Nine Mile Falls: History, Rocks and Water

Nine Mile Falls can be explored through a wide range of topics: cultural history, distinctive geology, a long recreation trail and bodies of water, each with its own character.

Cultural History and Indigenous Perspectives

The Spokane House Interpretive Center in Nine Mile Falls offers insights into the culture of the local Indigenous people. Another historical connection is Spokane House: from 1810 to 1826, it was the site of a North West Company fur trading post. These two topics offer different ways to explore the area’s history—one focuses on the culture of the local Indigenous people, while the other examines a trading post with a clearly defined period of operation. For a trip that explores cultural questions as well as outdoor activities, they offer a distinct focus.

Geology at Bowl and Pitcher

At Bowl and Pitcher, the cliffs expose rounded pillow lavas surrounded by palagonite. Palagonite is altered volcanic glass—a specific geological detail that gives the rocks a distinctive description. Ice Age floods eroded the rocks in the Bowl and Pitcher area. This brings two aspects together: the exposed rock and erosion caused by floods. Those interested in natural history can reflect here on the materials and processes that shape a landscape.

A Long Trail and Different Bodies of Water

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail. This paved recreation trail is nearly 40 miles long and intended for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles. It runs from Sontag Park in Nine Mile Falls to the state line between Washington and Idaho. Its length conveys the scale of the entire trail, while the groups of users mentioned give an idea of its character. The trail can be a travel focus in its own right, alongside cultural history or a day by the water.

Nine Mile Recreation Area is a day-use area at the eastern end of Lake Spokane. It has a boat launch for motorized and non-motorized watercraft, as well as a designated swimming area. If you’re planning a water activity for a specific date, check the latest usage information in advance.

Different rules apply at Little Spokane River Natural Area: motorboats, bicycles, horseback riding, pets, swimming, and inner tubes or similar flotation devices are prohibited. Hikers must stay on designated trails. This makes the area quite different from Nine Mile Recreation Area, with its boat launch and swimming area. If a particular way of getting around or a water-related amenity is important to your trip, it’s worth comparing the two rather than treating them as interchangeable nature destinations.

Forest and Lake Landscapes as Another Contrast

McLellan Conservation Area is a 410-acre property with a ponderosa pine forest that extends into Long Lake. In contrast to the exposed pillow lavas at Bowl and Pitcher, the focus at McLellan Conservation Area is on the forest and lake.

When looking for a vacation rental in Nine Mile Falls, your planned travel focus can help guide your choice: Would you mainly like to explore cultural history and geology, make the trail a focus of its own, or compare the different bodies of water?

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