Hike from the Palouse Hills to the Spokane Valley!
This strenuous adventure will involve a walk from the edge of the Palouse to Spokane Valley. Along the way we will make a handful of stops to appreciate the natural surroundings and to consider the significance of the work done by the Dishman Hills Conservancy to preserve these open spaces. Indeed, this will be the first hike offering to include all three major property acquisitions within the same day’s program. This hike will be led by George Stratman who is a retired naturalist and outdoor school administrator. George is currently a member of the DHC's Education Committee.
When: October 4, 2025 (Saturday). 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at the Stevens Creek Trailhead at 8:00 a.m. Finish at Camp Caro (Spokane Valley) at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Distance: 9 Miles one way (The hike will start at the Stevens Creek Trailhead and finish at Camp Caro. Hikers will need to make arrangements to be dropped off at the Steven’s Creek trailhead and be picked up at Camp Caro.)
Hike Rating: Very Difficult
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,000 feet all told. The hike will require steep climbs and descents along the well established trails as we will ascend and descend two separate and significant ridges along our route.
The hike will begin at the Stevens Creek Trailhead where we will immediately begin a steep incline of about a mile along the switchbacks to the Rocks of Sharon. Once on top, we will pause briefly for a snack (please pack your own food and provisions) and to take in the view. From there we will descend for approximately 3 miles to the Iller Creek Trailhead. Once at Iller Creek, we will again pause for snacks and an assessment of our travels thus far. From Iller Creek we will descend to the Phillips Creek Trailhead for 1.5 miles along East Holman and South Woodruff Roads (these are paved rural public roads). Once at the Phillips Creek Trailhead, we will ascend for 2 miles over rolling terrain to the Cliffs Overlook. At the Cliffs we will again pause for snacks/lunch and to appreciate the view. From the Cliffs we will then descend over rolling terrain for our final 1.5 miles to Camp Caro.
Other Information:
A primary goal of the Dishman Hills Conservancy is to create a wildlife corridor from Spokane Valley to the Palouse. With the addition of the Keystone Property we have successfully secured a connection between the Dishman Hills Natural Area and the Glenrose section. While not yet fully connected to the Iller Creek section, it is possible to walk between the Iller Creek and Phillips Creek Trailheads along a lightly traveled paved rural road.
Hikers may choose to make pick-up arrangements at the Iller Creek or Phillips Creek Trailheads should they choose to not complete the full day’s course.
Important Note: Please use a browser other than Safari when registering for events to avoid bugs. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please email Finola at events@dishmanhills.org with questions.
We hope to see you there!
DONATE TODAY!
