The Friends of the Bluff has been working with the City of Spokane on getting additional access to the Bluff just south of the Rocket Market. There is a 30-foot right-of-way just north of the golf course gated community called Manito Place. This access point is just above the upper trail at the Rocket Gulch. It is about 1.5 miles between the 57th trailhead and the Manito Boulevard trailhead. This trail access point is almost exactly in the middle of this expanse. The map to the right gives you an idea of the existing trail network.

 

When Friends of the Bluff first brought up the possibility of a new trail access point to the city there was a tall fence blocking passage. This fence was removed in mid-2017 and some adventurous hikers are now walking down a steep slope to the trails. Friends of the Bluff wants to see this access improved so it is safe and usable.

 

A set of steps on the steepest section of the embankment is needed, so Friends of the Bluff hired AHBL to design a sustainable, reliable long-term plan. These plans are currently awaiting approval from the city. Once approved, Friends of the Bluff will begin fundraising and planning for the project. We are working closely with the City, the Parks Department, and the adjoining property owners to find a solution that will provide access and minimize the impact on the neighbors.