RIVERS — In their  fifth year, the Meet Me at the River trips sponsored by the Spokane River Forum are one of the best ideas ever floated to introduce people to the segments of the river that eventually cover all 112 miles from Lake Coeur d'Alene to the Columbia River.

These Eco Tours feature group trips in different river stretches. Local river outfitters provide the guides and boats appropriate to the section of river, whether they’re sit-on-top kayaks or rafts. Each trip includes people with expertise on a facet of the river to foster discussion.

The whitewater trips are limited to one weekend to take advantage of the best rafting conditions through the two stretches of the river prized for rapids.

Cost: $15 for Spokane River Forum members; $25 for non members.

Read on for the schedule:

RIVER RUNNING — Don't delay to sign up for some or all of the remaining Meet Me at the River guided paddling trips organized by the Spokane River Forum to introduce the public to the great river running through us.

Since Meet Me at The River began in 2008, 430 community members have traveled all or part of the river with people who have expertise in everything from the wildlfie to the sewage treatment plant.

“Our goal is to have fun while introducing more and more people to this iconic community resource,” said Andy Dunau, the Forum's executive director. Equipment and professional guides provided for all trips.

Read on for a list of remaining trips. Places are limited.

RIVER RUNNING — I received rave reviews from people who participated in last weekend's Meet Me at The River raft trips on the Spokane River.

These trips are being organized through the summer by the Spokane River Forum to introduce residents to the wonders of the Spokane River running through our city.

Participants last weekend got a good taste of whitewater throught he Bowl and Pitcher and Devil's Toenail, but the also were treated to a guided tour of Spokane's sewage treatment plant and were given a very cool atlas of the region's aquifer upon completion of the trip.

Best to sign up now!

Other trips scheduled through summer will involve paddling sea kayaks on calmer stretches of the river.

Trust me, the modest price is a BIG bargain and the offer is a BIG opportunity.

Read on for more details about the trips.