When it comes to mountain biking in Spokane, three parks stand out above the rest: Beacon Hill & Camp Sekani, Mount Spokane State Park, and Riverside State Park. Each of these parks offers a unique and exciting mountain biking experience, with trails that are suitable for riders of all skill levels.

Nestled in something of an elbow of the city, the top of Beacon Hill affords visitors spectacular panoramic views of the metro area, from the far North Side through downtown and out across the Valley. The best part, though, is that from there, you get to ride back down.

Beacon Hill and Camp Sekani have become the region’s premier mountain biking destination, a distinction earned through the hard work of local volunteers and nonprofits.

“Fat Tire Trail Riders started in about 2008 to preserve land in the area,” says Chris Conley, president of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance’s Eastern Washington chapter, which took the baton from Fat Tire Trail Riders in 2015.

Stretching from Minnehaha Park in the west to the city-owned Camp Sekani Park on the east, the rugged terrain and over 600-plus vertical feet of the Beacon Hill area is crisscrossed by 39 miles of trails. However, between the two parks sits a lot of privately owned land. Until 2020, 61 percent of the area’s trails ran through private land. Now though, 77 percent are protected on public land.

“In 2020, 250 acres were bought by the county through Conservation Futures funds, along with large easements from Avista. There’s still some private land, but we at Evergreen have made agreements with the landowners to allow access to the trails,” Conley says. “We’re working on a new round of Conservation Futures for 2027.”

Volunteers who’ve helped make Beacon Hill what it is today aren’t just waiting around until 2027, though. Work is underway this spring to improve Camp Sekani’s central park features like the pump track and jumps, which are already located on public land.

For visitors who are unfamiliar, Evergreen has drawn up handy digital trail maps to help riders navigate the 1,024-acre space; find them at evergreeneast.org.

“Get out there and explore it,” Conley says. (The Inlander)

Mount Spokane State Park is located just 30 minutes northeast of Spokane and offers over 100 miles of trails that wind through old-growth forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The trails at Mount Spokane range in difficulty from easy to difficult, so riders of all skill levels can find a trail that suits them.

Beginner riders will love the Sundance Loop, a 5-mile trail that offers gentle terrain and breathtaking views of the park. Intermediate riders will enjoy the Mount Kit Carson Loop, an 8-mile trail that winds through dense forests and features some technical sections. Advanced riders will want to check out the Day Mountain Loop, a 14-mile trail that offers challenging climbs and technical descents. (Visit Spokane)

Located just 10 minutes northwest of Spokane, Riverside State Park is another popular destination for mountain bikers. With over 30 miles of trails that wind along the Spokane River and through dense forests, Riverside State Park is a mountain biker's paradise.

Beginner riders will love the Bowl and Pitcher Loop, a 2-mile trail that offers easy terrain along a section of the Centennial Trail and stunning views of the Spokane River. Intermediate riders will enjoy the Deep Creek Loop, a 7-mile trail that winds through forests and offers some technical sections. Advanced riders will want to check out the Seven Mile Loop, a 14-mile trail that offers challenging climbs and technical descents. (Visit Spokane)

Spokane is truly a mountain biker's paradise, with some of the most exhilarating trails in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, there's a trail in Spokane that's perfect for you. So if you're looking for some adventure and excitement, grab your bike and head to Beacon Hill & Camp Sekani, Mount Spokane State Park or Riverside State Park. You won't be disappointed!