The Dishman Hills Conservancy wants families to hit the trails.

On Saturday, hosts will be at the Camp Caro trailhead from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to pass out maps and advice on Dishman Hills trails.

When people visit a recreation area for the first time, “there’s always uncertainty about where to go and what it is and what the options are,” said Jeff Lambert, the conservancy’s executive director.

“Anything that folks might be concerned about, we will help them,” he said.

The conservancy, Spokane County and the state Department of Natural Resources has protected more than 2,500 acres in Dishman Hills, including areas at Glenrose and Iller Creek. Access is free, no Discovery Pass needed.

The easiest hikes, Lambert said, are in the Dishman Hills Natural Area. One trail is less than a mile.

“If you’re going with youngsters that don’t have a lot of experience hiking, that’s a great place to start,” he said.

On Wednesday, retired teacher and conservancy volunteer Rick Severn will lead a family hike there. It’ll be about 2 miles long, depending on participants.

The hike is free, though participants must register at http://dishmanhills.org/. Hikers should wear good walking shoes, bring water and dress for the weather, he said.

During the hike, Severn will discuss the landscape and natural history of the area.

Dishman Hills has a wide variety of plants and ecosystems, from open ponderosa pine forest to ravines filled with ferns and deciduous trees, he said.

“What I want them to come away with is an appreciation for how special the Dishman Hills is and how accessible it is to the community,” he said.