Smith Gap & Burping Brook Loops

getting there

Take Exit 287 off of I-90 just east of Spokane and drive north on N Argonne Rd continuing north as it becomes N Bruce Rd. Turn right onto SR-206 (N Mt Spokane Park Drive) and continue to the Lower Kit Carson Loop Road Sno-Park at the harirpin turn (3,900 ft).

snowshoe routes

Smith Gap Loop

3-mile loop with 400 feet of elevation gain, 4,200 ft high point

Cross the road and hike 1.3 miles on Lower Kit Carson Road to Smith Gap where there is a nice warming hut. Return the way you came for an out-and-back trip. For a loop trip, hike Trail 100 to the top of a hill and turn right. The trail may be hard to follow in places, and there are some streams to cross over narrow bridges. Turn right at any of the junctions along Trail 100 to descend to Kit Carson Loop Road and return to the Sno-Park.

burping brook loop

6-mile loop with 1,080 feet of elevation gain, 4,980 ft high point

Cross the road and hike 1.3 miles on Lower Kit Carson Road to Smith Gap where there is a nice warming hut. From here, hike Trail 140 ascending to Kit Carson meadow. Turn right on the trail that leads to Saddle Junction. At Saddle Junction turn right on Trail 110 heading downhill. Bear left where Trail 110 overlaps Trail 100 and continue descending on Trail 100 where Trail 110 diverges. Cross the stream on a bridge, turn right onto Trail 103, follow it to the Kit Carson Loop Road, and turn left return to the Sno-Park.

Notes

• Visit The Friends of Mt Spokane website for extensive information about the park and winter recreation, including guides and topo maps.
  
• You can extend your trip on the Burping Brook Loop to include the summit of Mount Kit Carson northwest of the saddle and Mount Spokane, enjoying a visit to the historic Vista House on its summit, to the northeast of the saddle..

INFORMATION FOR LEADERS

permits

The Mountaineers has a commercial use permit with Washington State Parks for all free and fee-based outings at state parks. Leaders should carry a print or digital copy of our  commercial use permit to show rangers they may encounter. 

• Suitable Activities: Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Basic
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, November, December
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,080 ft
• High Point: 4,980 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Spokane State Park
• Parking Permit Required: SnoPark Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12