Mount Spokane State Park - Three Peaks Loop
Eastern WashingtonBest Jun–Oct
Washington's largest state park packed into one ambitious loop that tags three summits and a century of backcountry history.
About This Trail
The Three Peaks Loop strings together Mount Kit Carson, Day Mountain, and Mount Spokane on a 20-kilometer circuit through old-growth forest, alpine meadows, and granite outcroppings. You will gain and lose elevation repeatedly as the route rolls between summits, so expect the legs to feel every one of those 870 meters of cumulative gain.
The payoff comes in layers. Kit Carson opens up views south toward Spokane and the Palouse wheat fields. Day Mountain sits quieter, tucked between the two bigger summits. Mount Spokane's Vista House, built by the CCC in 1934, rewards the final push with sightlines reaching into Idaho and, on sharp days, Montana. Along the way you pass the Smith Gap snowshoe hut, a CCC-era stone cabin, and WTA-built trail infrastructure from 2013.
Six numbered trails make up the loop, so carry a map or download the route beforehand. The trail system is shared with other users, though foot traffic stays moderate outside peak weekends. Wildflowers fill the meadows from late June through July, and fall color puts on a show in early October. Snow lingers into late May near the summit, and the park sees heavy winter use for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- confusing trail junctions without signage
- shared multi-use trails
- lingering snow near summit through late May
Getting There
Pullout at the hairpin turn on Mount Spokane Road fits roughly 20 cars. Washington Discover Pass required. Port-a-potties available at trailhead.
The loop uses six numbered trails (#104, #100, #140, #110, #160, #130). Start from the hairpin turn pullout on Mount Spokane Road. Navigation can get confusing at junctions, so download the route to your phone or carry the park trail map. The route works in either direction.
Start early for a full-day outing. The loop takes most hikers 6 to 8 hours depending on pace and how long you linger at each summit. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer.
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