Field Reports: Evening outdoor programs at Riverside State Park
OUTDOOR ED – The summertime Wednesdays in the Woods programs at Riverside State Park continue this week with a program on how to react to encounters with wildlife – such as moose, cougars and bears – hosted by park rangers and Washington Fish and Wildlife Department staff.
The programs start Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Bowl & Pitcher amphitheater. The programs are free but registration is required to assure a space. Sign up online at REI.com/Learn.
A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Other upcoming programs in the series include:
July 12: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail; tips on planning weekend or “thru hikes” by a veteran of the long-distance trail.
July 19: Dog First Aid; by SouthCare Animal Medical Center.
July 26: Women’s Backpacking Basics; a women-only class by REI dealing with backpacking, planning and gear.
Aug. 2: Birds of Prey HOOT Show; a family presentation by West Valley Outdoor Learning Center.
Aug. 9: Sasquatch Leaves No Trace; program on leave-no-trace camping by the Washington Trails Association.
Aug. 16: Women in the Wilderness; panel of local women with years of experience discuss backcountry topics and answer questions.
Aug. 23: Gourmet Camp Cooking; tips, tricks and techniques from REI staff.
Aug. 30: Smackout Pack Live Concert; free concert by to end the Wednesday in the Woods season and celebrate life outdoors on the banks of the Spokane River.
Dishman Hills group sets family hikes
TRAILS – A summer series of guided family hikes in the Dishman Hills Natural Area of Spokane Valley has been scheduled by the Dishman Hills Conservancy.
The series starts on Thursday with a hike through Deep Ravine starting at 6 p.m. from Camp Caro, 698 S Sargent Rd.
The hikes are free but group size is limited, meeting places can vary, and registration is required.
Other evening hikes for families include:
July 13: Nimbus Knob
July 20: Goldback Cliff
July 27: Rocks of Sharon
Aug 3: Picnic at Camp Caro
Get details and sign up for the hikes online at dishmanhills.org
Centennial Trail detoured in city
TRAILS – The Centennial Trail from mile 22.5-23.5 is detoured during Riverfront Park construction. Orange marking denoting the detour from King Cole Bridge at the Spokane Convention Center to The Nest in Kendall Yards are in place.
Follow the detour during the redevelopment to avoid construction and keep you and workers safe.
Download a City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Centennial Trail detour map here.
No fireworks in National Forests
PARKS – As the Fourth of July approaches, fire officials want to remind forest visitors that fireworks are illegal in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
“The use of fireworks on national forest lands is a major concern to us,” said Keith Satterfield, fire staff officer for the forest. “Fireworks or any other pyrotechnic devices of any kind are illegal year round on all national forests.”
Satterfield said there are monetary penalties for fireworks possession on the national forest. Violators can be subject to a citation and fine with a maximum penalty of $5,000 or up to six months in jail. Additionally, anyone who starts a wildfire can be held liable for suppression costs. Those costs can be substantial, often running into hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Although no campfire restrictions are currently in effect on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, fire officials are concerned about campfire use on the National Forest. Campers must ensure their campfire is completely out and cold to the touch before leaving campsites.