Iller Creek Trail of Dishman Hills Conservation Area sits in the heart of Spokane, Washington. Meanwhile, the five-mile, mixed-use trail in this popular hiking area leads to the notable Rocks of Sharon. Best of all, the hike offers vast views of Spokane Valley.
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Iller Creek Trail at a Glance
Access: Iller Creek Trailhead
Round Trip: 4.8 miles
Elevation Range: 2380′-3225′
Gear: none
GPS track: not available
The Preface
Our trip to Wy’East Mountain last weekend was a success. Then this week, I boarded the dog and drove out to the Spokane area. Iller Creek Trail was the highlight of the otherwise lackluster visiting trip.
It was a quiet walk on a sunny day. But my mind was on the Cascades the whole time. Part of me wished I had taken up the offer from friends to climb in the mountains. Alas, I couldn’t have my cake and eat it too!
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Hiking the Iller Creek Trail
I arrived at the trailhead to a handful of cars. It could either be the early hours or the cold temperatures. But it felt hushed for an easily accessible and heavily trafficked trail, according to online reports.
The flat trail followed the dry creek bed on the west. Then it crossed to the east in the forest and continued south while climbing a moderate incline. Later the path crossed the creek again below the hills.
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The Big Rock of Rocks of Sharon
The windy trail went up the northeast-facing ridge to 3100′. There I had my first glimpse of the rocks across the basin. Shortly, the path moved southeast to the Big Rock area while bypassing Point 3662.
Along the way on the ridge were several stone features. I didn’t look closely, but they seemed excellent for sports climbing. Soon, views expanded after taking Rocks of Sharon Trail up to the top.
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Big Rock Summit Views
Other than the two hikers I passed earlier as they made their way down, no one was around. It was surprising to be alone at this popular spot. I somehow had the image of a crowded summit.
Without a trail to Big Rock, reaching the top involved a bit of exposure. Even with the morning haze, views to the south were excellent. The place overlooked the vast plains and perhaps Idaho on a clear day.
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Outro
The forested summit didn’t offer a decent view. But I peeked through branches to get a glimpse of the east. My first time hiking in the Spokane area, so none of the adjacent hills looked familiar.
On the way back, I went down the north ridge through grassy terrain. Then I was able to see the full view of Spokane Valley. Soon, the trail moved down to Iller Creek before reaching the trailhead.
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