Mount Spokane State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WA

Mount Spokane State Park

Mount Spokane State Park is Washington's largest state park, offering a diverse mix of forested lands, alpine scenery, and recreational opportunities year-round.

State Park13,9194+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

13,919

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Mount Spokane State Park

Mount Spokane State Park is Washington's largest state park, offering a diverse mix of forested lands, alpine scenery, and recreational opportunities year-round.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Mount Spokane State Park is located in northeastern Washington, covering approximately 13,000 acres within the Selkirk Mountains. The park is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing an array of activities across its vast landscape. The geography of the park is dominated by the elevation of Mount Spokane itself, which rises to 5,883 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding region. The park's ecology is rich with a mix of dense forests comprising mainly Douglas fir, larch, and cedar, as well as open meadows that host diverse wildlife, including deer, moose, and black bears. Originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, the area was designated as a state park in 1927, and its history is marked by conservation efforts to preserve its natural beauty. Key recreational opportunities include hiking on over 100 miles of trails, mountain biking, picnicking, and winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park's visitor appeal is enhanced by its diverse ecosystems, well-maintained facilities, and the historical Vista House, a charming stone structure at the summit built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Mount Spokane State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Vista House at Mount Spokane Summit✦ Unique alpine and subalpine ecosystems✦ Mount Kit Carson, offering stunning vistas✦ Historical Civilian Conservation Corps buildings
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Mount Spokane State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Mount Spokane State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Mount Spokane State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Discover Pass required for vehicle access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Mount Spokane State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Quartz Mountain Campground

Offers a more rustic camping experience near Quartz Mountain, popular for its tranquility.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Mount Spokane State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Post Falls, Idaho
⌖ 16.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Post Falls, Idaho

Post Falls serves up a mix of water and trail-based adventures making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From paddling the Spokane River to hiking lush trails, it's a gem in northern Idaho.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Liberty Lake, Washington
⌖ 17.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Liberty Lake, Washington

Liberty Lake, Washington, is a lively lakeside town where paddling, hiking, and biking blend with natural beauty. Its regional park, nearby conservation areas, and accessible trails make it a year-round destination for outdoor lovers.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Oldtown, Idaho
⌖ 18.33 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oldtown, Idaho

Oldtown, Idaho sits right on the Pend Oreille River offering peaceful paddling, fishing, and hiking opportunities in a quiet forested setting ideal for nature lovers and wildlife watchers.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Athol, Idaho
⌖ 18.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Athol, Idaho

Athol, Idaho offers a quiet outdoor basecamp with lake paddling, forest trails, mountain biking, and fishing on expansive Lake Pend Oreille. It’s a low-key gateway to Idaho’s northern wilderness year-round.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Hayden, Idaho
⌖ 18.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hayden, Idaho

Hayden, Idaho offers peaceful lakefront hiking, paddling, and biking with easy access to nearby forests. Enjoy fishing in Hayden Lake or explore snowshoe trails in winter. It’s a welcoming spot for nature lovers seeking balanced outdoor activities near Coeur d’Alene.

Late spring through early fall, with winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Spokane Valley, Washington
⌖ 19.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spokane Valley, Washington

Spokane Valley offers outdoor lovers easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling amid scenic river corridors and foothills. Close to Mount Spokane, it’s a go-to base for year-round outdoor adventure in Eastern Washington.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Mount Spokane State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

All-Day Lakeside Play: Paddle, Bounce, Repeat in Athol
ADVEXPEDITION
Athol, Idaho
KayakADV Bookable

All-Day Lakeside Play: Paddle, Bounce, Repeat in Athol

An 8-hour, operator-run package offering SUPs, single and tandem kayaks, and access to a giant water trampoline and floating dock—this guide helps families and groups plan a full day on the lake.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Stand-Up and Glide: Paddle the Lake at Athol
ADVEXPEDITION
Athol, Idaho
SUPADV Bookable

Stand-Up and Glide: Paddle the Lake at Athol

A concise guide to Wet Willys’ SUPS Rental in Athol, Idaho — rentals include paddle, life jacket and whistle and are available for 2 to 8 hours.

SUPPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip