I'm from the Spokane area also. All of the major sporting good stores have tubes and pontoons. My simple recommendation? If you can afford a small pontoon boat vs. a float tube and you have a means of easily transporting it, then get a pontoon, even if it's only a 7 or 8 footer. It's a world of difference! A pontoon will buck wind better. It will get you from point A to B quicker with the oars. And you will definitely be warmer, especially during early season. They are a bit more expensive but will pay for themselves by lasting several years. I have two, a Buck's Bags and Outcast. I also have two tubes, but only take them on pack trips into the mountains. I heard White's is having a clearance sale, 20% off, on all fishing gear, maybe you could start there! Good luck!