Mount Spokane State Park - Trail 130

If you're looking for the best workout in the park, you'd be hard-pressed to find something better than this, the longest trail. Circumnavigate the park's namesake peak by following Trail 130 "round-the-mountain" for nearly 12 miles of forested trail punctuated by the occasional open meadow, or opt to turn around at any time for a shorter stroll.

Begin the adventure at the large parking lot to the right of where Mount Spokane Park Drive meets the Summit Road. Cross the main road and take Trail 130a as it runs more or less parallel to the summit road. Pass the park’s maintenance facility and climb to an intersection with B-29 Trail in the Alpine Ski area; Trail 130 joins the cat track for a short segment before veering left and climbing to Bald Knob Campground and picnic shelter.

Here the trail crosses the summit road, then runs parallel to the road on the downhill side as it contours towards the CCC cabin and Heritage Area. Watch for a trail marker leading down to where Trail 130 joins the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road, but first consider a side hike to visit the historical site.

The trail continues along the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road for approximately the next mile until it reaches Saddle Junction. Here it joins Trail 160 towards Mount Kit Carson for approximately one-quarter mile before veering right and entering deeper woods. In another half-mile, bear right at the saddle between Mount Kit Carson and Day Mountain and continue towards the summit of Day Mountain.

Linger for a moment to absorb the views from the top, then drop sharply down Day Mountain’s flank. At the bottom, Trail 130 crosses the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road one last time before descending an old roadbed section that is commonly referred to as the Chair 4 Road. Indeed, after several miles of gentle descent, the trail passes the bottom of chair 4 in the alpine ski area before beginning to climb somewhat and loop around to the ski area’s base. Reenter the alpine ski system beneath chairs 3 and 5, then take the uphill cat track that leads to lodge 1. Cross beneath chair 1 and climb gradually to rejoin the B-29 cat track portion of trail 130. Take Trail 130b to return to the parking lot.

WTA Pro-Tip: From the intersection with the Upper Mount Kit Carson Loop Road, and along the length of the "Chair 4 Road" portion of Trail 130, the route is open to shared use with snowmobiles in the winter. Also watch for backcountry alpine skiers and snowboarders on the "Chair 4 Road" as they use the route as a cat track back to the alpine ski area after accessing the backside terrain.