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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.
Note that Spokane County Parks charges a $10 vehicle parking fee during the summer months (see Driving Directions below for details). Discover Passes do not apply/are not necessary for County Parks.
The loop can also be accessed via two other methods (which do not require paying the vehicle parking fee):
- Via the Idaho Road (equestrian) trailhead in Liberty Lake Regional Park.
- Via the Mackenzie Reserve, using the Zephyr Connector trail. Please note that the reserve's parking lot is small.
Trailhead
