Bikepacking from Spokane: Overnight Cycling Adventures

Bikepacking — multi-day cycling with your gear packed on your bike — is the purest form of cycling adventure, and Spokane is a great base for it. From the pine forests of the Idaho Panhandle to the rolling hills of the Palouse and the mountains of the Inland Northwest, overnight and multi-day bikepacking routes start right from Spokane's doorstep. Here's a guide to bikepacking from Spokane.

Why Bikepacking?

Bikepacking combines the freedom of cycling with the adventure of camping. You carry everything you need — shelter, sleeping gear, food, and tools — on your bike, and ride to remote places you can't reach by car. It's slower than backpacking, faster than hiking, and more immersive than any other way to travel. You see the landscape at bike speed, sleep under the stars, and earn every mile.

Spokane Area Bikepacking Routes

The Coeur d'Alene Trail Extension: Ride the Centennial Trail from Spokane to Coeur d'Alene (37 miles), then continue into the Idaho Panhandle on forest roads. Camp at Heyburn State Park or dispersed camping in the national forest. A 2-3 day out-and-back that mixes rail-trail cruising with forest adventure.

The Palouse Loop: Head south from Spokane into the rolling Palouse farmland, riding quiet gravel roads through wheat fields and small towns. Camp at Palouse Falls State Park or a private campground. A 2-3 day loop of 80-120 miles with stunning scenery and big skies.

The Mount Spokane Out-and-Back: Climb to Mount Spokane, camp in or near the state park, and explore the alpine trails. A shorter, tougher bikepacking trip with serious climbing and alpine rewards.

What to Pack

Bikepacking gear is about weight and bulk. The essentials: a lightweight tent or bivy, a sleeping bag rated for the season, a sleeping pad, a stove and pot, food, water (or a filter), a basic repair kit, extra clothing, and a first aid kit. Pack gear in frame bags, seat packs, and handlebar bags to distribute weight. Keep heavy items low and centered. You don't need to spend a fortune — start with what you have and upgrade over time.

Bike Setup

A mountain bike or gravel bike works best for bikepacking from Spokane, given the mix of surfaces. Wide tires (40mm+) handle gravel and rough roads. Low gears help with loaded climbing. Mountain bike flat bars or gravel drop bars both work — choose what you're comfortable with. Make sure your bike is in good mechanical condition before a multi-day trip.

Planning Your Trip

Start with an overnight trip — ride out, camp, ride back. This tests your gear and setup without committing to days in the backcountry. Research camping options: Washington and Idaho state parks, national forest dispersed camping, and private campgrounds. Check water sources and carry a filter. Share your route with someone. And be flexible — weather and conditions can change your plans.

Bikepacking from Spokane opens up the Inland Northwest in a way no other type of riding can. Load up your bike, pick a route, and discover what's beyond the day ride.