This past summer, we saw something in the Spokane River that none of us had ever seen before: a stretch of river almost a mile and a half long completely dry. We’ve seen very low flows and dry side channels, but never anything this extreme. Community members who have lived and recreated on this stretch for decades reported this was beyond anything they had ever experienced. 

We’re excited to be partnering with Wildland Cooperative, a brewery and farm collective rooted in sustainable agriculture and ethical business practices. Based in Green Bluff, just north of Spokane, WA, Wildland is committed to strengthening local food and beverage systems by supporting small-scale producers, environmental stewardship, and community connection. Learn more at wildland.coop.

As their on-water intern, I quickly realized this role was about much more than rafting. It was about learning technical river skills, stepping into leadership, and building lasting community connections.