You could hike for days and not see the same view twice at Mount Spokane State Park.
One of Washington’s largest state parks, Mount Spokane has 100 miles of trails in the richly forested Selkirk Mountains. The summits of Kit Carson, Day Mountain and Mount Spokane are waiting to be conquered. The charming, historic Vista House atop Mount Spokane and the Quartz Mountain fire lookout provide stunning views of the Spokane Valley, the north Idaho panhandle and Canada. In early summer, hikers stroll among bear grass, lupine and other wildflowers, through Ponderosa pine and subalpine meadows. By late summer, the meadow grasses turn amber, huckleberries ripen and the fireweed is blooming.
More than 79 miles of trail also are open to mountain bikers and equestrians, so feel free to take a good long ride. Just watch out for giant moose known to amble across the trail or road.
Winter is the sparkly season at Mount Spokane State Park. Ice-encrusted trees stand out against crisp blue skies, while bundled skiers and snowshoers glide across blankets of white. Feeling the need for speed? Don your warm, windproof gear, and gas up your snowmobile; Mount Spokane has enough snow for both human-powered and motorized winter fun.
When you tire of energy bars, electrolytes and other hiking food, you can get a good meal in the bustling hub of Spokane. Mount Spokane has eight first-come-first-served campsites and the Quartz Mountain fire lookout, but more camping is available at Riverside State Park only 35 miles away. parks.wa.gov/549/Mount-Spokane
