By Julien A. Luebbers
The Spokesperson’s Review
The Inland Northwest is home to some of the most beautiful trails, peaks, rocks, and roads in the country, but getting up and going outside can be challenging on your own. Fortunately, the area is also home to many thriving outdoor organizations.
Whether you want to start an outdoor hobby, pursue a passion, or just go somewhere new, consider getting involved with these six regional outdoor clubs.
Each club is unique, with different offerings, activities, philosophies and schedules. These clubs are great if you’re looking for training in outdoor stewardship, skills or maintenance, looking to establish a routine for going out, or trying to experience more the area has to offer.
Bower Climbing Coalition
BCC represents local climbers in preserving and maintaining climbing throughout the Interior Northwest. The group maintains climbing routes throughout the region, from replacing bolts and anchor systems to removing graffiti and litter.
BCC organizes public clean-up events and encourages stewardship among local climbers. There is also a membership option, the proceeds of which help fund the cleanup and improvement of local climbing opportunities. The group advocates for environmentally conscious climbers and emphasizes the long-term maintenance of the vast local climbing resources.
To participate in a cliff cleanup or other community events, follow BCC’s Instagram @BCC_BowerClimbingCoalition.
Friends of Scotchman Peaks
Friends of Scotchman Peaks began in 2005 as a group advocating for Scotchman Peaks to be designated as a Wilderness. According to Phil Hough, Executive Director of the group, it became clear that it was crucial for local and regional residents to enjoy the area so they could promote it.
The group leads hikes and trail maintenance, both of which are open to the public. They also run educational programs for local and regional school trips and advocate for safety on the Scotchman Peaks trails. The group has 10,000 supporters and more than 100 volunteers. To receive updates on events and more, join the group on their website scotchmanpeaks.com.
Northwest Interior Hikers
INW Hikers is one of the easiest local bands to join. Simply create a www.meetup.com account and request to join the group, and you will have access to their past and future events.
Although hiking is the primary activity offered, the year-round group also welcomes snowshoeing, paddling, biking, and other human-powered activities. Since its inception in 2010, the group has led thousands of hikes both near and far from Spokane, catering to a range of abilities. Rides are rated by length and elevation to allow members to choose their rides wisely and know what they are getting into.
INW hikers emphasize relaxed, social hikes aimed at bringing participants to the many beautiful trails in the area. Additionally, dogs are permitted on most hikes, at the discretion of the organizer.
Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club
SCKC is your one stop shop for all things watersports. Human-powered water sports, that is. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding with the club, which organizes weekly flatwater and whitewater paddles in the area. Their busy schedule of events can be found on their website, www.sckc.club or on their opensports.net page. Registration for events is simple and open to the public, with an Opensports account.
The SCKC was founded over 50 years ago and has 270 registered members. The group also organizes cleanups and clinics, to teach awareness and paddling techniques. Whether you’re looking for a beginner’s flatwater paddle or to tackle whitewater with other experienced locals, SCKC has the resources to enhance your watersports experience.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance
Evergreen is among the largest ATV advocacy groups in the nation, representing all of Washington State. The Eastern Chapter alone is made up of 650 members. Although the group is primarily concerned with promoting access to mountain biking, maintaining and building bike paths, it also runs courses, group rides and camps to help spread the sport.
The Inland Northwest is home to a number of premier biking destinations and, according to Chris Conley, president of Evergreen’s Eastern Chapter, getting people to ride these trails is central to the group’s advocacy. Evergreen is involved in many local outdoor events, including Spokatopia, where they ran the beer garden.
They also organize trail works, led by trained trail builders, to build and maintain bike paths in the area.
Spokane Mountaineers
For 106 years, Spokane mountaineers have been hiking in the local wilderness, climbing, hiking, skiing, boating and more. Whatever activity piques your interest (ice climbing? skiing? water sports?), Spokane Mountaineers likely has a community for it.
The organization offers fun and educational activities, from hikes to climbing lessons. They also have a conservation activity group. To get your foot in the door for almost any outdoor sport, Mountaineers provide the professional training and social networking you need.
The $50 annual membership will get you access to their online website, which functions as a little social media outlet for local, like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Post information about your trips, browse the calendar of events and easily register for online courses. Classes and events may incur additional charges. For more information, visit www.spokanemountaineers.org.
