John H. Shields Park

Park Overview

Positioned on the north side of Upriver Drive near Spokane's Upriver Dam lies John H. Shields Park, a 26-acre natural haven that locals often refer to as Minnehaha Rocks. This joint venture between Spokane County and the City of Spokane has an interesting origin story - the western 13 acres were purchased back in 1986 when the Spokane Mountaineers and other outdoor groups pooled their funds together.

Over the years, the park has grown to connect with the broader Beacon Hill Trail System, giving you access to a whopping 27+ miles of interconnected trails to explore. It's essentially a wilderness area right at the edge of the city.

Recreational Activities

Rock climbing is one of the main attractions here. The impressive Minnehaha Rocks that tower over the parking area are a magnet for climbers of all skill levels. Not your thing? No worries - the park is a good trailhead for both hiking and mountain biking. You can opt for a gentle, low-elevation stroll or challenge yourself with a more demanding trek up to the communication towers perched atop Beacon Hill.

The Centennial Trail is also accessible from here, offering a smooth, paved path that hugs the Spokane River. The river views are particularly nice when the seasons change.

If you're into more niche outdoor pursuits, the park's rugged terrain makes for some excellent RC rock crawling spots. Fishing enthusiasts can cross the street to cast a line in the river, and wildlife watchers might catch glimpses of small creatures going about their day in this natural setting.

Amenities

The park has a good-sized parking lot, so finding a spot usually isn't an issue. Clean restrooms can be found just east of where you park - always a plus when you're planning to spend a few hours outdoors.

While you won't find designated picnic areas or playground equipment here, there are plenty of flat spots great for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a casual outdoor meal. Trash cans are scattered throughout, making it easy to keep this beautiful space clean for everyone.

Trail System

One of the best things about John H. Shields Park is how its trail system caters to just about everyone. Whether you're looking for an intense cardio session or just want to stretch your legs and clear your mind, you'll find a path that fits your mood among the varied terrain.

Dog owners particularly appreciate the diversity of routes for walking their four-legged friends. Just keep in mind that unless your dog is exceptionally well-trained, keeping them leashed is a good idea - the thick brush can make it challenging to find pets that decide to go exploring on their own.

Future Developments

Exciting changes are on the horizon as part of the "Make Beacon Hill Public - Phase 2" project. Plans include expanding the parking areas, adding a children's play area, paving existing trails, and building a concrete staircase to better connect the adaptive trails with the rock-climbing area. These improvements should make the park even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Visitor Information

You can visit the park daily from 5 AM to 11 PM. While it's generally a safe place to enjoy nature, it's worth being mindful of your belongings, as there have been occasional reports of car break-ins. And like many urban parks, you might encounter some litter in certain areas, so wearing appropriate footwear is always a good idea.