Liberty Lake Regional Park - Liberty Lake Loop Trail

Eastern Washington

Liberty Lake Regional Park has it all: lakeshore, wetlands, a campground, an ORV park, BBQ areas and playgrounds. But the draw for hikers is the network of excellent backcountry trails. There are ample opportunities for any number of out and back hikes but for the full tour of all the trail highlights, hike the Liberty Lake Loop Trail.

Start out from the parking area on the Liberty Creek trail which officially begins just past the campground. You will have to walk from the parking area a short ways to the trailhead. After just under a mile you will come to a junction that marks the beginning of the loop. You can go either way since both trails eventually connect back to this same spot, but most hikers choose to take the left fork. From here the trail goes for just under half a mile before coming to another fork. Stay left to get close to the creek on the Split Creek Trail (revamped by WTA in 2019) or stay right to remain in the trees on the Liberty Creek Trail. Both trails closely parallel each other and are virtually the same length. These two trails merge after .85 miles to deliver hikers to a cedar grove, a good place to rest up and stare in awe at some tall trees.

The trail quickly leaves this grove behind as it ascends up a dozen switchbacks to Sam Hill. As you near the top look out to views of Liberty Lake below. The tour of attractions continues ahead as you come to Liberty Falls and then, after rounding the corner and heading up another short section of switchbacks, the Camp Hughes Cabin.

From the cabin, wind down and descend along the Edith Hansen Trail where you might encounter horseback riders. Stay straight at the junction for the Mica Peak Trail unless you want some additional mileage and elevation gain on this spur that makes for a good destination on its own. Keep on to meet back up with the trail to the parking lot.

A $2.00 entry fee is charged to access this park between the Friday before Labor Day through Memorial Day.

Liberty Lake Regional Park - Liberty Lake Loop Trail

Map & Directions

Getting There

From I-90 take Exit 296, and make your way to Liberty Lake Road. If you're coming from the west, this means a right turn at the end of the off ramp. From the east, turn left at the top of the off-ramp, cross over I-90 and continue straight. 

Once on Liberty Lake Road, continue south for 1 mile. Watch for a Park sign indicating a left turn onto Sprague. 0.4 miles down Sprague there is a 4-way stop going downhill. Continue straight. A golf course is on the left and you will approach a sharp turn as Sprague goes right and downhill. Watch for garbage cans/trucks, children, pets, and wildlife on a narrow road.

In that turn, Sprague becomes S. Neyland Ave. and at a half mile, curves left around a hill, to an intersection. Watch for the Park sign pointing the way ahead. Then, just 100 yards later, turn right onto S Lakeside Road. Travel on this road for three-quarters of a mile. Turn right at the wood sign onto Zephyr Road and after 0.3 miles, you will be at the Park entrance. A $2.00 entry fee is charged to access this park between the Friday before Labor Day through Memorial Day.