Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Spokane County

Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Headquarters Parking

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Spokane County

Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Headquarters Parking

Moderate

3.5

(15)

hikers

Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Headquarters Parking

02:43

10.5km

70m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

320 m

Headquarters Pond

Highlight • Lake

There is a pavilion and educational trail at this end of the pond. You get a nice view across the Headquarters Pond to the floating dock and Windmill Pond.

Tip by

1.72 km

This is the longest trail in the refuge. It takes you on a loop through and around the mima mounds formations. These mounds are formed naturally, though their are many differing theories about how they are formed.

Tip by

8.81 km

Middle Pine Lake

Highlight • Lake

There is a thin paved trail that circumnavigates the pond and connects to a number of other gravel trails through the refuge. The lake is a great place to watch for waterfowl.

Tip by

10.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.93 km

344 m

158 m

Surfaces

8.54 km

1.84 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 10 July

31°C

13°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're looking for a rewarding hike that showcases diverse ecosystems and offers excellent wildlife viewing without a strenuous climb, the Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Headquarters Parking is an ideal choice. This moderate hiking route covers 6.5 miles (10.5 km) with a gentle 217 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 43 minutes to complete. It's perfect for beginners looking to increase their mileage or anyone wanting a peaceful nature walk, making the Headquarters Pond Stubblefield Trail loop difficulty and length accessible to many.

What to expect on Headquarters Pond – Stubblefield Trail loop from Headquarters Parking

The trail offers a journey through the varied landscapes of the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. You'll start near Headquarters Pond, a known spot for moose sightings, before the path opens into expansive grasslands dotted with ponderosa pines. Keep an eye out for unique, small, oval-shaped mima mounds, a geological mystery. The Headquarters Pond trail terrain shifts from gravel and dirt to natural surfaces as you skirt Stubblefield Lake and re-enter lightly forested areas. Further along, you'll pass Lower Pine Lake, a prime location to spot nesting trumpeter swans, otters, and various duck species. The minimal elevation gain means you can focus on the scenery and wildlife, making it suitable for a relaxed outing.

Planning your visit

Accessing the trail is straightforward, with Headquarters Pond hiking parking and trailhead access available at the start. Be aware that during spring runoff, some sections of the trail can become muddy, though this often coincides with rewarding views of wetlands teeming with waterfowl. Spring is also an excellent time to visit for wildflowers and active wildlife. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially if planning a trip during wetter seasons.

Trail details