There are two trails in the Little Spokane Natural Area separated by Rutter Parkway and the Little Spokane River itself. The first runs (East to West) between St. George's school and Rutter Parkway 1.4 miles; the other (likewise East to West) between Rutter Parkway and Highway 291 for 1.7 miles. The trails may be hiked in either direction; the river flows from St. George's trail head West to the Hwy 291 trail head where the Little Spokane River joins the Spokane River. There is parking and restrooms at each of the four trail heads.
Approaching the area from Spokane to the South along Indian Trails Road (which terminates into Rutter Parkway) you'll first come across the Westernmost trail that begins at Indian Painted Rocks trail head and runs West to Hwy 291. Continuing past this trail heading North along Rutter Parkway will eventually bring you to the Easternmost trail head at St. George's school.
A Washington State Discover Pass is required: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/
The Indian Painted Rocks trail is a 1.7 mile trail (one-way) mostly following the Little Spokane River as it flows West to join the Spokane River near trail's end near Hwy 291. The trail is kid-friendly and mostly gentle with only a 110' elevation change along it's length. It is not however ADA friendly; the trail in places crosses fallen logs and at one point crosses over a short stretch of boulders that would be quite difficult for crutches and impossible for a wheelchair.
A small video-monitored gravel parking lot and some signage is all that marks the trail head. The trail is open from 6:30 AM - dusk from March through November. Restrooms are available at the trail head only. The titular Indian Painted Rocks are at the trail head behind a green metal protective grate.
Bring mosquito repellent.
Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and rowboats are all allowed on the river and can be launched from St. George's trail head and removed near the Hwy 291 trail head.
Wildlife includes: Bald eagles, osprey, coyote, rattlesnakes, wild turkey, deer, herons, ducks and other waterfowl, moose, various birds and small forest critters.
Very nice Spokane County park on the Little Spokane River. Restrooms, playground, and pavilion are immediately accessible from the parking lot. Water access is across a bouncy bridge (with a staircase, limiting stroller and wheelchair access) 30 feet south of the parking lot.
The water access area has picnic benches and a small roofed pavilion. The Little Spokane River in this area has a relatively slow flow in late Summer with a depth varying from ankle to 5' deep. The riverbed is small and medium rounded river rocks that are a little hard on adult's feet. In late Summer the water temperature is about 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Very nice rest area with restrooms, picknick benches, and easy hikes to the falls. From the parking lot there are two paths, one from the south end of the lot and one from the north.
The south path takes you on a walking bridge to the creek and a view of the falls. Walk time is roughly 5 minutes.
Taking the paved path from the north of the lot gives access to the picknick benches, each isolated by greenery for privacy and each overlooking the creek.
Traveling slightly further down the path it splits into a High and Middle path. Both reach the falls at different points, neither are difficult hikes.
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