Trail closed July 15–August 15 as crews excavate decades of fill to restore nearly 10 acres of natural wetland along the Little Spokane River
Inland Northwest Land Conservancy’s Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve is getting a major ecological upgrade.
Beginning July 15, INLC, in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, will temporarily close the preserve trail through August 15 as restoration crews begin work on the Waikiki Springs Floodplain Restoration Project.
What’s Happening?
The project targets a stretch of the Little Spokane River floodplain that has been buried under tons of rock and gravel fill since the 1990s. That material was originally placed to cap old sewage settling ponds, and it has sat there ever since — dense, weed-choked, and preventing the river from spreading naturally across its floodplain. The result has been a corridor with far less habitat value than it could offer.
During the closure, crews will use heavy equipment to remove that fill and restore nearly 10 acres to natural wetland. The work zone runs directly through the preserve trail, so the closure is a matter of public safety while that machinery is on-site.
Waikiki Springs will be closed at the bridge, which will not impact the trailhead entrance on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s side of the property.
What Comes Next?
Once construction wraps up, the restored floodplain will be replanted with thousands of native trees, shrubs, and plants — species chosen to support the birds, pollinators, and wildlife this corridor is known for.
You’re Invited to Support this Project!
INLC is partnering with The Lands Council to plan volunteer work parties this fall to plant native trees and shrubs throughout the restored area. Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens.
Visit our Waikiki Springs website page for project updates and trail reopening news, and check out the story published in the Spokesman Review.
Thanks for your patience during this closure. We can’t wait to welcome you back to a wilder, healthier Waikiki Springs!