Q'emiln Park - Purple Circle Trail, ID

Overview: Q'emiln Park and the Post Falls Community Forest share a small network of trails along the south side of the Spokane River. All the trails are well-marked, and it is easy to create numerous loop options within the trail system. The area is also popular for rock climbing, fishing, and water recreation.


Hike: The Purple Circle trail can be accessed from trailheads at either end of the trail--Q'emiln (pronounced ka-mee-lin) Park at the east end, or Post Falls Community Forest at the west end. This guide is written from east to west, starting from Q'emiln. The trail begins at the northwest corner of the parking lot, and is marked with purple circles every few hundred feet. Some markers are on posts, and others are fastened to trees, but they are generally easy to spot. The trail starts off following a black chain link fence, and the south fork of the Spokane River is below you. The south dam is also clearly visible as you hike past it.At about 0.10 miles, there is a side trail leading down towards the river, and a bolted climbing wall. Checking this area out is worth the short side trip. The main trail is the left fork and is signed with the ever-present purple circles. The trail winds through the rocks and seems to end at a rock outcropping--curve left around these rocks, using caution on the edge, and follow the trail south towards another large climbing wall. At the wall, the trail crosses a bridge, continues south for a short distance, then turn right and heads towards the northwest. As you approach the river, the trail makes a series of steep climbs and drops before finally leveling off just above the water.

The next 1.50 miles or so is easy hiking, generally paralleling the south bank of the Spokane River. There are numerous places to leave the main trail and walk down to the water. The powerhouse is clearly visible across the river. And you'll pass the remnants of an old tower of some sort at the edge of the water. Later, you'll pass what's left of a cable car platform. All junctions with other trails are clearly marked.

At about 2.25 miles, the trail leaves the edge of the river and turns uphill, first following an old dirt road, then on asphalt. The paved road is the access for some private properties that border the west edge of the park, so there is occasional traffic on the road. Luckily, you are only on the road for less than half a mile before turning east on a regular trail. The trail gently climbs uphill to the Community Forest trailhead. From here, you can retrace your steps back to your origin point, or make a loop utilizing the other trails within the system.

Note: Dogs are allowed on the trails (leashed), but not in the rest of Q'emiln Park.

2024-10-11 LindaAnn