Inland Northwest Trails Coalition

04/30/2026

Spokane County's Comprehensive Plan update will guide development and conservation protection for the next 20 years. There will be opportunities to speak to your interest at a workshop on April 30. The Spokane County Planning Commission will hold the workshop on the Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM in the Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway Ave.

While many parts of the somewhat wonky-sounding “comprehensive plan” update for Spokane County have been in the works for months (in some cases, years), efforts are ramping up in earnest,

04/04/2026

SAVE THE DATE PlanSpokane 2046 Public Hearing at 2 pm on April 14, 2026 at City Council chambers. The preferred alternative doesn’t protect the dwindling natural areas as higher density development is encouraged even in critical natural places. The focus groups and public comments resoundingly show Spokane wants to preserve, restore, and expand nature for wildlife habitat, mental health, nature education and recreation. Let us know what you think.

IN PERSON: 2 pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at City Council Chambers. Ask for more natural area protection in the Preferred Alternative.
EMAIL written comments to the Plan Commission at [email protected] by 10 a.m. on April 14, 2026 to ensure commissioners have enough time to review.

This story map provides background on the City of Spokane PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic Update and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

03/23/2026

Vote for the Centennial Trail!

The Spokane River Centennial Trail has been nominated as a 10Best Recreational Trail by USA Today . . . and we need YOUR help to make sure it's celebrated as one of the top 10 winners!

Help the Trail get recognized by voting (once per day!) at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/spokane-river-centennial-state-park-trail-spokane-valley-washington/. Voting ends Monday, April 6th at 11:59am EDT.
Vote Now!
Riverfront Park was also nominated for Best Riverwalk, so you can vote for the park here: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/riverfront-park-spokane-spokane-washington/

What was formerly a railway yard is now 100 acres of an urban escape along the pretty Spokane River. Highlights include a winter ice-skating area, a SkyRide aerial cable car above Spokane Falls, a hand-carved carousel, and an abundance of playgrounds, basketball courts, and open-air concerts.

01/09/2026

The City of Spokane is now seeking applicants for a Park Board position that begins as early as February 2026. This volunteer position has a term of five years, with an option to serve a second five-year term.
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online, and the position will remain open until filled.
The Park Board is designated by City Charter as an independent body of city residents responsible for policy and fiduciary oversight of Parks & Recreation.
Candidates must reside within city limits. Ideal candidates should be actively involved in community organizations and possess a broad understanding of the City’s recreational needs and interests. In addition to being engaged in the community, candidates should be prepared to make decisions regarding budget and policy.
The average monthly time commitment is approximately 12 hours. The position is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
“The City of Spokane Park Board plays an important role in shaping spaces where our community connects. The dedication of its members makes a real difference, and I am looking forward to welcoming the next person who wants to help guide the future of our parks,” said Mayor Lisa Brown.
Background
The Spokane Park Board was created in 1910 and granted power by Article V of the City Charter to layout, establish, purchase, procure, accept, and have the care, management, control, and improvement of all parks grounds and parkways controlled by the City of Spokane and used for park purposes.

The position opens in February 2026.

11/25/2025

Check out the story about the Stairs the Friends of the Bluff had built.

11/22/2025

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/backcountry-film-festival--2025

04/01/2025

Pending is being considered for a statewide network of connected bike trails.

The Legislature is poised to spend millions to connect bike trails around the state. The plan takes inspiration from the Interstate Highway System and similar cycle highway networks elsewhere.

03/26/2025

Spokane County Parks is conducting a survey of Spokane County citizens about the most pressing issues related to adequate park facilities and access. This survey includes 30 questions and is meant to gather park user information about access barriers, desired facility upgrades and typical park use.

2026 General Survey Questions.

08/24/2024

Wonderful time of year to go to Mt. Spokane. Download a map before you go...

Secret to Find Huckleberries: They are everywhere at Mt. Spokane, just go.

08/24/2024

Petrichor: A walk in a natural area after a rain on dry soil reveals a distinctive scent called petrichor. This evening's shower has triggered the chemical process aerosolizing the geosmin produced by soil bacteria (Actinobacteria).

We know the scent signals fresher air and greener plants.

As I crossed High Drive to the Bluff, the oily sheen and detergent suds were noticeable with a less desirable smell. So go a little beyond the pavement to a natural area to experience the ethereal Petrichor.

Photograph by Jeff Lambert, August 23, 2024