MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK

COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee Preliminary Draft 6/9/06

  PREAMBLE:  What Do People Do at Mt. Spokane?

People go to Mt. Spokane State Park for many reasons.  The following attempts to be a comprehensive list of recreational activities. (If you get prompted for a password, either click cancel until you get the document, or right click the link and select "save target as..." to download it to your hard driver, so you can open it separately from the browser.)

New links updated April 2008

Older links:

Summer Pedestrian      

            Picnicking and walking the summit for the view.

            Hiking for moderate exercise, to enjoy nature, and just to be outside.

            Walking to a quiet place for solitude.

            Hiking to watch for birds and other wildlife; nature study.

            Orienteering with map and compass.

            Harvesting medicinal plants.

            Picking Huckleberries and other edible plants.

            Hiking for fitness, doing the hill climbs, getting in shape for major mountain climbs.

            Trail running for fitness.

            Running up the paved road.

            Walking and running the dog.

            Hiking to the Quartz Mountain fire lookout to spend the night.   

            Car camping in the campground.

            Hunting (illegal).

 

Stock

            Pleasure rides for a few hours (single track and wide track).

            Group/club rides.

            Practice/training for pack horses and llamas.     

            Riding for solitude and enjoyment of nature.

 

Biking

            Mountain bike touring on rolling terrain (single track and wide track).

            Touring for solitude.

            Downhill technical riding.

            High speed touring for fitness.

            Road biking the paved road.

 

Summer Motorized

            Driving to the summit for the view and picnicking.

            Driving to the summit for a wedding, or other event, at the Vista House.

            Driving the Kit Carson Loop Road (special permission needed)

            Firewood cutting (permit needed).

            Driving to the condominiums.

            ATV riding (illegal).

            Visiting the Spokane Mountaineer’s private chalet.       

 

Winter Pedestrian

            Snowshoeing gentle ungroomed terrain.

            Snowshoeing to the summit for fitness and the view.

            Snowshoe running for fitness.

            Snowshoeing for solitude and nature study.

            Snowshoeing on groomed snowmobile trails for distance.

            Classic nordic ski touring on groomed trails.

            Classic nordic ski racing on groomed trails for fitness and competition.

            Skate nordic ski touring on groomed trails.

            Skate nordic ski racing on groomed trails for fitness and competition.

            Backcountry nordic skiing for solitude.

            Backcountry nordic skiing (with or without skins) for telemarking on steep slopes.

            Backcountry nordic ski touring for distance and views.

            Alpine skiing and snowboarding on groomed runs.

            Alpine skiing and snowboarding in ungroomed powder.

            Alpine ski and snowboard racing.

            Alpine skiing and snowboarding through treed areas and glades.

            Telemark skiing with lift service.

            Night alpine skiing and snowboarding.

            Night nordic skiing.

            Technical alpine skiing and snowboarding.

            Sledding (illegal) and tubing.

            Walking on groomed snowmobile trails.           

            Trying different equipment at special demo events.

            Participating in ski races and technical events.

 

Mushing

            Dog sledding on groomed snowmobile trails.

            Skijoring.

 

Winter Motorized

            Snowmobile touring on groomed trails to see wildlife and winter scenery.

            Snowmobile touring on designated ungroomed trails for greater challenge.

            Snowmobile touring to the summit for the view.

            Snowmobile hill climbing in ungroomed areas (illegal).

            Snowmobiling in designated ungroomed meadows.

            Driving to the upper Sno-Parks for the view and to slide on the ice.

           

Not only is there an impressive list of activities, but there is also an incredibly broad range of difficulty for most of these activities, from beginner to advanced.  This is what makes Mt. Spokane such a special place.  It is a place where recreationists of all abilities can have a good time in relative safety (compared to the same activities on more extreme terrain and higher elevations).

Most people have multiple interests in Mt. Spokane and sometimes combine different activities in a single trip.  For example, to get to Ragged Ridge, mountain bikers might lock their bikes and hike at the NAP boundary, or skiers might switch to snowshoes, carried on their packs.  Most often, many different kinds of activities occur in the same area without problems.  However, some activities, which involve significant differences in mode, speed, purpose, and values, have a high potential to produce conflict when recreationists are using the same area.  For example, hikers and equestrians are often startled and annoyed by cyclists riding at a relatively high rate of speed down the same trail that they are using for completely different purposes.  Additionally, conflict occurs not only between user groups, but also within the same user group.  For example, nordic skate skiers are often annoyed by slower classic skiers who ski on the skating deck and interrupt their momentum, while the skate skiers annoy the classic skiers by cutting into the set tracks and ruining the smooth surface. Another aspect is that conflict is often asymmetrical in that one group may resent another, when the reverse does not apply.  For example, skiers typically resent the noise and air pollution caused by snowmobiles, but snowmobilers are not generally affected by skiers and may not even know they are nearby.              

            Much recreation conflict can be managed with education, but some requires as wide a separation between recreational activities as possible.  Adequate trail opportunities need to be available for all permitted uses.  But with ever increasing numbers of people doing an ever increasing number of different recreational activities, this can be quite a challenge when public lands are so limited.  Mt. Spokane has historically received heavy winter use because it is the only high elevation public land within an hour’s drive of Spokane.  Competition for its blanket of winter powder gets intense at times with all user groups wanting more at another’s expense.  It is therefore the purpose of the trail plan to attempt a balance between what is possible for any single user group or subgroup and what is feasible considering the limited terrain, resources, enforcement capacity, and need to protect the natural and cultural resources for the future. 

            The trail plan establishes rules that are based on sharing the resource.  It favors non-motorized, low impact activities over motorized, high impact activities because those are the priorities for Washington State Parks as established in Trail Goals and Policies (2004).  It seeks to expand trail opportunities for downhill mountain biking and for snowshoeing in order to help prevent interference between these and other user groups.  It seeks to separate user groups where conflict is most frequent.  It emphasizes involving volunteers and organized user groups wherever possible in both the planning and the implementation in order to help foster ownership and personal responsibility.  And it favors light-handed management as a means of minimizing the need for much more expensive law enforcement.          

            The following trail plan is a preliminary draft, created by the Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee (MSSPAC).  Before it can be implemented, it must first meet the requirements under the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), undergo review and approval by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (WSPRC) administrative staff, be readily available for public comment including presentation at a public meeting, and be officially approved by the Board of the WSPRC at another public meeting.  As part of this process, the MSSPAC is now soliciting comments on this draft plan.  These comments are best communicated to the MSSPAC through the represented user groups (Inland Empire Back Country Horsemen, Inland Northwest Ski Education Foundation, Winter Knights Snowmobile Club, Fat Tire Trail Riders Club, and the Spokane Ski Racing Association), or by writing to the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park at 621 W. Mallon, Suite 509, Spokane, WA  99201.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

  The first formal trail plan for Mt. Spokane State Park was approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (the Agency) in August of 1978.  In November 1998, as part of the Classification and Management Planning (CAMP) Project, the Agency initiated a public planning process to develop recommendations for land classification and management of Mt. Spokane State Park (the Park).  Agency staff conducted a series of public workshops designed to engage Park users and other stakeholders in identifying important Park issues, exploring alternative land classification and management approaches to address these issues, and developing final recommendations for presentation to the Agency.  During this process Agency staff worked closely with the Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee (MSSPAC).  The MSSPAC is made up of Park stakeholders appointed by the Director to represent various recreational user groups and both environmental preservation and wider community interests in Park planning.  On October 29, 1999, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted the recommended land classifications for Mt. Spokane State Park. 

Throughout the planning process, public concerns consistently centered on managing the Park’s trail system.  During both the summer and winter seasons, trail-related activities are the dominant forms of recreation in the park.  In addition to over 21 miles of single track trails, there are about 38 miles of primitive roadways, 17 miles of groomed nordic ski trails, and over 50 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in and adjacent to the Park. Public participants and Park staff identified several trails-related issues including:

 

   Natural and cultural resource impacts caused by trails in poor condition

   Safety of trail users

   Providing for a variety of recreational trail opportunities and experiences

   Trail use conflicts

   Adequacy of visitor information/user education

   Trails crossing onto private lands

   Trail maintenance needs

   New trail development

   Appropriate/effective volunteer participation

 

Because these issues are complex and in large part inter-related, Agency staff determined that in addition to land classification and general management planning for the Park, a more intensive and comprehensive trails planning effort was necessary.   It was also acknowledged that delaying trails planning until a comprehensive plan could be developed did not meet public expectations, nor did it address the immediate needs of the Park.  An Interim Trail Plan was developed and approved in July 2000 to guide trail management until a comprehensive Trail Plan could be developed.  In May of 2004, the MSSPAC took the initiative to start the trail plan process, knowing that there was no set blueprint to follow, and after two years of meetings, produced this draft plan.


 

 

 

PLAN PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This plan provides guidance for trail planners and managers in the development and use of Mt. Spokane State Park Trails for the next 15 to 20 years or until conditions require additional planning.  It makes use of prior research and input from the CAMP project and the Interim Trail Plan, as well as the Park Commission’s Trail Goals and Policies document adopted December 2, 2004.  Its scope encompasses the protection of natural/cultural resources, monitoring trail use and resource impacts, ensuring visitor safety, preventing and resolving trail user conflicts, major and minor trail renovations, the construction of new trails, trail signs, trail maintenance, trail closures, enhancing the recreational experience, both winter and summer trail use, volunteer participation, trails crossing onto private land, relationships between the concessionaire and adjacent landowners, and visitor information/education relative to trail use. 

 

Projects will be prioritized according to the resources available and the needs dictated by resource protection, visitor safety, user conflict, and developing a quality trail experience.  The Agency is committed to carrying out this plan.  However, it should be recognized that unforeseen circumstances or changes in administrative priorities might affect the Agency’s ability to complete implementation.  In this event, the Agency will seek Park stakeholder participation in determining necessary revisions.

 

PLAN ORGANIZATION 

This plan starts with general Park trail policies and then is separated into two main sections: Summer Trail Use Management and Winter Trail Use Management.  Each section is further divided into policy direction and programmatic activities that in combination address issues related to planning, constructing, maintaining, and managing Park trails for recreation. 

 

General Park Trail Policies identifies existing state laws and agency-level rules and policies that guide trail management throughout the state park system.  It also briefly describes the Park-level Classification and Management Plan (CAMP) that identifies appropriate trail use activities within specific areas of the Park.  This is followed by general, year-round Park specific policies.

 

Under both the Summer and Winter Management Sections, Programmatic Activities outline specific projects or tasks designed to achieve the indicated policy direction.  Programmatic activities are separated into five areas and include:

 

     Trail Improvements and Maintenance Projects

     New Trail Development

     User Information/Education

     Monitoring of Trail Use and Resource Impacts

     Relationship with Concessionaire and Adjacent Landowners            

                  

GENERAL PARK TRAIL POLICIES

POLICY DIRECTION

State Laws and Agency Rules/Policies: State laws generally applicable to Washington State Parks, including minor references to trails, are contained in Chapter 79A.05 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).  Agency rules directly applicable to trail management in state parks are contained in Chapter 352-32 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC).  Applicable sections include WAC 352-32-070: Use of horses, llamas, sled dogs or similar animals for recreation, and WAC 352-32-075: Use of non-motorized cycles or similar devices, and WAC 352-20-020: Motor vehicles on roads and trails.  Agency-level policies that guide management of state trails are contained in the Park Commission’s document called Trail Goals and Policies (See Attachment A).

 

Mt. Spokane State Park Land Classification: The majority of existing trails and primitive roadways in the Park are in areas classified as Recreation, Resource Recreation, or Heritage Areas, and permit, or conditionally permit, cycling, equestrian and pedestrian uses. Approximately 58% of Mt. Spokane State Park is classified as Resource Recreation Area.  The intent of Resource Recreation classification is to preserve natural and cultural resources while allowing for sustainable, active forms of recreation.  Approximately 22% of the Park is classified in the more restrictive Natural Forrest Area (NFA) and Natural Area Preserve (NAP) classifications to provide heightened protection for natural features and systems.  Recreational use of these areas is limited to pedestrian activities, and facility construction to trail, directional signs, and interpretive displays.  Cycling and equestrian use are not permitted in NFAs or NAPs.  A portion of the Ragged Ridge trail is located within an area classified as Natural Area Preserve (NAP).  Pedestrian use of this trail is conditionally permitted by classification, and hiking, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing are permitted by this plan.  However, any such use must also be approved as part of a Natural Area Preserve Management Plan. 

Natural Area Preserve (NAP): Except as part of NAP management planning, no new trails will be planned through any area of the Park classified as NAP.  However, existing trails within NAPs may be modified to support NAP management goals. 

Destination Park: The Park Commission’s Non-Motorized Trail Goals and Policies (see Attachment A) provides for the designation of suitable parks as “destination or preferred use sites” for specific varieties of trail users.  According to “Trail Goals and Policies” shared use trails are encouraged in Resource Recreation classified areas in large parks where they can meet all approved evaluation criteria.  Mt. Spokane State Park, as the largest park in the system at approximately 14,000 acres with 58% of the area classified as Resource Recreation, is primarily undeveloped, treed, mountainous land suited to providing the desired equestrian experiences.  It has a large trail system of approximately 76 miles of trails and unimproved roads with a low density of use.  Because of the park size and rural atmosphere some areas of the park are a greater distance from the gates and parking areas.  This makes them less accessible to the day hikers and more suitable to the equestrian that tends to travel longer distances.  Given the fact that only a few parks within the system permit horses; and in accordance with State Parks goals of (1) providing diverse recreational opportunities, (2) providing rustic recreational opportunities and (3) identifying new and expanded equestrian trails, Mt. Spokane State Park is designated a destination and preferred use site for equestrians.

 

Shared Use Trails: With the exception noted above for NFAs and the NAP, most existing trails and primitive roadways throughout the Park are managed for shared pedestrian, cycling and equestrian use. 

 

Purpose of Park Trails:  The purpose of MSSP trails is to provide high quality outdoor recreational experiences in natural settings for all users.  It is recognized that user conflicts are inevitable, but every effort will be made to minimize these conflicts and ensure that ongoing patterns of conflicting behavior do not develop or are mitigated by thoughtful planning.  (See Conflicts on Multiple-Use Trails: Synthesis of the Literature and State of the Practice by Roger L. Moore, Federal Highway Administration, Report No. FHWA-PD-031, August, 1994).

 

While not all possible recreational pursuits will be permitted, a balance will be sought between higher impact, higher speed activities such as downhill mountain biking or trail running and lower impact, lower speed activities, such as hiking or nature study so that all users will enjoy as high a quality of recreational experience as possible.

Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC):  Indications of visitor impacts on natural and cultural resources, as well as potential risks to the safety of trail users and the quality of the trail experience will be measured and managed using the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) adaptive management system (see Attachments B and D).  Should indicators of resource condition, visitor safety, or quality of experience fall below desired standards, one or more of the management options listed in the LAC matrices will be employed.  Only in extreme situations, and after public review and comment, when an adequate solution cannot be found, will one or more uses be excluded from selected trail segments

Monitoring of Trail Use and Resource Impacts:  Park staff, and volunteers under staff direction, will use the LAC system to monitor the condition of all trails.  The number of areas with noticeable trail erosion, rutting, or scouring will be monitored (see Attachment B)

Park staff will coordinate with region Stewardship Program and Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee to use the LAC adaptive management system to monitor visitor safety and user conflicts on all trails within the park and apply prescribed management actions as necessary.  Monitored indicators include: 1) the number and location of visitor accidents directly related to trail use, and 2) the number and location of reported trail user conflict incidents. 

Park staff will coordinate with the Region Stewardship Program and the Mt. Spokane State Park Advisory Committee and institute trail changes or temporary seasonal closures of individual trails or trail segment as necessary to protect threatened, endangered and sensitive wildlife species after consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Temporary closures of this type may be instituted at the discretion of the Park Manager as provided in WAC 352-32-070 and WAC 352-32-075.

 

Signing and Other Barriers: Conspicuous signing and other barriers will be installed and regularly maintained by Park staff with volunteer assistance provided by the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park and other trail user groups.  Signage will clearly indicate permitted trail uses and closures.  Where appropriate, signs will educate users as to why they should stay on the trail and how the area is sensitive to external influences. Official trails within the Park will be numbered and named.  Trail number signs will be posted at all trailheads and at trail junctions as resources permit. 

 

Trail Identification System:  The trail identification system (see attached Trail Matrix) used in this plan consists of a historic naming and numbering system for the current primary trails and roads.  Trails 100, 110 (including old 135), 140 (old115), 120, 130 and the Kit Carson Loop Road are all considered essential, main trails needing continued and regular maintenance. A new identification system will be instituted.  (Note: Numbers in parentheses in this document refer to the old trail number.) In addition to a name, most trails will have an alpha-numeric identifier.  A three digit number has been assigned to most trails, and all maintained trails have a name.  Trail numbers ending in zero indicate primary trails.  Trail numbers ending in 1-9 indicate branches from the primary trail.  On the trail matrix, a letter after the number indicates an abandoned trail.  Existing numbers were preserved wherever possible.  Each trail is also pegged geographically according to five defined areas.  These additional locators could be coded into trail markers to enhance search and rescue efforts. The five areas are roughly separated by ridge tops and include the following:

 

  • Deadman Creek (DM): bounded by the Park boundary on the south, Hay Ridge and Mt. Kit Carson on the west, Beauty Mountain and the current alpine area concession boundary on the north, Linder Ridge on the northeast, and the Quartz Mountain, Horse Mountain Ridge on the southeast.

 

  • Little Deep Creek (LD): bounded by Hay Ridge on the southeast, the Park boundary on the south and west, and the Day Mountain/Kit Carson/Smith Gap ridge on the east.

 

  • Blanchard Creek (BL): bounded by the Mt. Spokane/Beauty Mountain/Kit Carson ridge on the south, the Kit Carson/ Day Mountain ridge on the southwest, the Park boundary on the west, north and east, and the south line for Section 10 on the southeast. 

 

  • Brickel Creek (BR):  bounded by the south line for Section 10 on the north, the Park boundary on the east, the summit road on the south, and the Beauty Mountain, Mt. Spokane summit/ top of Chair 4 ridge on the west.

 

·        Thompson Creek (TC): bounded by the Quartz Mountain/Horse Mountain ridge on the north and the Park boundary on the east, south, and west.

 

 

Trail Difficulty Ratings: Trails are rated separately according to the technical difficulty for hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.  Categories include “U” for universal, “E” for easiest, “I” for intermediate, and “D” for most difficult.  The ratings are subjective and correlate only to other trails within Mt. Spokane State Park.  In general, universal trails are suitable for wheelchairs.  Easy trails include fire roads with relatively gentle ups and downs, however most all Park trails are rated easy for equestrians and snowmobilers.  Intermediate trails may be fire roads or single track but will have longer, steeper grades.  Difficult trails are the roughest and steepest with the most elevation gain/loss.  Length and relative isolation are not part of the rating system.  Length will be specified along with the difficulty rating to give users additional information in deciding which trail to take.

 

Trail Use, Maintenance and Construction: Trails will be used as a tool to move people through sensitive areas.  Only official trails (those named on the matrix with a three digit number) will be maintained.  Other human made trails will be made impassable and revegetated as resources permit. New Trails will be developed only as needed to protect the environment or produce the desired experience based on demonstrated need.  They will be designed, constructed and maintained according to the best available trail construction, maintenance and safely standards for non-motorized multi-use trails to minimize soil erosion, maximize durability, provide a safe environment, and provide the desired recreational experience.  However, it is recognized that this plan cannot possibly anticipate every situation or circumstance where new trails may be necessary or desirable. It is the intent of this plan to remain flexible in order to meet the future needs of the public visiting and recreating in the Park.

 

Trail Condition Standards:  The Park has adopted the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) multi-use trail building and maintenance standards as published in the Trail Solutions handbook of 2004 and subsequent versions.

 

Seasonal Opening and Closing of Trails:  The Park Manager will determine when specific trails are seasonally open and closed.  Closure notices will be publicized at the Park entrance bulletin board, on the telephone message, and at affected trailheads.

 

Criteria for Approving New Recreational Uses:  It is recognized that new types of recreational equipment and activities are constantly being developed.  While many activities will have similar impacts to existing permitted activities, some may pose additional challenges for resource management and for conflict with current users.  Therefore any new uses, as permitted by the Park Manager, will be subject to the same kind of LAC monitoring as existing uses.  Additional indicators, measurements, limits, and management options may be instituted by the Park Manager if necessary.

 

Volunteer Participation: It is essential for this plan’s success that volunteers participate in its implementation.  It should be acknowledged however that effective use of volunteers requires coordination and supervision by Park staff.  Use of volunteers must also be consistent with Commission Policy 82-70-1: Volunteers.

 

MSSP Trail Inventory:                                              

See attached matrix.

 

Trailhead/Access Inventory:

Road Access Points

  • Main Entrance: Access via paved State Road (SR) 206.  This is the only plowed access to Park facilities in the winter.

 

  • Day Road Entrance: Access via Day Mt. Spokane Road (gravel).  Locked gate with minimal turn around space and minimal road side parking.  Used by equestrians, hikers, and cyclists.

 

  • Blanchard Creek/Tallman Road Entrance: Access via rough dirt road.  Locked gate across Connector Road with minimal turn around space and minimal parking. 

 

  • Blanchard Creek/Axford Road Entrance: Access via gravel and dirt roads.  Locked gate just before Park boundary.  Very little parking space.  Remote area.

 

Trailheads

  • Main Park Entrance for Trails 110,121 and 122.

 

  • Lower Kit Carson (KC) Loop Road Sno-Park for Trails 100 and 110.

 

  • Upper KC Loop Road Summer Parking Area for Trails 110 (old 135) and KC Loop Road

 

  • Snowmobile Parking Lot for Trails 100 East, 120, 131 and the summit road during winter.

 

  • Selkirk Lodge Parking Lot for the nordic trails, Quartz Mountain, and Ragged Ridge.

 

  • Bald Knob Parking for Trail 130.

 

  • Summit Parking for Trail 110 (Old 135).

 

  • Bear Creek Lodge (private parking) for Trails 140 (old 115) and 120.

 

Trails Crossing onto Non-park Lands

  • Lower Trail 140 (Old 115): Access is via Bear Creek Lodge property.  Middle part of trail may stray onto private land.

 

  • Trail 120: Lower end crosses into private land and continues to Elliot Road.  West fork drops to Bear Creek Lodge.

 

  • Trail 120A: Drops into Bear Creek Lodge property behind tubing hill.

 

  • Trail 130: Connects to gated overgrown logging road in NE corner of Park.

 

  • Trail 152: Connects into Snowblaze Condominium road and parking area.

 

  • Trail 150: Connects Park with Inland Empire Paper Co. (IEP) snowmobile trails.

 

  • Trail 171 (Old 155): Connects to logging road leading to Bear Creek Lodge.

 

  • Trail 176: A social ATV trail leading out of Park down to SR 206.

 

  • Trail 210: The Twin Lakes nordic ski trail is partially on IEP land.

 

  • Trail 220: This nordic ski trail loops onto IEP land. 

 

  • Kit Carson Loop Road: Crosses Boise Cascade land.

 

  • Day Road: Crosses Riley Creek land.

 

  • Linder Ridge Road: A maintained dirt road that leads out to IEP land.  Gated.  IEP maintains a summer host.

 


 
  • Mountaineer’s Road: A road leading to Spokane Mountaineer’s Chalet.

 

  • Ragged Ridge Trail: Old social trails.  The southern most end splits into two trails leading to IEP land, and is blocked only with fallen trees.  The east fork has several Kelly Humps to prohibit use. 

 

  • Ragged Ridge Pass Trail: An old road.  The east end has Kelly Humps and is closed from the IEP boundary road.  The west end is brushy into IEP land, but remains open.

 

  • Round Top Mountain Trail: A fire road leading to IEP land from Quartz Mountain Loop ski trail. 

 

  • Blanchard Ridge Trail: An ATV trail leading directly to private land and Deer Creek Road.

 

  • Three Rocks Trail: A fire road leading to Three Rocks Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land.

 

  • Deer Creek Trail: An old road leading to IEP land.

 

  • West Boundary Trail: A social trail leading to private land.

 

 

 

SUMMER TRAIL USE MANAGEMENT

 "SUMMER TRAIL USE MANAGEMENT

General Policy Direction

 "General Summer Trails Policies

Motorized use: Motorized use of Park trails and primitive roadways will only be permitted by special permission of the Park Manager or his/her designee.

 
Programmatic Activities

 

Plan items marked with an * indicate trails-related projects or activities where volunteer participation is highly desirable. Plan items marked with a # indicate projects or activities that require completion by Agency staff.  Projects are roughly in order of priority with the highest priority projects listed first.

 

Trail Improvements and Maintenance Projects:

           

  • *  Reroute Trail 100 East near its junction with the east fork of Burping Brook and the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road trailhead to eliminate the current steps.  The goal is to make this short section of trail more passable for equestrians and cyclists while preventing erosion.

 

  • #  Improve numerous stream crossings to meet current standards on Trails 100 East (3major streams, 2 smaller streams, 1 seasonal stream, 1 spring) and 100 West (3 small streams) to prevent unnecessary sedimentation in Park streams and ensure safe summer and winter non-motorized use for this critical trail.  Also provide safe sources of drinking water for stock near stream crossings.

 


 

·        *  Completely reroute Upper Trail 140 (old 115) from Smith Gap to the Mt. Kit Carson meadows in order to eliminate severe erosion problems on current trail.  Current trail is closed to bikes under the Interim Trail Plan.  Design trail primarily for downhill biking.

 

·        #  Eliminate the Trail 100/Trail 140 (old 115) junction above Smith Gap.  Create the junction at Smith Gap. 

 

·         #  Close existing Upper Trail 140 (old115) between Smith Gap and the Mt. Kit Carson meadows.  The corridor may continue to be used as an ungroomed snowmobile route until new tree growth is established.  Maintain existing trail configurations as much as possible around and through the Kit Carson Meadows.

 

  • *  Reroute Trail 160 (old 170) from Saddle Junction (refers to the saddle half way between the summits of Mt. Kit Carson and Beauty Mountain where several trails meet) to the Kit Carson Summit to eliminate the erosion problem and better allow for snowmobile access to the summit and meadows.  Improve drainage on Trail 160 North (old 170 north).

 

  • *  Reroute portions of Lower Trail 140 (old 115) and improve drainage and water crossings to meet current standards for multiple use, and particularly for downhill mountain biking. Short alternate side routes should be considered for downhill cyclists at appropriate points.  Eliminate rogue trails.

 

  • #  Improve the switchbacks on Trail 130 West from the summit of Day Mountain to the Upper Kit Carson Loop Road to meet current standards and reopen for biking.

 

  • *  Reroute the upper portion of Trail 101 (old power line) to provide an alternative connector between Trail 100 East and Trail 130 at Bald Knob, and eliminate current erosion problems.   This trail will be part of a third option for ascent/descent of Mt. Spokane from the Park entrance (See Map 1).

 

  • Designate and mark a summer route, as Trail 192, down the Northwest Passage alpine ski run to the Roulon and B-29 runs.  This will serve as a third option for ascent and descent of the summit.  See Maps 1 and 2.

 

  • *  Re-establish existing system of trails on the upper elevations of Quartz Mountain with an emphasis on loop trails.

 

  • #  Improve and maintain Horse Mountain Trail 255 to meet current standards.  Close and revegetate the existing Horse Mountain 255A trail.

 

  • *  Improve and maintain Ragged Ridge Trail from the Quartz Mountain Loop Trail to the 4805' summit to meet current standards.  The portion of the trail on Ragged Ridge itself need only meet standards for pedestrian use.  Close and revegetate existing trail south of 4805' summit once ATV and equestrian use has been eliminated. 

 

  • #  Restore and maintain the upper portion of Trail 103 and connect to Trail 100 East.  This dead end trail will provide hikers with good, streamside solitude.  Provide a sitting bench at the end of the trail.  Close the lower, unnecessary portion of this trail to prevent further erosion from the side stream.

 

  • #  Improve Trail 136 as a link in the ‘Round the Mountain route to connect Trail 130 north with the Lamonga Pass Run.  Identify and sign a summer route across the alpine area to the Roulon Run and the B-29 Run to Bald Knob.  See map 2. 

 

  • #  Close and revegetate Trail 100B (from Bald Knob to the old power line) and 100F (overgrown short single track).  Both are user made fall line trails.

 

  • #  Enlarge the parking area at the Day Road Entrance for summer use.

 

  • *  Repair sections of upper Trail 110 (old135) to eliminate erosion problems and meet current standards.  This could be the upper portion of a designated downhill cycling route and should be designed with this use in mind.  However, this project needs to be coordinated with the alpine area expansion plan.

 

  • *  Reroute Trail 113 around the new WSDOT communications tower to connect the Cook’s Cabin area with Upper Trail 110 (old 135).  This project also needs to be coordinated with the alpine area expansion plan.

 

 

New Trail Development:

 

  • #  Trail 141:  Connect lower Trail 110 with lower Trail 140 (old 115) just north of the Park office and at the southern boundary of the Deadman Creek NFA.  This single track, multi-use trail will create an additional loop option and eliminate the need to walk on the state highway and cross private property to connect these trails.  See Map 1.

 

  • *  Develop several challenging downhill mountain biking trails, including a range of technical features, in accordance with the alpine concessionaire’s May 2006 Expansion Area Concept document, and make the proposed new chair lift available for summer use.  Land classification below the proposed #9 ski run and lower terminus of the proposed new chair lift should be Natural Forest Area with a corridor of Resource Recreation for the Chair 4 Road.  The remainder of the unclassified land should be Resource Recreation.  See Map 4.

 

  • Trail 191:  Create a multi-use trail from the summit, down the South Meadows and Teakettle runs to Bald Knob Campground.  This trail would provide direct access to the summit for campers and would also be one of three routes between the summit and the Park entrance.  See map 1.

 

  • *  Trail 140 Extension:  Create a new trailhead for the bottom of Trail 140 (old 115) by continuing the trail south along the ridge to the gate.  Eliminate rogue trail near the power line.

 

  • *  Trail 240:  Create a single track, summer multi-use, and winter snowshoe/backcountry ski trail, approximately 2.3 miles long, from the SW corner of the Selkirk Lodge parking lot to the junction of the Quartz Loop Trail and the Round Top Mountain Trail.  Build a short Spur trail to provide access to the NOVA Hut and the toilets.  Create a route to the Quartz Mountain summit utilizing the existing Round Top Mountain Trail wherever possible, and connect with the Upper Lookout Trail.  This will provide hikers, equestrians, backcountry skiers and snowshoers with a direct and more interesting route to the Quartz Mountain fire lookout from the Selkirk Lodge. This trail should satisfy the need for an easy snowshoe trail that is close to other Park amenities, popular views, and destinations with minimal impact on the groomed nordic trail system.  A short loop could be added near the parking lot strictly for snowshoeing.  See Map 3.

 

  • Trail 242:  Create a single track, summer multi-use, and winter snowshoe trail connecting Trail 125 with Trail 120 (groomed snowmobile) to create a loop.  See map 3.

 

  • #  Trail 114:  Create one or two short nature trails suitable for the disabled.  Most likely locations are on the summit of Mt. Spokane and in the vicinity of the Selkirk Lodge.  A paved trail to the Bald Knob picnic shelter could also serve as an ADA trail. 

 

  • #  Trail 180:  Create a ridge top, single track, multi-use trail through the sparse trees atop the ridge just north of the Day Road to create a loop with the Day Road.  This will encourage recreational activity in a currently little used area of the Park.  See Map 1.

 

  • #  Trail 153:  Create a new single track, multi-use trail to connect the Lodge 2 parking area with Trail 150.  With this short connection, hikers, equestrians, and cyclists could park at Lodge 1, go to the end of the pavement at Lodge 2, continue to Trail 150, head north to the snowmobile connector and get on the Brickel Creek Road to Spirit Lake and eventually, the Brickel Creek Walking Trail.  This trail would accommodate a regional trail plan by improving a connection to a trail system outside the Park.  See Map 2.

 

  • * Trail 137:  Create short connector off Trail 130 (Bald Knob Trail) to the Cook’s Cabin area. There is an abandoned power pole at the site.  This will complete a alternative summit route from Bald Knob by providing a direct connection to Trail 110 (old 135).  See Map 1.

 

  • *  Trail 138:  Connect Blanchard Creek Road with the Chair 4 Road with a single track, multi-use trail to create a loop along the NFA and Park boundary.  This will encourage recreational activity in a currently little used area of the Park. See Map 2.

 

User Information/Education:

  • Park Brochure--A general Park brochure including a detailed trail map, trail descriptions, and Park rules will continue to be readily available to all Park visitors.  This brochure will continue to be produced in cooperation with the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park.  Park staff will retain the original electronic copy.

 

  • Ragged Ridge Brochure—A brochure describing the unique ecology of the Ragged Ridge Natural Area will also be produced in cooperation with the Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park.  This brochure will contain a map and other information about the area.

 

  • Trail User Yield Signs--Yellow, triangular summer trail user yield signs will continue to be posted at main trailheads.  The sign indicates that cyclists yield to hikers and equestrians, and hikers yield to equestrians.

 

  • Trail ID Signs--All trails will be clearly marked at junctions and trailheads with the trail number.

 

  • Trailhead Bulletin Boards--Each major trailhead will have a bulletin board with relevant, updated Park and trail information.  A new bulletin board will be added at the Day Road Entrance.

 

  • Recorded Phone Message --The winter snow line will be expanded and used year round to provide regular updates on trail conditions, Park activities, wildfire risk, temporary closures/restrictions, etc.

 

  • Trail Mileage and Elevation Signs --Selected trails will have signs indicating the mileage from the trailhead and the elevation above sea level.

 

  • CCC Area Cultural Resource Protection – To protect the historic rock walls and walkways from damage, a walking only zone will be designated within the CCC Heritage area.  Biking and horseback riding will be restricted to the existing roadway between the Kit Carson Loop Road and the CCC cabin.

 

  • Interpretation of Historic Sites:  Interpretive signage will be installed at the CCC Cabin, the Vista House, the Cook’s Cabin area, and at the old lodge foundation to help the public understand the need to protect these areas from damage.

 

  • ORV Access to Ragged Ridge – Park staff will continue to work with representatives of IEP to implement additional measures to close Ragged Ridge to ORV and equestrian access.

 

  • ORV Access to Other Areas – Park staff will work with adjacent landowners to close Hay Ridge and the Kit Carson Loop Road in Section 8 to ORV access.

 Relationship with Concessionaire and Adjacent Landowners: Park staff will coordinate with Regional Programs and Services staff to seek owners permission to place and maintain one trail map structure at the Bear Creek Lodge trailhead.

 Park staff will coordinate with the Regional Programs and Services, Regional Stewardship Program, Environmental Program, Concessionaire, and mountain biking user groups to explore, design and assess a downhill, technical mountain biking trails system within either the existing or the proposed alpine ski concession area.

 

Park staff will coordinate with the Regional Stewardship Program and the Regional Planner to maintain periodic discussions with adjacent landowners to assess and formalize existing and additional cooperative trail management opportunities. 

WINTER TRAIL USE MANAGEMENT "WINTER TRAIL USE MANAGEMENT

General Policy Direction

 General Winter Trails PoliciesSnowmobile Use Area:  Recreational snowmobiling is permitted in designated areas only (see WAC 352-20-020), namely on groomed snowmobile trails, designated ungroomed overland snowmobile trails, and in designated snowmobile play areas.  Use of snowmobiles in the nordic ski area is not permitted except for transporting injured skiers or other administrative purposes.  Overland use of snowmobiles in the alpine ski area is not permitted except in areas where the Concessionaire has completed a review of potential operational and environmental impacts and a use license has been issued by the Agency under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).  Impacts of snowmobiles on natural and cultural resources, as well as risks to visitor safety and the quality of the winter trail experience will be measured and managed using the LAC adaptive management system (See Attachment D).  Should indicators of resource condition, visitor safety, and quality of experience fall below desired standards, and alternative management options prove ineffective, selected trails and/or play areas may be closed.  Current designated snowmobile use areas are: the groomed snowmobile trail [onTrails 170 (old155), the KC Loop Road, the Chair 4 Road, Trail 150, the Summit Road, Trail 120, and the Linder Ridge Road] as well as the ungroomed play areas in the Beauty Mountain meadow and CCC area, the Mt. Kit Carson meadow, Day Mountain meadows, and the corridor to the summit (see Figure 1). The Day Road, the Blanchard Creek Road, the Connector Road, Trail 140 (old 115) from the north end of the single track Trail 140 (old115) to Mt. Kit Carson summit, and Trail 130 to Day Mountain from Saddle Junction are also currently open to snowmobiling.  See Map 5.

 

Snowmobile Use Seasons:  Groomed snowmobile trails will be seasonally opened to use after initial grooming preparation and compaction operations have been completed.  Historically groomed trails may be opened to snowmobile use prior to grooming activities at the discretion of the Park Manager.  Grooming activities will generally proceed after grooming equipment operators determine that adequate snow cover has accumulated to protect roadbeds and machinery from damage.  Designated snowmobile areas will be seasonally opened to use when adequate snow cover has accumulated to protect Park natural and cultural resources and allow for safe operation.  Adequacy of snow cover will be evaluated jointly by Park staff and at least one snowmobile use representative throughout the season via site visits and observations.

 

A determination of adequate snow cover will be based on the following criteria:

1)      Snow depth - A minimum snow depth of consolidated snow will be required to open a given snowmobile play area or un-groomed overland trail. Adequate consolidated snow depths will vary, but snow stability and depth for safe operation and protection of underlying resources must be assured.  Snow depth will be measured in several locations with varying aspect, elevation, and terrain features to verify that the minimum snow depth requirement has been satisfied.  A given snowmobile play area or un-groomed overland trail will generally be closed for the season when snow depth becomes inadequate in any location within the area.  During years of unusually low snow accumulations, play areas and un-groomed overland trails will be closed at the discretion of the Park Manager. 

 

2)      Projected Meteorological Conditions – At the discretion of the Park Manager, play areas and un-groomed overland trails will only be opened if projected meteorological conditions indicate that adequate snow cover is likely to be maintained into the use season.  Opening of these areas following large early season snowfalls where the snowpack may potentially melt to below adequate levels should be avoided. 

 

Designated un-groomed overland snowmobile trails and designated play areas may be subject to additional seasonal closures to protect sensitive wildlife species listed as “species of concern” in Washington State.  Decisions to institute special seasonal closures will be made with the cooperation and consultation of the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and allow for participation by representatives of snowmobile user groups.

 

Publicizing Snowmobile Closures - Dated closure (and opening) notices will be posted on Park entrance and Sno-Park bulletin boards.  The recorded telephone snow line message will include updates on all trail closures.  The Park should work toward establishing daily snowmobile and nordic ski conditions updates on a web site bulletin board.

 

Nordic Track Skiing - Nordic track skiing will continue to be supported at current grooming service levels as described in the “Recommended Level of Performance for Grooming of Cross-Country Ski Trails” adopted by the Sno-Park Advisory Committee in 1993.  All other posted nordic trail use rules will remain in effect and unchanged under this plan.

 

Backcountry Skiing - Backcountry skiing is permitted in all areas of the Park except for the patrolled part of the alpine ski area.  Backcountry skiing in the nordic area in a manner that disturbs track grooming is not permitted.  Backcountry skiing is permitted on Ragged Ridge provided this use is consistent with the Ragged Ridge Natural Area Preserve Management Plan.

 

Snowshoeing - Snowshoeing is permitted in all areas of the Park except for the patrolled part of the alpine ski area and the groomed nordic trails.  Snowshoeing is permitted on Ragged Ridge provided this use is consistent with the Natural Area Preserve Management Plan.

 

Dog Sledding/Skijouring - Dog sledding and skijouring are permitted throughout the Park except within the alpine ski area and on the groomed nordic trails.

 

PrograActivities

Trail Improvement and Maintenance Projects:

 

  • Trail 139:  Create a short, marked winter route connector between Trail 131 and Bald Knob so that snowshoers and backcountry skiers can cross the creek and climb directly to the campground area without traversing the B-29 alpine ski run.

 

  • Designate the straight fall line route between the Bald Knob restrooms and the KXLY TV towers as a snowshoeing and backcountry skiing route to the Mt. Spokane summit. See Figure 2.

 

 

New Trail Development:

 

  • Expand alpine skiing opportunities within the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion Area in accordance with the alpine concessionaire’s May 1, 2006 plan to install a new chair lift, runs and glades primarily in the south half of Section 16.  See Map 4.

 

  • Construct a new trailhead Sno-Park parking area either west of the current snowmobile Sno-Park and immediately south of the summit road at the Trail 100 trailhead, or south of the current snowmobile Sno-Park lot.  Construct a groomed nordic trail (209) to connect the lower parking area with the Valley View nordic trail. 

 

  • Trail 260:  Explore alternative access to the Tripps Knob and Fish Creek snowmobile trails from the snowmobile parking lot, and designate the Linder Ridge Road from the Selkirk Lodge for groomed nordic skiing.  This would accomplish additional separation between the snowmobile and nordic ski areas, and it would add flat trail for nordic skating. Two possible alternatives exist.  Option A:  Modify the existing trail under the power lines to the west of the paved road between the Summit Road and Lodge 1.  Just south of Lodge 1, the route would cross the paved road and traverse a new trail connecting to IEP property on the road heading south from the condo property (the Condo Road). The Condo Road would then be groomed south and east to the Section 26 junction with IEP Road M-17 and the rest of the trail system.  See Map 3.   Option B:  Maintain the existing snowmobile route past the Selkirk Lodge on the Linder Ridge Road, and build a new trail between the SW corner of the Spokane Mountaineer’s property and the Condo Road.  As in Option A, the Condo Road would be groomed east. Because of the terrain features and numerous stream crossings, both options will require additional research to determine financial practicality.

 

  • If Trail 260 above is constructed, create a new groomed nordic trail connection from the back of the Selkirk Lodge (or off the Mt. View Trail) to the bottom of the drainfield area and the Linder Ridge Road.  The Linder Ridge Road would then be groomed for nordic skiing about 100’ east of Trail 260 to Junction 2.

 

  • Work with Inland Empire Paper Company to explore grooming a new trail (208) for nordic skiing utilizing an existing logging road to connect the Wild Moose nordic trail with the M-17 Section 26 junction.  The route would loop back to the Park on the M-17/Linder Ridge Road and is dependent upon completion of either Option A or B above.  See Map 3.

 

  • Explore construction of a contouring nordic ski trail (214) to connect Junction 1 with Junction 2.  This would provide an easier route to the NOVA Hut for beginners and skate skiers if the Linder Ridge Road cannot be made available for nordic skiing.

 

  • Trail 237 Continuation:  Utilize the current Trail 237 (Abner’s Way/West Quartz) nordic ski trail as part of a new loop by either Option A: Building a short connector downhill to the Quartz Loop Trail, or Option B: Building a longer connecting trail uphill and NW to the Quartz Summit Road.  Alternatively, a turnaround for the groomer would be built at the end of the existing trail.  See Map 3.

 

User Information/Education:

  • Nordic Trail Maps:  Trail maps produced in conjunction with the Selkirk Nordic Ski Education Foundation will be placed and maintained at each intersection with “You Are Here” indicated appropriately.  Printed trail maps will also be stocked and available in the Selkirk Lodge.

 

  • Recorded Message Phone Line:  The daily snow line update will continue to be recorded by Park staff.  Snow, weather, grooming, and trail conditions for both nordic skiing and snowmobiling will be included.  Any closures will also be noted.

 

  • Nordic Trail Signs:  Nordic ski trails will be labeled with their respective names and difficulty ratings on a sign at each junction. Current colored arrows and old trail numbers will be removed.

 

  • Backcountry Skiing and Snowshoeing Trail Signs:  Plastic blue diamond markers will be tacked to trees to mark suggested snowshoeing and backcountry skiing trails and routes, including Trails 100, 110, 121 122, 131, and 130 (Bald Knob). 

 

  • Posting of Nordic Skiing Rules:  Rules for nordic skiing at MSSP will be posted inside the Selkirk Lodge.

 

  • Snowmobile Trail Map:  Snowmobile trail maps will be placed at key intersections and trailheads.  Each map will indicate “you are here.”  Sign locations will include: Bear Creek Lodge trailhead, the Day Road and Kit Carson Loop Road junction, Kit Carson Loop Road and Chair 4 Road junction, the Chair 4 Road and Axford Road junction, the Park boundary near the Snowblaze property, and the snowmobile parking lot. 

 

  • Snowmobile Brochure:  A snowmobiling brochure, produced in cooperation with the Winter Knights Snowmobile Club, will be available at the parking areas.  The brochure will contain a snowmobiling trail map for the Park and surrounding area, a map or photo of the summit corridor, and it will indicate the groomed trail, ungroomed snowmobile trails, and play areas.  It will also contain the rules and other relevant information for safe snowmobiling in the Park and on IEP lands.

 

  • Snowmobile Trail Signs:  Signs consisting of plastic orange diamonds tacked to trees will mark the groomed snowmobile trail throughout the Park. Larger orange diamond signs will contain a picture of a snowmobile with the words “Stay on trail.” These will be posted in areas where snowmobilers commonly ride out of bounds. 

 

  • Summit Corridor:  Installation and maintenance of any necessary signs, snow fence, and bamboo poles, as well as user education activities related to the Mt. Spokane summit snowmobile corridor are the responsibility of the Concessionaire, with volunteer assistance and coordination provided by the alpine area ski patrol and the Winter Knights Snowmobile Club.  An adjustable height sign containing a map/photo of the corridor and concise directions for its use will be installed at the bottom of the corridor.  This sign will also contain an open/closed indicator for the corridor.

 

  • Posting of Snowmobile Rules:  A full listing of the rules for snowmobiling at Mt. Spokane State Park will be posted at the main snowmobile trailheads.

 

Monitoring of Trail Use and Resource Impacts:  Agency staff will coordinate with alpine ski area staff, both nordic and alpine volunteer ski patrols, the Winter Knights Snowmobile Club, and other designated volunteers to use the LAC adaptive management system to manage potential snowmobile impacts on natural and cultural resources, as well as risks to visitor safety and the quality of the non-motorized, winter trail experience (see Attachment D: Limits of Acceptable Change Winter Trail Management Tables for Mt. Spokane State Park). Monitored indicators for designated snowmobile play areas and un-groomed overland snowmobile trails will include: 1) the number of incidents of snowmobiles operation during seasonal or special management closures, 2) the number of instances of snowmobiles operating within NFA or NAP boundaries, 3) the number of incidents of snowmobiles operating onto or over the roofs of historic and other structures (witnessed or visible signs), 4) the number of incidents of observed unsafe snowmobile operation, 5) the number of incidents of snowmobiles operating outside designated areas or off designated trails, 6) the number of incidents of snowmobiles operating within the alpine and nordic ski areas, and 7) the number and location of reported winter trail user conflict incidents.
 

Unsafe snowmobile operation as defined by RCW 46.10 will be enforced by Park rangers.  Unsafe operation includes excessive speed, excessive noise, soil and vegetation damage, property damage, human and wildlife harassment and endangerment, operation while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, underage operation, unregistered operation, and the improper use and crossing of public roadways.

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