Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve

In the fall of 2020, thanks to the taxpayers of Washington, dedicated elected officials, and active community support, the Conservancy purchased this preserve along the Little Spokane River to protect it for wildlife, native fish habitat, and the enjoyment of the public for generations to come.

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A River Runs Through It: And People Too

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.

Under Inland Northwest Land Conservancy’s ownership and management, this property will be open for the enjoyment of the community and accessible through the WDFW parking lot detailed below. Discover passes are required for this trailhead.

Read more about WSNP here.

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Salmon Swim Again

Thanks to a growing partnership among Spokane Tribe of Indians, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Tribal Fisheries was able to release 51 adult Chinook salmon into the Little Spokane River in the Waikiki Springs Wildlife Area. Learn more here.

We take our responsibility of ownership and management at Waikiki Springs very seriously.  After consulting with experts in forest management, wildlife habitat, water resource management, and cultural history, we have created an extensive, multi-year management plan for the area that will help restore areas that have been damaged by overuse. This involves removing unhealthy trees and undergrowth, closing off damaging social trails, building sustainable trails that resist erosion, rehabilitating the riverbanks, and planting healthy native trees and shrubs. This page will soon contain more information about the long-term management plan for this beautiful natural space, but for now, rest assured that we are working on behalf of the whole community, particularly plants and animals, to make this area the best it can be.

If you’d like to receive updates about our work in the Preserve, you can subscribe here. This subscription is only for Waikiki Springs updates and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Waikiki Springs Issue Report

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.

Submit Report Here

First People

The Spokane Tribe and Salmon

Waikiki Springs: First People

Geology of Waikiki

Gneiss Rocks

Waikiki Springs: Gneiss Rocks

Ice Age

Formed by Floods

Waikiki Springs: Ice Age Floods

The Little Spokane

A Healing River

Waikiki Springs: A Healing River

Who lives here?

Wild Residents of Waikiki

Waikiki Springs: Habitat

Nature's Humans

Are we helping our hurting?

Waikiki Springs: Nature’s Humans

Partners Who Helped to Make This Possible

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

WDFW manages adjacent recreation property and the trailhead.

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Spokane Tribe of Indians

This land was once a gathering place for the Tribe and remains critical to native plants and animals.

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Clearwater Paper

Clearwater Paper generously funded ongoing stewardship and care of the Nature Preserve through a $20,000 grant in 2o23 that is being used to fund equipment, noxious weed removal, native plant restoration, and community engagement through our Volunteer Land Stewards program and ongoing work parties.

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Fairwood Farmers Market

The local community rallied around the protection of this beautiful urban oasis.

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