Glen Tana to add public lands and trails to Riverside State Park
By Carol Corbin
Cover photo courtesy of Carol Corbin
Why are there so many people on my trail? Ever had that thought creep in as you’re lacing up your trail runners, clicking into your pedals, or setting off with a fly rod in hand? Out here in the still-wild Inland Northwest, we’ve long enjoyed the quiet thrill of having a trail, a river, or a ridge seemingly to ourselves. No endless parking lot loops, no Instagram-famous switchbacks packed shoulder-to-shoulder—just space, sky, and the rhythm of your own breath.
But even here, the word’s getting out. And with fewer than 10% of Spokane County’s lands open to the public, we’re already feeling the squeeze. As more people fall in love with this place (and who can blame them?), the pressure on our public lands is growing fast.
Thankfully, land management agencies—State Parks, County and City Parks, BLM, DNR, US Fish and Wildlife, and WDFW—are working to keep wild places wild and accessible. But they can’t do it alone. They rely on community muscle—from volunteer trail builders with Washington Trails Association and Evergreen East to the stewardship of everyday hikers, bikers, and boaters who treat the land like it’s home. Because it is.
And that’s where Inland Northwest Land Conservancy comes in. Over the past few years, we’ve rolled up our sleeves for projects that give outdoor lovers more room to roam: linking Riverside State Park to Palisades through Rimrock to Riverside, expanding the trails and terrain of Saltese Uplands, securing access on Beacon Hill, and protecting Waikiki Springs—aka “the Switchbacks”—for hikers, families and river lovers.
1,000 Acres of Future Public Land and Trails Coming Soon
Now, we’re stepping into our biggest adventure yet. Last year, the Conservancy acquired Glen Tana—1,000 acres of ponderosa forest, basalt cliffs, and sweeping river views just upstream from Waikiki Springs. Once it’s transferred to Washington State Parks, this land will become part of a major Riverside State Park expansion, opening up miles of new trails and more intimate access into the Little Spokane River Valley.
While the land is temporarily closed as trail plans are finalized and long-term stewardship gets set, the vision is clear: protect the wildlife-rich heart of Glen Tana while giving people unforgettable ways to explore, recharge, and reconnect.
A Conservation Dream Realized—With More Work Ahead
Thanks to hundreds of local outdoor lovers, the capital campaign to secure Glen Tana for future generations is now complete—raising over $4 million to protect this extraordinary landscape. But our work doesn’t stop here. Your continued support fuels projects just like Glen Tana—projects that preserve wild places, expand public access and keep the Inland Northwest wild and welcoming.
If you love wildflowers underfoot, river bends that reveal herons or moose, quiet singletrack through towering pines or just having one more place to breathe deeply and move freely—your gift today helps make sure there’s always another place like Glen Tana to protect. Support the next conservation success by giving to Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. Big or small, every donation helps keep the trail ahead wide open.
Glen Tana Isn’t Open to the Public Just Yet
Join a guided hike to get a sneak-peak of this incredible place
We know there’s nothing more exciting than new trails, and we thank our community for respecting the private ownership of Glen Tana. Want a sneak peek before State Parks takes over ownership and management? Sign up for a guided hike at InlandNWLand.org/events. Our small but dedicated staff and volunteer crew who work tirelessly to care for this huge and beautiful place thank you for staying on public lands and trails!
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