The best walks and hikes around Post Falls

Yes, there are over 35 designated hiking routes to explore around Post Falls. The trails range from easy riverside walks to more moderate climbs in the surrounding forests, offering plenty of variety for all skill levels.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained trail network that combines scenic riverside paths along the Spokane River with beautiful forested sections in the Post Falls Community Forest.

Absolutely. Falls Park is a popular choice for families, offering very short and accessible paths with great views of the dam. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the North Idaho Centennial Trail loop — Riverstone Park is a paved, flat trail that's perfect for a family outing.

Most trails in and around Post Falls are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash and you clean up after them. The extensive trail systems in Q'emiln Park and the Post Falls Community Forest are particularly popular with dog walkers.

For rewarding valley views, the trails that climb the hillsides in the Post Falls Community Forest are excellent choices. The Views from the ridge – Cliffs & rock formations loop from East Farms is a moderate hike that leads to scenic overlooks of the surrounding landscape.

While the region is known for the impressive Spokane River and the dam at Falls Park, natural waterfalls are not a prominent feature on the main hiking trails. The main attraction is the powerful flow of the river through the dam, which is best viewed from the trails in Falls Park.

Q'emiln Park and the Post Falls Community Forest have an interconnected network of over 10 miles of trails. Q'emiln Park provides lower-level access along the river, while the Community Forest trails climb the hillsides, offering a mix of easy walks and more strenuous climbs through ravines and forests. Trail maps are typically available at the main trailheads.

Yes, many trails are designed as loops. A great example is the Cliffs & rock formations – Views from the ridge loop from Post Falls. This route offers a varied experience through the Community Forest without having to backtrack.

Yes, winter hiking is possible, especially on the lower elevation trails. The paved North Idaho Centennial Trail is often a good choice. Higher trails in the Community Forest can be icy or snowy, so it's essential to wear appropriate footwear with good traction, such as microspikes, and check conditions before you go.

The natural areas around Post Falls are home to a variety of wildlife. It's common to see deer, squirrels, and a wide array of bird species, including eagles and ospreys near the Spokane River. While less common, be aware that larger animals like moose and black bears also inhabit the wider region.

The most popular starting points are Q'emiln Park, which offers access to a large network of trails, and Falls Park for shorter walks with views of the dam. Both are highly-regarded local spots with established trailheads. Black Bay Park is another excellent option for trails along the Spokane River.

Yes, the Prairie Trail is a long, paved path that offers a smooth surface for walking. The North Idaho Centennial Trail is another fantastic paved option that stretches for miles, providing scenic views along the Spokane River.