Responsible Trail Use in the Face of COVID-19: A Message from Spokane County Parks

Area trailheads and trail systems are receiving record use due to the impacts of COVID-19. While you continue to get out and enjoy these beautiful places, we encourage you to do your part to ensure these areas continue to provide positive experiences for you and our neighbors by adhering to the following: (For the most up-to-date information from Spokane County Parks & Recreation, visit their web site.)

• Hike, bike or ride local. To do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19, please consider using parks or trails that are within walking distance of your house before getting into your vehicle and driving to a trailhead.

Should you make the decision to drive to one of our trailheads, please consider the following:

• Know before you go. Please check out Spokane County’s Trailhead Webcams (click here) before you head out. Pick the trailhead that’s the least busy and enjoy!
• Plan ahead. Create a back-up option before you head out. That way, if you arrive at a trailhead that’s full, you have another option!
• Don’t get creative. If a trailhead parking lot is full, please do not try and create your own parking spot. This can negatively impact emergency vehicle access and neighbors.
• Be thoughtful. In many cases, you’re driving through neighborhoods to get to these trailheads. Please drive like it’s your neighborhood. Follow the speed limit and slow down to limit dust.
• Be safe and keep others safe. While you’re enjoying the great outdoors, please be sure to practice adequate physical distancing (6’ apart) on the trail to lower the risk of transmission. Don’t linger at viewpoints or trailheads if adequate distancing can’t be maintained.

Please stay at home if you are sick!

Consider some of these ideas, right in your own backyard, from the National Wildlife Federation. Email us at communications@inlandnwland.org with your favorite stay-at-home nature idea and we might feature it on our social media!