THIS IS THE REASON WE DO WHAT WE DO!

INTRODUCTION
We have created this website to show hikers, scramblers, skiers, kayakers, and more, the many possibilities for outdoor recreation in our region.
Our goal is to not only highlight the many wonderful trails in the Inland Northwest, but to show the options for off trail activities.

PURPOSE

Our purpose is to show people where to hike, scramble, ski, paddle, and more in the Inland Northwest.
By sharing our knowledge with other like minded people, we hope to get people to recreate outdoors. We also advocate for preservation of these special places.
HOW TO USE THIS WEBSITE

Our goal is to get you outdoors, and into nature. If you are not familiar with an area, do your research thoroughly.

Use the WTA.org, IdahoTrailsAssociation.org and The Spokane Mountaineers websites to do more research. They are great resources and all three organizations are dedicated to preserving, building and maintaining our trails.

When choosing an area to recreate in, refer to our hike write ups to give you a better picture of what to expect. Do not get in over your head.

All numbers are estimates at this time. Distances, elevation gain or loss can only be estimated, because any two GPS devises will show differing results on the same trip. For the purpose of this website, I use Google Earth.

We have included several options to make your outing more enjoyable.
COPYRIGHT ON PHOTOGRAPHY
All photography on this site are COPYRIGHTED can not be used for any purpose without the photographers, written permission.
REGIONAL INFORMATION
If you click on “CABINET MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, AMERICAN SELKIRKS, etc., there is geology and/or geography information so you will know the lay of the land you are about to explore.

If you have more info we can include, please feel free to contact Chic, under CONTACT.
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I will ask for documentation on all submittals, before inclusion.
OPTIONS
Options are usually off trail, and take you far beyond the hike as written. These options should be done only by those very competent in off trail exploring. They also tend to be much more difficult and scenic then the original write up.

DO NOT attempt unless you are accompanied by an off trail enthusiast.

ELEVATION GAIN OR LOSS
These numbers are also estimates. No two GPS readings are the same from different units on the same trip.
Hence, I use Goggle Earth for all numbers. its universal, and everyone can access it.

An elevation gain of under 1000’ is usually considered easy.

But that number can fool you. If the distance is a mile long, your 1000’ can be more difficult. Where a distance of three miles in 1000’ feet is more moderate.

An elevation gain of 3000’ can be difficult when the distance is even at 6 miles RT (Round trip).

So chose your outings according to your present ability, not your desire to go there.

All trails have a down section going in. Which relates to an up section on the way out. Irony exists on most all trails.


DISTANCE
Don’t choose a hike that is too long for your physical ability. After wearing yourself out getting there, you still have to get back.

In Mountaineering, a wise person is, “he who knows when to turn around”.
Do not hesitate to let the leader or a hiking partners know if you are having any kind of an issue.
And deal with blisters when they are still a hot spots. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF OR OTHERS TO PUSH ON. Getting back will be a huge chore.

If you get in over your head in distance, stop the access and converse with your hiking partners.
DO NOT BE OR ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE MACHO.
DO NOT GIVE IN TO PRESSURE TO CONTINUE.

After all, your hiking partners won’t carry you out.


PEER PRESSURE AND BEING A MACHO CHARACTER.
As Nancy Reagan once said, “ JUST SAY NO.”

Only you are responsible for you. Others may help, but they can’t relieve the pain of over doing it.

Both items can get you into a place where you may have to be rescued or evacuated. Often times at your personal expense.


WATER
We can not do what we do, without water. Your options are to carry all you need if there is not a water source along the way. Proper research will show you the streams and springs. Know them before you go.

Sawyer makes a water purifier that weights less then 5 ounces, and costs under 20$.
Or you can carry a group water purifier.
Know how to operate your purifier thoroughly before going out to play.


COOL THINGS CLOSE BY
This section is designed to show you places near by, if you can’t get to the trailhead of your chosen outing. Road work, rough roads, closures, fires, etc. all can keep you from your destination. The options are similar to what you had planned.
​Always have a Forest Map to show you the directions to alternative hikes.
A GPS is a very useful tool, but NOTHING matches a Forest Map, a Topographical map and a compass..

It is always wise to call the associated Ranger District ahead of your outing to be sure it’s a go. I will list all National Forest Ranger Districts, BLM, etc., under Managing Agencies, in the Resource drop brown menu.


HAZARDS
I have listed any hazards along the way, but there may be more. It is your responsibility to know before you go.

Now it is your responsibility to work thru them without hurting yourself or allowing others to get hurt.


R & P Or Restaurants and Pubs.
Some of these hikes are difficult, and tax your nutritional needs.

So after a hike, the restaurants and pubs listed, will get you good food to resupply your caloric losses during the outing.

PLEASE, drink at least 12 ounces of water BEFORE drinking a beer, when you get back to your cars.
it take 8-12 ounces to digest a beer. That water you loose could disturb your ability to preform. Not to mention your alcohol consumption.

And do not drive drunk or even buzzed.

If you are not satisfied with the food and drink from these R & P’s, please let me know.

Likewise, if you find a R & P. that is outstanding, please email me your thots on them. I will include them as needed.

Please do not drink and drive.

TRAIL CREWS

WTA.ORG

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. WTA protects trails through lobbying and grassroots advocacy on issues that impact hikers, like trail funding, limited access and wilderness protection. 

WTA's advocacy voice is strengthened by the year-round work of our volunteers to keep trails open and accessible, from urban areas to remote wilderness and everything in between. More than 3,800 people come out annually to provide the more than 120,000 hours of volunteer trail work. Working with our land management partners WTA is striving to create a safe and sustainable trail system.

IDAHOTRAILSASSOCIATION.ORG

OUTDOOR CLUBS

SPOKANE MOUNTAINEERS

The Spokane Mountaineers is an organization devoted to the conservation and enjoyment of the out-of-doors. By joining the Spokane Mountaineers, you have chosen to adopt these principles for your own and become a participant in some of the most exciting and enjoyable activities available in the Pacific Inland Northwest. Founded in 1915 by a group of librarians who loved to hike, the club has grown to incorporate an amazing range of activities for members of all ages and abilities, 15 y.o. and older
Backpacking, day hiking, climbing, bicycling, skiing of all varieties - the Spokane Mountaineers have it! The annual schools and clinics are a wonderful testimony to the enthusiasm our club has for teaching others and to their firm belief that, although the dangers of mountaineering and the out-of-doors can never be ignored, good instruction can help minimize those dangers.

SPOKANE CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB

Rushing whitewater, quiet mountain lakes, meandering rivers - the Inland Northwest has them all, and the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club is the perfect way to experience them.

Dedicated to promoting safe and fun paddling of all types - canoes, kayaks (whitewater, sea and recreational), rafts and paddle boards - the SCKC welcomes all paddlers of non-motorized craft.

INLAND NORTHWEST HIKERS

Inland NW Hikers is a group of hiking enthusiasts who love exploring our local area and sharing our experiences with others. There are hundreds of miles of trails within a few miles of Spokane, but our Organizers also lead day hikes within a few hundred-mile radii. We hit the trail year round, so that will include mainly hiking and snowshoeing, but can also include kayaking, bicycling and other human-powered outdoor recreation.