Mount Spokane Alpine Riding: Conquering the 5,883-Foot Summit

Mount Spokane is the biggest mountain biking the Inland Northwest has to offer. At 5,883 feet, it's the highest peak in the Spokane area, and the trail system delivers over 80 miles of alpine singletrack through subalpine forest and wildflower meadows. The climbing is serious, the descents are long and fast, and the views from the summit stretch across three states. This is full-day alpine mountain biking — without the lift ticket.

The Summit Climb

The classic route up Mount Spokane follows the Snowmobile Trail from the Selkirk Lodge parking area. It's 4 miles and 1,500 feet of climbing to the summit — a proper alpine effort that will test your fitness and your gearing. The trail climbs steadily through forest, opening up to alpine meadows near the top. Pack low gears and patience; this is a climb that rewards persistence.

The Descent

What goes up must come down, and the descent from the Mount Spokane summit is one of the best in the region. Over 1,500 vertical feet of bermed singletrack and root-laced forest, the descent is fast, flowy, and technical in sections. The Nordic Trail is another popular descent option, with a slightly different character — more forest, fewer open meadows.

Summer Chairlift Access

On select summer weekends, the Mount Spokane ski area operates a chairlift, offering shuttle-accessed downhill riding. This is the easiest way to stack descents without the climbing — load your bike on the lift, ride down, repeat. Check the ski area's summer schedule for chairlift days.

What to Bring

Mount Spokane is a full-day destination, and the summit is often 15-20 degrees cooler than Spokane with significant wind. Pack layers, extra water, food, a basic repair kit, and a trail map. Cell service is limited on the mountain, so ride with a partner or share your route plan. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Mount Spokane is the crown jewel of Inland Northwest mountain biking — a proper alpine experience that rewards the climb with views, wildflowers, and descents you'll remember all season.