1-2 Hours
Hike the Sentinel Trail
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Located at Fort Spokane, this self-guided trail navigates to trailside markers telling the story of the people who lived and worked here in the late 1800s. For the adventurous, take the Bluff Trail 300 feet to the top of the bluff, with spectacular views of the fort grounds and the confluence of the rivers.
Explore the history of Fort Spokane via the Sentinel Trail. This trail takes the visitor to various stops and trailside markers to learn more about the people who lived and worked here in the late 1800s. Watch for remnants of buildings and other clues that tell the story of what a thriving settlement may have looked like. The Fort Spokane area marks a transition zone between two environments at Lake Roosevelt: the shrub-steppe desert and the more dense ponderosa pine forests. Branching off of the Sentinel Trail is the Bluff Trail. This section of trail climbs about 300 feet in elevation to the top of a bluff, which provides spectacular aerial views of the fort grounds and the confluence of the rivers. Remember to bring water along the trail and watch out for Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes that may be out and about in the warmer months. Stay on trail and be careful where you step.
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HikingTrailshikingtrailSentinel TrailFort Spokanemilitary historySoldier
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Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Fees Apply
No
Accessibility
The parade grounds portion is composed of compacted decomposed granite suitable for wheelchairs. The grade is relatively flat and is edged with wooden rails on the ground. The section that climbs to the bluff is very steep and strenuous as is the portions that leads up the hill from the campground and the day use area. After rain or snow melt, the parade ground route can be muddy, but should be passable. In the winter, trail can be hard-packed with ice and snow. Visitors are welcome to snowshoe or cross country ski the grounds during the winter.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed on trail with a 6-foot leash. Be cautious of hot summer conditions; keep your pets off hot surfaces, provide them with plenty of water, and watch out for rattlesnakes. Do not leave pets in vehicles unattended.
Reservations
No
Location
Fort Spokane Guardhouse