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Little Spokane River Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 543 Google reviews · Running trail in Spokane, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Little Spokane River Natural Area'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.
Landscape features hiking trails through marshy bogs & forests with various birds & other wildlife.
What runners say about Little Spokane River Natural Area
“The parking lot has a vault toilet that was clean when I was there.”
“Amazing little hiking spot, not many trees for shade, beautiful rocks, scenery, and veiws of the valley between two hills where clouds like to gather.”
“This area is so beautiful with the river, wildlife and flora, it's a peaceful and entertaining way to get some fresh air and exercise!”
“Mostly an easy trail with a couple moderate spots.”
It's a nice area for a hike. If you're not in decent shape I wouldn't recommend doing the full hiking loop. I didn't give 5 stars because this area doesn't allow dogs, which I disagree with. It's not like we're walking on holy ground here...Dogs should be allowed.
This is one of my favorite places to paddle. I like to get a good work out and start and the take out and paddle upriver till the put in. Makes the paddle/float that much more rewarding! We saw a moose, buck, river otters, blue heron, muskrats, and TONS of ducks. It's beautiful. 6.
A bit arid and exposed but enjoyable and well maintained, the Indian Painted Rocks trailhead (501) is an easy hike up to the Knothead Trail overlooks (502) of the Little Spokane River and Valley.
A beautifully and well-maintained trail system. The river trail is very gentle with lots of shade, while Knothead trail offers great cardio benefits!
Trail conditions & character
“Amazing little hiking spot, not many trees for shade, beautiful rocks, scenery, and veiws of the valley between two hills where clouds like to gather.”
“I didn't give 5 stars because this area doesn't allow dogs, which I disagree with.”
“The Knothead Valley Trail loop is so pretty and is quickly becoming one of my favorite hikes in the area.”
“This area is so beautiful with the river, wildlife and flora, it's a peaceful and entertaining way to get some fresh air and exercise!”
Plan your run at Little Spokane River Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteapps.leg.wa.gov
- Phone(509) 465-5064
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 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.
Indian Painted Rocks Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 261 reviews
Area for hiking and kayaking with varied terrain, including a viewpoint, and petroglyphs.
Riverside State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,480 reviews
14,000 acres of woodlands along the Spokane River offering campsites, trails & an off-roading area.
Waikiki Springs Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 176 reviews
Scenic hiking area offering family-friendly trails and wildlife sightings.
Wyakin Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 85 reviews
Quiet park featuring plenty of trails for biking and hiking and a painted-rock labyrinth to discover.