Take this trail to escape the heat on summer days, or to observe how the snow brings profound quiet to the forest in the middle of winter. Regardless of season, this trail is a good introduction to the trails at Mount Spokane State Park.
From the switchback parking lot approximately 1.5 miles beyond the park entrance, enter the trail system via the gated Mount Kit Carson Loop Road, an old roadbed now converted to park trail. Travel the old road for a mere 100 feet and take the first right onto Trail 100.
Walk for approximately 200 feet and bear left at the next intersection as Trail 100 crosses Burping Brook for the first time on the bridge installed as part of an ongoing WTA project in the summer of 2013 and 2014.
At the next intersection, bear right and continue uphill as Trail 110 joins Trail 100 for a short segment. After 0.4 miles, veer left on Trail 100 as Trail 110 continues uphill towards Saddle Junction. Just past the intersection, the trail crosses a second WTA-built bridge over another tributary of Burping Brook. As you hike, note the springboard slots on 6-foot tall stumps along this portion of the trail, marking a century-old logging operation that may have been part of the effort to rebuild Spokane in the wake of the massive 1889 fire.
The trail now meanders along through the deep forest, generally losing elevation over approximately .3 miles to the next intersection. Continue to the right on trail 100 and begin to climb again as the trail contours across the hillside for about a mile, crossing two additional tributaries of Burping Brook, the first crossing of which received a bridge thanks to WTA work crews in August 2014.
Finally, arrive at Smith Gap, where you'll find the new snowshoe warming hut, built by the Friends of Mount Spokane State Park with the help of community grants and donations. The table inside was hand-built by a WTA blue-hat from white pine salvaged from the Nordic ski trails.
Pause here to enjoy a picnic lunch, then take the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road downhill to complete the loop and return to the parking lot.
Picnickers will pass several other tables along this route should Smith Gap be too busy.
Mount Spokane - Burping Brook-Smith Gap Loop
47.8857,
-117.1315
Map & Directions
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,400 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Sno-Parks Permit
Take this trail to escape the heat on summer days, or to observe how the snow brings profound quiet to the forest in the middle of winter. Regardless of season, this trail is a good introduction to the trails at Mount Spokane State Park.
Continue reading
Hiking Mount Spokane - Burping Brook-Smith Gap Loop
WTA worked here in 2016!
Mount Spokane - Burping Brook-Smith Gap Loop
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
Sno-Parks PermitWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
