Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area
Description
This property contains 640 acres of mountainous area with canyons and ravines. It supports mature Ponderosa pine on the south-facing slopes and Douglas fir on the cooler, wetter north-facing slopes. There are also some aspen groves and meadows at the conservation area. It borders Riverside State Park on its southern boundary and is also nearby the Little Spokane Natural Area and Indian Painted Rocks hiking trails.
This location provides winter range for White-tailed deer. Also sighted on the property are elk, moose, bear, cougars, osprey, hawks, owls, Blue Herons and over 50 other species of birds.
Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area contains year-round springs, a small pond and approximately four miles of a DNR Class 5 stream plus smaller unclassified streams.
The neighboring Half-Power Natural Open Space Area, comprising of 40 acres off the northwest corner of the conservation area, was donated in 2000.
Permitted Uses
- Wildlife habitat
- Wildlife observation
- Nature trails
- Hiking
- Picnic areas
- Bird-watching
- Equestrian trails
- Cross-country skiing
Rules
- Dogs can be disruptive to wildlife and must be kept on a leash at all times while in the conservation area.
- Motorized vehicles are not permitted in the conservation area.
- Hunting and/or shooting are not permitted at any time in the conservation area.
- No campfires are permitted in the conservation area.
Location
From I-90:
- Take the Maple Street exit, #280
- Drive north on Walnut/Maple Street approximately 4 miles
- Turn left (east) on Francis Avenue, drive 1 mile
- Turn right (north) on Indian Canyon Road, drive for 4.7 miles
- Indian Canyon Road turns into Rutter Parkway, drive for 1 mile
- Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area is approximately 1/4 mile after the Painted Rocks parking area, on the left
- Enter at the driveway that has a large, white metal bar. Walk for 1/4 mile
- Enter the Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area at the southeast corner
Note: There is limited parking available at the driveway entrance; Parking is available at the Painted Rocks.
Click here for a locator and site map of the Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area (1.28 MB) Full size print-out is 11 x 17, but can be scaled to 8.5 x 11.pdf)
Features
Special attractions at the Van Horn, Edburg and Bass Conservation Area include:
- Proximity to Riverside State Park, Little Spokane River Natural Area and Indian Painted Rocks
- Hiking trails through meadows and ravines
- Scenic views overlooking north Spokane
Wildlife
Wildlife sighted on near the property include:
- White-tailed deer
- elk
- moose
- bear
- cougar
- eagles
- osprey
- hawks
- owls
- Great Blue heron
Please take precautions when hiking in the area.