Location: City of Spokane, Spokane County, WA
Spokane's first letterbox!!! And our first experience at placing at
letterbox!! Feedback welcome ( I think I was a little verbose with the
directions ).
Spokane's Finch Arboretum (accessible from Sunset Highway) occupies around
65 acres of beautiful tree-covered land along Garden Springs Creek in the
southwest part of Spokane.
The John A. Finch Arboretum was established in 1907 by the Spokane Board of
Park Commissioners. The park surrounds a mile-long stretch of Garden
Springs Creek. This land came primarily from John. A. Finch, a pioneer
mining investor and D. H. Wright whose summer cottage, "Brookside" was a
delightful retreat from the hectic life of a growing city.
Planting began in the Arboretum in 1949 with 49 specimens comprising 10
genera and 23 species. Currently, the Arboretum houses over 2,000 labeled
trees and shrubs, representing over 600 species.
Park at the main parking area (at the extreme eastern end of the Arboretum).
At the West end of the parking area is a sign/information display. Standing
on the West side of the display, head 290 degrees (true) to a small bridge
over Garden Springs Creek. Once over the bridge, bear left and climb the
small rise. From the top of the rise, head 250 degrees (true) and you will
cross the South branch of a small dirt service road. Keep going - you want
the North branch of the service road. When you find it - turn left and stay
on the service road, passing Ginkos on the left, and Pines on the right.
Press onward along the service road, through Spruce, past Juniper and
Cotoneaster. Watch for restrooms on the right. The service road turns left
(South), passes Flowering Crabapples, and eventually crosses Garden Springs
Creek. Turn right (230 degrees (true)) just before the creek and walk
upstream parallel to the creek. Step over a small culvert, onto a trail,
pass some benches, and enter Corey Glen. At 22 or 11 paces the trail forks -
bear right. You're very close now. Stop on the bridge and admire the
creek. We were concerned that rising water might dislodge the box. Watch
out for trolls!
HangGlider & Follower