Explore the Best Trails of Spokane, Washington! Peaceful waterfalls, dramatic mountain vistas, bountiful state parks, and, of course, the spectacular Spokane River―there’s no better place to hit the trails than the Spokane area. With the expert guidance of local author Seth Marlin, you’ll find plenty of popular routes and hidden hiking treasures. These 30 five-star hiking trails are for all levels and interests, and they range widely in elevation, distance, and difficulty. Marlin details everything from easy strolls in scenic locations to thrilling treks atop mountains. GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads help you get to where you’re going. Trail descriptions and expert insights into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes enhance your enjoyment along the way. Ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children help to ensure that you quickly find the perfect trip. Save time and make the most of your hiking adventures. Experience the best of Spokane’s breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and amazing wildlife. Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail! Seth Marlin is an award-winning, internationally-published author, activist, educator, and poet. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University and is the author of Shred, a chapbook of slam poetry. He is a former web editor for Willow Springs and is also the author, under pseudonym, of critically-acclaimed Iraq War blog Calm Before the Sand. He has blogged on science and the outdoors for both Bark and Newfound, and his stories and verse have been extensively published, having appeared in Spark, Knockout, Railtown Almanac, RiverLit, The Fiction Desk, Syntax & Salt, and Silk Road Review, among many others. His short story “A Practical Guide to the Resurrected” won the 2016 University of Glasgow Prize for Science Fiction and the Medical Humanities, and his upcoming novella “Vigil” is set to be serialized by speculative fiction magazine The Colored Lens, in the spring of 2020. In his spare time, he is a passionate camper and outdoor enthusiast, and for the last decade he has made his home in Spokane with his wife and children. Medical Lake Loop Scenery: 4 stars Trail Condition: 5 stars Children: 5 stars Difficulty: 1 star Solitude: 3 stars GPS Trailhead Coordinates: N47° 34.675' W117° 41.540' Distance & Configuration: 3.0-mile loop Hiking Time: 1.25 hours Highlights: Peaceful lake views, extensive forest cover, access to several parks along the route Elevation: 2,396' at lowest point, 2,434' at highest Access: Open 24/7; no fees or permits Maps: USGS Medical Lake, WA ; cp.spokanecounty.org/scout/map Facilities: Restrooms, picnic benches, and paved parking at trailhead; numerous rest stops along the trail Wheelchair Access: Yes Comments: Dogs must be leashed Contacts: City of Medical Lake Parks and Trails, 509-565-5007, medical-lake.org/parks-trails; Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf, 509-477-4730, spokanecounty.org/1383/parks Overview This well-paved, gently graded loop winds through and around the town and lake of the same name. It’s perfect for families with children as well as older and disabled hikers; plus, it boasts ready fishing access as well as numerous benches and rest areas. The local lake is named for the purported therapeutic properties of its mineral-rich waters, but even if you don’t care to swim, the views of the water, numerous parks, and extensive tree cover are sure to be a balm for the spirit. Route Details Begin at the Medical Lake Access North Trailhead, at the far northern end of the lake. In the parking area, make note of the historical placard that details the park’s history as a popular local recreation spot dating back to the 19th century. If you’re interested in fishing, pay heed to the notice put up by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, which lays out specific regulations regarding the use of fly lures. If you’ve brought along your dog, please keep it leashed and under control, and avail yourself of the waste bags provided―even though this route lies close to town, a pack-in/pack-out ethos is still solid trail etiquette. Every hiker shares an obligation to keep these outdoor spaces beautiful for others. From the parking area, the paved trail winds south, following the western lakeshore through dense stands of pine and fir. Springtime hikers may be lucky enough to spot wildflowers amid the undergrowth, so have a camera and a plant guide ready. As you make your way south, you’ll notice a striking view to the right of a rock formation overhead―this marks the edge of the Eastern State Hospital grounds and forms the boundary between the cities of Medical Lake and West Medical Lake. Continuing south, you come to a rest stop off to the left in 0.5 mile. This marks Duffy’s Point, named for local resident Vincent “Duffy” Ready III, who passed away in 2016. His family dedicated a memorial