Antoine Peak Conservation Area
Description
This property currently consists of 385 acres of mountainous terrain that is part of a 3-phase project to acquire a total of 1,100 acres for Conservation Futures with matching grants from Washington State's Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) in the "Urban Wildlife Habitat" category. The 3 phases for purchase are illustrated on the map provided in the link below. Grant funding to assist in the purchase of Phase II of the project is anticipated to be awarded by the RCO in July of this year and the purchase of Phase II should be completed this summer. Phase III is anticipated to be acquired in 2011 with the County's option to purchase this land extending through 2013.
With 360-degree views from its 3,373-foot summit, the Antoine Peak Conservation Area will provide unique recreational opportunities, protect critical habitat for the region’s large mammals, and preserve a critical wildlife corridor that connects the Spokane River Valley with Mount Spokane State Park.
The diverse topography of Antoine Peak divides the property into unique habitats on its southern and northern slopes. The southern slope is covered in an open Ponderosa Pine forest typical of this region’s lower elevations. The northern slope is covered by a mixed conifer forest with large shrubs such as elderberry, serviceberry, and Rocky Mountain maple. Intermittent streams flow throughout the spring with a permanent stream flowing along the northern boundary. A small pond and numerous habitat features exist throughout the project area. Currently the Phase I property can be accessed by the public from Lincoln Road along the northeast boundary of the property. While no formal access exists at this time, plans are underway to provide a trailhead parking area in the near future.
Permitted Uses
- Wildlife observation
- Nature trails
- Hiking
- Equestrian trails
- Picnicking
- Bird-watching
- Cross-country skiing
- Snow Shoeing
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 Barker Street exit, #293
- Drive north on Barker Road to Trent Avenue
- Turn right on Trent Avenue and drive east to Campbell Rd
- Turn left on Campbell Rd and drive north for 1.6 miles
- Turn left at Lincoln Rd and drive for 0.6 miles
- Park behind posted signs*
Click here for a locator and site map of the Antoine Peak Conservation Area (959 KB pdf) Full size print-out is 11 x 17, but can be scaled to 8.5 x 11.
Features
Special attractions at Antoine Peak Conservation Area include:
- Medium to difficult hiking trails
- Scenic vistas overlooking Spokane and Spokane Valley, Rathdrum Prairie and Mount Spokane State Park
- Pond and riparian corridors
- Wildflowers in the Spring
- Winter recreation
Wildlife
- Moose
- Elk
- Deer
- Cougar
- Osprey and other raptors
- Over 100 species of birds
*Trailhead parking will be developed Summer 2009