Things to Do at Bear Creek Lodge
 

Mt. Spokane State Park

So, what makes Bear Creek Lodge special? That one is easy. It is Mt. Spokane State Park. The lodge sits just a quarter of a mile from the entrance to the park. So close, in fact, that some visitors fail to realize they are not on public land, but a guest on private property. Please respect our business during your visit, and help us maintain our gateway to this jewel of Eastern Washington.

If you are an avid outdoors person, be adventurous and hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile on one of the dozens of trails through the park.  There truly is something to do all year round at Bear Creek Lodge and Mt. Spokane State Park.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW A MAP OF THE MANY TRAILS!!!

There are over one hundred different species of birds that inhabit Mt. Spokane Park. If you are an avid bird watcher, check out the list of birds that you may see while exploring the trails near Bear Creek Lodge.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LIST !!

Mountain Biking

One of the most popular summertime activities on Mt. Spokane is mountain biking. Downhill enthusiasts often shuttle themselves from Bear Creek Lodge to the Vista House. The terrain is ideal for full suspension bikes, but can be negotiated on a hardtail. Cross country riders pedal up the hill, and earn that downhill ride. Both groups will agree that the trails are outstanding!

The mountain biking trails of Mt. Spokane are great for all bikers. Whether a beginner or an expert, it's always a good ride. Two of the many trails (115 & 120) feed directly into our parking areas. For the beginning riders, we suggest that you start on Trail 120 - a beautiful, relaxing, and all around enjoyable two-track road that winds through the woods. For those who are seeking a challenge, Trail 135 to Trail 115 consists of tight swichbacks, rock drops, and guaranteed speed. For those who have ridden some, but are not really sure in which catagory you fit, we reccommend a trip down Trail 110. This trail is moderately difficult, and ends on the main road, about a half mile above the lodge. Don't worry, it's all downhill to our parking lot.

Parking is an issue in both the state park and at the lodge. Both places charge a $5.00 day use fee for access. The parking fee at the lodge may be exchanged for food purchases (not alcohol) in the restaurant before or after your ride. Alcohol consumption in the parking lot is not tolerated. Be sure to obtain your daily parking pass before heading up the mountain. Cars without a day use pass may be given a "free" ride back to Spokane. Lodge guests do not have to pay for parking.

After your ride, enjoy the large wooden deck located in The Garden. The area is the largest permitted beer garden in Spokane County and is an excellent place to enjoy a cold beer after your ride(s). Bear Creek Lodge has over forty different domestic, premium, and imported beers and microbrews. Several malt beverages and wines are also available. The Garden starts to "shade in" by mid-afternoon, and is usually at least 15 degrees cooler than downtown Spokane. Can you think of a better place to cool off on a hot afternoon?

Shuttle Service for Hikers and Mountain Bikers

Bear Creek Lodge also offers a limited shuttle service. We can arrange to ride with you to your point of departure, then drive your vehicle back to the lodge. Call Michelle (509-238-9114) in advance to make arrangements for this service. The fee is $5 to the Snowpark and $10 to the Vista House. All points in between are $8.

Fall Activities

Fall is a special time on the mountain. Summer's visitors are home tidying their lawns before winter, leaving the the woods to a few hearty hikers and mountain bilers to enjoy the best conditions of the year. The fall rains settle summer's dust and pack the trails tight before winter. The change of color by the hardwoods and larches is spectacular. The cool crisp air reminds one of the passing of another season, and offers time to reflect on the past year.

Moose and deer hunters often head to the lodge during fall. Multi-night stays can be negotiated with the lodge, and are often less expensive than bringing a large RV across the state and staying in the campground. Stay with us and enjoy that warm shower, good bed, great food, and fresh Craven's coffee in the morning to start your day. Nothing beats a little comfort while pursuing your trophy.

The property owned by Bear Creek Lodge, as well as the state park, are closed to hunting. However, good hunting is available on nearby land owned by Inland Empire Paper (IEP) and Riley Creek. Access to IEP property requires purchase of a day or season pass, available at White's in Spokane. Riley Creek currently has an "open lands" policy, providing that the property is adjacent to a state maintained road and does not require trespass across private property or the state park. It is the hunter's responsibility to know the access rules for Riley Creek's properties. The lodge does not grant permission to cross our property. Please respect this decision by the owners.

Winter Activities

Winters are the busy season as lodge become a center of activity on the mountain. Snowtubers flock to the hill across the street from the lodge. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SNOWTUBING INFORMATION. Skiers and snowboarders stay at the lodge and head to Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. CLICK HERE FOR SKI & STAY PACKAGES. Snowmobilers, cross country skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts often stop by to warm up and enjoy the hearty American cusine. Bear Creek Lodge is "Where The Mountain Meets".

If you are really hungry, order our Bear Creek Burger (two quarter pound patties with American cheese, hot smoked sausage, bacon, peperjack cheese, lettuce, onions, and pickles), or savor the excellent New York steak and grilled salmon dinners. Wednesday nights usually have a dinner special for around $8.00.

Enjoy live music on most Saturdays nights during the winter season. Popular bands that have played at the lodge include The Other White Meat, Barry Lee White & The Moonshine Band, The Fat Tones, Too Slim & the Taildraggers, Working Spliffs, Third Avenue, Mr. Happy, Deep Cover and Mountain Musicians. Check the home page for our current music schedule. We suggest placing www.bearcreeklodgewa.com in your "favorites" list, picking your type of music, booking a room, calling some friends, and then enjoying an evening partying at the lodge. There is no cover charge for in-house guests. Please remember that our best advertising for live entertainment is at our website.

Area Attractions

During your stay at Bear Creek Lodge, remember you are just moments away from a wide variety of fun things to do. Leave the the cell phone and computer behind, and go outside! Send the kids to the creek, provide them with a forest, and tell them to use their imagination for entertainment. Help them learn "GANU" >>> "Gameboys-Are-Not-Us" !! If all else fails, go shopping. Several malls are within 30 - 50 minutes of the lodge. Also consider visiting River Front Park and downtown Spokane. Other ideas for fun things off the mountain may be found by CLICKING HERE FOR AREA ATTRACTIONS.

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