Steptoe Butte State Park---A View From Above

    

Panorama from the top of Steptoe Butte 

Shadow of the peak cast down below

     If you want to take a nice day trip within the Spokane, Washington area then Steptoe Butte State Park is regarded as a must visit.  Jutting outward of the beautiful Palouse landscape is a 3,612 foot bluff that still retains some of the oldest rocks in the region.  The park itself is about 150 acres, and is open from 6 a.m. to nightfall.  The lower park has some great barbecue braziers and picnic spots, while the spiraling drive to the top will lead to the immense landscapes and incredible views.  Some sources say you can see over 200 miles on a clear day. 

Deer are among the local wildlife

   

View overlooking the hills below

The sun had nearly dipped below the horizon

   These views have always been something people have been drawn to as the landmark has quite a bit of interesting social history as well as geologic history.  According to the Steptoe Butte State Park website, the quartzite butte was once known as Pyramid Peak, but later renamed after Colonel Edward J. Steptoe.  In the latter part of the 19th century, the land was purchased so a large motel could be built at the peak.  One of the most interesting tales state that there was a glass observatory placed at the very top of the two story hotel, and guests had claimed to be able to see the Cascade mountains during clear weather.  Much of this information can also be found within a very informative video posted here.
  The ancestral natives to the area also historically regarded the butte as a power mountain, and youths entering adulthood would journey up and around the butte for several days as part of their spirit quest.            

Orange and purple hues created by the setting sun

   Today, we are fortunate enough to be able to simply drive up the 3.5 mile road to reach the top with ease, but make sure you have either a Discover Pass or can cover the daily parking fee at one of the 2 pay stations.  It is only about an hour drive to the south of Spokane, and GPS makes it easy to find.  My personal recommendation would be to go and see the sunset, as the color changes are incredible during the evenings.  It is a good idea to take plenty of sunscreen, water, and food because none of that is accessible unless you drive to the nearest town.  Hope you enjoy your trip whenever you get to make the drive out there.

Another view of the color splashed sunset taken 7/14/2017

  

Taking in Turnbull

     Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is another of many great areas to explore in the Spokane area.  The refuge lies in an area encompassing over 18,200 acres of the Channeled Scablands.  Geographically named after the channels were carved out of the land during the Ice Age floods approximately 15,000 years ago according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  The wetlands within Turnbull are increasingly important to the waterfowl population in eastern Washington, because their numbers have dwindled in unprotected lands due to environmental degradation and general loss in bird numbers.  In fact, there are over 200 recorded bird species in Turnbull, and Fish & Wildlife statistics show the majority of the birds actively nesting there.

Cow Moose

     

Chipmunk

   Many other animals call this habitat a home as well, including small mammals like chipmunks.  The mammals come in more sizes than that, as badgers, deer, cougars, moose, etc. can be found wandering about during different times of the year.  The avian creatures seem to have majority rule here though, as they outnumber the land animals by a considerable margin.

Yellow Headed Blackbird

Owl

  Raptors and birds of prey can be seen if someone is fortunate enough to come across them.  Osprey, hawks, and even the occasional eagle or owl can be found silently gliding about or perched up in a tree or nest somewhere, but it seems the smaller birds are certainly more abundant.  A lot of these wonderful critters can be spotted along one of the many hiking trails Turnbull has to offer.

Deer

     The main path is a 5 and 1/2 mile route that can be driven, biked, or even hiked with safety precautions in mind.  There are several stops along this route that also have smaller hiking paths that kind of spider out.  Some of these paths lead to other areas, while others loop back around to the original starting point.  It's also important to note the cost involved according to the Washington Trails Association the cost is $3 daily per car between the months of March and October, or there is an annual pass for $15.  There is no cost between the months of November through February.  Hikers should take adequate precautions when considering insects as well, as mosquitoes, bees, and other biting or stinging bugs can be quite abundant depending on the time of year.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Red Dragonfly

     There are however a lot of nicer, more photogenic bugs to experience.  The Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly is a colorful beauty to find during an expedition, and dragonflies of all colors will certainly grace the path with their presence.  As beautiful as these bugs can be, they go right back into the food chain.  High numbers of insects (primarily during warmer months) ensures the waterfowl and bird populations can stay intact on the refuge.  After all, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 to help protect the wetlands that remained in the scabland territory, and help preserve as much of the regional and migratory bird population as possible.

Woodpecker

Geese

Saltese Uplands

View of Liberty Lake from the Saltese Uplands

     The Saltese Uplands Conservation Area is a great place to go for the hiking and mountain biking enthusiast.  Parking for the area is located along S Henry Rd. in Greenacres, Washington and the fun starts there.  Google Maps shows the best directions here.  Over 7 miles of trails are well cut and easy to follow, although it is a very sunny area with little shade.  There is minimal tree cover across the areas topography, so it might be a good idea to keep sun protection in mind.  The conservation area encompasses just over 550 acres, and trails take you from canyons to ridge tops.  The views are pretty breathtaking, and the area can quickly become a photographer's paradise.  Wildlife is said to be abundant, although I saw only landscapes during my first trip out there.

Panorama overlooking the flats around the Saltese Uplands

     According to The MTBProject, the main uplands loop has a great layout for bikers to hone their skills, although some areas will require riders to push uphill a bit.  The overall track is just over 5 miles, and slopes range from 5 to 12 percent grades.  The loop is also considered multi-purpose, meaning foot traffic and even some equestrian traffic is to be expected.  The altitude changes right around 660 feet from the lowest point to the highest, so it certainly provides a good workout.  

Rock stack along a trail

Two Rock stacks marking a trail

Throughout the trip a person may find one of several rock stacks that are placed around the area, which adds to the photographic value in my simple opinion.  They are also typically placed along the trails to help mark them possibly.
   

      Liberty Lake is one of a few great views, as people will be able to look back over Spokane Valley and Spokane off in the distance.  Mt. Spokane is also clearly visible when looking north, but the views of Liberty Lake and the Saltese Flats are something to behold in person.

 

James T. Slavin Conservation Area

   

     This short day trip takes us to James T. Slavin Conservation area.  Found at 12900 S Keeney Rd, Spokane, WA 99224, this little area has quite a bit to offer visitors.  It is a great hiking area with over 5 miles of trails to explore, and folks can also ride horses along some of the trails.  The trails are not very difficult, with minimal elevation gain.  This makes it a great place for people of all levels, and the total area is over 620 acres.  After a decent hike, you come upon a good size pond and marsh area.  This pond houses an abundance of ducks, geese, and other water fowl. 

  

     It is a good idea to keep in mind that insects frequent the area as well, so it might be a good idea to pack some spray and dress accordingly.  Dogs are allowed as long as they remain on a leash, but ticks can be pretty heavy, so make sure to check for them upon leaving the area.  It may be one of the more hidden area parks, as it is a few miles down U.S. 195.

      This conservation area is also included as part of local birding trails, as it ties in with the Palouse to Pines birding trail loop.  Local watchers and photographers will not be disappointed with the abundance of local birds.  Birds of prey and raptors can be found hovering up in the sky trying to find field mice and other rodents to eat.

      This park may be one of the little explored areas, and is extremely quiet and serene.  An individual may be able to become distracted by the orchestra of swans, geese, ducks, and other small tweeters.  It is the kind of place that when you go and sit for 30 minutes, you can easily get lost in thought for 30 more.  Any person could go here simply for a few hours of serenity, or make the best out of any fair weather day.
     For more information about the pond loop please visit the Washington Trails Association 
     Here is the Google Maps link to James T. Slavin Conservation Area