The 6 Most Amazing Peaks in Mount Spokane State Park

For breathtaking panoramic views, consider hiking to Mount Spokane, the highest point in the park. Mount Kit Carson offers stunning vistas of Newman Lake and the Selkirk Range. For a rewarding experience with picnic facilities, Bald Knob is an excellent choice.

Yes, Bald Knob is considered family-friendly, offering rewarding views and nearby picnic tables, making it a great spot for a break with the family.

The park offers a range of difficulties. Peaks like Mount Spokane, Mount Kit Carson, and Quartz Mountain are generally considered intermediate. For a more challenging ascent, the Mt. Spokane Climb via Park Drive features sustained, steep gradients and is rated as challenging.

At Quartz Mountain, you'll find a fire tower at the summit that is reservable for overnight stays through the state park's website, offering a unique experience with views of the Spokane Valley and North Idaho panhandle.

Beyond peak bagging, Mount Spokane State Park is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Smith Gap via Trail 100 and 110. For cyclists, there are many MTB trails, such as the Mount Spokane Loop via Trail 110 and Trail 140. Runners can also explore various running routes, including challenging loops around Bald Knob and Mount Kit Carson.

Yes, there are several loop trails in the park. For example, you can find the Mount Kit Carson Loop Trail, which offers an easy hiking experience. For mountain biking, there's the 'Bald Knob, Mount Kit Carson and Lamonga Pass Loop' or the 'Mount Spokane Loop via Trail 110 and Trail 140'. You can explore more options in the hiking guide or MTB guide for the park.

From the various peaks, you can expect diverse and expansive views. Mount Spokane offers panoramic views across Washington, Idaho, and sometimes even towards Canada. From Mount Kit Carson, you can see Newman Lake, Antoine Peak Conservation area, and the southern peaks of the Selkirk Range. Quartz Mountain provides views of the Spokane Valley, the North Idaho panhandle, and the Selkirk Mountains.

Visitors frequently highlight the breathtaking views and the fantastic landscapes. The opportunity for both hiking and winter sports on peaks like Mount Spokane is also a major draw, along with the challenging yet rewarding climbs that offer spectacular panoramic vistas.

Climbing to the summit of Mount Spokane via the Park Drive, as described in the Mt. Spokane Climb highlight, is a challenging journey. Expect a sustained ascent of approximately 7-9 miles, gaining around 2,600-3,000 ft to reach the 5,880 ft summit. The average gradient is steep, around 7-8%, with relentless sections pushing 10% or more, especially on the upper mountain. You'll pass through diverse forests with dramatically expanding views as you ascend.

While the guide doesn't specify a single 'best' time, the park is known for both hiking and winter sports, suggesting that different seasons offer unique experiences. Summer and fall are generally ideal for hiking to enjoy the views and trails. Winter provides opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, especially on Mount Spokane.

Yes, while many peaks offer intermediate challenges, there are easier trails available in the park. For example, the 'Smith Gap via Trail 100 and 110' is an easy hike. You can find more beginner-friendly options in the Easy Hikes in Mount Spokane State Park guide.