb along Noisy Creek, then up to the ridge gaining 3,200 feet of elevation in 7 miles. Look for signs of bighorn sheep, cougar, and grizzly bears here in the heart of one of the largest tracts of unprotected wilderness adjacent to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness. A carpool for this hike leaves Spokane at 7 AM. Location: Grassy Top – Hall Mountain Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 14 miles Difficulty: (5) Difficult. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166. ================================================
Saturday, Aug 23 – Wapaloosie Mountain
Sprawling meadows of sagebrush interspersed with groves of pine and fir skirt one of the highest summits on the Kettle Crest at 7,018 feet. The trail includes 2,000 feet of elevation in a short 2.75 miles, and extensive views ranging from BC’s Rossland Range to the Abercrombie-Hooknose Highlands. This day hike rates as one of the Columbia Highlands’ finest in any season! 8 AM Carpool. Location: Profanity Roadless Area, Colville National Forest Length: Approx. 6 miles Difficulty: (4) Moderately difficult. To register and receive more details contact crystal@conservationnw.org or (509) 570-2166.

Hobnailers have walks and hikes and often do Volksmarches
For information contact: Elnora at 456-0250. Guests are welcome.
To see the current schedule click here.

Bicycle Alliance Events:
Spring flowers and daylight savings time are on the way. Time to have your bike tuned up and start planning for some great bike rides!. The Ride Around Puget Sound (RAPSody) will be held on August 23-24 this year. The five bicycle clubs that host RAPSody invite you to these other great events that will help get you ready for RAPSody.
June 29 - Tour de Pierce hosted by Pierce County Parks. Starts at the Puyallup Fairground. www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/services/recreate/tourdprc.htm
July 27 - Tour de Kitsap hosted by West Sound Cycling Club. The ride has two start locations, at the Bremerton Ferry Terminal and in Silverdale. www.westsoundcycling.com .
August 10 - TRYBR (Tenino Rainier Yelm Bucoda Rally) hosted by Capital Bicycle Club. www.capitalbicycleclub.org .
August 23 to 24 - Ride Around Puget Sound (RAPSody) is a challenging 2-day ride hosted by five bicycle clubs (BIKES of Everet, Capital Bicycle Club, Seattle Bicycle Club, Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club, and West Sound Cycling Club) to insure your enjoyment. Starts and ends in Tacoma. The 165 mile ride goes across the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge (no ferries this year!) with an overnight stop in Shelton. Great rest stops with lots of music. A 1-day option for the entire course starts on August 23. All funds donated to the Bicycle Alliance of Washington. www.rapsodybikeride.com September 7 - Headwaters Century hosted by the Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club. www.twbc.org

Spokane Mountaineer Events include hikes, mountaineering, mountain bike riding, paddling, backpacking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. If you are not a member but are curious about what events are offered you can go to the website http://www.spokanemountaineers.org/ Go to events and under guests get a list without dates of what kind of events are offered. You can then click the link to find the chairperson for that category and call them for information.You can attend 3 events as a guest before they ask that you become a member. It is a great organization with outdoor events every weekend and a lot of involvement in conservation. It is well worth supporting with your membership.

FAT TIRE TRAIL RIDERS:
Check out their websitefor trail rides and trail work. Remember, you don't have to be a member to join rides or trail work. But, your support would be greatly appreciated! Fat Tire Trail Riders Club Spokane's IMBA affiliate http://www.fttrc.org 509-448-0346

REI also has events related to the outdoors posted at:
http://www.rei.com/stores/events/24

Junior Ranger Programs with Riverside State Park Summer 2008 Come join us in the park this season! Junior Ranger Programs are activities for children 6 to 12 years of age that incorporate education and activities to promote stewardships of our parks and our environment. Programs will be every other Saturday morning at the Bowl and Pitcher. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure we have enough materials for your child to participate. You can register by contacting the park at 327-2635.
It's All Around Us Ecosystems June 14th
Leave No Trace June 28th
Not Just Beneath Us Aquifer and Water Cycle July 12th
Reduce Reuse Recycle July 26th
Renewable Resources Aug 9th
Bio Energy Aug 23rd Cost: Free

2008 Kid's Passport to Adventure Summer 2008 Designed for kids age 5 to 12, our Kids Passport to Adventure program is a fun way to connect them to the natural world and start them on a lifetime of outdoor recreation and stewardship. Beginning May 16, stop by the Customer Service desk in any REI store to pick up an Adventure Journal, which kids can use to document their outdoor adventures. Go to REI.com for a list of kid-friendly hikes and bike rides in your local area, or to download and print the Adventure Journal. After at least one outdoor activity, send in the tear-off postcard from the journal to get a certificate of completion and a special prize a multifunction whistle that includes a thermometer, magnifier and compass. Cost: Free

For More REI events go to: http://www.rei.com/stores/events/24

OutThere Monthly also has a calendar of outdoor events at:
http://www.outtheremonthly.com/otm.php?art=static_pages/calendar

Panhandle Nordic Ski Club Summer Schedule
Membership is $15 a year but guests are welcome at events. For more information email Bob Conquergood
Note: All of these events are open to the public at your own risk. All departure points are in Coeur d'Alene near Jack in the Box on Ironwood or at the Super 1 market on Hayden avenue at Hwy 95 in Hayden.
June 8 Liberty Lake
Meet at 8 am at Albertson's on Ironwood near the Jack in the Box drive in. Round trip 7.5 miles.
June 28 Chilco Mountain
led by Geoff Harvey. Meet at Super 1 in Hayden near the Goodwill truck at the east end of the parking lot at 8 am. 7.5 mile hike round trip.
July 12 Lookout Bike led by Bob Conquergood and Geoff Harvey.
Meet at Albertson's on Ironwood near the Jack in the Box drive in at 8 am. Have your bike in good working order including brakes. 16 mile bike
July 26 Spokane Mountain hike led by Bob Conquergood.
Meet at Albertson's on Ironwood near Jack in the Box drive in at 8 am.
August 9 Pack River Canoe
led by Geoff Harvey. Meet at Super 1 in Hayden near the Goodwill truck at the east end of the parking lot at 8 am. 8.5 mile canoe trip.
August 22-24 Gimli Lakes in British Columbia, Canada.
led by Geoff Harvey. Meet at Super 1 in Hayden near the Goodwill truck at the east end of the parking lot at 8 am. Please check on what documentation you will need to cross the border. At least a birth certificate and driver's license, if you don't have a passport. This is a weekend trip, so bring camping gear and food for a two nights' stay.
September 6 Revett Lake led by Bea Christopherson.
Meet at Albertson's on Ironwood near Jack in the Box drive in at 8 am. Near Murray, Idaho. 4 mile round trip. Easy hike with great views if it's not smoky. This is a good kids' hike.
September 7 Bee Top Mountain
led by Geoff Harvey. Meet at Super 1 in Hayden near the Goodwill truck at the east end of the parking lot at 8 am. This is a steep elevation hike.
Sept 20 Coeur d'Alene Mountain
led by Janice Purdy. Meet at Albertson's on Ironwood at 8 am near Jack in the Box drive in.
Sept 27 Clean up Day at 4th of July.
See Glenn Truscott for information on what to bring.

Hikes, bikes, and canoe trips are taken at your own risk. Bring water and food, energy bars, rain gear, bicycle tire repair kit, emergency gear (ask Glenn or Geoff about this) and first aid supplies. Wear proper clothing for the activity. Synthetic materials are best rather than cotton, as synthetics wick away moisture. Bring sun screen, mosquito repellant and a hat. Bring bear spray. Please be in shape to do the difficult hikes and be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, preferably with good ankle support. A hiking stick is a always good idea.

Spokane Parks and Recreation:
NEW!!! Yakima Valley Wine Tour The JUNE 20 THROUGH 22ND TRIP FILLED UP!!! SO WE HAD TO ADD ANOTHER TOUR 3 days (Ages 21 & over) The Yakima Valley is laced with 20 quietly prestigious wineries. Enjoy tasting and purchasing some of the extraordinary wines produced in this area. We will provide a vehicle to haul both personal and group gear so you are free to cycle without heavy gear. Our nights will be spent in country inns. Fee includes two nights lodging, support vehicle, seven meals, and guides. Directions sent after registration. $289 6283 F-Su 6/6-8 8AM-4PM To sign-up click here

Intro to Nordic Walking 4 sessions (Ages 16 & Over) Nordic Walking is one of the fastest growing recreational fitness sports in the world. This will be an easy way to improve your physical condition, balance, posture, and attitude regardless of age, gender or physical condition. The result is a total body workout that burns up to forty percent more calories than just walking. Fee includes instruction by Leki Nordic Waliking Instructor and Nordic pole use. Meet at Audubon Park Northwest Blvd. and Milton. $49 6179 Tu 6/10,17,24 6:30-8:00PM To sign-up click here

Nordic Walking for fun 4 sessions (Ages 16 & Over) Designed for those familiar with Nordic Walking. By using specially designed Nordic walking poles you will receive a very efficient and aerobic workout. This will be an easy way to improve your physical condition, balance, posture, and attitude regardless of age, gender or physical condition. The result is a total body workout that burns up to forty percent more calories than just walking. Fee includes instruction by Leki Nordic Waliking Instructor and Nordic pole use. Meet at Manito Park. $49 6183 M 6/9,16,23 7:00-8:30AM To sign-up click here