Post Falls is one of North Idaho’s best-kept secrets, sitting right on the Spokane River with year-round outdoor activities, community events, and stunning views around every corner. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or own a vacation rental in the area, this city packs a surprising amount of adventure into a small footprint. Here’s everything worth doing in Post Falls.
Key Takeaways
- Q’emiln Park is the go-to spot for swimming, rock climbing, hiking, and family picnics across 78.5 acres of riverfront land.
- Post Falls Community Forest spans over 500 acres with 10+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nature.
- The Spokane River is the center of summer fun, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, fishing, and more.
- Post Falls hosts seasonal events like the Summer Concert Series, Farmers Market, and Harvest Festival that draw visitors all year long.
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Explore Q’emiln Park
Q’emiln Park (pronounced “ka-mee-lin”) is arguably the crown jewel of outdoor activities in Post Falls. This 78.5-acre park sits on the south bank of the Spokane River and offers something for just about every type of visitor.
Swimming and Beach Area
Q’emiln Park features a guarded swimming beach that’s perfect for families with kids. The shallow water and dock area make it a safe and comfortable spot for younger swimmers. Lifeguards monitor the swimming area during the summer months, and you’ll find clean restrooms with showers right on site.
Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for a challenge, Q’emiln Park is home to some of the most accessible rock climbing in North Idaho. The park has sport climbing and bouldering routes for all skill levels, with climbing routes developed here since the mid-1980s. It’s a favorite among local climbers and a great place for beginners to try their first outdoor climb.
Trails, BBQ Pits, and More
Beyond the beach and climbing walls, Q’emiln Park offers:
- A 40-acre trail system with well-maintained paths
- BBQ pits and picnic shelters
- Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts
- A boat launch for river access
- A concession stand
- The Trailhead Event Center and Grand Pavilion for group gatherings
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, arrive early. Parking fills up fast on weekends, and snagging a shaded picnic spot before noon makes the whole day better.
Hike the Post Falls Community Forest
The Post Falls Community Forest is a 500-acre outdoor adventure hub located just minutes from I-90. It’s one of the best places in the area for a leisurely morning hike or a more challenging trail run through varied terrain.
Trail Options
The forest’s trail system totals about 10 miles of trails that connect to 20 miles of loop routes. Here are the most popular options:
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Wagon Loop to Spokane River | 2.4 mi | Moderate | 1 to 1.5 hr |
| Upper Falls Loop | 2.9 mi | Moderate | 1 to 1.5 hr |
| Yellow Trail | 3.7 mi | Moderate | 1.5 to 2 hr |
| Community Forest to Q’emiln Park Loop | 5.0 mi | Moderate | 2 to 2.5 hr |
The trails wind through ravines, along the Spokane River shoreline, and up through open woodland with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers pop up along the paths in spring, and you might spot wildlife early in the morning.
Mountain Biking
The Post Falls Community Forest isn’t just for hikers. The forest has 7 designated mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner-friendly to more technical routes. It’s a popular spot for both mountain bikes and e-bikes.
Pro Tip: Download a trail map before you go. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the forest, and trail markers aren’t always obvious. The best months to visit are March through October.
Water Sports on the Spokane River
The Spokane River is the heartbeat of summer fun in Post Falls. Wide and slow-moving in spots, the river is a magnet for water sports of all kinds.
What You Can Do on the River
- Kayaking and paddleboarding are the most popular choices for a leisurely day on the water.
- Jet skiing and wakesurfing are available for those who want more speed and adventure.
- Boating is easy with public launch points at Q’emiln Park and other access areas.
- Fishing on the Spokane River is a year-round activity, with peaceful stretches below the falls that are perfect for casting a line.
- Tubing and floating down the river are summer staples for families and groups.
Where to Rent Gear
Fun Unlimited operates a Post Falls location near Templin’s Marina, right across from Q’emiln Park. They rent paddleboards, jet skis, and boats. Each SUP rental includes a mini lesson, so it’s a great option for first-timers. They also have a beach area with a roped-in swimming section and a launch area for paddlesports.
Seasonal Events and Community Fun
Post Falls is far from a one-season city. The community calendar stays packed throughout the year with events for all ages.
Summer
- Post Falls Summer Concert Series: Live music under the stars at Q’emiln Park with stunning views of the Spokane River. A perfect way to spend a warm evening.
- Post Falls Farmers Market: A weekly celebration of fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local community spirit. Great for families and a fun weekend stop.
Fall
- Post Falls Harvest Festival: A family-friendly event with pumpkin patches, hayrides, and seasonal treats. This one’s a hit with kids.
Winter
Post Falls offers easy access to nearby ski resorts like Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain, and Mt. Spokane. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow, the slopes are a short drive away. The city also hosts Winterfest, a community winter celebration.
Year-Round
- Disc golf at Corbin Park: This 28-acre park along the Spokane River features one of the most popular 18-hole disc golf courses in the region.
- Post Falls Brewing Company: A local microbrewery perched above the Spokane River, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
- North Idaho Centennial Trail: A 24-mile paved trail that runs from the Idaho/Washington border to east of Coeur d’Alene. About 10 miles pass through Post Falls, connecting parks and offering gorgeous river views.
A Quick Look at Post Falls History
You can’t talk about things to do in Post Falls without knowing a bit about how this city got its name. Post Falls was founded on June 1, 1871, by Frederick Post, a German immigrant and trained millwright. He built a lumber mill along the Spokane River on land he purchased from Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for $500.
That lumber mill became the Post Falls Lumber Co., which operated for most of the 20th century and shaped the city’s identity. The name “Post Falls” comes from Frederick’s surname combined with the waterfall on the Spokane River. You can still visit Treaty Rock Park today to see the pictograph commemorating the original land agreement.
Compare the Top Outdoor Spots in Post Falls
| Spot | Best For | Key Features | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q’emiln Park | Families, swimmers, climbers | Guarded beach, rock climbing, 40-acre trails, BBQ pits | Summer |
| Post Falls Community Forest | Hikers, bikers, nature lovers | 500 acres, 10+ mi of trails, river views, wildflowers | March to October |
| Corbin Park | Disc golf, fishing, picnics | 28 acres, disc golf course, river access, shelters | Year-round |
| North Idaho Centennial Trail | Bikers, joggers, walkers | 24-mile paved trail, parks, river views | Year-round |
FAQ
What are the best free things to do in Post Falls, Idaho?
Hiking the Post Falls Community Forest and walking the trails at Q’emiln Park are two of the best free activities in Post Falls. The North Idaho Centennial Trail is also free and stretches for miles along the Spokane River, making it perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or bike ride. The Post Falls Farmers Market is free to attend and runs weekly during the summer months.
Is Post Falls, Idaho, worth visiting?
Yes, Post Falls is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a hidden gem in North Idaho that offers outdoor activities for all ages, from rock climbing and hiking to water sports on the Spokane River. The city is only minutes from Lake Coeur d’Alene and about 30 minutes from Spokane, Washington, so it’s a great home base for travelers who want to explore the region without the higher price tags of bigger resort towns.
What water sports are available on the Spokane River in Post Falls?
The Spokane River in Post Falls offers kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, wakesurfing, boating, tubing, and fishing. Fun Unlimited near Templin’s Marina rents all the gear you need. The river is wide and slow-moving in many spots, making it accessible for beginners, while sections with rapids give experienced paddlers a challenge.
What is there to do in Post Falls, Idaho, in winter?
In winter, Post Falls is a gateway to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. Schweitzer Mountain, Silver Mountain, and Mt. Spokane are all a short drive away. The city also hosts Winterfest, a community celebration with winter-themed activities. And the trails at Post Falls Community Forest are open year-round, so you can still get outside for a winter hike.
Is Post Falls, Idaho, good for a weekend trip?
Post Falls is an excellent weekend destination. You can spend one day exploring Q’emiln Park and the Post Falls Community Forest, then hit the Spokane River for water sports or fishing on day two. Grab dinner at a local spot like Post Falls Brewing Company, catch a summer concert in the park, or wander the Farmers Market on a Saturday morning. There’s plenty to fill a weekend without feeling rushed.
What is there to do in Post Falls, Idaho, with kids?
Post Falls is very family-friendly. Q’emiln Park’s guarded swimming beach is safe for kids, and the park has a playground, volleyball courts, and picnic areas. The Community Forest has easy trail options for younger hikers, and events like the Harvest Festival and Winterfest are designed with families in mind. During summer, the Farmers Market and concert series offer laid-back fun for all ages.
How far is Post Falls, Idaho, from Spokane, Washington?
Post Falls is about 30 minutes east of Spokane, Washington, right off I-90. The city sits just a few miles from the Idaho/Washington state line, making it easy to access from Spokane International Airport. This proximity makes Post Falls a great base for travelers who want to explore both North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
What is the history behind the name Post Falls?
Post Falls is named after Frederick Post, a German immigrant who built a lumber mill on the Spokane River in 1871. He purchased the land from Chief Andrew Seltice of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for $500. The city’s name combines his surname with the waterfall on the river. The lumber mill he started eventually became the Post Falls Lumber Co., which operated for roughly a century. You can visit Treaty Rock Park to see the site where the original land deal was made.
What are the best months to visit Post Falls, Idaho?
The best months to visit Post Falls are May through September. This is when you’ll catch the warmest weather for water sports, hiking, and outdoor events like the Summer Concert Series and Farmers Market. That said, Post Falls has appeal in every season. Fall brings the Harvest Festival, winter opens up access to ski resorts, and spring is ideal for wildflower hikes in the Community Forest.
Where should I stay in Post Falls, Idaho?
Vacation rentals near the Spokane River or close to Q’emiln Park offer the best experience in Post Falls. Staying in a well-managed rental gives you more room, a kitchen, and a home base to explore from. If you own a property in the area and want to list it as a vacation rental, NW Hosting can handle the full management process, from marketing and dynamic pricing to housekeeping and 24/7 guest support.
