Spokane sits at the intersection of the Columbia Plateau and the Selkirk Mountains, giving riders access to one of the most diverse trail networks in the Pacific Northwest. Within a 30-minute drive of downtown, you'll find everything from the paved, river-hugging Centennial Trail to steep alpine descents on Mount Spokane. This guide covers the best mountain bike trails in Spokane — where to ride, what to expect, and how to choose the right trail for your skill level.
Beacon Hill: Spokane's Mountain Biking Heart
If there's one trail system that defines mountain biking in Spokane, it's Beacon Hill. Just 10 minutes from downtown, this dense network of flow trails, technical descents, and climbing routes is managed by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance Spokane Chapter. The machine-built flow trails feature berms, rollers, and jump lines that thrill intermediate and advanced riders, while beginner-friendly green loops welcome newcomers. With trailheads at Camp Sekani, you can stack laps for hours without repeating the same descent.
What makes Beacon Hill special is the fast-draining soil — trails are often rideable within a day of rain, making it the go-to choice when other forested trails are still muddy. The flagship trails like Queens Gate and Gusto form a loop that delivers a proper workout with rewarding descents.
Mount Spokane: Alpine Mountain Biking
Rising to 5,883 feet, Mount Spokane delivers the biggest alpine mountain biking in the Inland Northwest. Over 80 miles of trails wind through subalpine forest, wildflower meadows, and steep technical descents. The climb to the summit is a proper alpine effort, rewarded with panoramic views across Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Descents drop over 1,500 vertical feet through bermed singletrack and root-laced forest.
In late summer, wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows, and the ski area operates a chairlift on select summer weekends for shuttle-accessed downhill riding. Bring layers — the summit is often 15-20 degrees cooler than Spokane.
Riverside State Park: Technical Challenge
The Bowl and Pitcher area in Riverside State Park is Spokane's most dramatic riding landscape. Massive basalt rock formations carved by Ice Age floods rise from the Spokane River, surrounded by over 55 miles of technical singletrack. The Bowl and Pitcher Loop combines scenic river views with chunky rock gardens and steep punchy climbs. The Rim Rock Trail offers the park's best technical riding with exposed ledges and steep drops. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking.
Choosing the Right Trail
For beginners, the Centennial Trail and Little Spokane River Natural Area offer flat, scenic, and forgiving rides. Intermediate riders will love the flow trails at Beacon Hill and the loops at Dishman Hills. Advanced and expert riders should head straight for Mount Spokane's alpine descents or the technical features at Riverside State Park.
Whatever your skill level, Spokane has a trail that will make you fall in love with mountain biking in the Inland Northwest. Grab your bike, check the trail conditions, and get out there.
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