Trail 140 – Mountain Bike Trail

One of the best ways to have fun in Washington is to hit Trail 140 at Mount Spokane State Park. The trail offers varied terrain that gives you a difficult ride but rewards you with beautiful scenery that captures the sight throughout the ride. Depending on the season or where you park, you might start the ride from various points.

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

As we mentioned above, the Trail 140 offers multiple starting points. The trail can be reached through several Mount Spokane State Park trailheads using connecting routes to major trail intersections at Smith Gap and Saddle Junction.

More specifically, you can start your ride from the Summit Trailhead through Summit Road, but this route is not always available because it is closed seasonally due to snow. Our team of bike enthusiasts recommends starting your ride from the private Bear Creek Lodge because it’s always open, and there’s no restriction.

Trail 140’s lowest section follows a short access road behind Beer Creek Lodge before turning right and moving uphill beneath the power lines. Generally called Lower 140, this part of the trail boasts mango sections of beautiful old forest. Once you reach the top section of Trail 140, wait a moment and enjoy the views. Then, venture left to visit Vista House, a historic structure built of native stone in 1934.

After you are done enjoying the views from the summit and taking some lovely photos, you can start descending to the rougher section of the trail. The rough area finishes quickly, and you’ll return to a smooth ride toward Upper Kit Carson Loop Road.

As you near this road, be extra cautious about allowing safe passage of other trail users because Trail 140 can be ridden in either direction.

A new section of undulated trail takes you down the mountain until you reach the Saddle Junction, where there is a pit toilet. Continue riding to the left and enter the double track past the toilet. Turn to your left, and you will see a short trail with minimal descent. Once you complete the descent, the trail follows a sweeping 180° into singletrack, passing under some beautiful trees.

The trail lands you on KC Loop Road, from where you will follow the first turn by your right. After riding about a half mile, you will see a trail going to the left. This route gets you under the atmosphere of some elegant trees, but right ahead are some heavy-duty ruts that will give you a bumpy ride.

Your trip will wind down with a mellower ride before you get loose on a gravel road. Ride around a shut gate, and you will end your trip next to the Beer Creek Lodge.

Recommendations

The Summit Trailhead is an excellent starting point, but it is closed seasonally because of snow. The gate is generally open from mid-June to mid-October. So, you have to visit the trail during that period if you want to use the Summit Trailhead through Summit Road.