Imagine yourself gently guiding your birch bark canoe through the serpentine meanders of the Little Spokane River. You stop your pelt-laden canoe only long enough to check the next trap or perhaps study the long-legged Great Blue Heron fishing the shallows for some unlucky rainbow trout smolt. Such was the scene that early fur trader and explorer David Thompson may have viewed with his interpreter and guide Jacques Finlay as they canoed the river in search of beaver and muskrat in the early 1800's. Today, you may still explore the Little Spokane River and experience much of the same environment as David Thompson discovered almost 200 years ago. The river remains pristine, undisturbed by the march of civilization occurring just a couple miles away and seemingly centuries removed. The Little Spokane River Natural Area is about 6 miles northwest of downtown Spokane. The natural area roughly parallels Rutter Parkway, and encompasses 7.3 river miles within its 1,993 acres. Washington State Parks and Spokane County Parks have both acquired lands in the area to guarantee its protection. The area is managed as part of Riverside State Park under a joint interagency agreement with Spokane County Parks. Map of Little Spokane River Natural Area:
How to Explore the Little Spokane Perhaps the best way to experience the rare freshwater marsh environment is by quietly paddling a canoe or kayak down the river. Stealthful observers may see a wide variety of songbirds, woodpeckers, raptors, and waterfowl. A great blue heron rookery can be found in the tall cottonwoods by the river. Please travel quietly because these birds are sensitive to disturbance. This area is closely monitored and may be closed during the critical nesting season, which runs from March to mid-May. Beaver, muskrat, porcupines, raccoons, coyotes, marmots, white-tailed deer, and others -- even moose -- call this place home. Remember to stay away from wildlife, such as bear,cougar, and moose, particularly during calf season. Any wild animal will take extreme measures to protect its young ones. Rattlesnakes also inhabit this area, although they are seldom seen, so walk with awareness. We are guests in their home. Please respect them. Wonder at the ancient Indian rock pictographs and about the people who painted them. Hike along some or all of the six miles of trails to re-discover a sense of solitude and sensitivity. A blanket of white may encourage a cross-country ski trek. More hearty voyagers will take to paddle. Things to Remember To protect and preserve the Natural Area and its inhabitants for all to enjoy, including future generations, please observe the following restrictions, which are even more restrictive than usual park regulations:
Helpful Hints Trail head parking and canoe launch sites are at the upstream launch off St. George's School Road and at the Indian Painted Rocks. Both are reached off Rutter Parkway. You must carry your watercraft a short distance at both launches There is a takeout site on the boat launch road off Highway 291, north of Nine Mile Falls. There are toilets, but no drinking water. Plan to carry an adequate supply of water with you. Anyone paddling the Little Spokane should know the basics of maneuvering their craft around sharp turns and brushy banks. Enjoy your visit, and remember to "leave no trace". |
