Fall Hiking Near Spokane

Autumn is a fine time to get outside. The backcountry is bursting with color, crowds have thinned, and the bugs are all but gone. Whether you live in the Spokane area or are just visiting, be sure to check out these five, fall-color hikes near Spokane.

Autumn is a fine time to get outside. The backcountry is bursting with color, crowds have thinned, and the bugs are all but gone. Eastern Washington offers a bounty of hikes with great views of the fall foliage.

Like any type of recreation, hiking carries certain risks, and your safety is best ensured with preparation. Shorter days, colder nights and quick-changing weather patterns can make even a simple hike more risky than your average summer excursion, so pack some extra caution in your backpack.

Always remember to pack the 10 Essentials (a topographic map, compass, extra food, extra clothing, firestarter, matches, sun protection, a pocket knife, first-aid kit, and flashlight).
Check on the status of the trail using recent Trip Reports or checking in with the land management agency listed in our Hiking Guide entry.
Don’t let an itinerary push you further than you should safely go.

Whether you live in the Spokane area or are just visiting, be sure to check out these five, fall-color hikes near Spokane.

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Spokane

Liberty Lake

: Most people never leave the shores of Liberty Lake, but you can on this hike south of the town of Liberty Lake. Photo by Roxanapeace.

Location: Eastern Washington—Spokane County Parks and Recreation
Round Trip: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200'

Tree-lovers will enjoy the stands of ponderosa pines, Douglas fir, birch and cottonwood on this lovely network of trails where WTA volunteers have worked extensively. Hunt for mushrooms during fall and hike to a pretty waterfall in spring.

Note: The loop will be closed from Oct 22-26, 2012 for trail maintenance that involves some blasting.

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Iller Creek

: Moose country in the valley bottoms and great views from the ridges. Photo by Jane Baker.

Location: Eastern Washington—Spokane County Parks
Round Trip: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1200'

Take a wonderful five mile loop through lush shaded forest, climbing to a ridge with outstanding views of the Palouse to the south and the Selkirks to the north and east. The highlight of the hike is the Rocks of Sharon, one of the best rock-climbing destinations in the area. WTA volunteers have also built trail on this Conservation Futures property.

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Riverside State Park--Bowl & Pitcher

: The Spokane River rolls through the basalt cliffs of Riverside State Park. Photo by Jessa Lewis.

Location: Riverside State Park—Spokane Area
Round Trip: varies
Elevation Gain: varies

Start your hike by crossing the swinging bridge at Bowl & Pitcher. Choose an upstream or downstream destination. Downstream will take hikers past rapids on the Spokane River, a CCC camp and a basalt bench with views. Upstream offers an intriguing peak at basalt formations. Both upstream and downstream routes offer the option to cross the river and create a loop trip.

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Mount Spokane State Park

: Mount Spokane is one of the premiere winter recreation areas in Northeast Washington. Photo by Weluv2hike.

Location: Spokane State Park—Spokane Area
Round Trip: varies
Elevation Gain: varies

Spokane State Park offers four-season recreation, from great hiking spring through fall to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing the well-marked trails in the winter. Pick up a map at the park or online, then choose from a variety of fantastic destinations: visit a CCC cabin, take in the views from the top of Mount Spokane or Mount Kit Carson and much more.

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Big Rock

: Big Rock is a short hike featuring amazing geology and great views. Photo by Kindra Ramos.

Location: Eastern Washington—Spokane Area
Round Trip: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 600'

The Rocks of Sharon call to hikers and climbers alike, their large granitic rocks rising up from the ridge surrounded by a rich ecosystem and prime wildlife habitat. From the rocks you have views south over the Palouse to Steptoe Butte and north over the Spokane Valley and Mount Spokane.