Dishman Hills Conservation Area - Flying L Trail

The Flying L Trail climbs from the Phillips Creek trailhead through open Ponderosa pine forest on the eastern edge of Spokane Valley. The lower stretch follows a year-round creek past remnant apple orchard trees, relics of the homestead era, before the trail breaks into open hillside with views east toward the Spokane Valley floor.

The Ponderosa pines here grow in classic savanna spacing, widely separated with bunchgrass understory that erupts in spring wildflowers. Grass widows, balsamroot, and lupine color the slopes from late February through May, often weeks earlier than western Washington wildflower seasons. The open canopy and south-facing aspect create warm, dry conditions that support species more typical of the Palouse steppe than the Inland Northwest forests.

The trail connects to the larger Dishman Hills network at its upper end, joining the Glenrose Trail and the newer Inside Passage Trail for loop options of varying length. The 2025 Keystone Property acquisition extended connectivity into the Dishman Hills Natural Area, opening new routing possibilities. The trail corridor passes through a narrow easement between private properties in one section. Stay on the marked trail to respect adjacent landowners.