Mount Spokane - Trail 100
Eastern WashingtonBest May–Oct
Shaded forest walking with logging-era history, 30 minutes from Spokane.
About This Trail
Trail 100 is a shaded corridor through the mid-elevation forest of Mount Spokane State Park, running about 3.5 miles between two access points. The route stays under canopy nearly the entire way, making it one of the better options in the Spokane area when summer heat pushes temperatures into the 90s. WTA-built footbridges cross Burping Brook, and the trail weaves through a mix of second-growth and old-growth stands.
Look for springboard slots cut into the stumps of dead trees along the way. These notches date to post-1889 logging operations, when timber crews inserted boards into the trunk to stand on while sawing above the flared base. It is a quiet record of the forest's industrial past folded into its present recovery. Trail 110 merges with Trail 100 for about half a mile of climbing before splitting off, and the route ends at Smith Gap where connections to the broader park trail network open up.
The park sits 30 minutes from downtown Spokane, which means this trail sees steady local use but rarely feels crowded. A Discover Pass is required. The trail works well as a snowshoe route in winter, with several trip reports documenting packed-snow conditions from the SnoPark lot. Year-round accessibility and modest elevation gain make this a trail that rewards repeated visits across seasons.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazard
- trail junction signage can be confusing - carry a map
Getting There
Park at the SnoPark lot at the intersection of Mount Spokane Park Drive and Summit Road. Discover Pass required for vehicle access. The hairpin turn lot on Lower Kit Carson Loop Road works as an alternative starting point.
From Spokane, take Highway 2 north to Highway 206, then follow 206 for 15 miles to the park entrance. The SnoPark lot is well-signed. Trail 100 descends initially before reaching Burping Brook, then undulates gently to Smith Gap.
No early start needed. The modest distance and gain allow flexible timing. In summer, the shade keeps things cool even on afternoon starts.
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