The school year is about to start again, and with it comes all the stress and chaos of getting your kids ready.  Supplies, clothes, and other gear to buy.  Sports physicals to schedule.  And the after school activities?

So with all of that coming in fast, wouldn't it be nice to have one last peaceful outing?  A little "me" time spent in a serene setting where the only thing you have to decide is whether to paddle or float a while?

Stillwater Outdoors has found the perfect spot.  A glassy, crystal clear lake nestled in the mountains of Northeastern Washington.

Deep Lake.

We consider it to be an ideal destination for anyone with an SUP.  Though the lake is small, it's rarely (if ever) crowded and at most you can typically only find a single boat (usually fishing), a few kayaks or canoes, and the occasional duck or goose.  Keep your eyes peeled, however, as bald eagles sometimes swoop down to catch some trout before they soar along the valley.

The best part?  The unique shape of the lake and the surrounding topography mean the water is usually smooth and calm - perfect for a bit of SUP yoga or just a relaxing cruise around the lake.  And the views?  It can't get much better than tree-covered mountains, rocky cliffs, and abundant wildlife.

And while you're there, why not bring your fishing pole?  The summer season is perfect for trout and as summer fades into fall, Kokanee (silver trout) are easy to catch.

There is a public boat launch with bathrooms, though a Discover Pass is required.  Don't have one?  Check out this website for more information about costs and where to buy:

Discover Pass

For those looking to launch a boat, we'd like to offer a bit of warning.  The cement platform for launching has a severe drop at the end with a metal tab sticking out, perfect for catching on a wheel.  Instead, consider using the gravel slope alongside it as a safer alternative.  It's not as steep, which means you'll have to back up farther, but you won't run the risk of catching on the metal or getting stuck on the drop-off.

Deep Lake Resort has closed, so if you're looking to stay a while, you'll have to find an alternative.  For the adventurous types, there is always the national forest which has easy access off Deep Lake Boundary Road.  While there, you can check out Big Meadow Lake as well, which rests deep in the national forest and does have primitive campsites available on a first come, first serve basis.  If that's not your style, you could always stay in one of the nearby towns: Colville, Kettle Falls, or Northport.  If you're staying in Kettle Falls or Northport, you could always spend a little time on the Columbia River as well.

So before you jump into the new school year, why not take a day (or two) to visit Deep Lake and add a little serenity to your life?

Most outdoor enthusiasts understand the allure of camping.  They appreciate the solitude, the chance to connect with nature, and power of unplugging from technology.  There is a certain primal satisfaction to be gained from disconnecting from the rest of the world, facing all that Mother Nature has to offer, and returning again a bit dirtier and maybe with a few more bumps and bruises.  They've gone off-grid, challenged the most wild and untamed parts of this world, and pushed themselves to go farther, climb higher, and stay longer.

This article is not for them.

For those of us who are relatively new to the idea of off-grid (no campgrounds and no amenities) camping, the idea is ... well, fairly daunting.  How do you get water?  Where do you go?  What do you bring?

Where should I go?

That's completely up to you, and by that I mean it's up to your skill level, location, preferences, and so on.  When choosing your destination, consider these questions:

• How do you plan to get there?  Hiking?  Biking?  Boating?
• What skills/limits do you have?  Mountain climbing?  White water rapids?  A mile walk?  Ten miles?
• What temperature/weather conditions are you willing to handle?  Hot?  Cold?  Rain?
• Who is coming with you and what are their capabilities/limits?
• How long do you want to be gone?
• How much are you willing to spend on food, permits, and any additional/specialized gear?

Answering these questions will help narrow down your list of possible destinations.  My go-to off-grid destinations are almost always National Parks/forests which cover thousands of acres, encompass varied terrains for all skill levels, and can be found in just about every climate.  Check with these websites for more information (including campground information for those who want to use them):

US National Forest Campground Guide

Government Recreation Site

US Forest Service

What should I bring?

There are too many variables to come up with a complete list, but this should provide you with a good start for your next camping expedition.

Shelter

Whether that means a tent, a camping hammock, or a rain fly stretched out between two trees, you are going to need somewhere to sleep.  Other things to consider when choosing what type of shelter to bring include weather (temperature and precipitation), bugs (mosquitoes and sleep don't mix), and even wildlife (it's never fun to wake up with a snake in your sleeping bag).  If you are planning to carry your gear in, lightweight shelters are a must.  Also consider bringing some sort of compact, lightweight sleeping mat.  Rocks and tree roots start to feel like boulders and logs after a few minutes of sleeping on them.

Food

If you are planning to fish or hunt (check for licensing requirements and seasons before doing either) for your food, that's fine, but what if you don't catch anything?  The fish don't care how hungry you are - if they don't want to bite, they're not going to bite.  How much room do you have for food?  How long are you going to be gone?  How strenuous will your daily activity be?  Answering these questions will help you determine how much and what to bring for meals.  Also consider how the meals will be prepared.  Are you going to have to cook?  How are you going to do it?  Cooking gear adds a lot of weight and takes up space, so consider your options carefully.

Water

How do you plan to get water?  Bringing it along may not be an issue if you can drive directly to where you plan to camp, but in many situations that isn't possible.  Water is heavy, bulky, and necessary.  If you are planning to use water you find (even water from campground spigots), it needs to be treated first.  There are many options including chemical tablets (remember to wait the recommended time before drinking/adding flavoring), water filtration systems, and boiling the water (for at least five minutes and make sure to cool before drinking).

Safety Gear

This includes basic first aid equipment, compass/GPS, a knife or multi-tool, maps (digital and paper), a cell phone or other communication device, and so on.  Waterproof matches and/or a lighter are always a good idea, even if you're not camping near water - just be sure to check for any burn restrictions in your area.  Again, where and when you go will help determine which items are considered necessary.

Clothing

Consider the climate, terrain, and what you'll be doing.  How much room do you have?  What are potential weather concerns?  How long will you be gone?  Dressing in layers allows you to adjust for changes in temperature throughout the day and clothing that dries quickly is always good to have.  Don't forget to bring a change of clothes to leave in your car for the trip home - especially if your route out involves water travel.

Camping Plan

It is always a good idea to have an emergency contact with all of your information including where you will be staying, the route you will take to get in/out, any day trips (hiking, biking, boating) that you plan to make, and when you'll be leaving/returning.  Make sure to bring a copy with you and include any safety phone numbers (forest service, local police, etc) on it.  When the trip is over and you've returned home, make sure to notify your emergency contact that you made it back.

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