Top 3 Mountain Biking Areas in Spokane
The Inland Northwest is home to many incredible outdoor activities. If you’re an avid mountain biker or seeking a thrill on your visit to Spokane, the mountain biking opportunities in the region have something for riders of all skill levels. Spokane mountain biking trails offer a variety of incredible trail types and beautiful scenery. The peak season for mountain biking typically runs from mid-April to early October before the snow flies. Spokane is home to three primary areas that are fantastic for mountain biking: Beacon Hill, Mount Spokane State Park, and the Mica Peak Conservation area. I’ve ridden each one of these areas many times and regardless of where you pick, you’re guaranteed to have a ton of fun!
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=1700aec89497c890828b1b0ec676cdd5 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2969693dc96bd6bac7c4338dc7708479 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ebd9c8319ef14c51e6d2cefadc2ebc2c 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=17899c84c24128692c61defc58a8faf8 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=e533bf3572de0873f7336d434d4fb377 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a708b695007865623f9ae2cf14f9adbd 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=fa4e383ff9e7ddb9cd7e8b29ea839781 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7542.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=d33a4ede24c8c32051bc57672d9d2aaf 2048w)
All photos were shot by the author, Nicolas James.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is about a 20-minute drive northeast of downtown. This trail system is home to the largest variety of trails for riders of all skill levels in the entire area. It offers everything from flowy single tracks to enduro-style flow trails, and expert-level technical trails. The best way to access Beacon Hill is from one of two different parking areas, Camp Sekani or Esmeralda Golf Course.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=626aff63dcff13a72d03f091c91a5799 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4db408aed187a6e66323a17b788ad517 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=dcf62f43662994e7ee0eee54c724354b 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=65a2d2926a6ad94265f0474a1256a17c 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=144bfc01fd1180cb17db6675f0d2fb4f 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=7a71e70dcc9ddad8a6c07ccc8bc6fd2b 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=80c3457f757b65e7293b9be47786a3c3 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6103_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=95ddccb73d51431a3261fa2818e09e2c 2048w)
Beacon Hill - Camp Sekani
Camp Sekani Trailhead: 47.6952647,-117.3070447
The most popular way to ride Beacon Hill is to park at Camp Sekani right along the Spokane River. The Camp Sekani side of Beacon Hill is focused on beginner-level single-track trails and for those more experienced, the trails feature lots of well-rounded berms and jumps. When riding from the Camp Sekani side I recommend taking Upchuck to reach the top. The start of this trail is just east of the parking lot. You might pass people playing frisbee golf, but don’t worry, you’re on the right trail.
Once you reach the top, the fun part begins -- the descent. For less experienced riders, the best way down from Upchuck is either Peterbuilt or Rabid Rabbit. Both are single-track trails that work their way down the hill and don’t have any features that beginner riders would struggle with.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=39d74af77651ed6674728abca0e181d2 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8a87970f6862e095297d2abcb9832ad7 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fc971722816112acb0d563912fd5cef6 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=1e6a8a9461c68aca7efaa1b0b74c980b 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=29dd50fc0a6344e6e9511285cad007ed 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=53ef978f475ee20364d521c607644e26 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c15a89de06fc795c2b9f1d86b43c43c7 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/6379_NJames.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=04865d8fe0b985fd3d51a6ba56fc7415 2048w)
My favorite route on the Sekani side is top to bottom from Upchuck to Stalingrab. Stalingrab is an intermediate-level flow trail featuring large bermed corners and multiple sets of jumps and a small rock-roll feature at the end. If you’re an experienced rider and want to crush some fast laps with your friends, Stalingrab will not disappoint.
Another favorite trail of mine is Bomber. Bomber is a black diamond trail, suited for more experienced riders, that features a bit of everything. It has rock-rolls, jumps, drops, and technical rocky sections. It's more challenging to get down but worth riding if it's within your comfort zone.
For riders that are looking for a technical challenge, you can take Artificial High to Goode Times or Artificial High to Kessel Run (Yes, just like Star Wars). All three of these trails feature some very technical rock sections, drops, and jumps. It's worth your while to hop off your bike to look at each section before attempting as they definitely are a challenge.
Regardless of which trail you pick on the Camp Sekani side of Beacon Hill, you are guaranteed to have a blast. It’s worth noting to access the Esmerelda side you will want to follow Upchuck in its entirety and it will take you to the very top with the Radio Towers.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=058009bed9ff6cac230521ef596fd29b 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b5c0ef076f3b241d216da3325a40f5a4 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b35549001e38ec843e42f99b6cac65ba 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b21bf60166cdb712bd17d41165b7203f 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a016620407f699b9e6268ac3b77fffa8 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=34422d800c7a4ee4c141ab1faecc71dd 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7f07315f852d9b506b15474d5b59b167 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7099.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=ddb1ad41d1b85fa4fae7363ffb5bf5c3 2048w)
Beacon Hill - Esmeralda Golf Course
Esmeralda Trailhead: 47.6890099,-117.352439236
The other side of Beacon Hill is known as the Esmeralda side as it shares a parking lot with Esmeralda Golf Course. When mapping your way to the parking lot, I’d recommend mapping to Esmeralda Golf Course. When you arrive, you are welcome to park in any open spot for biking. Esmeralda is known for its tech trails featuring rocks, epic berms and in my opinion the best trails on all of Beacon Hill.
To get to the top take the Esmeralda trail. Shocking, right? This trail will take you all the way to the top. You’ll know the climb is over when you’re surrounded by a bunch of radio and cell phone towers. This trail is a two-direction trail and will also be your easiest way down if you’re a beginner rider. Also, since it’s a two-direction trail, keep an eye out for riders descending as some folks forget to yield to the rider traveling uphill.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7a5173d5f1f7c53483e2da723ddfe5c7 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=af38be0468f50ee93c1a274c41d10428 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5600d7a799ab9d89a2e18a969b4c5bd0 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=9b22c180eabc636aec6145c6496fd9d8 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=66421c64e28827133e41f71e2c93a22d 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=bdb15eab66a0eca308c11772d65764c0 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=3255694dacc67aa1636cc6efabbb77cb 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-BeaconHillEsmeralda-NJames-7452.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=a30381c3136287399ccdda2ec1bddc9d 2048w)
Top Biking Trails at Esmeralda
From the Esmeralda side, there are three trails that in my opinion are a must: Master Blaster, Pop Rocks, and Commitment Issues.
Master Blaster is just a hair more than a beginner trail. It has the biggest, best-bermed corners on any trail I’ve ever ridden. It’s about as close as you can get to riding a bobsled course on a bike. I start with this trail pretty much any ride on this side of Beacon Hill.
If you're a skilled rider, Pop Rocks has just about every type of rock feature you can think of (hence its name) from large rock rolls to wall rides, it has it all. If you can handle it, full send.
Commitment Issues is a black-diamond trail that is similar to Pop Rocks but has more high-speed jumps and larger technical drops. Regardless of which side of Beacon Hill you choose, it’s a prime mountain biking destination in Spokane.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=29aabcc8ddbbab2686bd4f44736760d6 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6570d7043246ea2e46d528071ef0074f 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=80d726fa9e52e54f33719eef030c6a8c 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c4b697a6e203bd932c29ba468687f78f 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=912cdb5ecd24e268ae7f6769dbfe5b34 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9a1b478e3bc8bf0049379a711dccbe75 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=730a59fcbfbd08b5307887d69e78b56c 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7651.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=277302e3f4fd3cacf55c04785ca6d496 2048w)
Mount Spokane State Park
Located 40 minutes north of Spokane is Mount Spokane State Park. In the winter, this is a prime ski and snowboarding area, but during the summer months it has incredible mountain biking.
Before heading to Mount Spokane, make sure you’ve got a Discover Pass as you will need this to park. You can get a Discover Pass at most gas stations or outdoor shops like REI, you can also pay for a day pass if you are only in town for a short time.
To access Mount Spokane, follow State Highway 206 all the way to the top of the mountain. This is one of the few recreational areas that you can drive all the way to the top of the mountain.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e2feb58b653f899f65d5d146c5db1e47 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=24e6b1cdb002b46b86eaeff117f78bf9 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d8a48e7b7e8e94e4396237638cdec20f 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d1fdb31487a90502da7b8edd5f3666cf 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=63881453e268694c475fdd5209013484 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=e69f20e46fafb48e20c51b9edc8a681e 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7609c9df197d14405401790d1e82bf96 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7673.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=ee8a8235f9765ed796884a3b76208fa8 2048w)
Where to Park at Mount Spokane
Lower Lot: 47.8880777,-117.1267719
Snowmobile Lot: 47.9046824,-117.102652
Summit: 47.9225098,-117.1127591
You have two options when it comes to riding Mt. Spokane. The first is to park at the bottom and ride the road to the top. The second is to shuttle. This requires one rider of the group to drive the car to the top, drop off the other riders and then drive back down to the bottom for the next lap. Most riders tend to shuttle as you can get the most laps in the shortest time. A group of three makes for the smoothest laps when shuttling. If you’re wanting the workout, riding to the top will get you exactly that. Either way, I recommend parking at either the dirt lot just below the Bear Creek Lodge or the Lower Mt. Spokane Parking lot.
![Mt Spokane mountain biking](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=26c08413a59af29543e22d73aae47a17 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=71300dd9227b86107ceb7fec90cc147b 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=9a164efabdde5b2eaaa2da2aeaa8f8f2 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a95ebe7111db0ff70afe8c91ba65c64f 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=c7bcd8c0a50a757b7ae8bcdf1d8587ab 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=63bbffaa28d2c4ec0e60d8c7383f3e4a 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=5601ebc19d8dbb5e37a7aab51453f502 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7640.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=1bc2c9e7aa6ad39a1adb118c851a14a1 2048w)
Top Biking Trails at Mount Spokane State Park
Mount Spokane features some of the most fun dirt to ride in the Spokane area. Those used to riding in Western Washington or up in Canada will feel right at home. All trails on Mount Spokane are flowy single tracks and the only differentiating factor from the Intermediate to Expert trails will be the amount of rocky and root-filled sections on each trail. The easiest way down from the top is to take Trail 110. This will take you all the way to the Bear Creek Lodge, so remember to park accordingly. If you’re riding from the Selkirk Lodge, which is about halfway up to the top, Trail 120 is going to be your best route. Both trails are single tracks that weave their way down the mountain and are a ton of fun for all levels.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0f2937d083ae52abc3470ae4926901c5 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9988d53b8a386021815a77063b241f31 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1130a17a0768e0f8ade06a186d507652 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=691b61abf2401a515f12590cede0c950 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=db1f0aa734a2f777e5379fd814fd405f 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=422ccf492e9b540cf62a43220fae6afe 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=2c811d3beeac45d6221fa7dd17ddfaf2 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MtSpokaneBiking-NJames-7790.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=3023bf517eb635f4565c1d6be0752b0e 2048w)
My favorite trail from top to bottom is Trail 290. This trail starts at the top and runs all the way down to the parking lot just past the ranger station, not Bear Creek lodge. Trail 290 is considered an advanced trail and has some technical rock gardens as well as fast root-filled sections. I eagerly wait for the snow to melt on this trail so I can ride it all season. Advanced riders can also take Trail 140 from the top to the Bear Creek Lodge. This trail will ride like 290 but features more rocky sections. Trail 140 has some of the best views on the whole mountain so it’s worth checking out.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=940daab1a4e84f6f6e379938e7b47926 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4dff8434d83f7a31450ee4d02a73d1b4 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f62898c6d1b267099a9ab5382926589c 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=420685e902c80fc2238bdf60430378bf 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b82866e181308fff1c5c2afdd6f4b9dd 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=8d84ff30b0251240728b67cc88f8b238 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=ffeb32e8164e47661b92a6943d367ebd 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7015.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=9d4fd8d12d686306334c0aed3a593427 2048w)
Mica Peak Conservation Area
About 30 minutes southeast of town, Mica Peak Conservation Area is one of the newest areas to mountain bike. The trails were built in the summer of 2020 and have a fantastic variety of meandering single tracks combined with flowy enduro-style berms. The easiest way to access the Mica Peak trails is to park at the Belmont trailhead. This is a multi-use access point, so you’ll see plenty of hikers, horseback riders, and the occasional hunter depending on the season.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=a58a8b6ca819c1e875e4c4a43346262a 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=52c8ce7d0551f783e53883c1ee5f51f6 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=fc7ff381217e2f569c19e12f45d79556 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=76c2f953ba9683ba04058a433a8e3c9e 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=8eeaa69da3cde0052e80a5e13830b95b 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a663e8d05c9bfa20a08eb90cc8d2c3ab 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=7ee6e8808a3fbe4100a840fb8d93e266 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6852.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=1b49b481addddd4bbd5311fde4cb30de 2048w)
Top Biking Trails at Mica Peak
Mica Peak Belmont Trailhead: 47.5746638,-117.1375814
There are two ways you can get to the top of Mica Peak. The first is the fire road which is known as Moonshine. The road is about four and a half miles long and gains around 1,700 feet of total elevation. The road will bring you all the way to the top where you will see radio and cell towers. The other way up, and my personal favorite route, is to ride California Creek up and then take Moonshine the rest of the way. California Creek is a little more direct and the switchbacks make it a more gradual climb.
If you are a beginner rider, you are best suited to stick to riding California Creek and not venture any further past that. For those that are more experienced, once at the top, you can take Upper Silicate Slide to Lower Silicate Slide, then California Creek back to the trailhead. The Upper Silicate Slide trail features some very exposed sharp berm turns and is tailored for more experienced riders.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=8a99f52f8665c1f5fd2f5eb09c9aac6f 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c0e2e4ce0043d2710d247177de379871 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1d653371adc3991def0dc505b113af4b 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a5aa317417b855360f462b0f50324977 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=3e8175e2d9432d106f514b3c0660d356 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=564ffc46d5d517d83d65d3742eb03e7f 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=fe99c3ff0072bf424f296ba5c0a9e20f 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-6592.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=289d3e48f16085e4e14f7a94b6fa2d9c 2048w)
My favorite trail at Mica Peak is Lower Silicate Slide. This trail is a fast enduro-style trail that has fantastic berms, jumps, and drops. All features have a ride-around for those riders not comfortable hitting them. My favorite way to ride Mica is to go all the way to the top and then run a few laps on Lower Silicate Slide. I’ll usually do another lap after my first ride and ride Moonshine back to where it starts. The climb is mellow and it’s always worth the additional climb. Mica Peak is one of the prettiest areas in all of Spokane and is worth the drive if you’re wanting to ride with other riders and be immersed in incredible scenery.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d1027fe03dd2336d132d6d5bc813d5f4 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=095ef3c70098f28c90ec8434ce7fe704 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0e2df2a2c32c2ca82f6614de717d9980 768w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=6d3961b677477af1cb519ce23a83d1c3 1024w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d0a207d48895630872e6280171b3ebd0 1200w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d7af4c56c6424882a0d6a5639a9de61b 1440w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=f15550f790687be2fd76f081af3b6ce4 1920w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/outdoors/2022-MicaPeak-NJames-7016.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=1a8b8aea72aa5342087e267b94f71587 2048w)
Mountain Biking Resources in Spokane
Local Bike Shops - Repairs, Maps, and Questions
Bike Hub - https://thebikehub.com/
Wheel Sport - https://www.wheelsportbikes.com/
Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance - Local Mountain Biking Resource Group
https://www.evergreeneast.org/