Mica Peak

Mica Peak is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and equestrians because of the great workout it affords. The area hosts several varieties of flora, thanks to its elevation change from the parking area to the summit.

The elevation gain from the parking area gives visitors a nice workout, doable in a day or less, and just minutes from Spokane. It's a destination for horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Many trails exist here, but main access is via the parking lot on Belmont Road. Access the conservation area by hiking, biking, or riding along the road from the parking lot. The road is bordered by private property, so stay on the road. After a mile, the Mica Peak Conservation Area, and choose your own adventure. It's also possible to hike from here all the way to nearby Liberty Lake; a rugged 12+ mile one-way hike.

When here, look for sub-alpine low brush to fragrant Ponderosa pine forest. Aspen and birch groves also thrive here, making the hill glow gold in the autumn. Visitors can also enjoy views of Spokane Valley and the rolling Palouse.

The peak itself is off-limits — the summit is owned by the FAA — but the western slope of the peak still offers 2,000 feet of elevation gain from parking area to high point. Consult your map to plan your route.

Note: Mica Peak was acquired in 2013 through Spokane County's Conservation Futures Program. Among other projects here, WTA volunteers helped complete the California Creek trail, the connecting segment that made the traverse to Liberty Lake possible.