Saltese Uplands
Key Info
(technical difficulty)
(physical difficulty)Stats
General
WTA has worked on trails in this 552-acre conservation area to help prevent erosion. A mile south of I-90 and within a 25-minute drive of 600,000 people, this property is an example of shrub steppe habitat that's remained relatively intact over the past century.
Over 7 miles of trail wind throughout the property, exploring canyons that embrace year-round springs and climbing ridge tops with views of Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane, and Saltese Flats. Because of it's openness, the Saltese Uplands is a great place to view wildlife. White-tailed deer, badger, coyote, and bobcats have been sighted. There is also a notable concentration of raptors (hawks, eagles, etc.) that use the updrafts created by the topography of the "uplands" to hunt throughout the conservation area and adjacent Saltese Flats.
Trail is simple and easy to navigate. Depending on time of year there could be muddy areas from snow melt, rain, etc. During the spring as things grow the brush can get thick which makes it a little harder to navigate unless you know the trail. Typically rideable year around. Due to it being a multi use trail it is open to hikers and horses. Horses are a bit destructive when it comes to soft dirt and heavy hooves. The trails can be very bumpy due to pockets being put into the ground.
Ride Reports
The trail was in great shape on October 12th, 2020. A few small mud puddles but the trail was firm and tight. The hoof prints on the newest trail (Turtle Gulch) seem to be smoothing out a little after the recent rain.
Trail was nice, a little soft in areas with one mud pit due to snow melt and run off. Other then that, trail was great. Due to it being a hiking trail as well, it was fairly busy since it was a nice evening.