Liberty Lake Loop Trail

Race - Apr 25, 2020

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Located in Liberty Lake County Park, this 8 mile loop is an excellent choice on a hot summer day. Views are infrequent, but the shade is plentiful. High points include one of the last stands of old growth cedar in Spokane County and a year-round waterfall which is very impressive during spring runoff. Washington Trails Association has done major work here including a re-route necessitated by some industrious beavers.

Please note, because this is a county and not a state park, there is a $2 usage fee. There will be two Wilderness First Responders on site and a Physical Therapist.

This one has some steep climbs, so get ready!

This loop is best completed in a clockwise direction. Follow the valley floor for two miles and cross Liberty Creek twice on footbridges before reaching the cedar grove. It is always cool and damp here. This then begins a serious switchbacking climb to the one major viewpoint of Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane to the north. The trail then levels out, eventually reaching the waterfall in one mile from the cedar grove. This is a great place to stop, have a snack and enjoy the picturesque cascading water.

At this point, you'll start another serious climb on a trail that desperately needs repair and more switchbacks. A half mile from the waterfall, you cross the creek one last time and in 0.1 miles reach an old outhouse and shelter which was built by the Boy Scouts. This is the highest point of the route, but there are no views, unfortunately.

The descent is on an old road. It's gradual at first, and then quite steep near the end. The trail then levels out in the valley floor and makes a sharp turn to the right. You are now on the lovely re-route recently built by the WTA to avoid an ever-growing beaver pond. Cross Liberty Creek on a log bridge to rejoin the valley trail about 0.5 miles from the trailhead.

Revel in the beauty of a stand of old growth cedar along the way.