Mount Spokane State Park
Summit views, huckleberries in summer and night skiing in winter.
Mount Spokane is the big, forested mountain you can see from much of the city. The state park around it covers about 12,400 acres in the Selkirk Mountains, roughly 23 miles northeast of Spokane, and it is the largest state park in Washington.
In summer you can drive the Summit Road to the top, at about 5,880 feet, and walk into Vista House, the stone lookout building with views across the region. There are around 100 miles of trails if you want to hike instead.
In winter the same mountain turns into a ski area and a Sno-Park. It sees roughly 300 inches of snow a year, and Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park runs lifts and night skiing.
What to see and do
A historic stone building at the top of the mountain with wide views. It is open to hikers in summer and used as a concession during ski season. Drive up the Summit Road or hike.
Mount Spokane is one of the best-known places near Spokane to pick wild huckleberries, typically from mid-July into August. In state parks, picking is for personal use only, and limits apply.
The park has around 100 miles of trails. Options range from the easy 3-mile Burping Brook Loop to the 13-mile Round the Mountain Trail.
More than 1,700 acres, 53 runs and six lifts, according to the resort. It is known for night skiing and a large terrain park, and also offers snow tubing.
From December 1 through March 31 the park operates as a Sno-Park, with a Sno-Park permit required in place of a Discover Pass. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular.
Bald Knob campground operates seasonally, roughly May through September.
Local tips
- Summer parking requires a Discover Pass ($45 annual or $10 day; check current details). Winter Sno-Park access requires a Sno-Park permit instead.
- Check road and weather conditions before you drive up. Mountain weather changes fast, and snow can arrive early or linger late.
- For the summit view, go on a clear day. The Summit Road gets you there without hiking.
- Huckleberry picking is slow work. Plan on a few hours, bring containers and pick by hand. Commercial harvest is not allowed in state parks.
- Bring layers in any season. The summit is cooler and windier than Spokane.
- Ski season dates change each year and depend on snow. Check mtspokane.com for current dates, hours and ticket prices.
- The ski area is known for night skiing on select days. Check the schedule before you plan an evening.
- Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to drive from downtown Spokane.
A little history
The park was established in 1927 with about 1,500 acres. In the 1930s, Civilian Conservation Corps crews built trails, shelters and roads.
Vista House dates to 1933. It was designed by architect H.C. Bertelsen and built by a local contractor. It is often credited to the CCC, but records say it was built by a contractor. It sits on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Questions visitors ask
Can I drive to the top?
In summer, yes. The Summit Road goes up to Vista House, which is at about 5,880 feet. Check current details for when the road is open.
What pass do I need?
A Discover Pass for summer parking. From December 1 to March 31 the park operates as a Sno-Park and you need a Sno-Park permit instead.
When are the huckleberries ripe?
Usually mid-July through August, depending on the year and elevation.
Can I ski there?
Yes. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is inside the park, with night skiing and a terrain park. Check mtspokane.com for current season dates.
Is it a long hike to Vista House?
You can drive to the summit in summer, or hike up. Several trails reach the top, with varying lengths and difficulty.
How far is it from downtown Spokane?
About 23 miles, which is a 45-minute to one-hour drive.
More outdoors staples
Park · South Hill (Manito / Cannon Hill)Manito ParkFive gardens, a conservatory and a duck pond on Spokane's South Hill, all free
Trail · Riverfront Park / Spokane River corridorSpokane River Centennial TrailA paved river path from Nine Mile Falls through downtown to the Idaho line.
State park · Riverside State Park / northwest SpokaneBowl & Pitcher at Riverside State ParkWhitewater, basalt boulders and a swinging bridge, 15 minutes from downtown.