One of the summer hikes I occasionally take on Mt. Spokane is from Lodge 1 in the downhill ski area to Lodge 2 via the cat track connecting the two lodges.

According to the topographic map, there is an elevation difference of 328 feet from one to the other. The distance one way via the cat track is approximately ½ mile, and the same returning on the road. I estimate the distance from the cat track down to Lodge 2 is approximately 1/8 mile.

Today, with a steady pace of hiking plus a little putzing around taking photos and sightseeing, I made the roundtrip in 1 hour 15 minutes.

All in all it’s a good work out for an old guy.

Two or three times in the past 5 years I have hiked from Lodge 1 up the cat track past Lodge 2 and on to the top of Chair 3. Once via straight up Sweede’s Folly ski run. That adds 642 vertical feet and approximately 1/2-3/4 mile more to the hike.

Sweede’s Folly run is an SOB of a steep climb through about 1-foot tall bushes. It’s a lot easier and more fun to ski down it, especially with about 6-8 inches of fresh powder snow.

Ken Kaiyala
8-12-2018