ILLER CREEK & ROCKS OF SHARON LOOP
Distance: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1200 ft
Dog Friendly: Yes
Discover Pass Required: No
Getting There: From I-90 east, take the Sprague Ave exit 285. Follow Appleway to Dishman-Mica Road and turn right, driving approximately 2.8 miles. Turn right at the Schafer Road stoplight and then right again at stop sign on 44th Avenue for another 0.2 miles. Turn left on Farr Road, continue to stop sign. Turn right on Holman Road, drive 0.75 miles to switchback (Holman becomes Rockcrest). Park on right before the switchback at the entrance to the Conservation Area. The Iller Creek Conservation Area is on both the right and left of the creek.
Tips: Bring bug spray and be sure to hydrate!
Iller Creek has become increasingly popular over the last few years and it's understandable why. In a mere five miles you'll follow a trail that begins in thick, lush forest along the creek, then opens into views and multitudes of wildflowers, then the Rocks of Sharon with views across the Palouse. Old abandoned cars appear out of nowhere (seriously though...how did they get up there?!) and as you head back down the landscape changes again to one like you'd find in a western desert with views of the Spokane Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife. I've encountered a moose, porcupine and many different birds on the trail. Every season brings something different to the Iller Creek Trail - give it a shot in the winter with your snowshoes!
A must-do if you live in the Spokane area.