Summary
The park covers over 13,900 acres and is home to diverse natural features such as forests, meadows, lakes, and streams. Visitors can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing.
One of the main attractions of the park is the 5,883-foot Mount Spokane, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the summit or take a scenic drive to the top. The park also features over 100 miles of trails that provide opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Other interesting points of interest in the park include the Selkirk Lodge, which offers year-round accommodations and dining, as well as the Vista House, a historic stone structure that was built in the 1930s and offers beautiful views of the Spokane Valley.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Spokane State Park has a rich history. The area was originally inhabited by the Spokane Tribe, and later served as a logging and mining site. The park was established in 1927 and has been a popular recreation destination ever since.
The best time of year to visit Mount Spokane State Park depends on the activities you are interested in. Summer is great for hiking, mountain biking, and camping, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. The park is open year-round, though some facilities may be closed during certain seasons.
Overall, Mount Spokane State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its diverse natural features, rich history, and abundance of recreational opportunities, it offers something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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