Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Spokane
There's no need to spend hours driving to get to a beautiful natural destination. No matter which part of Spokane you live in, there is sure to be a great hike nearby. Whether you're looking for a peak, a prairie or a ponderosa forest on the riverbank, they're all within reach.
Try one of our suggestions below or share your local favorite in a trip report.
Is it really a 30-minute drive? Your starting point and traffic may make these 5 minutes or 40 minutes away. And if you're taking a bus, it may take quite a bit longer to reach the trailhead. (Be sure to double check routes and schedules.)
Finch Arboretum
Location: Southwest of downtown
Mileage: 1.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Public Transit: Yes
Finch Arboretum. Photo by James Hawley.
The Finch Arboretum is a 65-acre park just minutes southwest of downtown Spokane. The site is an extensive botanical and tree garden with more than 2,000 labeled ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers. In fall, you’ll find that a number of deciduous species produce a color extravaganza. Year-round highlights include a rhododendron glen, an array of conifers, and an extensive collection of maple trees.
> Plan your trip to Finch Arboretum using WTA's Hiking Guide
Palisades Park
Location: West of downtown
Mileage: 7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Public Transit Access: No
Mystic Falls in Palisades Park. Photo by TrailKat.
The Palisades Conservation Area must have been what the Chamber of Commerce had in mind when it came up with the Spokane logo, “Near Nature, Near Perfect.” Visitors to this city park can both view wildlife and native plants in the foreground and peer out over the cityscape from the edge of the basalt cliffs.
> Plan your trip to Palisades Park using WTA's Hiking Guide
Feryn Ranch Conservation Area
Location: Northeast of downtown
Mileage: 1.0 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Public Transportation: No
Bald Eagle at Feryn Ranch Conservation Area. Photo by Holly Weiler.
Visit an old homestead in the foothills of Mt. Spokane. This area is a remnant of the prairies that used to blanket these hills. And with an extensive network of wetlands, this park offers some of the best birdwatching in the Spokane Area. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the wide-open serenity while spotting some of the 108 species that stop off here.
> Plan your trip to Feryn Ranch Conservation Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Dishman Hills Conservation Area-Glenrose
Location: Southeast of downtown
Mileage: 5.48 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,575 feet
Public Transportation: No
Dishman Hills Conservation Area-Glenrose. Photo by TrailKat.
This newer addition to the Dishman Hills Conservation Area has undergone a makeover. Get away from the bustle of the city and see the improvements. A new trailhead with a restroom is just the beginning. The trail network here has been realigned in places to make for some new and improved routes. And as this is a newer parcel, you’re likely to find some solitude here.
> Plan your trip to Dishman Hills Conservation Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Antoine Peak Conservation Area-Summit Loop
Location: North of Spokane Valley
Mileage: 5.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Public Transit Access: No
View from the Antoine Peak Summit Loop. Photo by Steflynn.
This high point gives visitors expansive views of the surrounding area—down to the valley and out Liberty lake, Mount Spokane, and Pleasant Prairie. And since it is a peak, the uphill climb is a great way to get some exercise.
> Plan your trip to Antoine Peak Conservation Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Liberty Lake Loop Trail
Location: East of downtown
Mileage: 8.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Public Transit Access: No
Liberty Lake Regional Park. Photo by snbess.
Liberty Lake Regional Park has it all: lakeshore, wetlands, a campground, an ORV park, BBQ areas and playgrounds. But the draw for hikers is the network of excellent backcountry trails. There are ample opportunities for any number of out and back hikes, but for the full tour with all the highlights, hike the Liberty Lake Loop Trail.
> Plan your trip to the Liberty Lake Loop Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
McLellan Conservation area
Location: Southwest of downtown
Mileage: 3.42 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Public Transit: No
McLellan Conservation Area. Photo by jimmyjam.
This park is bordered by the Spokane River on three sides. The trail network here allows visitors to wander through ponderosa forest in the hills above the river, or make their way down to the shore. This riparian habitat is also an important link for wildlife, so you might spot some deer or any number of bird species during your visit.
> Plan your trip to the Mclellan Conservation Area using WTA's Hiking Guide
Slavin Pond Loop
Location: South of downtown
Mileage: 3.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 246 feet
Public Transit: No
Slavin Pond Loop. Photo by northwestgal99.
The Slavin Conservation Area is a link in the winter migratory flyway for many birds, where hikers, bikers and dog-walkers are likely to spot ducks, geese and owls on their winter forays. Walk alongside sedges at the edge of the pond to a ponderosa-dotted rock knob, a perfect picnic spot.
> Plan your trip to Slavin Pond Loop using WTA's Hiking Guide
Mica Peak Conservation Area
Location: East of downtown
Mileage: 45 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Public Transit: No
Open views on the slopes of Mica Peak. Photo by TrailKat.
The Mica Peak conservation area makes for a great challenging hike within reach of the city. A vast network of trails makes it easy to tailor a route to match your goals and if you choose to go uphill you will be rewarded with views of the Spokane Valley and beyond.
> Plan your trip to Mica Peak Conservation Area using WTA's Hiking Guide