LIBERTY LAKE, Wash. — I grew up in an area where you could drive several hours in any direction and still be in the same state. I sometimes forget that’s not the case living in North Idaho.  

Since I’ve hiked through the trails around Coeur d’Alene pretty quickly — and I almost always sleep too late on my days off — it’s become harder to find new trails that are less than an hour drive to the trailhead.   

Depending on what your definition of a “quick drive” is, this past weekend I found that the trail systems around Liberty Lake are well worth the jaunt over the border into Washington. 

I explored the Liberty Creek Trail within the Liberty Lake Regional Park, which is on the southeast end of Liberty Lake itself.  

If using AllTrails, the “Cedar Grove via Liberty Lake Trail” winds through a canyon alongside Liberty Creek for about 5 1/2 miles — it's worth noting that there didn’t appear to be any specific “end” to this trail, but you can continue onto the more primitive parts to complete the Edith Hanson Loop. That will bring you to Liberty Creek Falls and makes for a more challenging hike. 

That being said, Liberty Creek Trail is by no means “boring” even if you make a shorter trip of it. The terrain and plants vary throughout — I enjoyed some sunshine-soaked views of a nearby meadow and the cool relative darkness under the trees along the creek, all along the same trail. The gradual elevation change is enough to make for a solid workout. 

One unexpected bonus of this trail was the surprising absence of the ash aphids that come out in droves this time of year in our region — I’m not sure I would have hiked as far in as I did if I were swatting them out of my face the whole time. Interestingly, there were literally hundreds of ladybugs flying around (which are supposed to be good luck, right?).  

As with any trail, I’d recommend bringing bear spray — there is signage posted at the trailhead parking lot that there have been recent mountain lion sightings in the area. If you’re solo hiking and haven’t seen fellow hikers in a bit, don’t hesitate to clap occasionally or otherwise make noise to make your presence known — just in case. 

    Signage along the Liberty Creek Trail in Liberty Lake Regional Park.