Mount Spokane State Park is a 13,919-acre camping park in the Selkirk Mountains. The view at the top of the 5,883-foot elevation includes surrounding states and Canada. The forested park features stands of old-growth timber and granite rock outcroppings. In winter, the park receives 300 inches of snow.
History:
The mountain has been called Mount Carlton and Mount Baldy. The road to the top was constructed by Francis H. Cook in 1912. The area was the first state park east of the Cascades, and the Civilian Conservation Corps accomplished the initial development. The mountain has been a popular ski area since 1950. The area has undergone destruction by fire and construction by development since then. The park, the city, the river and most everything else in the area derive its name from an Indian word which, most experts agree, means "sun."
Brief History of Mt Spokane State Park
Activities:
Summertime - hiking, biking, horseback riding, bird & wildlife watching.
Wintertime - downhill & cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Park Hours:
Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Camping: July 1 - Sept 15 (depending on snow levels)
Winter: The day-use area is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (after cross-country ski trails are groomed). A Sno-Park permit is required from Nov. 1 through May 1. Parking in snowmobile lots or cross-country ski areas requires a groomed trail permit.
The Geocache:
This geocache is an ammo can placed just off the Kit Carson Lower Loop Road Trail. We added parking and trailhead waypoints for your convenience. Please take care in crossing the road at this hairpin turn. Follow the main trail 1.25 miles to the "T," then go right on Trail #140 about 200 feet to Smith Gap. There is an outhouse and new warming hut at this location. You are then looking for Trail #100 to the right; follow it about 300 feet to the cache site. You can reach the cache by stepping off the trail with one foot. Please be respectful of the vegetation while searching. Spoiler picture of GZ is available in the gallery.
Mt Spokane Core Trails Area Topo Map
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- This geocache has an approved Permit to be placed at this location on property managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. Visitors are responsible for acquainting themselves with policies and rules pertaining to State Parks areas.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the State of Washington nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to State Parks staff.
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