Photos courtesy of the Dishman Hills Conservancy
One of the most incredible things about living in the Spokane area is the diversity of public lands, trails and wildlife habitat around the city that have been preserved for the future. One of the largest and closest of those urban wild areas—the Dishman Hills—offers miles of trails and a wilderness-like escape from our busy everyday lives, just minutes from downtown Spokane and Spokane Valley. This summer, prioritize some time getting to know this special place on your own or on a group hike or other event hosted by the natural area’s local grassroots advocate, the Dishman Hills Conservancy.
A Natural Haven Within City Limits
Rising up from the valley between the South Hill and Spokane Valley, the Dishman Hills Natural Area offers forest-covered hills and mountain-top views with dramatic basalt cliffs, streams and ponds that serve as a sanctuary for diverse bird and wildlife species, and miles of serene, flowy trails. Spanning over 3,200 acres, these protected public lands are jointly managed by the Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC), Spokane County Parks and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
This extensive urban wild area is made up of three distinct zones of public land: Dishman Hills Natural Area, Glenrose and Iller Creek. Together they feature over 20 miles of trails and multiple trailheads with many trails open to both hikers and mountain bikers and others designated for hiking or trail running only. With options ranging from peaceful strolls to challenging climbs, the Dishman Hills offers an urban escape for everyone from Strava-tracking mountain bikers to solitary bird watchers and strolling families.
Much of the lands people refer to as “the Dishman Hills” or “Iller Creek” are protected from development and open to the public, but there are also numerous privately-owned homes and undeveloped parcels throughout the area. This means trail users need to take care to stay on designated public trails and avoid trespassing on private lands. This mix of land ownerships is also a reminder of the ongoing opportunities for future generations of hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and rock climbers like you to not only explore and appreciate the Dishman Hills but also support the efforts of the non-profit Dishman Hills Conservancy to work with willing private land owners to protect additional properties for wildlife and future public access. Collaboration and public involvement are key to connecting and preserving enough of the Hills for wildlife and future generations.
Discover Nature’s Diversity
Dishman Hills is a local treasure trove of wildlife and natural wonder. The Iller Creek Conservation Area alone supports over 200 species of birds, insects, snakes, amphibians and mammals. This unique wildlife diversity means easy access to view a range of wildlife from porcupines, deer and raptors such as eagles and hawks to larger animals like elk, black bear and moose, a rare experience so close to a city.
The plant life is equally diverse. In the spring and early summer, wildflowers and blooming shrubs like arrowleaf balsamroot, shooting star, serviceberry and syringa paint the hillsides. This ecological richness makes the Dishman Hills both a peaceful retreat and an outdoor classroom where you can learn about native plants and ecosystems.
Protecting the Dishman Hills for Future Generations
The wild forests and trails we all benefit from today wouldn’t exist without the efforts of local residents who were passionate about protecting this unique place. Many of them joined together to create the Dishman Hills Conservancy—Washington State’s oldest land trust—which was founded in 1966 to permanently protect the Dishman Hills and connect people to nature through conservation, education and outdoor recreation. Today, that work is more relevant and important than ever as the Spokane area grows and urban development increasingly replaces once-wild natural areas and encroaches on protected areas.
Photo: Joan Rodman
Hike, Learn & Connect with the Dishman Hills Conservancy this Summer
This summer DHC is offering group hikes and other events designed to help you get to know the Dishman Hills. Outings are welcoming to newcomers, engaging for families and are an opportunity for you to deepen your connection with nature and like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Get out for some exercise and fresh air while exploring and learning about this special place and the important conservation work of the Dishman Hills Conservancy.
Summer 2025 Dishman Hills Events & Outings:
All events and outings are open to the public but pre-registration is often required. Check out the DHC events page for current event info and to register here: Dishmanhills.org/Events
Take a Hike with DHC on National Trails Day
Saturday, June 7, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Learn about plants and natural wonders on short hikes with WA Naturalists starting every 30 minutes.
Wildfire in Phillips Creek Hike
Thursday, June 12, 5:30 PM
Learn about the complex dynamics of wildfire in our forests.
Laughter Yoga with Ganna Ainsworth
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 – 11:00 AM
A unique way to smile, laugh and connect with others in the Dishman Hills.
Wildfire Walk in the Woods on a Wednesday
Wednesday, June 25, 5:30-7:30 PM
Learn about the complex dynamics of wildfire in our forests.
Exploring Microscopy with Kids in the Lab
Thursday, June 26
Get ready for an adventure at this two-hour Microscopic Plant and Animal Lab Event workshop, designed for 4th and 5th grade kids to learn about microscopes and cells, make your own slides and observe the natural world up close.
Dishman Hills Conservancy Annual Picnic
Thursday, June 26, 5-7 PM
Meet and share stories with other fans of the Dishman Hills and DHC members.
Songbird walk for Audubon Society Members
Saturday, June 28, 8:30-11 AM
Become an Audubon Society member if you aren’t already and join this outing to learn about and spot birds in the Dishman Hills.
Guided Nature Hike
Monday, June 30, 9:30-11:30 AM
Explore the Glenrose area with Washington Naturalist Marya Nowakowski.
Yoga In the Hills
Thursday, July 3, 6-7 PM
Connect to nature while you stretch outdoors in the Dishman Hills with local yoga instructor Stephanie Gronholz (free).
How to Get Involved with the Dishman Hills Conservancy
The future of the Dishman Hills and work of the Dishman Hills Conservancy depends on the next generation to get involved. There are many opportunities to to be a part of DHC’s work that includes land acquisition, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration and putting on educational programs like Kids in the Hills, which introduces local youth to ecology and outdoor discovery.
Getting involved is easy—and meaningful. Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Become a Member: A $50 annual donation gets you member benefits, including newsletters, special event invites and the satisfaction that you’re helping protect a cherished community natural area.
- Volunteer Your Time: Trail work, event support, and educational outreach all need helping hands. Whether it’s a one-time effort or a long-term commitment, your time goes a long way.
- Stay in the Loop: Sign up for DHC email newsletter and follow along on social media to stay informed about new trail openings, events and conservation successes.
Dishman Hills is more than just a beautiful place to hike. It’s a powerful example of how communities can come together to protect nature close to home. Lace up your boots or biking shoes and take a walk or ride in Spokane’s urban wilds. Then become a DHC member, attend an event or sign up to volunteer. The Dishman Hills Conservancy has made it easy to fall in love with this special place—and to help protect it for future generations.
