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Riverside Mountain Biking

August 11, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 1 Comment

Riverside Mountain Bike: Riverside State Park contains 8,000 acres of prime recreation land in the middle of Spokane. The area is crisscrossed with miles of trails, most of which are open to mountain bikes. The paths offer fun cycling to riders of all ability levels from single and double track to paved trail. One of the most scenic trails follows the churning Spokane River past water-sculpted boulders and craggy cliffs. This 7.2-mile loop is moderately difficult. The route travels on 4.3 miles of singletrack, 2.7 miles of dirt roads, and 0.2 mile of pavement. The trails and roads are in good condition, with some technical stretches of rock and sand. There are many trails and roads to explore in Riverside state park; only the park’s equestrian area and the Little Spokane River Natural Area are closed to bikes.

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/bowl-and-pitcher-area-riverside-state-park-spokane-washington-daniel-hagerman.html

Driving Distance: 21min (7mi)

Directions:

Trail Distance: varies

Elevation Gain: varies

Difficulty (1-5): 1-3

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: Riverside State Park contains 8,000 acres of prime recreation land in the middle of Spokane. The area is crisscrossed with miles of trails, most of which are open to mountain bikes. The paths offer fun cycling to riders of all ability levels from single and double track to paved trail. One of the most scenic trails follows the churning Spokane River past water-sculpted boulders and craggy cliffs. This 7.2-mile loop is moderately difficult. The route travels on 4.3 miles of singletrack, 2.7 miles of dirt roads, and 0.2 mile of pavement. The trails and roads are in good condition, with some technical stretches of rock and sand. There are many trails and roads to explore in Riverside state park; only the park’s equestrian area and the Little Spokane River Natural Area are closed to bikes.

Guide Review: Riverside State park has a maze of single-track mountain bike trails that take you to the most beautiful lookouts throughout the state park. The first time I rode at Riverside I was shocked with the amount of fun I had. I rode from lookout to lookout, each one better than the next. The most surprising thing is that as I was riding to each lookout, I was being challenged with some great trails. As I reached the end of the park I was bummed because I hate riding the same trail twice! But lucky for me Riverside had enough trails so I didn’t have to ride the same trail twice. I highly recommend riding out to the state park and making your day an adventure!

Riverside State Park Trail Map

Gear List:

Waterbottle (bring lots, in the summer this is can be dry and hot)
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Patch Kit
Travel pump

Check out the forecast here!

*Gonzaga Outdoors recommended trips are intended to give you ideas about some awesome places you should check out in Spokane. However, these reviews may not be 100% accurate or 100% current. We recommend that you do your own additional research about the area and current conditions before you go on your trip. You go the trip at your own risk. Have fun out there!*

Beacon Hill

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Beacon Hill: Beacon Hill boasts a plethora of trails and routes covering this small mountain sitting on the eastern edge of Spokane. There are a few jeep trails mainly along the power line route headed to the NE, but the trails here are mostly singletrack. Explore to your heart’s desire, there is no consistent signage although some of the locals have attempted to color-code some routes with ribbon, paint, etc. This area has a few technical routes but it mostly long, fast runs through the forest.

Driving Distance: 10min (4mi)Directions

Trail Distance: varies

Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 2

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: Beacon Hill boasts a plethora of trails and routes covering this small mountain sitting on the eastern edge of Spokane. There are a few jeep trails mainly along the power line route headed to the NE, but the trails here are mostly singletrack. Explore to your heart’s desire, there is no consistent signage although some of the locals have attempted to color-code some routes with ribbon, paint, etc. This area has a few technical routes but it mostly long, fast runs through the forest.

Guide Review: This is a great place to come if you’re looking for an easy escape. I love it because its only a few miles from campus and has a lot of different trails so its easy to mix things up. All of the trails are awesome, but if you take one that goes up to the top you will get an awesome view of Spokane and Spokane Valley. Overall if your looking for a place to do some cross country, downhill, or even dirt jumping, Beacon is a great place to go.

Beacon Hill Trail Map

Gear List:

Waterbottle (bring lots, in the summer this is can be dry and hot)
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Patch Kit
Travel pump

Check out the forecast here!

Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars: The Roosevelt Grove is an old growth cedar forest with trees that are 4-12 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall. Although 75% of the original grove was destroyed by a fire in 1926. The average age of the remaining trees is 800 years, with a few survivors of the fire remaining that are 2000-3000 years old. There are several campsites off the parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your camping gear too far. There are several day hike trails from the parking/lot campsite.

Driving Distance: 1hr 53min (89.5mi) (to Nordman)

Directions then 14 miles N. of Nordman on Forest Road 302

Trail Distance: varies (see day hikes below)

Elevation Gain: varies

Difficulty (1-5): 2-3

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: The Roosevelt Grove is an old growth cedar forest with trees that are 4-12 feet in diameter and 150 feet tall. Although 75% of the original grove was destroyed by a fire in 1926. The average age of the remaining trees is 800 years, with a few survivors of the fire remaining that are 2000-3000 years old. There are several campsites off the parking lot, so you don’t have to worry about carrying your camping gear too far. There are several day hike trails from the parking/lot campsite:

A 1-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty leads up the old road for 200 feet above the trailhead. The trail then turns left up the hillside in a series of switchbacks to viewpoints of both the Upper and Lower Falls. After about 1/2 mile, the trail again enters the old road. At this point it’s an optional 1/2-mile return hike down the old road to the trailhead or an additional 1/2-mile hike to the Upper Grove, which extends for approximately 1/2 mile between the old road and the creek. Stay on the trail, as the surrounding area can be marshy.

Almost directly across the main road (No. 302) lies the trailhead to Roosevelt Trail No. 266. This is a more difficult trail that ascends a hill with switchbacks to another stand of old-growth cedar. The total distance of this trail is 4.5 miles. From this trail you can access other trails to Little Grass Mountain, Boulder Mountain, and Zero Creek. These trails offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.

For the hearty hiker, there is Grassy Top Trail No. 379. The trailhead is 3/4 of a mile south of the Stagger Inn entrance. This is an 8-mile hike, with the terminus at Grassy Top Mountain offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Guide Review: Coming

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Fleece Jacket
Fleece Pants
Tent
Stove
Plenty of food
Bear can
Toliet Paper and Trowel
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

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Hells Canyon

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Hells Canyon: This is a three- to four-day loop backpack in the Hells Canyon Wilderness and National Recreation Area provides a great overview of Hells Canyon Wilderness scenery. The habitat is varied, steep and rugged one minute, then gentle the next, draped in trees at times, open to the scorching sun at others. Careful for Poison oak along the lower reaches of both Saddle and Sluice creeks, as well as the Snake River. Also, watch for rattlesnakes in summer months. Be prepared for a lot of elevation gain and loss. Special attractions include wide vistas of Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America and abundant wildlife, and wildflowers.

Driving Distance: 4hr 28min (232mi)

Directions

Trail Distance: 30 mi

Elevation Gain: 1,660 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 3

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: This is a three- to four-day loop backpack in the Hells Canyon Wilderness and National Recreation Area provides a great overview of Hells Canyon Wilderness scenery. The habitat is varied, steep and rugged one minute, then gentle the next, draped in trees at times, open to the scorching sun at others. Careful for Poison oak along the lower reaches of both Saddle and Sluice creeks, as well as the Snake River. Also, watch for rattlesnakes in summer months. Be prepared for a lot of elevation gain and loss. Special attractions include wide vistas of Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America and abundant wildlife, and wildflowers.

Guide Review: Coming

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Fleece Jacket
Fleece Pants
Tent
Stove
Plenty of food
Bear can
Toliet Paper and Trowel
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

The Enchantments

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

The Enchantments: The Enchantment Lakes is a high alpine basin full of lakes, larch, mountain goats, and fantastically stark granite that is considered by many to be the best areas to hike in the state. You can do a day hike in and out will a self-issued trailhead permit. However, if you can plan ahead, the best way to see the Enchantments is backpacking overnight. Click here to learn more about overnight permitting. The enchantments offer many options for different camping areas near lakes and myriad peaks surround the valley floor as options for day hikes. The one of a kind starkly beautiful scenery of the Enchantments makes this location worth the hassle of getting a permit.

Driving Distance: 3hr 28min (200mi )

Directions

Trail Distance: varies by route

Elevation Gain: varies by route

Difficulty (1-5): 4-5

Permit(s) Required: Yes, for overnight camping (click herefor more info)

Description: The Enchantment Lakes is a high alpine basin full of lakes, larch, mountain goats, and fantastically stark granite that is considered by many to be the best areas to hike in the state. You can do a day hike in and out will a self-issued trailhead permit. However, if you can plan ahead, the best way to see the Enchantments is backpacking overnight. Click here to learn more about overnight permitting. The enchantments offer many options for different camping areas near lakes and myriad peaks surround the valley floor as options for day hikes. The one-of-a-kind starkly beautiful scenery of the Enchantments makes this location worth the hassle of getting a permit.

Guide Review: Known for being one of the most scenic spots in Washington, the Enchantments are a series of mountain lakes, glaciers and mountain peaks. There are plenty of lakes for a short day hike, or challenge yourself by doing the whole loop (20 miles) in a day. I would recommend starting with Lake Colchuck, Eightmile Lake, Snow Lakes, or Stuart Lake to begin with. Each of these hikes offers incredible sceneries and is feasible for the day or an overnight. Permits can be difficult to obtain, but if you go to the park service (downtown Leavenworth) at 7am you can wait in line for a lottery spot. This is a great way to do a spur of the moment trip, as long as you don’t have your heart set onone spot. The Eightmile or Tumwater Campground are fun places to meet other outdoor enthusiasts (like yourself). Another thing to consider, is the snow will be around till late May, and then the bugs get nasty. My favorite time to go has been early September. Combine this trip with a bit of climbing, skiing, or swimming depending on what you are into!

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Fleece Jacket
Fleece Pants
Tent
Stove
Plenty of food
Bear can
Toliet Paper and Trowel
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

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Stanley Hot Springs

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Stanley Hot Springs: Stanley Hot Springs is a very popular destination for backpacking to hot springs in the Inland Northwest. The trailhead is easy to find and the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The trial provides awesome view of the scenic bitterroot mountain. Plenty of stock use the trail as an entry route into the Fish Lake area, so be prepared to step aside for horses or donkeys when necessary. Highlights: Pleasant canyon scenery and a series of steaming hot springs.

Driving Distance: 3hr 47min (200mi)

Directions

From Kamiah, take U.S. Highway 12 about 28 miles east to Lowell and continue 26 miles to Wilderness Gateway Campground mile marker 122. Go past Loops A and B, and the amphitheater, to the trail 211 parking area.

Trail Distance: 14 miles total (there and back)

Elevation Gain: 1,760 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 3

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: Stanley Hot Springs is a very popular destination for backpacking to hot springs in the Inland Northwest. The trailhead is easy to find and the trail is clearly marked and easy to follow. The trial provides awesome view of the scenic Bitterroot Mountains. Plenty of stock use the trail as an entry route into the Fish Lake area, so be prepared to step aside for horses or donkeys when necessary. Highlights: Pleasant canyon scenery and a series of steaming hot springs.

Guide Review: Backpacking to Stanley Hot Springs is definitely a highlight out of all my outdoors experiences. We ventured into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on a weekend in October; a perfect time of the year for amazing fall foliage! Though the trail can be challenging with a pack burdening your back, the fiery golden leaves distract your gaze compelling your feet to keep moving. In order to get to the all natural, 110 degree hot springs that are like manna from heaven on a rainy October day, make sure you cross a creek in the last mile of the hike! This somewhat treacherous endeavor definitely gets the adrenaline pumping, be sure to find a walking stick and use your buddies to get across. The hot springs feel like a godsend after a long day of hiking, even to just bathe your feet in. You might want to consider taking a dip at night too for some optimal stargazing! I sincerely recommend this as a two-three night trip in the fall. Enjoy!

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Fleece Jacket
Fleece Pants
Tent
Stove
Plenty of food
Bear can
Toliet Paper and Trowel
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

Mineral Ridge

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Mineral Ridge Loop: Mineral Ridge is a relatively easy hike making it ideal for half-day trips or diverse hiking parties. This trail is perfect for history and nature buffs, often referred to as a “classroom in the forest”, there are over 22 stations providing descriptions and information about Mineral Ridge, it’s history and the wildlife that you will find there. Most of your time will be spent climbing although the trail switchbacks generously so it is never too steep. There are benches placed along the path for those who want to rest their legs or just sit and enjoy the scenery. The trail gains the ridge and then traverses out to a point overlooking Lake Coeur d’ Alene with beautiful scenery. This look trail then descends slowly back to the parking lot. This is a fun, easy hike, with gorgeous views, to do with friends that is fairly convenient to campus.

Driving Distance: 47min (41.1mi)

Directions

Trail Distance: 3.3 mi

Elevation Gain: 1.000 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 2

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: Mineral Ridge is a relatively easy hike making it ideal for half-day trips or diverse hiking parties. This trail is perfect for history and nature buffs, often referred to as a “classroom in the forest”, there are over 22 stations providing descriptions and information about Mineral Ridge, it’s history and the wildlife that you will find there. Most of your time will be spent climbing although the trail switchbacks generously so it is never too steep. There are benches placed along the path for those who want to rest their legs or just sit and enjoy the scenery. The trail gains the ridge and then traverses out to a point overlooking Lake Coeur d’ Alene with beautiful scenery. This look trail then descends slowly back to the parking lot. This is a fun, easy hike, with gorgeous views, to do with friends that is fairly convenient to campus.

Guide Review: Coming

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Tennis Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

Read Recent Trip Reviews here!

Liberty Lake

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Liberty Lake Loop: This hike is best completed in a clockwise direction. Views are infrequent, but shade is plentiful. High points include one of the last stands of old growth cedar in Spokane County and a year round waterfall which is very impressive during spring run off. Follow the valley floor for two miles and cross Liberty Creek twice on foot bridges before reaching the cedar grove. It is always cool and damp here. This then begins a serious switchbacking climb to the one major viewpoint of Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane to the north. This is a great place to stop, have a snack and enjoy the picturesque cascading water. The descent is on an old road, gradual at first, and then quite steep at the end. The trail then levels out in the valley floor and makes a sharp turn to the right. Cross Liberty Creek on a log bridge to rejoin the valley trail about 0.5 miles from the trailhead.

Driving Distance: 32 min (20.3 mi)

Directions

Trail Distance: 8.9 mi

Elevation Gain: 1250 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 2

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: This hike is best completed in a clockwise direction. Views are infrequent, but shade is plentiful. High points include one of the last stands of old growth cedar in Spokane County and a year round waterfall which is very impressive during spring run off. Follow the valley floor for two miles and cross Liberty Creek twice on foot bridges before reaching the cedar grove. It is always cool and damp here. This then begins a serious switchbacking climb to the one major viewpoint of Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane to the north. This is a great place to stop, have a snack and enjoy the picturesque cascading water. The descent is on an old road, gradual at first, and then quite steep at the end. The trail then levels out in the valley floor and makes a sharp turn to the right. Cross Liberty Creek on a log bridge to rejoin the valley trail about 0.5 miles from the trailhead.

Guide Review: Coming

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

Check out recent trip reviews here!

Iller Creek Loop

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Iller Creek Loop: Iller Creek boasts a wonderful five mile loop consisting of lush shaded forest, climbing to a ridge with outstanding views of the Washington Palouse to the South and the Selkirks to the North and East. In the middle of the hike one reaches the Big Rocks (Rocks of Sharon), one of the best rock climbing destinations in the area. The best way to do this hike is counterclockwise. Starting at the Holman Road trail, head stay right following the west side of Iller Creek. The creek bed is mostly dry by late summer. You immediately enter a cool shaded forest and climb very gradually. At one mile there is a fork. Stay right and start climbing more steeply. You’ll encounter another fork at approximately two miles. Again stay right. Unfortunately, signage is currently lacking. A gradual switchbacking trail built by the WTA takes you back to your car.

Iller Creek Hike

Driving Distance: 21 min (10.9 mi )

Distance

Trail Distance: 5 mi

Elevation Gain: 1200ft

Difficulty (1-5): 1

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: Iller Creek boasts a wonderful five mile loop consisting of lush shaded forest, climbing to a ridge with outstanding views of the Washington Palouse to the South and the Selkirks to the North and East. In the middle of the hike one reaches the Big Rocks (Rocks of Sharon), one of the best rock climbing destinations in the area. The best way to do this hike is counterclockwise. Starting at the Holman Road trail, head stay right following the west side of Iller Creek. The creek bed is mostly dry by late summer. You immediately enter a cool shaded forest and climb very gradually. At one mile there is a fork. Stay right and start climbing more steeply. You’ll encounter another fork at approximately two miles. Again stay right. Unfortunately, signage is currently lacking. A gradual switchbacking trail built by the WTA takes you back to your car.

Guide Review: Katherine C

Gear List:

Waterbottle
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

Read Recent Trip Reviews here!

Scotchman’s Peak

August 10, 2018 / Gonzaga Outdoors / 0 Comments

Scotchman’s Peak Hike: This is a beautiful hike, but strenuous because it is so steep. The well worn trail tread is usually in good shape and leads to the highest point in Bonner County, the top of Scotchman Peak. This excellent trail starts off on a steep wooded hillside before breaking into some large switchbacks across the alpine hillside. Stunning panoramas of Lake Pend Oreille begin at “the meadows”, about two thirds of the way up and they continue to unfold as you reach the summit. The peak looks over, and deep into, the rugged valleys and ridges of the Scotchman Peaks area. Mountain goats are frequently encountered on the surrounding ridges and near the summit. Snow lingers late into the summer of most years.

Driving Distance: 2hr 16min (106)

Directions

Trail Distance: 7 mi

Elevation Gain: 3,713 ft

Difficulty (1-5): 3

Permit(s) Required: None

Description: This is a beautiful hike, but strenuous because it is so steep. The well worn trail tread is usually in good shape and leads to the highest point in Bonner County, the top of Scotchman Peak. This excellent trail starts off on a steep wooded hillside before breaking into some large switchbacks across the alpine hillside. Stunning panoramas of Lake Pend Oreille begin at “the meadows”, about two thirds of the way up and they continue to unfold as you reach the summit. The peak looks over, and deep into, the rugged valleys and ridges of the Scotchman Peaks area. Mountain goats are frequently encountered on the surrounding ridges and near the summit. Snow lingers late into the summer of most years.

Guide Review: Coming

Gear List:

Water bottle (bring lots, in the summer this is a dry, hot hike)
Small First Aid Kit
Rain Jacket (October-May)
Fleece Jacket
Good Hiking Shoes
Camera

Check out the forecast here!

Read Trip Reviews here!