By Lindsay Box
Spokane has many beautiful hiking trails and conservation areas - either in town or close by! While we are unable to gather in many public places and indoors, there are so many wonderful alternatives in the great outdoors. Here is a quick list of our favorite hiking trails - some will challenge your endurance and others are great for a stroll with your family.
Rocks of Sharon/Iller Creek
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Iller Creek is a local favorite hike because its relatively short but has incredible rewards at the top. With 360-degree views atop the Rocks of Sharon, you can see Steptoe Butte in the distance of the beautiful terrain of the Palouse.
Bowl & Pitcher/Riverside State Park
Difficulty Level - Easy
There are numerous trails that begin with a walk over the Spokane River on a beautiful suspension bridge. Take an easy stroll or prepare for an all-day adventure. With 14,000 acres Riverside is the largest state park in Washington.
Kit Carson Trail/Mt. Spokane State Park
Difficulty Level - Moderate to Difficult
There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in Mt Spokane State Park but, the Mt Kit Carson trail is worth the hike for its stunning views. Plus, this hike is severely unrated meaning its likely to be less crowded. Mileage does vary based on your starting point. The trail can be accessed by Trail 130 or Trail 160. The short option is from Cook's Cabin trailhead off the Summit Road.
Liberty Lake Loop
Difficulty Level - Moderate
During the spring, the waterfall is flowing perfectly about halfway up the loop trail. If you do the loop clockwise the first two miles are pretty flat until you reach the cedar grove but, you'll gain the rest of the 1,200 feet in elevation in the next two miles following. The counterclockwise route has a steep grade the first mile in but, flattens out afterwards for a gradual ascent to the top.
Rimrock Drive/Palisades Park
Difficulty Level - Easy
This hike is ideal if you want a quick getaway from the city. With multiple intersecting trails, this park features amazing views of Downtown Spokane. Hop onto Trail 121, about a mile in distance, and be led to a hidden waterfall. Dogs can use this trail but should be kept on leash.
Palouse Falls
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Palouse Falls is an Eastern Washington natural treasure. Amidst miles and miles of farmland and suddenly this massive waterfall is right in the heart of it all. If you're feeling adventurous you can walk the trail to the top of the falls and even scramble to the base of the waterfall but, not without caution. The prime time to use this trail is spring to early summer when river runoff is at its peak.
Knothead Loop/Little Spokane River
Difficulty Level - Moderate to Hard
This hike starts off flat and boasts views of the Indian Painted Rocks. beyond the rocks, you'll continue on the loop for a tough hike that's every bit worth the view.
Deep Creek Canyon/Riverside State Park
Difficulty Level - Moderate
You'll find great diversity in the landscape and vegetation in a short distance on this hike. Deep Creek Canyon features a creek bed, ascension through basalt outcroppings and a higher overlook with opportunity for large bird sightings.
Saltese Uplands Conservation Area
Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate
This moderately trafficked loop trail is located near Liberty Lake and boasts a beautiful view of the lake and wildflowers during the summer season. Dogs are able to use this trail be should be kept on leash.
Beacon Hill
Difficulty Level - Moderate
This may be the most central hiking area for the Spokane region. This trail is used by hikers, bikers and rock climbers at the Minnehaha Rocks. Beacon Hill trail is best used March through October and is considered a heavily trafficked loop.
Antoine Peak Conservation Area
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Encompassing over 1,000 acres on the northern edge of Spokane Valley, Antoine Peak Conservation Area is a popular natural space for wildlife and trail users of all kinds. Hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding are some of the most popular ways to explore the conservation area, and coming from the west trailhead, visitors have two scenic routes to choose from.
Dishman Hills Conservation Area
Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate
Dishman Hills Natural Area is close to the city but nestled just south of I-90. The interior trails are wooded and shaded so you won't even realize how close the city is. Halfway up the trails, you'll reach Eagle Peak which offers panoramic views of Spokane, the Valley, and the Idaho Panhandle.