Commission adopts 20-year Mount Spokane State Park master plan with phased capital program

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously adopted the Mount Spokane State Park master plan on July 9 after staff presented a two-year engagement and phased implementation approach.

Paul Knowles, State Parks trails program manager, said the plan provides a 20-year vision including recommended long-term boundary expansions (notably to include the Bear Creek Lodge acquisition), land-classification changes to protect natural forest areas and to expand recreation classification around a proposed gateway/visitor hub, and an implementation plan split into three multi-biennial phases. Phase 1 priorities include Selkirk Lodge improvements, site design for a gateway at Bear Creek Lodge, and phase-specific trail packages; Phase 2 envisions a modest ~4,000-square-foot visitor center and additional trails; Phase 3 looks toward modest overnight accommodations and a base-to-summit trail package.

Knowles emphasized the planning process included tribal consultation, public engagement, environmental analysis, and coordination with concessionaires and partners. Commissioners praised the plan's extensive public participation and staff outreach. Commissioner Merriman and others said recent site visits helped their understanding of the park's scale and needs.

Motion and outcome: A commissioner moved to approve adoption of revised land classifications, long-term boundary recommendations and the Mount Spokane master plan (as presented in the requested action and appendices); the motion was seconded and approved unanimously (Commissioner Dannenberg absent for the vote).

Implementation: Staff will proceed with phasing, capital-budget requests and permitted design work. Several projects are intended to be funded through a mix of state capital requests, grant opportunities, and, for downhill concession improvements, concessionaire funding.