Microadventures in and near Spokane County

Posted on April 29, 2015 at 6:00 am

By Sheree West

The water mirrors the blue sky and captivating basalt cliffs as my kayak skims along. My two dogs, snuggled up in the bow, watch as a flock of ducks fly overhead. Other than the birds, we’re the only ones on the lake. It’s a perfect day; I’m so glad that I didn’t put off exploring this place just because no one could go with me. I’m captivated by the lakes of the Channeled Scablands—basalt-ringed beauties that are hidden from view until you’re right on top of them. I can’t wait to see what’s around the next bend. It’s Saturday and I’m only an hour from home, but this small injection of adventure into my week-to-week routine has me buzzing with excitement. I’m having a microadventure.

Paddling at Fishtrap Lake.

Those of us locked into the rhythm of a 40-hour workweek tend to think of adventure in the context of a once-a-year vacation, not as a regular occurrence. Professional adventurer Alastair Humphreys coined the term ‘microadventure’ to describe experiences with a spirit of adventure that don’t require much time, money, or equipment. Anything that takes you out of your routine and into the wild can be a microadventure. It’s all about being willing to tap into your curiosity and enthusiasm to take yourself at least a little bit outside your comfort zone. As Humphreys says, “Adventure is everywhere, every day, and it is up to us to seek it out.”

Do you miss that feeling of being refreshed and invigorated? Need some inspiration to help you get started? Living in Spokane County, a person doesn’t need an unlimited travel budget and a passport to have ready access to opportunities for adventure. Little pockets of wilderness are all around us. Dishman Hills Natural Area, Riverside State Park, Beacon Hill, and Saltese Uplands Conservation Area are all within reach for after-work adventures. Your creativity is the only limit to the list of potential weekend destinations. Paddling at Fishtrap Lake worked for me, but the secret to your own successful microadventure lies in whatever it is that interests and challenges you. Just get outside, and let yourself be filled with fresh air and new ideas!

Here are some local microadventures to get you started:

• Go in search of Ice Age flood paths as described in John Soennichsen’s book, Washington’s Channeled Scablands Guide
• Explore Palouse Falls State Park
• See how many birds you can identify in a walk at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
• Introduce the kids to Geocaching
• Go to next year’s Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello, WA
• Go find the sand dunes at Juniper Dunes Wilderness Area
• Enjoy the wildflowers on an early-season hike at Escure Ranch
• Go in search of sections of the Columbia Plateau Trail
• Paddle sections of the Spokane River to hit your relaxation reset button after work

If you have more ideas for microadventures in the area, add them in the comments section below. Happy microadventuring!

Tags: adults, community, microadventures, nature