WHERE WE WORK
It's in our nature
Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve
*Note: Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve will temporarily close July 15-August 15 (projected) for the Floodplain Restoration Project. Learn more about the Project here and stay tuned for progress updates.
Waikiki (or “spouting water”) Springs rests on the banks of the Little Spokane River. The 95-acre Nature Preserve is adjacent to Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife property of the same name. It is named for the myriad springs that flow from the hillside, into the river, keeping it a moderate temperature year-round. The vegetation along the riverbanks shade the water from the elements and create ideal habitat for local fish. In the intricate food web, these fish draw many other plants and animals. A bald eagle’s nest is visible from the Preserve and it is frequented by deer, coyotes, beavers, moose and many more.
Trail Details
Under INLC’s management and ownership, this property is open for the enjoyment of this community. Discover passes are required.
WDFW Trail = 0.9 miles (easy)
Aster Trail = 0.7 miles (easy)
Eagle Trail = 1.0 miles (easy)
Granite Trail = 1.3 miles (moderate)
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100 ACRES
of community recreation, wetland protection, wildlife habitat, and healthy native plants.
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COLD CLEAR AQUIFER
waters provide vital habitat in a warming climate
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SALMON INTRODUCTION
in two miles of the Little Spokane River strengthens the resilience of the ecosystem
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VITAL HABITAT
for eagles, moose, heron, cougar, beaver, and many more animals
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RECREATION EXPANSION
including hiking, trail running, birding, and connection to nature
Waikiki Springs Fall Plantings
Want to help improve the health of the Little Spokane River? Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and The Lands Council will be partnering up this fall to plant thousands of native trees, plants, and shrubs at Waikiki Springs. This will help improve the health of the riverbed and ecosystem. Sign up to be the first to know when registration goes live for the fall planting events.
Take a birds-eye view of Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve and take in the Little Spokane River and the beauty of this property.
Thanks to partners Spokane Tribe of Indians and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Tribal Fisheries released 51 adult Chinook salmon into the Little Spokane River in Waikiki Springs.
A Community Conservation Story
Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve exists because a community decided this place was worth saving. When Fairwood neighborhood residents grew concerned that beloved open space along the Little Spokane River was about to be sold for residential development, INLC stepped in. With the property already platted for housing, INLC saw a bigger opportunity — and with strong community support, secured funding and purchased nearly 100 acres in October 2020. In the years since, that same community has continued to show up: volunteers have joined INLC staff for stewardship work parties, built sustainable trails, and welcomed local school groups for hands-on learning. What started as a neighborhood effort has grown into a living conservation area that belongs to everyone.
Waikiki Springs Stewardship Care
- Forest Management & Restoration
- Building & Maintaining Sustainable Trails
- Riverbank Rehabilitation
- Planting Healthy Native Trees and Shrubs
- Wildfire Prevention & Fuels Reduction
Issue Report Form
Local residents and users of Waikiki Springs should use this form to report issues seen on the property from vandalism, trash dumping, improper use of the preserve and all other issues. The goal is to streamline the reporting process for the quickest action from Conservancy staff and the authorities.
Click the button below for a list of prohibited activities and to submit a report. We encourage you to provide photos if you have them.
Thank you for working to keep the preserve both beautiful and safe for all to enjoy.
Waikiki Springs Partners
Spokane Tribe of Indians
This land was once a gathering place for the Tribe and remains critical to native plants and animals.
Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW)
WDFW manages adjacent recreation property and the trailhead.
Clearwater Paper
Clearwater Paper generously funded stewardship and care of the Nature Preserve through a $20,000 grant used to fund equipment, noxious weed removal, native plant restoration, and community engagement.
Fairwood Farmers Market
The local community rallied around the protection of this beautiful urban oasis.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
Supports Waikiki Springs with assistance in improving wildlife habitat and improvements to the land and water.
Waikiki Springs Blog Posts
Step by Step
Join us for the 2026 City Nature Challenge
A Legacy of Care: Randy Mickelsen’s Gift to Future Generations
For longtime Spokane resident and retired educator Randy Mickelsen, nature has always been more than scenery – it’s been a place of peace and reflection. Randy’s connection to nature began decades ago at Waikiki Springs before the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) acquired the property. Born and raised in Spokane,
A Tale of Two Eagles: Nature’s Resilience at Waikiki Springs
Article and photos by Carrie Dugovic, Conservancy Volunteer Driving on North Mill Road near Fairwood and Mead High School, one would never expect that a left turn into a neighborhood would lead to a captivating, peaceful, and gorgeous walk through the Little Spokane River Valley. A friend invited me to