Mount Spokane Scenic Ski Tour

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Distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Moderately difficult

Skiing time: 1 - 3 hours

Season: Mid-Nov. through Mid-April

Maps: Mount Spokane Ski Trails, available at Selkirk Lodge

Inof: Mount Spokane State Park, 456-4169.

SKI TOURING TRIP NOTES

Access: Approach Mount Spokane State Park on Day-Mount Spokane Road. Enter park just past Kirk’s Lodge and drive about 3 miles. As road bears left and downhill toward the alpine ski area, turn right into the Sno-Park area. Continue through the first Sno-Park lot to the second large lot. The trail system begins at Selkirk Lodge.

Attractions: This route combines Mount Spokane nordic ski trail system’s best scenery and most challenging trails into one grand tour. Best views are on Shadow Mountain and top of Eagle Crest and open slope at base of Brian’s Hill. Most challenging hills are on Wild Moose and Eagle Crest, plus a hairpin curve that’s worth a “whoop!” heading into Larch.

Comments: Even though grooming usually is excellent on these trails, in icy conditions, this tour could be bit on hairy side for novice skiers. Route begins on the Blue Grass trail, then connects to Blue Jay, Hemlock, Raven’s Glide, Shadow Mountain, Wild Moose, Eagle Crest, Larch and Brian’s Hill trails. With few exceptions, it’s a who’s who of system’s most difficult hills - but worth effort. Before heading up Eagle Crest, consider resting, watering (and dewatering) at Nova Hut. Trails designed by volunteers of the Inland Empire Nordic Club.

Washington State Sno-Park permit required for parking. Permits available at Kirk’s Lodge, ski shops or state park offices. For updates on trail conditions, call 238-4025.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map: Mount Spokane Scenic Ski Tour

The following fields overflowed: SUPCAT = COLUMN - Routes: Classic trips in the Inland Northwest