Hiked about 7.5 miles on Sunday, headed to new WTA trails and no boot path after road walk, so we blazed the fresh snow that was knee deep in many spots. No snow until above 3000’ ft, lots of mud below. We had great weather and a fun day in the snow passing only two other people despite quite a few cars at TH. 

Trail had 2 to 3 inches of snow. Most areas frozen and hard. Some sun exposed areas are very muddy. Note hunting occurring, wear bright orange. Same for your dog.

I checked out the trail leaving from The Mica Peak Conservation Area at the gated end of Belmont Road. The trail alternates between road walking and some sections of newly built trail and looks to be mostly used by mountain bikers. It's pretty muddy along the lower section but higher up the trail is in good shape. Some motorcycles use was evident in the upper area which did some damage.

When in doubt, follow the bicycle tracks. Good views of The Spokane Valley and into Idaho. 

No signs exist so take an immediate right just after the parking area and a left shortly thereafter up lesser used road just before a creek crossing (California Ck?). The beginning of the trail is a short distance from here. 10ish miles RT and 2500' of gain. 

Continued work on construction of the new California Creek trail. It was a good time had by all.

We logged 14.7 miles and 3,005 feet of elevation gain/loss on an out-and-back day hike from the Liberty Lake parking lot (the first one) to the white ball and back. We were on trail at 7:10am in order to beat the forecasted 85 degree temps with a black dog. After the first mile, it's more or less uphill the entire next 6.5 to the top and was a sweatfest, even in the cooler morning temps. Shade 98% of the way was welcome. The work was well rewarded with spectacular views both east and west. Westward, we overlooked Spokane Valley and eastward was Lake Coeur d'Alene. On the saddle nearly to the top were loads of ripe huckleberries waiting to give us a happy boost...and we left most of them for others. Go enjoy this beautiful trail in our back yard.