Liberty Lake Regional Park has one of the most popular trails within the Spokane County Parks system, and with the rehabilitation of the Split Creek Trail, the system just got an upgrade.
Originally built in the 1970s, the Split Creek Trail had fallen victim to erosion damage and lack of maintenance. Over the summer of 2015, volunteers donated their muscles to a major overhaul of the entire trail, rerouting long portions out of flood-prone areas and working on drainage and brushing throughout.
Many visitors to Liberty Lake are seeking a shorter, easier hike than the entire Liberty Lake Loop. Combine the Split Creek Trail with the main trail to the cedar grove, and there is now a loop option of approximately 4.5 miles. Or take Split Creek on the way to the cedar grove, waterfall, and beyond, and enjoy the way this trail stays closer to the creek. There are many chances to see mini cascades as the creek makes its way down to Liberty Lake. Watch for deer and moose in the forest, or at least the tracks they leave in the trail tread. Listen for birds flitting overhead, and in spring watch the forest floor for flowers and fungi.
Start this hike on the main Liberty Lake Trail, staying left at the intersection with the Edith Hansen Bridal Trail. The Split Creek Trail bears left just before the first bridge crossing over Liberty Creek, and continues upstream along the creek. The main trail runs parallel to the Split Creek Trail but on the opposite side of the creek. Split Creek Trail rejoins the main trail just above the second bridge, approximately one-quarter mile below the cedar grove. The trail may be hiked in either direction to form a loop with the main trail, offering new views on this popular hike.
Note that Spokane County Parks charges a seasonal $2 per person entry fee. This fee only applies during the summer months. Discover Passes do not apply/are not necessary for County Parks.
Liberty Lake Regional Park - Split Creek Loop
47.6311,
-117.0586
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 508 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,487 feet
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
None
Meander alongside Liberty Creek, staying close to the water, on a trail that provides a shorter loop option than the full waterfall loop.
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Hiking Liberty Lake Regional Park - Split Creek Loop
WTA worked here in 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011!
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA 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.
Getting There
From I-90 take Exit 296, and make your way to Liberty Lake Road. If you're coming from the west, this means a right turn at the end of the off ramp. From the east, turn left at the top of the off-ramp, cross over I-90 and continue straight.
Once on Liberty Lake Road, continue south for 1 mile. Watch for a Park sign indicating a left turn onto Sprague. 0.4 miles down Sprague there is a 4-way stop going downhill. Continue straight. A golf course is on the left and you will approach a sharp turn as Sprague goes right and downhill. Watch for garbage cans/trucks, children, pets, and wildlife on a narrow road.
In that turn, Sprague becomes S. Neyland Ave. and at a half mile, curves left around a hill, to an intersection. Watch for the Park sign pointing the way ahead. Then, just 100 yards later, turn right onto S Lakeside Road. Travel on this road for three-quarters of a mile. Turn right at the wood sign onto Zephyr Road and after 0.3 miles, you will be at the Park entrance.
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