Spokane Trails


an infographic showing trail length and difficulty
information found on alltrails.com
  • 1 Dishman Hills Natural Area
  • 2 Riverside State Park
  • 3 Little Spokane River
  • 4 Rimrock-Palisades Loop
  • 5 Centennial Trail West
  • 6 Cedar Creek Trail
  • 7 Iller Creek Conservation Area Trail
  • 8 High Drive Parkway North
  • 9 Williams Lake Cruise
  • 10 Spokane River Centennial Trail



The Ben Burr Trail


The Ben Burr Trail’s namesake was well known for his work with the Great Northern Railway. His acts were so influential that he even has a street and a park named after him as well. The mile long trail stretches between Underhill and Liberty Parks and is a great trail for beginning hikers.

The trail was built along an abandoned railroad line that once belonged to the Inland Empire Railroad Company. Railway construction allowed Spokane to become a very important point on the West Coast map in regards to shipping and trade. This particular line transported passengers within the city of Spokane and also to nearby areas including Coeur d’Alene Lakes and other recreational destinations.


Trail Recommendations


Riverside State Park 7.2 miles 4 hours
Little Spokane River 7.3 miles 2 hours
Dishman Hills Natural Area 4 miles 3 hours
High Drive Parkway North 4.8 miles 0.75 hours
Cedar Creek Trail 2 miles 0.25 hours
Ben Burr Trail 2.6 miles 1 hour

Urban Forestry


An urban forest is defined as “all the trees in an urban setting; in a yard, along a street or in a park.” There are many reasons why trees are beneficial in an urban setting. Primarily they bring an aesthetic quality to the city. They also slow harsh winds, and provide homes for local wildlife. They reduce noise, increase property values, and provide shade to the city inhabitants. It has even been observed that concrete around trees last longer. It’s as if the tree’s increase the health of its living and non-living cohabitants.


A lot of thought is put into the selection of trees to be planted within the city. Once it’s planted it is expensive to remove it! It has to be considered where the tree will be planted and if the area will be suitable for the tree to thrive healthily. If a tree is placed in an unsuitable area its roots could damage walkways as well as its branches damaging power lines.


Spokane participates in an Urban Forestry program and many of its residents are active within it.


Volunteer


Volunteers in Planting, also known as VIP, is a program geared toward bringing the community into the city’s efforts on having a successful Urban Forestry program. The VIP Program teaches volunteers about the maintenance and care of young trees in the city. A simple 3 hour training session is all that’s needed to begin the process of volunteering properly.


VIP is a part of Community Canopy. Community Canopy offers trainings, exhibits, and workshops to teach attendees about the proper care and planting of trees in the city


Outdoor Programs


Spokane’s residents love being outdoors, so it’s no surprise that the Outdoor Recreation Program of Spokane was started. With the many rivers mountains and trails, the program has plenty of room to thrive! The program is one of the largest of it’s kind in the country and started back in 1989. It’s longevity has proven that it caters to many different groups and interests as well as ages.


From canoeing in the morning, to downhill skiing in the afternoon there is no shortage of outdoor enjoyment and adrenaline pumping excitement.