little spokane natural area

I've spent lots and lots of time here and always thought it was a great place to explore. Hiking the trails, observing nature, and absorbing the sights and sounds is fun to do here.

Good hike with some challenge, scenic and good for young teens. Careful, may see or hear a rattlesnake. Need a Washington State Sticker.

We like to float down the river on our kayaks. We put in by the Fish hatchery and take out 3 hours later by the dam. You forget that you are so close to the city. We have scene deer, bald eagles and many ducks.

I finally found the time to run this stretch of the Little Spokane River this summer and wished I had done this years ago. I put in at the boat launch near St. George's school (turn left at the entrance and it is about a half mile down the road on your right--a Discovery Pass is needed if you park your car at the launch). I went at 6:45 am on a Monday morning and had the river to myself all the way down to the take out spot near Nine Mile dam. The river is a gentle ride with no development on either side of the river. Not deep and not too fast. Lots of ducks. Saw two bald eagles and one osprey. If you paddle all the way the trip takes ninety minutes. If you choose to just drift with the current it can take up to three hours. You would never know while paddling down this river that the city of Spokane is close by. You feel like you are miles and miles from civilization. Peaceful and quiet. Weekends are a bit busier so early morning of week days is the best time for this peaceful time out on the water. Do it today.

Quiet area north of town for a quiet walk in beautiful nature. Easy to follow trail, gentle hike, appropriate for all ages.

It is hard to believe that this area is so close to an urban environment. We like to put our kayaks in at the launch point near St. George's and pull out at the take out near 9-mile. During our trip on Sunday we got to see and hear lots of birds, ducks, blue heron, a golden eagle, fish, turtles, and a bull moose. We look forward to our next visit. Please remember that you need a Washington State Discovery Pass at both the put-in and take-out location and it closes at dusk. There is a shuttle service on Saturdays.

In at St. George's School (or upstream at the Natural Area), floated once to the bridge, then repeated the same all the way to Long Lake. Sweet trips, well worth the day.

Didn't see the sign but saw no dogs on internet - strange, we hike the "Centennial Trail" & adjoining trails with dogs, bikes etc. & the only complication is a silent bike flying by you scaring the scat out of you LOL ! Doesn't almost everyone own or exercise a pet ? We completed the hike without seeing a soul except a farm dog (imagine that)! Back to our dog trails !

You can do a lot here in the area, but we had an awesome canoe trip on the Little Spokane River! You can do a long or short float, and we took the longer 7 mile option and put in at St George's. What a great range of scenery and types of water. From slow and fairly deep, to shallow with some light speed and really nice bends, it's wrapped with great scenery and lot of animals. While definitely not a technical float, it's enjoyable for the whole family and perfect for beginners going solo to long canoes with a few friends. Plus, it seems like it's in the middle of nowhere, even though civilization is all around. Mostly dead quiet the whole way except for birds and the splashing of your own oars, you have nothing to distract you except the varied beauty along the way, and maybe a few sweepers here and there, just mine your line on the bends, and you'll be fine. Not to be missed if you're a floater and are in Spokane for any reason. Rent a sit-on-top kayak if you have to, and enjoy a day on this hidden gem!

I was born and raised in Spokane been away for 12 years and when I visited this was a nice place they put in and was glad that people have a nice place to see.

For several years we have hiked along the Little Spokane. We enjoy it year round. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but we often see deer, wild turkey, and a wide variety of birds.

If you enjoy a peaceful hike or float down a lazy river, or lots of wildlife this is a great place to visit. We have taken our kids and out of town guests to visit on many occasions and have received positive feedback from everyone. What is nice is that it is in a rural country setting but is next to Washington State's 2nd largest city. Make sure you pack something to eat as there are no food services available and of course make sure you pack it out.

Trail of the Painted Rocks is a beautiful trail along the Little Spokane River! It is about 3.6 miles one way so plan for this! You can park a car at both ends of the trail or hike part way and turn around! There are sometimes moose along the river as well as other wild life and birds. Be sure to bring the binoculars and the camera!

Enjoy the day with a morning ride on the trails near the Little Spokane Natural Trail area and then a float on the river in the afternoon. Slow lazy river for the most part. As always, take floatation and know were to go. Book with StarkTours.org today.

Just a few minutes from Downtown you will find tranquility on the river. I usuall try to canoe the river atleast twice a year andhave found Beavers Moose and Deer along the banks almost every time. Additionally the trail along the river offers the same chances, with the bonus of Indian Petroglyphs. Just don't bring your dog. They are not allowed on the trails.