Spokane, WA: Pine Lake Loop

Wander through an ornithologist’s dream on this 1.3-mile loop through a secluded wetland south of Spokane, Washington.

March 12, 2015 Paul Chisholm

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The lake is peaceful, but it’s far from quiet. Dozens of redwing blackbirds sing from their roosts amongst the reeds, filling the air with their distinctive call. A faint splash draws my eyes out to the lake, where a goose has flipped upside-down in the water and is searching for seeds and insects on the shallow lakebed. Walking further, I startle a pair of mallards from their resting spot on the shore and they tear across the lake, quacking loudly as they zealously beat the air with their short wings. I feel a bit like an uninvited guest at a social gathering—but that’s ok. I’ve never felt so comfortable being the odd duck at a party.

Hike Pine Lake Loop

Trip stats:
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: 30 feet
Time: 35 minutes

To the trailhead:
From Cheney, WA, head south on the Cheney-Plaza Road for 4.2 miles. Make a left on Smith Road, passing through the refuge entrance gate, and travel 1.4 miles to the signed trailhead on your left.

Turn by turn:
1) Cross to the south side of the road and pick up the trail.
2) Make a right at the junction with the Headquarters Trail at mile 0.1.
3) Follow the path until it intersects with the 0.7–mile loop around Middle Pine Lake at mile 0.3.
4) Complete the loop in either direction; return the way you came in.

Season:
Year-round

Red tape:
A $3/car entrance fee applies March-October. The refuge is only open to visitors during daylight hours (varies with season).

Contact:
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, (509) 235-4723