Nine Mile Falls: Cultural History and Nature

When planning a stay in Nine Mile Falls, you can weigh different themes against one another: cultural history, geology, a long paved route, and designated areas by the water. The sites differ both in what they show and in the rules that apply there. In natural and waterfront areas in particular, it is worth considering the specific location together with the activity you have in mind.

Cultural History in Nine Mile Falls

The Spokane House Interpretive Center in Nine Mile Falls offers insights into the culture of the local Indigenous population. It also presents the history of Spokane House as a fur-trading post of the North West Company: the post was located there from 1810 to 1826. This period places its historical role in context. For thematic planning, you can distinguish between two perspectives: the culture of the local Indigenous population and the fur trade in the history of Spokane House.

Geology at Bowl and Pitcher

The cliffs at Bowl and Pitcher expose rounded pillow lavas surrounded by palagonite. Palagonite is altered volcanic glass. In addition, Ice Age floods eroded the rocks in this area. These two geological aspects complement each other: the description of the cliffs identifies the exposed rock and its surroundings, while the floods explain a process that eroded the rocks. If you are interested in how landscapes form, these details lead to two specific questions: What materials make up the cliffs, and how has water changed the rocks?

The Spokane River Centennial Trail

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. It is just under 40 miles long, paved, and intended for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. It runs from Sontag Park in Nine Mile Falls to the Washington–Idaho state line. Its length, surface, and intended user groups give you concrete points of comparison with other priorities in your trip planning. The stated length describes an extensive recreational trail; it does not indicate the difficulty or walking time.

Water Areas and Different Usage Rules

At the eastern end of Lake Spokane is the Nine Mile Recreation Area, a day-use area. It has a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, as well as a designated swimming area. These features set it apart from the Centennial Trail: here, the focus is on the boat launch and swimming area rather than trail length and a paved surface.

The Little Spokane River Natural Area has its own important restrictions: motorboats, bicycles, horseback riding, pets, and swimming are prohibited. Inner tubes and similar flotation devices are also not permitted. Hikers must stay on designated trails. These rules clearly distinguish the area from a day-use area with a boat launch and swimming area. If you are comparing the two water areas by possible activities, be sure to take these different rules into account.

Discover more destinations: Mead, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Spokane, Mica, Cheney, Liberty Lake

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