Summer is finally here, as the first of June brings hot weather and beautiful sunny skies to Mt. Spokane. Although there are still a few patches of snow up high on the mountain (and I’m sure dedicated hardcores can still get a turn or two in), summer is here in force!
There was a moose about halfway up Two-Face this morning, no doubt enjoying the fresh greenery popping up all over the mountain. It’s really beautiful up here in the spring and early summer, as the bright green new growth contrasts with the dark green alpine firs and rocky ground.
There are so many hiking trails available up here, and fun day hikes for all ability levels, which you will see more posts about as we get further into the summer. Not only can you hike the mountain trails and ski area terrain, there are tons of trails within Mt. Spokane State Park accessible from several easy locations. There’s old CCC cabins all over the mountain, a fire lookout on top of Quartz Peak, and the remains of the grand, historic original lodge that burnt down in 1952. And of course, don’t forget the historic Vista House at the top of the mountain - did you know that you can drive to the top of the mountain in the summer? Although the road doesn’t usually open until the end of June or July - parts of it are still covered in snow.
Local mountain bikers know that Mt. Spokane is somewhat of a mecca for biking trails. Don’t forget the views! I’m not much of a biker myself so I can’t report on that scene much, but I see bikers up here all the time, blowin past me on the numerous single track trails all over the mountain.
Stay tuned throughout the summer for more posts about day hikes, trail routes, wildlife, and the summer happenings at Mt. Spokane. There will be road construction just inside the State Park entrance, starting later in June, so access will be somewhat limited for a period of the summer, but recreational trails will still be accessible from the Park entrance. Also, if you do come up to the mountain during the week and the gate to Lodge 2 is open, be aware that it can close any time, and usually is done so by 4pm.
June 8th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
How’s the road’s up there? I want to ride my motorcycle to the mountain, but are the roads still covered in dirt?
thanks!
June 9th, 2009 at 8:46 am
The sweeper was out yesterday cleaning the road, should be gravel-free, for the most part! Lots of bikes have been cruising up, it’s such a beautiful ride.
June 10th, 2009 at 11:58 am
So i wanna go hike up on the mountain but how do i know where to hike to? is there a map available somewhere??
June 28th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Hi. We’re visiting from Fl and have a couple of beagles with us, staying near Mead in an RV park. We’re looking for an easy to moderate hike of 3 miles or so. I found that the road in is closed, are there easier hikes available at the entrance? I’m having a lot of trouble finding info online. Thanks!
June 29th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Is the road to the vista hut open yet?
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:19 pm
My understanding is that the road is closed again this summer for repairs just as last summer. That means the campground is closed as well as the vista house etc. The only way to get past the park gate is to hike. Can anyone comfirm this? I hope I’am wrong and they haven’t taken our mountain from us again this summer.
July 6th, 2009 at 9:09 am
The road to the summit is currently open; however, it is scheduled to be closed any day now. I will post an update as soon as it is closed for sure.
Hiking is still accessible from the Ranger Station at the park entrance and will be throughout the construction period. Check out this map for more details -
http://mountspokane.org/images/mtspokane_trailma.gif
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Is the road closed due to maintenance? If so, when can we expect it to be re-opened so i can ride
- Thanks