Antoine Peak - Robbins Road Snowshoe Loop

Ascend the west flank of Antoine Peak via an old logging road that switchbacks up the moderate grade, offering occasional views of the Foothills of Mount Spokane to the north before entering a recovering forest. Return via a trail winding through an open hillside offering good views toward the Spokane Valley.

This excellent introductory snowshoe route begins at the West Trail Head for Antoine Peak Conservation Area. From the parking lot climb a tenth of a mile to intersect the Tower Road, an old logging road through the Conservation Area now used to access the communications towers at the summit. At the point where the connector trail from the parking lot intersects the Tower Road, note the single track trail located directly across the road. This is the return trail.

The first section of this route is through a second growth forest. Note the variety of trees present, from the dominant Ponderosa pines to the occasional western juniper. The trail ascends 1/8-mile and 321 feet before it's next intersection. Enjoy the view of the Spokane Valley towards the city of Spokane from the top of the climb at the intersection with the Antoine Summit Trail.

Return by turning right on the Antoine Summit Trail which descends an open meadow via a mix of single track and jeep trails. The trail winds in and out of small clusters of trees but is mainly an open route with excellent views of the Spokane Valley. The Spokane River is just visible to the southwest, as is the old Riblets Mansion (now Arbor Crest Winery) on the cliff overlooking the Spokane River. The views also extend westward toward Bigelow Gulch, which can be especially pretty around sunset.  

This short loop is still enough to get one's heart pumping, with options for further exploration should one choose to visit the summit of the namesake peak via the remainder of the Antoine Summit Trail, or circle the peak via the Emerald Necklace Trail. With enough snow depth, this is a good route to explore on either snowshoes or cross-country skis; if the snow is sparse, pack micro-spikes instead.