Rather than follow trail 140 up to the summit and the Vista House, we veered the opposite direction and hiked up the face in a well-worn path near and in a dried up run-off stream bed, it was tough but doable. The views this way were extraordinary and as the smoke had cleared somewhat over the weekend, we could see much of Newman Lake and Liberty Lake to the East. 

On the trip down, we did follow trailhead 140 and be warned, it is DUSTY. We were covered in dust (even all up in our noses) by the time we made it back to the parking area so if you're averse or have dust allergies, this may not be the trail for you. Also, this trail is shared with mountain bikers so be sure to keep a lookout as they are coming down the path.

The huckleberries near the parking lot are ripe for picking the air was sweet with the smell of them; we stopped to pick some for a snack and it was a great way to end the hike. 

I parked at the lower loop parking lot in Mt. Spokane State Park. I started on the Kit Carson Loop then immediately turned right on trail 100. Watch the signs as it splits. I took the right turn, then immediately right again to start the climb toward the upper parking lot.

At the parking lot, I turned left onto the road toward the summit and immediately turned into the driveway for the park vehicles marked no motor vehicles. Past the garage, a trail leads uphill into the forest. After a while 132 and 131 split. I turned left on 132 and continued my uphill climb. At the junction with trail 130, I turned left again to keep going uphill. I passed through the picnic area by the campground, and found the trail again after I crossed the road. I enjoyed views to the west as I circled the mountain toward the CCC cabin where I stopped for lunch.

After lunch, I released a chipmunk from the nearby outhouse before I used it, then descended on the Kit Carson Loop to the saddle junction. From there, I chose trail 140 for my descent. Only 3 bikes passed me on my way down. When I reached the Kit Carson loop just above Smith Gap, I turned left and followed it back to my car.

This was a hike from Bear Creek lodge to the top strait up trail 140. The trail was in great condition! There were a few fallen trees, maybe half a dozen but all above the Smith's gap area. I started running into a little snow here and there around the Saddle Junction area. Maybe 1/2 mile from the top I lost the trail due to snow cover but I was able to Bee line it, on the snow to the top. It was a fantastic day to take 140 and I would think in maybe 2-4 more weeks the top portion of the trail should be clear.