What is the Bluff?
Hundreds of people drive along High Drive on Spokane's South Hill every day, yet many are completely unaware of the 600 acres of Ponderosa Pine forests and bunchgrass meadows that thrive along a steep hillside below. This large area of natural land is known as "The Bluff."
With over 20 miles of trails, the bluff is the perfect spot for anything from a morning stroll to a grueling mountain bike ride. It is also an ideal location for trail-running, hiking, dog-walking, birding, and watching the sunset.
Friends of the Bluff is a non-profit organization that works under the authority of the City of Spokane Parks Department to maintain, protect and improve Spokane's High Drive Bluff. We are a sustainable, community-supported organization that - through education, outreach, and direct conservation efforts - ensures that the Bluff will always be a protected, healthy, and natural ecosystem, accessible to all who wish to respectfully enjoy it.
Through volunteer efforts and community partnerships, we organize trail maintenance, fire suppression, invasive plant management, tree planting, park cleanup, and naturalist events.
Friends of the Bluff is a non-profit organization that works under the authority of the City of Spokane Parks Department to maintain, protect and improve Spokane's High Drive Bluff. We are a sustainable, community-supported organization that - through education, outreach, and direct conservation efforts - ensures that the Bluff will always be a protected, healthy, and natural ecosystem, accessible to all who wish to respectfully enjoy it.
Through volunteer efforts and community partnerships, we organize trail maintenance, fire suppression, invasive plant management, tree planting, park cleanup, and naturalist events.
Who are the Friends of the Bluff?
On a Saturday in March 2026, 50+ volunteers planted 300 native-species shrubs to replace ground cover that had been eliminated during fire remediation work over the winter. Photo: Brad Thiessen
Get Involved
Volunteer
We are always looking for new volunteers! Learn more about the current opportunities and sign up here.
Join
Your small annual contribution will help support the bluff, while qualifying you for free Bluff Walks and our annual Member Appreciation Event. Learn more and donate here.
Observe and Report
If you see come across problems on the Bluff such as encampments or trash dumps (or even a stray vehicle - it happens!), report it directly to the City of Spokane through the service request form at https://myspokane311.my.site.com/citizen/s/. Provide as much location detail as you can. GPS location is ideal.
Lead a Bluff walk
Want to show a group of 5-20 fellow Bluff lovers a side of the Bluff you're passionate about, whether that's geology, wildlife, plant life, trail exploration, cell phone photography, art on the Bluff, or something else? Let us know here.
Upcoming Events
No events at the moment
If you have an event or program you'd like us to publicize that aligns with Friends of the Bluff's mission and core community base, apply here.
