A Brief History of Zip Line Canopy Tours

Canopy tour type zip lining was popularized by wildlife biologists studying wildlife in densely forested and environmentally sensitive areas. They erected arrays of cables strung tree to tree in order to “unobtrusively” snake into or above a forest canopy without disturbing the wildlife or damaging sensitive ecosystems. It was as a result of this unlikely beginning that zip-line tours, also referred to as canopy tours, sprang up as an educational and recreational activity in the rainforests of Costa Rica. The unique experience of viewing the pristine environment while soaring through the treetops has made canopy tours a huge industry in the adventure tourism trade of that region and a boon to eco-friendly tourism.

Spreading in popularity, canopy tours have sprung up throughout the United States and internationally. In fact, according to the Association of Challenge Course Technology, there are more than 190 courses in the U.S. alone. Because of the inherently educational nature of canopy tours they are often combined with ropes challenge courses designed to teach teamwork and problem solving to corporations, schools, and other organizations. The Association of Challenge Course Technology is the accredited standard for safety, and the watchdog association for canopy tours in the United States.

A “Green” Industry

Our tour is “green” as green can be. Over the last 3 years, 4 biologists, a geologist, officials from Fish and Wildlife and Fire District 8, as well as Spokane County Parks and Recreation, and numerous engineers have toured and inspected our property with the intent of assuring that the environment is safe guarded. It has been determined that our project will not have a negative impact on the ecosystems of our property. A habitat management plan was designed by biologists and land-use experts that will help us manage the habitat in order to enhance the wildlife corridor and sensitive ecosystems. Every precaution has been taken to protect the forest canopy and its natural inhabitants. We hope to educate and enlighten each guest and thereby increase their appreciation and concern for our precious natural resources and wild environments.