Top 8 Natural Monuments around Spokane Valley

Visitors frequently enjoy the majestic Upper Spokane Falls, known as the second-largest urban falls in the United States. Another beloved spot is Duncan Garden, a beautiful European Renaissance-style garden within Manito Park, celebrated for its vibrant annual plant collections.

Yes, several natural monuments are great for families. Upper Spokane Falls offers accessible views and informational signs about the river's importance. Duncan Garden and Mikayla's Earthworm Happiness Gardens, both within Manito Park, provide beautiful, easy-to-explore settings. The Goldback Trail is also considered family-friendly, offering a chance to enjoy a pine forest and natural springs.

The region offers a variety of hiking experiences. Dishman Hills Natural Area, for instance, provides an extensive network of trails for various skill levels, including the popular Iller Creek and Glenrose units. Antoine Peak Conservation Area features trails with panoramic views of Spokane Valley. For easy hikes, you can explore routes like the Carlson Hill Loop or Pinecliff Loop Trail, which are part of the easy hikes around Spokane Valley guide.

Absolutely. Antoine Peak Conservation Area rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of the entire Spokane Valley. The Big Rock, part of the Rocks of Sharon, offers breathtaking views of Steptoe Butte to the south. Additionally, Quartz Mountain, reaching over 5,000 feet, provides extensive views of Spokane Valley, the North Idaho panhandle, and the Selkirk Mountains.

For a more tranquil experience, consider Saltese Uplands Conservation Area. This 1,500-acre preserve offers peaceful hiking through grasslands, forests, and wetlands, providing sweeping views away from more bustling areas. The Goldback Trail is also a great option for quiet wildlife spotting and enjoying shade.

Beyond hiking, the Spokane River Centennial Trail, a 37-mile paved pathway, is excellent for walking, running, and cycling with scenic river views. You can find various road cycling routes, such as the Gateway Conservation Area – Spokane River loop, in the Road Cycling Routes around Spokane Valley guide. For runners, there are dedicated routes like the Pinecliff and Goldback Loop, detailed in the Running Trails around Spokane Valley guide.

Yes, Duncan Garden within Manito Park is noted as wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy its beautiful plant collections. The Spokane River Centennial Trail also offers a paved, accessible pathway along the river, providing scenic views for all.

Many natural areas around Spokane Valley offer opportunities for wildlife observation. Dishman Hills Natural Area, with its diverse ecosystem of forests and meadows, is a prime location. The Goldback Trail is specifically mentioned as a great place for wildlife spotting, especially around its springs and ponds.

The region is known for its unique rocky outcrops and formations. Dishman Hills Natural Area features varied terrain, including distinct rock formations. The Rocks of Sharon, accessible from Spokane Valley, are particularly famous for their unique geological structures, with Big Rock being a prominent example.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the powerful Upper Spokane Falls to the tranquil forests and meadows. The opportunity for scenic escapes, whether hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the views, is highly valued. Many also enjoy the preservation efforts that allow for nature connection through conservation and recreation.

Yes, Mikayla's Earthworm Happiness Gardens and Duncan Garden are both located within Manito Park. This 90-acre park is a significant community space featuring botanical gardens, a conservatory, arboretum, and natural areas, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.