Not every winter day in the Inland Northwest is a snow day. In those in-between stretches—when the valleys are bare but the mountains are white—lower-elevation trails close to town can be the perfect fit: less driving, fewer variables, and easy to fit in a hike while it’s still light out. Here are several reliable, close-to-town options around the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas that can be great winter hiking options when there isn’t snow on the ground. If you venture out when there is snow or ice on the trails, be sure to take boot traction devices like Yak Trax, trekking poles or snowshoes depending on the snow depth and conditions.
Along the Centennial Trail in Riverside State Park. Photo: Derrick Knowles
Bowl and Pitcher, Riverside State Park (Spokane)
If you want a classic that feels like an actual “hike” without leaving town, start here. The Bowl and Pitcher loop is a short but scenic 2.1-mile route with river views, basalt outcroppings and the iconic footbridge over the Spokane River. A Discover Pass is required for parking. Tip for shoulder-season winter: if the trail is icy in the shade near the river, traction can make the walk immensely more safe and enjoyable. Learn more about trails around Riverside State Park here.
Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane Valley)
When the high country is socked in, the Dishman Hills can deliver quick forest strolls ponderosa pine forest and viewpoints that feel surprisingly wild for being on the edge of the city. Routes to destinations like Enchanted Ravine are short (2-miles round trip) and popular. Note that this natural area prioritizes wildlife and native plant preservation, and dogs must remain on a leash. This is one of the best places to catch a winter sunset on a clear day from a high point—just bring a headlamp for the hike back to your car.
When planning a winter hike, avoid muddy trails or trails transitioning between freezing and thawing when hikers can damage trails. Try hiking when trails are frozen or dry or choose trails with trails that drain better. Plan your Dishman Hills adventure here.
Saltese Uplands in late winter. Photo: Derrick Knowles
Saltese Uplands (Liberty Lake area)
Saltese is a strong winter pick when you want open views and a more “wide-sky” feel. The conservation area has more than 7 miles of trail exploring canyons and ridge tops, with views that can stretch toward Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane on clear days. Because it’s more exposed, it can dry out faster than shaded forest trails—but it can also be breezy, so layer up. Learn more about this Spokane County Conservation Futures area and trails here.
Slavin Conservation Area (southwest of Spokane)
For a mellow, low-elevation ramble with wetlands and a pine forest that attract many types of birds and waterfowl, Slavin is a great option. The Slavin Conservation Area is an expansive, rolling landscape with many trail options to create loops of varied length. It’s a nice option when you need to get out of the house in the winter and move your body in a beautiful place without committing to steep climbs and challenging trails. Find more info and a map here.
Post Falls Community Forest and Q’emiln Park (Post Falls)
Right across the Spokane River from Post Falls, this trail network offers lots of choose-your-own loops with river access, basalt rock features and a real “get out of town” feel without a long drive. This park and community forest is also a popular rock-climbing destination but come winter, hikers will generally have the trails to themselves. Find directions here.
Tubbs Hill (downtown Coeur d’Alene)
For a winter hike that pairs perfectly with coffee downtown, Tubbs Hill is hard to beat. It’s a 165-acre natural area owned and maintained by the City of Coeur d’Alene, with multiple access points and a trail around the perimeter. Enjoy views of downtown and Lake Coeur d’Alene on a loop around the hill or create your own extended hike incorporating other trails and loops. You can find a map of the trail system here.
Photo: Derrick Knowles
Check out more winter hike recommendations around the region here or read up on the recommended essentials for winter hiking.
