The Iller Creek area is definitely a must see in the Spokane area. This is my favorite short hike for grand view overlooking the rolling hills of the Palouse!
Okay, so here are the fast facts:
Distance: 2.5 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 600 ft
Rating: Easy/Moderate
Parking: Steven’s Creek parking lot, dirt but maintained
Toilets: Porta Potty
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this trail on a leash
Fees: None!
Features: “Big Rock” which is a giant boulder that extends 230 feet from the ground, another large rock with a hole through it, and of course the views of Spokane Valley
What makes this exciting: It’s a short easy hike with great views. This is a popular climbing destination but also, if you are able bodied, careful, and with good conditions, you can, without climbing gear, make it to the top of one of the rocks to get an even better view.
How to get there: From I-90, take Argonne Road exit 287. Drive south on Argonne Road. Continue past Sprague Avenue onto Dishman-Mica Road and follow it for 7.3 miles to the intersection with SR-27. Turn right on SR-27 and go south for 2.7 miles. Turn right onto the Palouse Highway and follow 4.9 miles to the intersection with Stevens Creek Road. Turn right on Stevens Creek Road and follow 2.4 miles to the parking area.
How to not go the wrong way: Once at the parking lot, continue on foot up the road (signs are there to help guide you). Follow the dirt road, walk around the road closed gate, and continue for a quarter of a mile. You will reach a large opening with 3 "forks". Take the left most fork. There is a sign post on the left hand side next to the path you want to stick to. You will reach the Rocks of Sharon less than a mile in.
The middle fork (which has a quick steady incline) was the original way up to the Rocks of Sharon until the switchback trail was created (left most fork). Pick your poison! We did the switchbacks up and then took the steeper (and quicker) route back down. Although our knees were complaining by the end!
The only disclaimers I have are: Bug spray!!! The flies were pretty annoying for us.
This is an incredible less-known area of Spokane to get amazing views of the Palouse and can be accessed year-round.
