Nestled along the scenic Spokane River, just northwest of the city, lies the charming community of Nine Mile Falls. While often associated with its peaceful natural surroundings today, Nine Mile Falls boasts a lively history and deep-rooted heritage, weaving together narratives of indigenous life, pioneering industry, and the resilient spirit of generations. As a longtime resident might say, there’s something timeless about our neighborhood—each bend in the river and street corner tells a story.
The Origins: From Indigenous Lands to Early Settlements
The lands surrounding what is now Nine Mile Falls have been home to the Spokane Tribe and other Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The river, with its salmon runs and rich woodlands, provided essential resources and spiritual significance. Native trails once crisscrossed the bluffs and meadows where families gathered for fishing and trade.
The area’s more recent history began to unfold in the late 1800s, when homesteaders and entrepreneurs realized the untapped potential of the Spokane River. The name “Nine Mile Falls” is itself a nod to the first defining landmark of the neighborhood—a beautiful cascade located exactly nine miles upriver from downtown Spokane. This unique spot made Nine Mile an important waypoint for those traveling westward or seeking opportunity beyond the bustling city.
“Nine Mile” and Its Name: A River’s Measure
The moniker “Nine Mile Falls” is refreshingly straightforward. In the days before GPS and Google Maps, distance from Spokane was measured using natural features. The falls at this spot—dramatic and picturesque—marked the nine-mile point from Spokane Falls, making it the perfect navigational reference for loggers, millworkers, and prospectors.
The name stuck, and over the decades, “Nine Mile” has become not just a number but a symbol of the neighborhood’s distinct location and identity.
Key Historical Milestones
- The Dam and Hydroelectric Plant – 1908: Perhaps the most transformative moment in Nine Mile Falls’ story came with the construction of the Nine Mile Dam. Built in 1908 by the Spokane & Inland Empire Railroad company, the dam harnessed the river’s power to generate electricity, fueling Spokane’s rapid growth. The adjacent hydroelectric plant stands as a testament to early-20th-century engineering—a beautiful brick structure still visible from Charles Road.
- Inland Empire Paper Company: The surge in industry brought the Inland Empire Paper Company just a few miles upriver, forever intertwining the fate of Nine Mile Falls with paper and timber production. Many neighborhood families have roots in this cornerstone institution, which continues operations today.
- Construction of State Route 291: As Spokane grew, improved roads connected Nine Mile Falls more closely to city and country alike. The scenic Charles Road (part of today’s Highway 291) became a vital link, winding along the river and passing through what is now the heart of the neighborhood.
Notable Landmarks & Institutions
Against the backdrop of the wild Spokane River, Nine Mile Falls offers several landmarks that give the community its character:
- Nine Mile Dam and Powerhouse: A classic red-brick powerhouse sits just off Charles Road, still sporting turn-of-the-century architectural charm. Though tours are rare these days, locals often recall childhood trips or marvel at the dam’s impressive spillways during spring runoff.
- Sontag Park: Named for a beloved stakeholder in the neighborhood’s early 20th-century development, Sontag Park on West Charles Road is a gathering place for picnics, sports, and relishing the sound of the falls. Its towering pines and open meadows are local favorites for family reunions and summer walks.
- Long Lake (Lake Spokane): Just past the dam, the Spokane River widens into Long Lake, a recreational haven that draws boaters, anglers, and swimmers from all over the region.
- Nine Mile Falls Elementary School: Education has long been a source of pride here, with Nine Mile Falls Elementary serving as a hub of neighborhood activity and achievement.
- Historic Homes: Along Charles Road and tucked above the river, you’ll still find early 20th-century farmhouses and homes—some dating back to the first wave of dam workers and paper mill employees.
Evolution Through the Decades
Through boom and bust, Nine Mile Falls has gracefully evolved from a hardy outpost into a tight-knit suburban community. The mid-century era saw modest expansion as Spokane families sought respite from the city’s hustle, and new housing developments slowly appeared along Carman Road and West Charles Road.
Despite growth, residents have always treasured Nine Mile’s slower pace and scenic surroundings. The western edge of Riverside State Park forms the neighborhood’s green “backyard,” offering hundreds of acres of pine forest, hiking trails, and wildlife—an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise just minutes from residential streets.
Nine Mile’s small businesses, like Suncrest’s local eateries and the historic Sunset Grocery on Charles Road, have anchored the sense of community for each generation. Neighborhood events—like the annual Sontag Park summer picnic—help foster connections between new arrivals and “lifers” whose families founded the area.
Nine Mile Falls Today: A Blend of Heritage and Progress
Today, Nine Mile Falls sits at a crossroads of old and new. Its historical heritage—visible in the preserved dam, the century-old trees, and the stories passed down on coffee shop patios—remains a source of pride. At the same time, modern amenities and a growing population ensure that the neighborhood’s future will be as dynamic as its past.
Here, neighbors greet each other by name at Suncrest Park, kids play in the shadow of historic power lines, and eagles soar above the river’s timeless current. The blend of natural beauty, local pride, and shared memory makes Nine Mile Falls more than just a place on a map; it’s a living, thriving chapter in Spokane’s greater story.
As any longtime resident will tell you, to walk the paths of Nine Mile Falls is to walk through history—a journey where yesterday’s milestones become today’s daily joys.