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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
Rocky Mountain Gateway Region
Mount Spokane State Park
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Mount Spokane State Park © Mark Wagner / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Civilian Conservation Corps cabin in Mount Spokane State Park
Mount Spokane State Park © Robert Ashworth from Bellingham, WA., USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Looking around on top of Mount Spokane.
Mount Spokane State Park © Howpper / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Packsaddle Mountain and Spirit Lake, as seen from Mount Spokane.
Mount Spokane State Park Natures Christmas Tree © Markus Coberly
Looked up when hiking and found the perfect tree.
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MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK
MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK
26107 North Mount Spokane Park Drive
Mead, Washington   99021
(lat:47.9255 lon:-117.1127) map location

Phone: 509-238-4258
Mount Spokane State Park is a 13,919-acre camping park in the Selkirk Mountains. The view at the top of the 5,883-foot elevation includes surrounding states and Canada. The forested park features stands of old-growth timber and granite rock outcroppings. In winter, the park receives 300 inches of snow. On fine days, the summit of Mount Spokane offers spectacular views of Washington, Idaho and Montana. The park is rich in winter snow-sport opportunities.
History of the Area
The mountain has been called Mount Carlton and Mount Baldy. The road to the top was constructed by Francis H. Cook in 1912. The area was the first state park east of the Cascades, and the Civilian Conservation Corps accomplished the initial development. The mountain has been a popular ski area since 1950. The area has undergone destruction by fire and construction by development since then. The park, the city, the river and most everything else in the area derive its name from an Indian word which, most experts agree, means "sun."
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has eight standard campsites with water and a flush restroom. Maximum site length is 30 feet limited availability. ADA facilities are not available. All campsites are first come, first serve.

Check-in time is 230 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
For a unique and memorable vacation, spend the night in the fire lookout that sits atop the rocky summit of Quartz Mountain in Mount Spokane State Park. Perched at an elevation of 5,129 feet, the lookout provides stunning views of the Spokane valley, the north Idaho panhandle and the Selkirk Mountains. In the summer, the landscape is wildflowers and huckleberries. The lookout is 14-by-14-feet in size. It is a wood-frame structure with wrap-around windows, a deck and sleeps four comfortably. Visitors may take along their own food and a propane stove is available for cooking. There is no electricity in the lookout.


Location
Mount Spokane State Park is located near Coeur d Alene, Post Falls and Rathdrum

Picnicking
The Vista House can hold up to 50 people and is available from July 1 to Sept. 15.
Trails
1. Mount Kit Carson Loop Trail: This 5-mile moderate trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Spokane Valley and Coeur d'Alene.

2. Quartz Mountain Lookout Trail: A challenging hike that stretches for about 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of over 2000 feet leading to a historic fire lookout tower at its peak.

3. Burping Brook Loop: An easy-to-moderate level hiking path spanning approximately three miles through lush forests alongside babbling brooks perfect for families or beginner hikers.

4. Bear Creek Lodge Cross-Country Ski Trails: These trails are primarily used in winter months but can be enjoyed year-round offering beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers during spring and summer seasons; it's around six miles long suitable for all skill levels.

5. Summit Road - Mt Spokane Peak Hike: It is one of the most popular hikes within this park due to its breathtaking summit view after a strenuous climb up nearly five-and-a-half mile stretch.

6. Trail #130 - Smith Gap loop: Approximately four-mile-long moderately trafficked loop trail featuring stunning wild flowers making it ideal choice especially from March until October when they bloom best.

7. Selkirk Crest via Bald Knob Picnic Area-Trail#140 & #131:A difficult rated back-trail stretching almost nine kilometers providing scenic vistas along Selkirk mountain range.

8. Mount Linton Via Saddle Junction:A lightly-trafficked out-back route covering roughly seven-kilometer distance showcasing diverse flora-fauna throughout journey.

9. Beauty-Mt.Spokane Connector-Beauty Bay Cliff Top:This multi-use track spans across eight kilometer terrain presenting picturesque lake-view points.

10. Day Mountain Viewpoint via CCC Cabin:An intermediate-level circuitous pathway extending close to ten kilometers featuring a historic cabin and panoramic mountain views.
Bicycling
In the northeastern corner of Washington, a park offers extensive bicycling options. The terrain is diverse and challenging.

Mountain bikers will find over 100 miles of trails to explore. These range from easy to difficult levels.

The Trail 140 - Burping Brook Loop provides an intermediate route with beautiful views. It's perfect for experienced riders seeking adventure.

For beginners, Kit Carson Loop trail presents less strenuous paths while still offering stunning scenery along its course.

Advanced cyclists can tackle Quartz Mountain via Trail 110 which features steep climbs and technical descents requiring skillful handling skills.

Winter biking opportunities are also available on groomed snowshoe routes when conditions permit but it requires fat-tire bikes specifically designed for snowy terrains

Always remember that safety comes first; wear helmets at all times and be aware of other users sharing the same path or trail.

It's important to note that some areas may close seasonally due to wildlife protection efforts so always check local updates before planning your trip.



Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Ruffed Grouse, Northern Pygmy-Owl and Pine Grosbeak. The park is home to various woodpecker species including Pileated Woodpeckers. Other birds include Red Crossbills, Gray Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers and Mountain Chickadees. Bird watchers may also see Golden-crowned Kinglets or Townsend's Solitaires during their visit.

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Directions
Located 25 miles northeast of Spokane, Wash. in Spokane County.

From Spokane:Drive north on Hwy. 2 to Hwy. 206. Follow Hwy. 206 for 15 miles to park entrance.

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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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