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Little Spokane Natural Area - Little Spokane River

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
47.7810, -117.4965 Map & Directions
Length
6.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,010 feet
Highest Point
2,459 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Rivers

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Just a short drive from Spokane, this easy-going river hike is perfect for beginners or kids. Keep your eyes out for the deer, bald eagles, bird, ducks, herons and turkeys that make this forest their home. Continue reading

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Hiking Little Spokane Natural Area - Little Spokane River

Crawling with life, this gentle trail along the Spokane River is the perfect hike for a budding naturalist or nature-seeker. It's only a short drive from Spokane, so it's easily accessible and boasts a good variety of wildlife.

This loop hike begins at Painted Rocks in the Little Spokane Natural Area. Meander along with the river and then diverge from it when you meet the Knothead Trail. Towards the middle of the loop you'll climb a small hill to look out on modest views of Long Lake and the Spokane River.

Keep an eye out for wildlife on this hike; its marshy bogs and forest are home to deer, bald eagles, birds, ducks, herons and turkeys. If you go during the right seasons, you'll also find wildflower displays and a feast of mushrooms.

WTA worked here in 2015, 2014 and 2013!

Little Spokane Natural Area - Little Spokane River

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.7810, -117.4965 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Discover Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Spokane, take W Indian Trail Rd north for 5 miles, continuing onto Rural Route 5 (W Rutter Pkwy). Road will cross the river, in roughly 1000 feet the parking area and trailhead will be on the left.

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene

Washington State Parks

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Little Spokane Natural Area - Little Spokane River

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