The Spokane area is blessed with many great places to hike and enjoy our wide array of wildflowers. Before you go out on your wildflower quest, it’s a good idea to pick up a wildflower book.

My favorite is one I have had in my backpack for a long time: “A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers.” The book has held together really well considering all the use it has had over the years.

Another really good book to have is “Plants of Southern BC and the Inland Northwest.” This book not only has good information on wildflowers but also on trees, shrubs, ferns, and lichen. It is one of my go-to books. It is a little heavy for the backpack but is worth its weight in gold.

As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” The month of May along with June can bring an explosion of beautiful wildflowers or in some dry years a very disappointing short season.

It is the middle of March as I write this article and I don’t have a crystal ball to tell what sort of wildflower season we will have this year. It could be great or it could be a bust.

All I can do is tell you about some of my favorite places that I have enjoyed during the 40-plus years I have lived in Spokane—and hope it doesn’t get too dry too early this year. Happy wildflower hunting!

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge (Cheney, Wash.)

This area has probably the best variety of wildflowers in the Inland Northwest. There are many different hiking trails along with a 5-mile auto loop. In addition to all the waterfowl, this 20,000-acre natural area supports a large variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, beaver, and moose.

Some of the wildflowers you might see are Bitterroot (state flower of Montana), sticky geranium, yellow bells, prairie smoke, camas, and death camas, along with a lot of balsamroot just to name a few. Be sure and check for ticks before you leave the refuge. You don’t want any little hitchhikers going home with you.

Spring wildflowers along hiking trails, including bitterroot (left) and sticky geranium (right). // Photos: Rich Leon

Iller Creek Conservation Area (Spokane Valley, Wash.)

This is one place you will want to bring your camera. Iller has some very unique wildflowers not found in other areas around Spokane. One is Clarkia (a member of the evening primrose family).

Clarkia was named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Other wildflowers include mountain lady slippers, clematis, monkshood, and honeysuckle.

Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane Valley, Wash.)

The picturesque cliffs and ravines not only make this place an interesting area to explore but also a wonderful place to find a variety of wildflowers. As you roam around the many trails within Dishman Hills Natural Area, you are likely to find glacier lilies, Rocky Mountain iris, fairy bells, balsamroot, and fireweed.

Mount Spokane State Park (Mead, Wash.)

This is one of my favorite places for wildflowers. I like all the different trails at Mount Spokane State Park for a variety of reasons but especially the Nordic ski trail area because of the beargrass. The area has beargrass every year, but these plants only produce a major bloom about once every seven years.

When a big bloom happens, it is a sight to behold. On the lower part of the mountain (especially trail 100), you can find trillium, mountain bluebells, two different coralroot, bunchberry, paintbrush, and fairy slipper orchids.

Kamiak Butte (Pullman, Wash.)

This spot is about a 60-mile drive south of Spokane but well worth it. Surrounded on all sides by the wheat fields of the Palouse, this 3,650-foot-tall island of pine, fir, and larch has some amazing views.

On a good wildflower year the hillsides can be covered in a sea of yellow from the balsamroot. It is a great place to bring the kids for a self-guided nature walk on the 3.5-mile Pine Loop Trail. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch.

Tubbs Hill and Mineral Ridge (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)

Both of these popular North Idaho natural areas offer some great views, and there are also plenty of wildflowers to see.

Other Notable Inland NW Wildflower Hot Spots

Other areas you might want to visit are Slavin Conservation Area (Spokane), Antoine Peak (Spokane Valley), Little Spokane River (North Spokane), Riverside State Park (Spokane), and the Liberty Lake Conservation Area (Liberty Lake, Wash.)

Please be aware that some areas in Washington require a Discover Pass such as Mount Spokane and Riverside state parks. There is an entry fee for the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, and other areas such as the Little Spokane River do not allow dogs; all other natural areas require dogs to be on a leash at all times.

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Now that my kids are getting older, they are more willing to take a break from waterplay to explore park trails. And when we’re camping, it’s nice to take a morning hike (or paddle) and then head to the campground beach or dock when the sun is higher in the sky.

Also, older kids and teens need independent experiences, like venturing along a trail solo or with a friend. Nature inspires soul-searching, and anytime our kids can get more screen-free serenity and exercise, the better.

These are eight of our favorite regional lake parks that offer great hiking and swimming options for hot summer days. Please note that most parks prohibit dogs on the beach, so it’s best to leave your furry kid at home.

NORTH IDAHO

City Beach & Pend d’ Oreille Bay Trail (Sandpoint): Walk the flat 3-mile trail, out and back, which follows the shoreline of Lake Pend Oreille. City Beach has it all, with plenty of lakefront sand.

Farragut State Park (Athol): Beaver Bay Beach requires a steep downhill jaunt from the parking lot and restrooms, but once you arrive there’s plenty of lakefront, calm water, and trails to explore in the forest all around the bay. Trails are also accessible right from the parking lot.

Round Lake State Park (Sagle): An easy trail loops around the lake and the beach has two docks, paddle gear rentals, and a PFD loaner station.

Tubbs Hill (Coeur d’Alene): Hike the trail, which can be a bit rocky and rugged for little kids, but you don’t need to go far to find a small sandy beach spot for private playtime. Hike in with all of your stuff, but you’ll need to hike back to the trailhead to use a porta-potty. (Restroom available at nearby McEuen Park.) Other nearby swim settings are Sanders Beach or City Beach.

WASHINGTON

Bear Lake Regional Park (Chattaroy): Hike the trail around the lake. Trees and grass hug the shoreline, so there isn’t a beach—rather, there are cement steps down to the water, which starts at a depth of about three feet. However, there are some spaces between trees to access the water.

Fish Lake & Columbia Plateau Trail State Park (Cheney): Walk the paved trail and enjoy the calm lake, popular with locals for fishing, paddling, and beach play for kids. Park at Fish Lake Park and then walk up to the state park trailhead.

Liberty Lake Regional Park (Liberty Lake): The park has miles of trails to choose from and the day-use beach—though a smaller lakefront compared to other parks—has great sand, a dock and roped-off swim area, and plenty of lake for paddling. Spokane County Parks daily fee required.

Waterfront Park (Medical Lake): A popular park with a main parking lot that fills quickly, but the layout is sweet and lake water is spring-fed, so relatively warmer than larger lakes. Walk the paved Medical Lake Trail along the west shore.

This story was published in the Inland NW Family Outdoors Guide in the May-June 2021 issue.

For more swimming stories, visit the OTO archives.

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Even with shorter days and falling temperatures, the Spokane region is rich in natural beauty, and whether you’re looking for vibrant colors, or more of a winter-wonderland atmosphere, there’s something for every hiking aficionado. Here are a few of my favorite local late-season hikes. 

James P. Slavin Conservation Area – Nature Park Loop – 2.4 miles 

Located just south of Spokane, this trail covers a range of landscapes, from forests to wetlands to prairie. Birdwatchers can glimpse a range migrating wildfowl, including Canada geese and sandhill cranes, and the wide-open horizon captures the sweeping grandeur of the neighboring Palouse. A great trail for older hikers and families with kids. 

Antoine Peak Conservation Area – Antoine Peak Loop – 4.8 miles 

This trail takes hikers up through dense woodlands, culminating in views of the Dishman Hills, Mount Spokane, Mica Peak, and even northern Idaho. Deer sightings are common this time of year, and the summit of this trail offers a visual feast of snow-capped hills and autumn hues. A must for any hiker craving a bit of solitude. 

Mount Spokane State Park – Trail 120 Loop – 2.5 miles 

Hidden in the shadow of Mount Spokane, this hike is more approachable than some others in the area, though trekking poles and good footwear are still recommended. This trail boasts old growth stands of western larch, whose needles turn gold in the fall, bathing the understory in a dreamy light. Coupled with amazing views of Mt. Kit Carson, this hike is bright, brilliant, and perfect for sunny days. This hike may turn into a snowshoe depending on the fall weather. Trail 120 starts across the road from Bear Creek Lodge. A fee is charged by the lodge owner for parking. 

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge – Pine Lake / Headquarters Loop – 1.7 miles 

Situated just east of Cheney, a 20-minute drive from Spokane, Turnbull boasts an extensive network of trails that are well maintained and relatively level, with a broad array of natural wonders to behold. Of particular note is Winslow Pool—a major visual feature of the park, a survey site for Eastern Washington’s Biology department, and a haven for amateur birdwatchers.  

Columbia Plateau Trail – Cheney to Fish Lake – 7.6 miles (out and back) 

Though easily the longest of the trails on this list, it is also one of the most approachable. This hike is part of the Columbia Plateau Trail, which spans 130 miles from Pasco to Cheney, covering much of the south-central part of the state. Its key features include well-paved and bike-friendly paths, numerous scientific displays detailing the regions geological history, and a serene view of Fish Lake. 

Coeur d’Alene – Tubbs Hill Main Trail – 2.5 miles 

While a common misconception holds that the best hikes lie far off the path, many lie tantalizingly close to town. Tubbs Hill, for just one example, presents an appealing option for hikers in Spokane or North Idaho alike. Situated on 130 acres of public land, Tubbs Hill is a popular woodland oasis in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene. It boasts well marked trails, accessible terrain, and stone’s-throw proximity to Coeur d’Alene’s numerous dining and shopping opportunities. Best of all, wintertime hikers will find no more stunning view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and its surrounding forests than on a crisp winter morning or in the midst of a gentle snowfall. 

Originally published as “6 Fall & Early Winter Spokane & CDA Hikes” in the Nov.-Dec. 2020 double issue.

Seth Marlin holds a Creative Writing MFA from Eastern Washington University. He is the author of “Five-Star Trails: Spokane,” out now through Menasha Ridge Press. 

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Here are 5 favorite family-friendly hikes in Eastern Washington and North Idaho:

1. Fishtrap Lake–North: This 4-mi. roundtrip hike offers fantastic views of Fishtrap Lake and descends to the water in two spots. The trail wanders through ponderosa pine and aspen stands, making it perfect for a warm spring day. Wildflowers here are a great way to get young kids actively interested in the trail. WTA has two wildflower guides online (“Wildflowers Mountain,” is a pdf that shows Cascade species but is also applicable to eastern WA; “Wildflower Guide,” shows month-by-month blooms but is more limited). A Northwest Forest Pass is required, $30/annual pass good in WA and OR or $5 for day pass.

2. McKenzie Conservation Area: This property offers 3.3 mi. of trails to wander with a chance to look out over Newman Lake northeast of Spokane. This 420-acre area hosts a network of trails, great wildlife and bird watching, and a native plant garden. No parking fee.

3. Tubbs Hill: Well-known because of its proximity to downtown Coeur d’Alene, this 2.5-mile trail never fails to disappoint. There are remarkable views from the shade of the trees and plenty of opportunities to wander down to the shore and dip your toes in the cool water. Dogs are welcome, and fishing is also allowed. Park along S. 10th St. just before it intersects Lakeshore Dr. as it is often less crowded here (no parking fee). Directions and a Junior Friends of Tubbs Hill Activity Book can be found online at cdaid.org.

4. Revett Lake: At 2.6 miles, roundtrip, this sub-alpine hike just west of the Idaho-Montana border is great for kids. Although there is a bit of elevation gain (915 ft) there is always the promise of something new to see. A waterfall awaits about ¾-mile up the trail at a bridge crossing the creek. The final climb is rewarded with a beautiful sub-alpine lake framed by steep slopes and a view of Granite Peak. The outlet stream to the left of the main trail is mostly swampy meadow, but there is some good rock-hopping and stream-exploring if you go far enough. A brush-choked trail leads to the far end of the lake. Hopeful swimmers be aware that this alpine lake is always very cold. Fishing is allowed, and there is no parking fee. Details can be found in 100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest by Rich Landers.

5. Sullivan Lake: Aspen, hemlock, and birch dot the shoreline of this prominent lake in the Colville National Forest. The fairly-flat Lakeshore Trail along the eastside of the lake lets little ones set their own distance, with plenty of opportunities to jump in the water and cool off. The 4-mile trail (one way) goes along the east side of Sullivan Lake connects East Sullivan Campground to the north with Noisy Creek Campground to the south. The best route begins at the trailhead near East Sullivan Campground where you will keep right to find the lakeside trail. Hike out and back, ending the day at the swimming beaches. No parking fee.

For driving directions and further details about hiking destinations within Washington State, visit wta.org.

When she is not editing engineering articles, Crystal Atamian has found that she loves skijoring with her dog, trying new microbrews, and laughing at her sons’ jokes. She wrote about snowshoeing in the December issue.

For more articles about lakes and Inland NW Family Outdoors Guide content, visit the OTO archives.

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