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John H. Shields Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 351 Google reviews · Running trail in Spokane, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from John H. Shields Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park providing areas for hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, plus dog-friendly trails.
What runners say about John H. Shields Park
“So many different trails and routes, all with beautiful views!”
I love how many activities this park has to offer. Biking, swimming, hiking, disc golf, rock climbing, snow shoeing in the winter, and more! I enjoy walking across the street and getting on the centennial trail to look at Upriver Dam and the Spokane River. A lovely place close to home.
Wonderfully kept up. The grounds are rugged and all levels of hiking available from easy grade to moderately steep. J-johns are on site and clean.
I enjoy bring the dog out here to hike. She really enjoys the more strenuous hike and the view is pretty good if you get to the top of the rocks. There are several paths that vary in steepness and length but we usually can get a good hour and a half in.
Great place to see some nature and to get some steps on. You can really get a work out or you can take it easy as there are trails for everyone. 😁😁 Chewbacca loves it here.
Trail conditions & character
“She really enjoys the more strenuous hike and the view is pretty good if you get to the top of the rocks.”
“There are also mountain bike and going trails that start here and connect up with the camp sekani/beacon hill trail system.”
“Hiked the rocky areas just past the parking lot and checked out the dam.”
“There is a really nice bathroom to the east of the parking lot.”
Plan your run at John H. Shields Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitespokanecounty.org
- Phone(509) 477-4730
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Spokane
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sekani Trail Run
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Minnehaha Park
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39-acre green space with a playground, picnic tables, hiking/biking trails & a baseball diamond.
Dishman Hills Natural Area
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Protected natural area with 530 acres of dramatic, diverse terrain for hiking & wildlife spotting.
The Islands Trail Head - The Centennial Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 237 reviews
Park and swimming area with a footbridge spanning the Spokane River.
Centennial Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
This paved walkway following the Spokane River and stretching into Idaho.