FATHERS DAY-- Give dad what he really wants for Father's Day -- some good, healthy outdoor time with the family.
Here are four suggestions:
FISHING -- Most of the region's lakes and streams are in great fishing condition for the weekend, and some Spokane-area are getting a Fathers Day bonus with additional plants of triploid rainbows . Montana is sweetening the holiday attraction by offering Free Fishing Days on June 15-16. Nobody needs a license to fish in Montana over the weekend, but you must follow all of Montana's other fishing regulations.
BIKING -- The Spokane River Centennial Trail and the Fish Lake Trail offer excellent and safe family biking opportunities in Spokane. The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes is a prized rail trail between Mullan and Plummer, Idaho. Or go for big adventure near Lookout Pass on the Route of the Hiawatha rail trail , featuring tunnels and towering trestles. Shuttles, bike rentals and even lunches are available.
BOATING -- It's hard to beat a family tradition of being on the water with Dad. I prefer paddling the Spokane River or, say, Horseshoe Lake in a canoe or kayak. Maybe a whitewater rafting trip on the Spokane or Clark Fork rivers with Wiley E. Waters or ROW Adventures . Sailing or motorboating is has been bringing families together for generations, as you can vividly see in this heartwarming short video, Good Run , by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Wally Pfister. The film tells the story of one man’s experience on the water and shows why life is better with a boat.
HIKING -- Taking a walk to a nifty spot is a simple and rewarding family outing, whether it's close to home in Riverside State Park or off in the mountains of a nearby national forest. Need some tips? Check out my new guidebook, Day Hiking Eastern Washington, which details 125 trips, including a bunch of hikes within a short drive of Spokane. (The book is available at REI, Mountain Gear and local book stores.)
My suggestion: If you're up for stretching your legs, give Dad the book with a note that says, "We want to make this your best Father's Day ever by taking you on one of the hikes described in this book. We'll pack the picnic lunch!"
I heard from several families who reported that offer was a big hit on Mothers Day.
