PUBLIC LANDS -- A gate has been opened temporarily at Escure Ranch allowing motor vehicles to drive the rough road less than three miles into Towell Falls, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Spokane office says.
The 14,000-acre BLM Rock Creek Recreation Area site about 20 miles south of Sprague is the realm of hikers and mountain bikers for most of the year, but the road is opened to the scenic falls in the window between the winter and spring mud season and the fire-danger season. The road likely will be reclosed because of fire danger in mid- to late-June.
Hikers and cyclists can still enjoy the route.
Jeff Clark, BLM spokesman in Spokane, said the gate has been unlocked.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended. Off-road motorized travel is prohibited. Be aware of fire danger and bring water, shovel or fire extinguishers, officials warn.
The road follows Rock Creek, which opens for fishing each year on the Saturday before Memorial Day.
Info: (509) 536-1200.
DIRECTIONS
From Spokane, take Interstate 90 west to Sprague, exit 245. Turn left at the stop sign onto Highway 23, traveling south for 12.2 miles to Davis Rd. Turn right onto Davis Rd., at 4 miles there is a "Y", stay to the right continuing south for 3 miles to Jordan Knott Rd. Turn left onto Jordan Knott Rd. and travel for 2.1 miles to the Rock Creek BLM public land access. Follow the BLM access road until it ends, about 2 miles. A parking area is available near Rock Creek.
