Big Rock by Way of Iller Creek - Mountain Bike Trail

Get treated to the stunning views of Spokane and Spokane Valley when you ride to the top of the Big Rock by way of Iller Creek. This trail offers a challenging climb that is quickly compensated by the sweeping views of the Palouse enclosed by rock spires. An exhilarating 2-mile descent is another compensation for the tough climb to the top.

Also, you can ride in either direction of the Big Rock by way of Iller Creek. Hence, you can expect traffic from both directions.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Big Rock’s trailhead is in the southwestern part of Spokane Valley, Washington. You can access it from the Southern section of East Holman Road. Ride through the route in a clockwise direction for the best experience. This trail requires you to climb over 1,000 ft. on the ridge along Big Rock and skirt by the Rocks of Sharon.

Sometimes referred to as Tower Mountain, the Big Rock, by way of the Iller Creek trail, has traffic in both directions. So, prepare to yield to other riders several times during your adventure. Your alertness is even more vital during the final 1.5 miles of your ride, where the trail is narrow and often heavily vegetated and shadowed.

Our team of experts advises taking a few breaks along the way to take in the scenes. The first 1.75 miles make you climb steadily until you reach an optional route that splits to the right. Called the Upper Valley trail, it is ideal for shorter loops. The next half mile takes you on a steep climb up to Big Rock’s ridgeline.

Here, you will find large granite formations rising from the hillside mixed with the rich green of pines. You can’t help but make a stop and take in these exciting sights. Past Big Rock, the trail splits, and the loop continues to the right. Begin a short moderate climb through groves of trees from the loop.

When you get to a fork in the trail where riding left takes you to a steep hill, turn to the right. Anticipate a fast ride to the bottom, but we advise keeping things slower, especially on your first visit, due to limited visibility. Along the trail, the route collects the aforementioned optional trail. Make a sweeping 90° turn to the left.

From there, expect a bumpy, more technical ride that makes you climb over and around rocks. This challenging section terminates in a short creek crossing.

The rest of the trail offers no obstacles as you ride back to the trailhead through a smooth single and double track.

Recommendations 

The Big Rock by way of Iller Creek trail features heavy hiker traffic on weekends. Therefore, our team of bike enthusiasts recommends riding on the trail on weekdays, at night, or early morning on weekends to meet minimal obstacles. We also recommend riding with a bell to let other trail users know you are coming.