Post Summary: Details of Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout Trail (Mount Spokane State Park)
Looking for a unique hike near Spokane, Washington?
If you didn’t know already, this is where my husband and I call home! We’re very fortunate to be able to go from the city to the mountains in less than an hour, which is why we chose to hike Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout in Mount Spokane State Park for a quick sunset session.
With gorgeous snowshoe trails, beautiful views, and a great reward at the top (which you can actually sleep in!), Quartz Mountain Lookout hike is an excellent trail option any time of year, but especially in the snow.
We’re sharing what it’s like to hike Quartz Mountain Lookout trail during sunset, and what you might expect on the way.
Let’s get started!
This post contains affiliate links to gear we love and recommend.
Quartz Mountain topo trail map courtesy of Alltrails.com
Elevation Chart courtesy of Alltrails.com
Trailhead Coordinates: 47.903196, -117.100009
To reach the trailhead to Quartz Mountain Lookout Trail, you’ll need to follow directions to the Mount Spokane Nordic Ski Area.
The Nordic Ski Area is just south of Mount Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. The parking lot is large, and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the Selkirk Lodge. It’s signature green logs and yellow roof are hard to miss!
Selkirk Warming Hut at Mount Spokane State Park
During the time of year where there is NO snow (Spring, Summer, Fall), you’ll need a Washington State Park Discover Pass. (Read about all the types of PNW Forest Park Passes to buy here!)
Coming in the winter? You will also need a Sno Park Pass and a Special Groomed Trail Permit. These funds pay for more frequent trail grooming and upkeep of the warming lodges along the trail.
Since this hike is located on a Nordic trail system, it’s really a choose-you-own-route type of hike! There are routes anywhere from easy to difficult, so spend some time with your group and decide which adventure you’d like to take.
The routes are extremely well marked, and you’ll often find maps along the way to help you orient yourself in the system. We also found that snapping a picture with our phone helped us navigate on the go as well. Some of our favorite ski route trails:
Want the shortest route? Follow the largest, widest road all the way to the top. It’s definitely not the most scenic way, but the easiest, most gradual elevation gain to the top.
Watch for the Quartz Mountain fire lookout logo for the shortest route!
There are also two warming huts on the trail, the Selkirk Lodge and Nova Hut. You passed the Selkirk Lodge coming in, but the Nova Hut is located kind of mid-way among the trails. During the winter season, this is where your permit money goes – to the upkeep of these amazing cabins!
In the Nova Hut, there is a wood-burning stove in the middle of the room surrounded by plenty of benches and indoor picnic tables for a nice break.
Sitting at 5,129 feet, Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout provides sweeping views of Spokane in the distance!
This lookout was originally on top of Mount Spokane but was later decommissioned and moved to Quartz Mountain in 2001 for the purpose of recreational rentals.
Eastern Washington is working hard to renovated old fire lookouts so visitors can continue to enjoy these amazing structures! The Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout is for rent in the summer months. This 14×14 window covered, 360-degree view lookout sleeps 4 – perfect for a fun trip with friends!
Love Fire Lookouts? You can stay overnight at Crystal Peak Lookout In Idaho!
The views from the top of the mountain are truly incredible. From here, you are able to see Newman Lake in Washington and Spirit Lake in Idaho just below.
Before you take the Quartz Mountain trail, check the weather forecast to see if you’ll catch a clear sunset!
So, how do you dress for a hiking trip in the snow? It’s a little bit different than other winter activities, which is why we’ll get into the nitty-gritty details below!
As we stated earlier, this post includes affiliate links to gear we love and recommend.
Nothing works up a good sweat more than hiking in the snow!
I’ve learned from our Banff winter activities that snowshoeing and other outdoor sports don’t require too many layers, as they will just weigh you down as you go! This is I we loved the North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie. It was lightweight but still cozy for an active evening hiking in the snow.
When engaged in sweaty winter activities like hiking or snowshoeing, it’s really important to wear clothes that wick the sweat off your body. We suggest a long sleeve shirt with sweat-wicking technology, like this top from The North Face. It keeps moisture off your body and keeps you feeling dry when out in the winter air.
We also suggest a lightweight, water-resistant pair of pants. Just recently, we bought this pair from Eddie Bauer, which is an excellent option for sweaty winter activities. Pick a size up for layering underneath, and opt for the fleece-lined version for a little extra warmth.
In order to keep your feet dry in the snow, it’s important to wear tall shoes that prevent snow from getting kicked up under your socks. I’m wearing these North Face Shellista Tall Boots. We also just purchased this pair of Men’s snow boots from Columbia and they do an excellent job of keeping Berty’s feet dry when the snow on the trail was deep!
Don’t have tall snow boots? Try wearing gaiters instead! These are essentially outer sleeves that hook under your shoes and wrap around your calves, creating a barrier between your shoes and the snow.
Did you know you lose the most body heat when your extremities aren’t covered up? This means that wearing a hat, gloves, and scarf are more important than you realize!
I’m wearing this fun pom beanie from The North Face, e-tip gloves (similar pair here), and I actually cut the excess from a large sweater I found at Goodwill for a makeshift neck scarf!
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