The best road cycling routes around Liberty Lake

There are over 25 road cycling routes around Liberty Lake, offering a variety of experiences. These include 16 easy routes and 11 moderate routes, catering to different skill levels.

Road cycling around Liberty Lake offers diverse landscapes, including lush forests with Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees, rolling meadows, and tranquil lakeshores. You'll also find routes that traverse wetlands and offer views of the Spokane River and surrounding montane forests.

The road cycling routes in Liberty Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 12 reviews. More than 300 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views and diverse options available.

Yes, many routes are suitable for families. The Spokane River loop from Greenacres is an easy 14.2-mile (22.8 km) path that follows the Spokane River, providing a scenic and relatively flat ride ideal for families. The broader Centennial Trail, which passes near Liberty Lake, also offers a flat, paved option.

For those seeking more challenging rides, areas around Green Bluff and Spokane Valley feature rolling hills and significant elevation changes. While most komoot routes are easy to moderate, the region's terrain allows for more demanding climbs and descents, particularly in areas like Newman Lake and Saltese Flats, as highlighted by events like the annual RIM Ride.

You can encounter several natural attractions. The Falls Park and the Waterfall at Mirabeau Pond offer scenic stops. The Saltese Uplands Conservation Area provides restored wetland habitats, and the Liberty Lake Regional Park offers extensive natural beauty. For panoramic views, the Antoine Peak Summit Trail, though not directly on a road cycling route, offers stunning vistas of the area.

Yes, for longer rides, consider the Spokane River – Lake Coeur d'Alene loop from Spokane River Centennial State Park. This moderate 44.7-mile (71.9 km) route leads through river valleys and towards Lake Coeur d'Alene, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.

Many routes are designed as loops. For example, the Gateway Conservation Area – Spokane River loop from Mission @ Country Vista is a popular 29.2-mile (47.0 km) circular route offering views of the Spokane River. Another option is the Gateway Conservation Area – Falls Park and Dam loop from Liberty Lake, which is 24.3 miles (39.1 km) long.

June is a popular month for cycling in Liberty Lake, suggesting pleasant conditions. Generally, spring through fall offers the most favorable weather for road cycling, with summer providing warm, sunny days. It's always advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, the region is well-known for its paved paths. A major highlight is the Centennial Trail, a 40-mile paved path that stretches from Spokane to the Idaho border, passing near Liberty Lake. Many of the routes listed, such as the Gateway Conservation Area loop from Mission @ Holl, also utilize paved surfaces.

Parking is generally available at various access points for trails and parks in the area. For routes starting near the Spokane River or Gateway Conservation Area, look for parking facilities at trailheads or designated park entrances. For specific information regarding Liberty Lake Regional Park, you can visit spokanecounty.gov.