Liberty Lake Loop

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 11.9 miles / 19.2 km
Duration: Half day

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

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Overview: • Hike Time: 4:57:44
• Distance: 11.93 miles
• Average Pace: 24:58 /mile
• Fastest Pace: 13:00 /mile
• Ascent/Descent: 2544 feet
• Calories: 1748

Please note:
- Without the side loop, the Liberty Lake Loop is 8.5 miles. Count on 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
- Hiking the loop clockwise (opposite the direction of this guide), you reach the Cedar Grove with a warning sign that the trail is "primitive" beyond that point. Keep on going, it is a disclaimer sign geared toward the casual day walker/hiker. The trail is a regular hiking trail beyond that point. Its not suitable for people out for a stroll in the park, but perfect for hikers.
- If going early in the spring or late in the fall, when there is a chance of snow in the waterfall area, hike the loop clockwise (opposite the direction of this guide). The trail up to the waterfalls is steep, so in snow/ice conditions, it is better to be going uphill. Also, Diamond spikes or similar traction device for boots is recommended - along with a trekking pole. In snow/ice pack, continue to go up, the probability of injury increases exponentially trying to hike down steep ice covered inclines.

Tips: If you are using the phone App, go online for web links to park resources. www.everytrail.com

• This is a moderate trail - should be in fairly good shape to do some sharp uphills and downhills. Wear liner socks, this is the kind of trail you will get blisters on. Trekking poles will also come in handy. Bring extra water, its a trail where you will consume more water than you expect.

• Dogs: it is a leashed dog trail, but on the "extra" loop you get outside of the county park. Bring extra treats for dogs, they will burn more energy than you would expect on this trail.

Points of Interest

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Take the Equestrian trail, it is a steep uphill for several miles.

Keep an eye and ear out for mountain bikers, especially on the weekends.

Other Resources
Spokane County Parks - Liberty Lake Regional Park

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Leave Equestrian trail

Its the first trailhead you come to, to the right. Has two signs (both laying down) stating "Scenic trail." About 1/4 down you come to a clearing, trail goes on to the west and a logging road goes to uphill. Take the uphill.

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This area switches around

Continue to go uphill, there are some back and forth on logging roads. Ultimately you get to a clearing, outside of the State Park. You can see the top of a house about 1/2 mile away.

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Continue up

This continues up, a lot further than you might expect. I do believe you can keep going and that there are several options to drop back down to the Equestrian trail. I went "over the top," then took the first trail back down.

This is the area of the hike where you can see long distances.

FYI - Photos taken with my iPhone, not dragging the big camera along on hikes these days.

This should be south of Spokane Valley Photo

This is looking westward, should be Spokane Valley Photo

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Waterfall

This is the top of the Loop, your walking through a tree covered trail. Note, you can continue to hike up past the falls, there's a sign that says "More Hiking." Takes you to some sort of cabin, I did not head up that way.

The immediate trail down from here is steep and can be muddy - a trekking pole does come in handy.