Folsom Farm - Smick Meadows

Just across the road from the parking area for Fishtrap Lake (just before Fishtrap Resort) is a short access road leading to trails on some shrub grassland, a dilapidated (but photogenic) homestead, and wetlands that provide sanctuary to a wide variety of waterfowl and other wildlife.

The access road to reach the old farmstead and the meadows is approximately a half-mile long and rough and muddy, so adventurers without high-clearance vehicles should consider using the Fishtrap Lake trailhead and walking in along the trail. However, if you can reach this trailhead, it has the better facilities, including a vault toilet at the parking lot and several picnic tables.

Volunteers have installed a blind for viewing birds at the restored meadows, and there is a book that identifies numerous bird species, as well as a large binocular device. There are interpretive signs explaining the human history of this converted homestead, where a barn and some outbuildings remain, along with some farming implements.

At just 30 miles from Spokane, Fishtrap Lake and Smick Meadows make a great destination for families or those just beginning to explore the lands surrounding Spokane.