Palouse 13ish

Palouse 13ish details

Starting in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood, the route quickly transitions from residential streets toward the South Spokane Farm Corridor — a network of farms located south of Spokane, roughly between the Pullman Highway and the Palouse Highway, with more than 22 smaller farms selling everything from vegetables to flowers, eggs, and meat. Avista Utilities You'll pass working farms, nurseries, and open pasture land that feels miles away from the city — because in spirit, it is.

This is an ideal route for runners craving elevation change, rural scenery, and a genuine sense of getting out. The terrain is flat to rolling near the city, but a significant portion transitions through Hangman Creek Canyon with elevation gains around 500 feet WSDOT — enough to make this a legitimate workout without becoming a suffer fest. The roads are light on traffic and rich on views, with distant Palouse hills stretching south toward Steptoe Butte on clear days.

• Route Type: Road run with rural farm corridor sections

• Location: South Hill, Spokane, WA → South Spokane Farm Corridor

• Nearby Landmarks: Palouse Highway (SR-195), Hangman Creek Canyon, South Hill Bluff Trail Network

• Best For: Intermediate to advanced runners seeking distance and elevation; South Hill residents looking for a longer escape route

Best Times of Year to Run This Route

• April – May (Peak Season): April welcomes spring proper to Spokane with temperatures reaching a pleasant high of around 55°F, while May climbs to a mild 66°F Weather U.S. — the Palouse-adjacent farmland is emerald green, fields are blooming, and the light is spectacular. This is the standout window for this route.

• June – August (Summer Prime): Average summer highs run through the mid-80s with only 1–2 days of rain per month on average Visit Spokane — excellent conditions, but start early. Open farm roads have minimal shade and afternoon heat on the exposed sections can be intense.

• September – October (Underrated Sweet Spot): Harvest season on the farm corridor adds golden fields and farm activity to the scenery. September temperatures average around 73°F with low precipitation Weather U.S., making this a comfortable and beautiful window with fall color appearing by mid-October.

• November – March (Proceed with Caution): Spokane winters are cold, with December averaging just above freezing and snowfall accumulating around 45 inches per year. Climates to Travel Rural roads south of the city can be icy and poorly cleared. Traction devices and high-visibility gear are a must if you run this route in winter.

Why Spokane Runners Love This Route

• One of the few routes from South Hill that genuinely escapes the suburban grid within 2–3 miles

• Access to the South Spokane Farm Corridor — a rare urban-to-rural transition that gives the run a point of interest and destination feel

• South Hill's High Drive Bluff offers great neighborhood running Great Runs as a natural warm-up or cool-down addon

• Pairs well with post-run stops at nearby South Hill staples like Rockwood Bakery on E. 18th Ave

• Connects thematically to Spokane's broader trail network — South Hill Bluff alone boasts nearly 25 miles of trails for after-work hiking and running