Palisades Park

Palisades Park sits along the western edge of Spokane on a formation of columnar basalt that drops sharply into Indian Canyon. The rimrock trails are flat and wide, following old roads through ponderosa savanna with views north to Mount Spokane and the Selkirk Range. Below the rim, steeper single-track descends into the canyon past seasonal wetlands, wildflower meadows, and exposed rock faces.

The main draw is Indian Canyon Falls, best seen during spring runoff when snowmelt pushes water over the basalt ledges. By midsummer the falls slow to a trickle, but the canyon stays cool under tree cover. A geology group called Friends of Palisades leads walks through the lower canyon and down to Mystic Falls, which is worth the extra scramble if you are comfortable on uneven terrain.

Palisades works year-round. Spring brings the best waterfalls and wildflowers. Fall foliage lights up the canyon. Winter visitors can observe ice formations on the falls. The upper Rimrock Drive loop is gentle enough for strollers and young kids, while the canyon trails below add enough elevation and rough footing to make a proper afternoon outing.