Mount Spokane State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Spokane State Park |
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Caretaker's cabin designed by
E.O. Fieldstad and built by Elmer Highberg |
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 Mount Spokane State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Spokane, Washington, United States |
| Area | 12,293 acres (49.75 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,548 ft (1,691 m) |
| Established | 1927 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Mount Spokane State Park |
Mount Spokane State Park is a huge outdoor area in the Selkirk Mountains of Washington. It's about 23 miles northeast of the city of Spokane. This park is special because it surrounds Mount Spokane, which is 5,883 feet tall. It also includes other cool peaks like Mount Kit Carson and Beauty Mountain.
The park gets a lot of snow every year, about 300 inches! This makes it a great place for winter sports. You can find the Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park here. Besides skiing, there are tons of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. In 2018, Mount Spokane State Park was reported to be Washington's largest state park. It covers about 12,293 acres, making it bigger than Riverside State Park.
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Park History
Mount Spokane State Park first opened in 1927 with 1,500 acres. In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped make the park even better. These workers planted grass and built picnic areas. They also created trails and shelters for visitors. The CCC even helped improve the roads in the park.
Vista House
The Vista House is a famous building in the park. It was designed by an architect named H. C. Bertelsen. He also designed the caretaker's cabin. Many people thought the CCC built the Vista House. However, records show that a local company actually built it. The company won the building contract in 1933.
Fun Activities at the Park
Mount Spokane State Park has over 100 miles of trails! These trails are perfect for hiking, biking, and riding horses. Some trails are easy, like the 3-mile Burping Brook Loop. Others are more challenging, such as the 13-mile 'Round the Mountain Trail.
Winter Sports
When winter comes, the park turns into a snowy playground. You can enjoy downhill skiing and cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling and snowshoeing are also popular activities.
Camping and Picnics
If you want to stay overnight, camping is available. The Bald Knob campground is usually open from May to September. There are also many spots for picnicking. You can find seven main trailheads to park at, from Bear Creek Lodge to the summit parking area. During winter, you need a special Sno-park permit to park at certain lots.
Park Rules
To enter the park with a vehicle, you usually need a Discover Pass. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, you don't need one if you are camping or have a special state park pass.
The park follows a "pack-it-in/pack-it-out" rule. This means you must take all your trash with you when you leave. Horses are only allowed in certain areas. All other pets, like dogs, must be on a leash. It's also very important not to feed or harm any wildlife in the park.
Images for kids
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Mt Spokane and surrounding mountains, which are located within the state park
