City Escape: Spokane, Washington
Northeastern Washington state has a great variety of terrain. Within a relatively short ride, you can ride from verdant riverside to peaceful farmland and up a majestic, wooded mountain.
This route out of Spokane aims to hit as many of these gorgeous backdrops as possible. You’ll begin on US 291, which follows the Spokane River. You’ll pass the beautiful walking trails of the Riverside State Park, the Nine Mile Dam, while enjoying views across the river.
Afterward, you’re in for a rural section along SR 231, where you’ll ride past farms and green fields. You’ll also pass Win-Tur Bison Farm, where you can get a tour of the property and feed the bison.
Reaching Chewelah marks the beginning of your stint on Flowery Trail Rd, which climb to the mountains to crest an eponymous pass. This road provides plenty of turns and elevation changes amidst stunning mountain vistas. The locals tend to drive way past the speed limit on Flowery Trail Rd, but you should obey the signs—it’s safer and gives you more time to appreciate the views.
Having descended from the mountains, you get to relax for a bit before you arrive in Mount Spokane State Park. Here you’ll find Brickel Creek Rd, a gravel trail that twists its way back to asphalt at the Mount Spokane Ski Park.
The gravel path is on private land owned by the Inland Empire Paper Company, and you must purchase a vehicle permit to access it. Permits are available online and cost $18 at the time of writing. Keep in mind that motorcycles are allowed only on marked trails and that you must enter and exit through one of the official gates.
If your motorcycle can’t handle gravel or you’d rather not pay the entry fee, you can skip this section. Once you reach Blanchard on SR 41, hang a right onto E Blachard Rd, which is a paved two-laner that still allows you to enjoy forested riding.
Some sections of this route get fairly remote, so make sure to keep an eye out for wildlife.
Points of Interest
Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, associated with the Smithsonian, tells you the story of past, present, and future life in Washington. The changing exhibitions range from collections of historical photos to indigenous and modern art and more. Start or end your ride with a dose of culture. Find it at 2316 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA.
Riverside State Park
The Riverside State Park covers more than 9,000 acres along the Spokane River. It offers many chances for outdoor activities, from walking and hiking to boating, bird watching, and off-road riding—or you can simply motor by and enjoy the beautiful river views. Day-use permits start at $10.
Flowery Trail Rd
Flowery Trail Rd is a 26-mile curvy roller coaster of an asphalt ribbon that connects Chewelah in the west to Usk in the east. Summiting the Flowery Trail Pass, the western side is characterized by tight twisties, while the eastern slope has more open sweepers. All the while, the views are stunning.
Mount Spokane State Park
Mount Spokane State Park is a gorgeous 12,400-acre wonderland of woods, hiking trails, and more. What makes this interesting are the many gravel trails on which motorcycles are allowed. However, most of them are owned by the Inland Empire Paper Company and require a permit. Day permits sell for $18 at the time of writing and are available online.
Recommended Lodging: Marianna Stoltz House
This family-owned bed-and-breakfast claims to be the oldest such establishment in Spokane. Housed in a beautiful 1908 building, the Marianna Stoltz House offers cozy lodgings in the historical Logan Neighborhood outside downtown Spokane.
The rooms aren't enormous, but they’re gorgeous, featuring period-appropriate furnishing and modernized bathrooms. There’s private parking in the yard, so you won’t have to carry your bags far.
You’re provided with a breakfast featuring local, seasonal items and ingredients. For dinner, you can find many restaurants within a short walk.
Facts & Info
Length
Approximately 173 miles
Overview
This route out of Spokane showcases the variety of scenery and nature in northeastern Washington. You’ll motor past calm riversides, green farms and fields, thick forests, and gorgeous mountains. The roads provide a delightful mix of riding, with tight mountain curves interspersed with straighter, more relaxed sections.
The majority of the route is paved, but the road through Mount Spokane State Park is gravel. Additionally, it passes through private land owned by the Inland Empire Paper Company, and requires you to buy a pass. If you’d rather stay on asphalt or avoid paying, you can easily bypass the state park by taking E Blanchard Road off SR 41 in Blanchard and still enjoy a nice set of wooded turns.
Lunch Stop
Monica’s Buttermilk Kitchen serves mouthwatering breakfast and brunch dishes, from eggs to pancakes and chicken-fried steaks. This family-owned restaurant will make your belly happy while the friendly staff brightens your day. Find it at 404 E Main Ave, Chewelah, WA.
Best Time to Travel
It’s best to do this ride in the summer. Temperatures up in the mountains can be a lot cooler, and snow may linger well into the spring. Additionally, the private trail in the Mount Spokane State Park is closed from November to May.
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