Spokane Hiking & Biking

The beauty of Spokane is that you don't need to drive hours to go for a beautiful hike or mountain bike ride. Many outdoor recreation areas can be reached from Spokane by car in under an hour. You’ll find that Spokane hiking trails will challenge your endurance and amaze you with beautiful scenery. If you love to hike or mountain bike look no further than the surrounding Spokane area for our favorite trails that both locals and visitors are sure to enjoy. If you are looking for the best hikes around Washington for every season, here are 15 of the best hiking trails Spokane has to offer!

Trailhead Map

Iller Creek Trailhead

Rimrock Drive

Dishman Hills

Liberty Lake Loop

Mt Kit Carson Trail

Palouse Falls

Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail

Knothead Loop

Deep Creek Canyon

Antoine Peak

Saltese Uplands

Beacon Hill

Tubbs Hill

High Drive Bluff

Indian Cliff Trail

Pick A Trail & Get Hiking

Top 15 Hiking & Biking Trails Near Spokane

#1 Iller Creek/ Rocks of Sharon, Dishman Hills Conservation Area

Difficulty: Moderate

Iller Creek is a locals' favorite hike. It's relatively short but has incredible rewards at the top. With 360-degree views atop the Rocks of Sharon, you can see Steptoe Butte in the distance of the beautiful terrain of the Palouse.

MILEAGE: 5‑MILE LOOP FROM ILLER CREEK TRAILHEAD

Directions

#2 Rimrock Drive & Palisades Park

Difficulty: Easy

Rimrock Drive is an easy hike but, it's ideal if you want a quick getaway from the city. This trail features amazing views of downtown Spokane. Hop onto the lower Trail 121, about a mile in distance, and be led down to a hidden waterfall. Dogs can use this trail but should be kept on a leash.

MILEAGE: 1–7 MILES MULTIPLE TRAILS

Directions

#3 Dishman Hills Natural Area

Difficulty: Moderate

Dishman Hills Natural Area is close to the city but nestled just south of I-90. The interior trails are wooded and shaded so you won't even realize how close the city is. Halfway up the trails, you'll reach Eagle Peak which offers panoramic views of Spokane, the Valley, and the Idaho Panhandle.

MILEAGE: 2–8 MILES DEPENDING ON THE ROUTES

Directions

#4 Liberty Lake Loop

Difficulty: Moderate

During the spring, the waterfall is flowing perfectly about halfway up the loop trail. If you do the loop clockwise the first two miles are pretty flat until you reach the cedar grove but, you'll gain the rest of the 1,200 feet in elevation in the next two miles following. The counterclockwise route has a steep grade the first mile in but, flattens out afterwards for a gradual ascent to the top.

MILEAGE: 8‑MILE LOOP

Directions

#5 Mt Kit Carson Trail, Mt Spokane State Park

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in Mt Spokane State Park but, the Mt Kit Carson trail is worth the hike for its stunning views. Plus, this hike is severely unrated meaning its likely to be less crowded. Mileage does vary based on your starting point. The trail can be accessed by Trail 130 or Trail 160. The short option is from Cook's Cabin trailhead off the Summit Road. More on Mt Spokane State Park Trails here.

MILEAGE: 7 MILES ONE WAY

Directions

#6 Palouse Falls

Difficulty: Moderate

Palouse Falls is an Eastern Washington natural treasure. Amidst miles and miles of farmland and suddenly this massive waterfall is right in the heart of it all. If you're feeling adventurous you can walk the trail to the top of the falls and even scramble to the base of the waterfall but, not without caution. The prime time to use this trail is spring to early summer when river runoff is at its peak. Please be advised that venturing beyond the designated viewing area trails at the park is risky. Be mindful of the posted warning signs and visit WTA for trail alerts prior to visiting.

MILEAGE: 1–3 MILES

Directions

#7 Bowl & Pitcher, Riverside State Park

Difficulty: Easy

There are numerous trails that begin with a walk over the Spokane River on a beautiful suspension bridge. Take an easy stroll or prepare for an all-day adventure. With 14,000 acres Riverside is the largest state park in Washington.

MILEAGE: 1–5 MILES MULTIPLE TRAILS

Directions

#8 Knothead Loop, Little Spokane River

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

This hike starts off flat and boasts views of the Indian Painted Rocks. Beyond the rocks, you'll continue on the loop for a tough hike that's worth every bit of effort for the view.

MILEAGE: 7 MILES LOOP WITH A SIGNIFICANT ELEVATION GAIN

Directions

#9 Deep Creek Canyon, Riverside State Park

Difficulty: Moderate

You'll find great diversity in the landscape and vegetation in a short distance on this hike. Deep Creek Canyon features a creek bed, ascension through basalt outcroppings, and a higher overlook with opportunity for large bird sightings.

MILEAGE: 5 MILES ROUNDTRIP

Directions

#10 Antoine Peak Conservation Area

Difficulty: Moderate

A hike near the Spokane Valley, Antoine Peak has less traffic than Dishman Hills. The west side access offers a direct route to the summit of the peak. From the cliff overlooking the Spokane River, you can also see Arbor Crest Winery.

MILEAGE: 5.5‑MILE LOOP

Directions

#11 Saltese Uplands Conservation Area

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

This moderately used loop trail is located near Liberty Lake and boasts a beautiful view of the lake and wildflowers during the summer season. Dogs are able to use this trail be should be kept on leash.

MILEAGE: 4 MILES

Directions

#12 Beacon Hill, Shields Park

Difficulty: Moderate

This may be the most central hiking area for the Spokane region. This trail is used by hikers, bikers and rock climbers at the Minnehaha Rocks. Beacon Hill trail is best used March through October and is considered a heavily trafficked loop.

MILEAGE: 2–5 MILES

Directions

#13 Tubbs Hill, Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Difficulty: Easy

This is a popular hike on the edge of Lake Coeur d'Alene and it's a short drive from Downtown Spokane. Featuring amazing lake views, this hike is ideal during the summer because you can find hidden beach spots in the middle of your hike and jump in to cool off.

MILEAGE: 2.5‑MILE LOOP

Directions

#14 High Drive Bluff

Difficulty: Moderate

This moderately trafficked loop trail is located near Spokane, Washington on the South Hill. Don't be scared of the mileage on this trail. The beauty of the High Drive Bluff is that you can pick any trail and hike for as long or as little as you desire. The trail sits on the western edge of the South hill and overlooks Highway 195 and the West Plains. It's a perfect hiking spot where you wouldn't expect to find one.

MILEAGE: 9‑MILE LOOP

Directions

#15 Indian Cliff Trail, Heyburn State Park

Difficulty: Moderate

This is a relatively easy hike within Heyburn State Park, with beautiful open views of the southern end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Heyburn State Park was established in 1908, making it the oldest state park in the Northwest.

MILEAGE: 3 MILES OUT AND BACK

Directions