For GPS navigation to the trail head, the coordinates are: 47.90323, -117.10005

This is the Nordic Ski area of Mt. Spokane, the trails are groomed ski runs. Lots of different choices in which trails to take.

Hiking in this area is amenable to all sorts of footwear, from well fitting tennis shoes to hiking boots. For go... Moreing on the entire 10.5 miles of this guide, I would recommend the use of liner socks - blisters are no fun.Less

The Nordic trails intersect at several points throughout the area. This guide took Mt. View then continues out on Sam's Swoop. The Nordic ski maps in the area rates the trails from easy to difficult, which translates to hiking also. It is what makes this area great for so many different users - from casual users to serious hikers.

Keep an eye out for wildlife, I came across a moose around 7:30 p.m. on evening in late June. FYI - Keep you distance from wildlife, best to retreat and come back around on another trail.

This guide follows Hemlock to the next trail intersection.

Nova Hut is a winter warming hut that is open during the summer. A great place to retreat to if you encounter rain or inclement weather. Its also a good lunch place if hiking with kids and you want to contain the kids and have tables to eat at.

Next trail is Wild Moose.

FYI - you could head up to the top of Quartz Mou... Morentain, although I would recommend doing this as a separate hike. Doing so would add a little over 2 miles and take an additional 1 1/2 hours to the hike.
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At this point you reach an unmarked trail that actually takes you down to Moose Meadows. This connects up with various logging roads.

You also catch periodic glimpses of Mt. Spokane, specifically the ski run.

The access to the peak of Shadow Mountain is on the back side of this loop. The two loops in this guide are side-by-side, but you are on a hillside, so its not easy to go cross country between the trails. Plus, you run the risk of losing your way.

The trail up to the top of Shadow Mountain appears suddenly on your right. It has some branches growing over it, at first you might think its an animal trail or drainage. It quickly opens up.

Click on the links for a You Tube video and an interactive 350º panorama of the top (use the mouse to move the panorama around).

... More> • You Tube video - taken with 8mm App http://youtu.be/-nkWBwmlO7k
• 360º Panorama - use mouse to move around http://360.io/mUz7HnLess

On Twin Lakes Trail you start getting some nice southern views of mountain lakes and Spokane Valley. You can even look across to the Liberty Lake park area, about 20 miles away.

FYI - the Quartz Mountain Loop trail is not marked. Its the first train intersection you come to, you do a 270º turn, the Quarts Mountain Loop trail drops b... Moreelow Twin Lakes Trail.Less

This southern side of the mountain has a different flora to it. You will start noticing different plants and some beautiful flowers.

You go through some great old growth forest areas on this trail. At times you spot the southern side of Quartz Mountain. There are also some nice views south, toward Spokane Valley. Bring binoculars to identify areas 15 to 20 miles away.

You don't encounter very many people this far out. Most likely, you will not see anyone else on this stretch of the hike. The trail starts moving upwards, toward the Nova Hut area. Its the point where you might start feeling some sore feet. You encounter a couple of other trails, but its obvious which way to go.

There are some gre... Moreat rock outcrops in this area. Geologically, this is a fascinating section of trail.Less

Now you have come full circle, you approach underneath Nova Hut. There's actually restroom facilities at Nova Hut.

You can chose different trails to take back to Selkirk Lodge. Looping on the outside trail you will encounter fewer people.

On the Valley View trail, you do get some nice westward views toward north Spokane.