Out and About: Centennial year for Glacier Park
OUTSTANDING – Tuesday will mark 100 years since Montana’s peak-studded wonderland, Glacier National Park, was officially secured in the national park system.
The centennial commemoration, which has been under way for months, includes a rededication ceremony on Tuesday followed by concerts, movies, art exhibits and other events through the season.
Glacier spans more than 1 million acres against the U.S.-Canadian border. Along with two dozen glaciers – fading as they are – the park has more than 760 lakes, 700 miles of trails and 175 mountains.
Headline critters are grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and wolves that make their home in the park, as well as harlequin ducks and other seasonals.
Info: www.glacier centennial.org and www.billyinglacierpark.com
•Got Glacier memories? If you have a short adventure story, memory or photo from Glacier National Park to share with our readers, e-mail it to Outdoors editor Rich Landers, richl@spokesman.com.
•Glacier spring hiking photos by Outdoors editor Rich Landers are posted online at spokesman.com/outdoors.
Time to dedicate Fish Lake Trail
OUTCOME – While hikers, bikers, runners and skaters have been enjoying the fresh pavement for months, the latest developed segment of the Fish Lake rail trail will be dedicated by Spokane officials Friday at noon.
With the help of $778,317 in federal stimulus funding and a $987,500 state grant, workers upgraded bridges and paved 4.4 miles of the trail last summer and fall.
The main trailhead, where the dedication will be held, is near the intersection of Government Way and Sunset Boulevard.
Ride to work on green machines
OUTRIDE – Bike to Work Week organizers are making it fun to replace your commuting carbon footprint with skinny, clean tire tracks May 16-21.
More than 1,600 cyclists are expected to kick off with a free pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park on May 17 and log miles in friendly team challenges.
Public schools will participate by promoting “walk and roll” days.
A wrap-up party for registered participants is set for the Steam Plant Grill on Friday afternoon.
Sign up: It’s free! bit.ly/BTWS2010.
Clinic teaches skills for mountain biking
OUTDO – Learn mountain biking skills in a safe, supportive clinic offered by the Spokane Mountaineers June 12-13 at Riverside State Park.
The annual two-day workshop has levels for riders of all abilities, said Lisa Giegel, co-organizer.
Cost: $40 plus membership in the Spokane Mountaineers.
Sign up early to secure a spot. Deadline: June 3; www.spokane mountaineers.org and click on “Schools and Clinics.”
Info: Giegel, 926-9282 or e-mail mtb-clinic@spokane mountaineers.org.
Buy-sell fly-fish gear
OUTDEAL – Fly-fishing Gear Swap is next Saturday-Sunday at Silver Bow Fly Shop.
Info: 924-9998.