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An 8-mile loop near Liberty Lake, WA featuring waterfalls, a creek bed, and stunning scenery.


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Map Key

8.6

Miles

13.8

KM

89%

Runnable

3,291' 1,003 m

High

2,063' 629 m

Low

1,339' 408 m

Up

1,339' 408 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

58%

Max Grade (30°)

Dogs Leashed

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

Best from April (depending on snow pack) until November.

Overview

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.

Need to Know

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.

Runner Notes

This one has some steep climbs, so get ready!

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

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

Contacts

Shared By:

Dave Dutro

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 3 votes

#2306

Overall
  4.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#124

in Washington

#2,306

Overall
11 Views Last Month
20,896 Since Mar 21, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Sweet switch backs
Mar 21, 2015 near Liberty…, WA
Cedar Grove, now the climbing starts!
Mar 21, 2015 near Liberty…, WA
Great trail!   Liberty Lake Loop Trail
Mar 28, 2015 near Liberty…, WA
Waterfall on Liberty Lake Loop
Mar 21, 2015 near Liberty…, WA

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