Enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities within easy day trip distance of Spokane , including access to unique geological sites like Mount Spokane, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, and the one-of-a-kind Channeled Scablands. Major cities such as Seattle are also within easy driving distance, along with unique attractions like the wineries of the Walla Walla region or the scenic Route of the Hiawatha hiking trail.
Experience the Route of the Hiawatha
The Route of the Hiawatha is a fantastic experience, one of the American West's most scenic railroad route stretches! The 15-mile hiking and mountain biking trail is located near the city of Avery, Idaho. The historic railroad was the first American route to use electric locomotives during the early 20th century, extending through Idaho and Montana's Bitterroot Mountains region. Following the line's bankruptcy and abandonment in 1980, its route was purchased by the Lookout Pass Ski Area and converted into a passenger trail, named for the route's famed Hiawatha trains. Today, visitors can explore the route on foot or bike, which stretches between Avery and nearby St. Regis, Montana. 10 tunnels are located along the route, along with seven train trestles. After exploring, hikers can stay at the lovely skiing lodge at Lookout Pass, which showcases delicious restaurants and luxurious amenities. The route traverses the historic Milwaukee Road.
Visit the Kennewick Downtown District
Head to Kennewick which is a great jumping-off point for exploring the famed Lewis and Clark Trail. The downtown district is great if you like shopping, art galleries, breweries and wine bars. Kennewick is the largest community in Washington State's Tri-Cities region, located along the southwestern banks of the beautiful Columbia River near its confluence with the Yakima and Snake Rivers. The city serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the famed Lewis and Clark Trail, which follows the route of the explorers' famed 1804-1806 journey through the newly-acquired Louisiana Territory to the Pacific Coast in Washington. Its downtown district is undergoing a rebirth transformation, home today to many specialty boutiques, art galleries, breweries and wine bars, and upscale dining destinations within its renovated historic buildings. Visitors can see Broadway musicals, big-name concert acts, and major sporting events at the Kennewick Three Rivers Entertainment District's Toyota Center. Other attractions include the fully-restored century-old Gesa Carousel of Dreams and the city's 9/11 Memorial, constructed with steel beams recovered from the World Trade Center wreckage.
Cross the Border and Check out Nelson, B.C.
If you don't mind crossing the border, Nelson is a lovely city set within the Selkirk Mountain range in B.C. Explore the town's beautiful restored heritage buildings, which date back to the area's 19th-century silver rush. There are some great art galleries in town as well. Marzano and Louie's Steakhouse serve great food. Nelson is located along the extreme West Arm of beautiful Kootenay Lake in British Columbia's Southern Interior region. The picturesque city is known as the "Queen City," named as Canada's top small-town arts community for its high concentration of artists and writers. During the summer and autumn months, several regular outdoor markets sell produce and artisan wares at the city's parks and downtown streets. The town is also known as a paradise for outdoor activities, ranging from hiking on the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail to skiing at the Whitewater Ski Resort.
Seattle
Seattle is a city that needs no introduction. You can enjoy Seattle restaurants and unique diverse museums on your day out. Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's largest city, located along the banks of the scenic Puget Sound in western Washington State. The city is known throughout the world as a major mecca for technology, innovation, and independent music, launching the careers of internationally-recognized rock bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and the Foo Fighters throughout the early 1990s. Visitors can ascend to the top of the city's iconic Space Needle, a leftover of the 1962 World's Fair, or ride the Seattle Great Wheel, one of the United States' largest observation wheels. Cultural attractions include the unique Museum of Pop Culture, the family-friendly Seattle Aquarium and Woodland Park Zoo, and the historic Pike Place Market, known as the birthplace of Starbucks. Nearby, numerous park access points offer hiking experiences throughout the picturesque peaks of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a fun adventure city in northern Idaho, located along the banks of picturesque Lake Pend Oreille. Activities include river floating and hiking in Farragut State Park. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society Arboretum on a sunny day. The town was named as America's most beautiful small town by Rand McNally and USA Today, nestled at the confluence of three mountain ranges at the foot of the lovely Schweitzer Mountain ski resort. Visitors can enjoy year-round opportunities for skiing, biking, and hiking at the resort or swim at the lovely Green Bay swimming hole, which showcases crystal-clear waters and rock-lined shores. River floating experiences are offered along the Pack River, while a frisbee golf course is located within Farragut State Park. Other attractions include the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society Arboretum and the Bonner County History Museum. Each year, the city hosts the eight-day Festival at Sandpoint music fest.
Colville National Forest
The forest, which spans over 1.1 million acres, is a veritable camper's paradise, offering primitive camping experiences throughout its stunning dry ponderosa pine and high-country subalpine fir forest habitats. Colville National Forest is a beautiful United States National Forest in northeastern Washington, located adjacent to the Kaniksu and Okanogan National Forests in Colville. Visitors can set up camp along the banks of the beautiful streams of the Kettle Range or choose a place to pitch their tent within the picturesque Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area. 28 developed campground areas are also offered closer to the city center of Colville. Interpretive trails throughout the park tell the tale of logging and mining activities within the forest throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, while preserved archaeological sites near the Pend Oreille River showcase the culture of the region's indigenous people. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling throughout the year at the forest.
Colville, WA 99114, Phone: 509-684-7000
Dry Falls
The Dry Falls Visitor Center showcases exhibits related to the region's Ice Age geology and early human history.
Crawford State Park Heritage Site
Stop for a picnic lunch at the Crawford State Park Heritage Site, a lovely 40-acre day-use park that is anchored around stunning Gardner Cave, originally hailed as one of the Pacific Northwest's great natural wonders when it was first surveyed in 1911.
10381 Boundary Rd, Metaline Falls, WA 99152, Phone: 509-446-4065
Grand Coulee Dam
Grand Coulee Dam is an impressive architectural feat along the Columbia River in Washington State, originally constructed between 1933 and 1942 to create hydroelectric power and provide irrigation water. Visitors can observe historical photos of the dam or view turbine models and geological samples at the dam's visitor center. Today, its three powerhouses have brought its production capacity up to 6,809 megawatts, making it the largest power station in the United States. Guided shuttle tours of the dam's third powerplant are offered periodically, lasting approximately one hour. Since 1989, the dam has presented a free nightly laser light show on its walls every evening throughout the summer months.
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
View native wildlife like grizzly and black bears, timber wolves, mule deer, river otters, elk, and moose, along with many native and migratory bird species at Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Wallowa Lake Tramway
Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway aerial cable gondola lift, said to have the steepest vertical lift of any four-passenger gondola in North America. Joseph is a charming city in Wallowa County, originally established in 1880 in honor of Nez Perce indigenous Chief Joseph. The region is best known for its connection to American indigenous history, home to the adjacent Nez Perce National Historical Park and Monument, which was established in 1965 to honor and protect sites associated with the Nez Perce indigenous people and the famed resistance of Chief Joseph in 1877. Visitors can explore the park's 38 historical sites, which include the sites of the Battles of Bear Paw, Clearwater, and White Bird Canyon and the former Camp Chopunnish site. Nearby, newly-established Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site preserves 62 acres that once belonged to the Nez Perce.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a picturesque Bavarian-style village located in central Washington State within the stunning Cascade Mountain range, known for its unique German heritage and culture. The delightful Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is our favorite. The town was known as a center of logging at its founding in the 19th century, but following the departure of railroads from the area, it reinvented itself due to its setting mimicking that of beautiful Bavarian German towns. Today, it has fully embraced its German style, home to a plethora of lovely Alpine-style buildings.
Visitors can enjoy German beer and food options along Front Street or view the exhibits of the delightful Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, which displays thousands of historic nutcrackers made throughout Europe and the United States. Each year, the city hosts a famed Oktoberfest celebration, Christkindlmarkt, and Christmas Lighting Ceremony. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound at nearby Waterfront Park and Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, including amazing white water rafting experiences on the Wenatchee River.
Little Spokane River Natural Area
Little Spokane River Natural Area is a beautiful protected natural area just outside the city of Spokane, known as a haven for naturalists and wildflower enthusiasts throughout the year.
McLellan Conservation Area
Have a picnic at the McLellan Conservation Area which protects 410 acres of stunning Ponderosa pine forest near the banks of Long Lake.
N McLellan Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026, Phone: 509-477-4730
Missoula
A year-round vacation destination, Missoula is best known as the home of the University of Montana and its Grizzlies football team. You'll have a choice of museums and historic attractions, or you can spend a day outside in one of the public parks. Missoula is an inviting city within Missoula County, Montana, located at the confluence of the Clark Fork, Bitterroot, and Blackfoot Rivers at the convergence of five mountain ranges, earning it the nickname the "hub of five valleys." Cultural and historical attractions include the Missoula Art Museum, the handcrafted Carousel for Missoula, and the restored 1877 Fort Missoula military fortress. Nearby, the beautiful Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Visitors can explore the city's 400 acres of lovely public parks, 5,000 acres of conservation land, and 22 miles of nature and hiking trails throughout the year, which offer opportunities for excellent white water rafting.
Mount Spokane
Climb to the top of Mount Spokane where the historic Vista House offers panoramic views of the Spokane Valley and the nearby Idaho Panhandle and Canada's landscapes. Mount Spokane is Spokane County's highest summit, reaching an elevation of 5,883 feet above sea level. The mountain, which was originally known as Mount Baldy until 1912, is located just northeast of Spokane and is one of the tallest mountain peaks within the Inland Northwest region. Visitors can explore more than 100 miles of hiking trails throughout the surrounding lushly-forested Selkirk Mountain range, including trails to the summit of Mount Spokane and neighboring Day Mountain. Over 79 miles of mountain biking and equestrian trails are offered, along with 37 miles of Nordic ski trails throughout the winter months.
Odessa
Odessa is a charming community within eastern Washington State's Channeled Scablands region. Some of the fun local events include September's Deutschesfest and the annual Christmas Fest. Stay in downtown Odessa for a weekend as a jumping-off point for exploration of the region's natural areas.
Palouse Falls State Park
Palouse Falls State Park spans 94 acres throughout the state's eastern Palouse region, named in honor of its picturesque 200-foot waterfall of the same name along the Palouse River. Bring a snack and have a picnic surrounded by nature or pack a tent and spend a night at one of the primitive campsites. We love the ADA-accessible, family-friendly paved trail that leads to the plateau. The park, which was originally opened in 1951, is the site of significant indigenous legends connected to the mythical Big Beaver creature, a story that tells of the creation of the river's canyon paths. Visitors can view the stunning falls, which were once known as Aputapat, from three separate overlooks throughout the park, including the high Fryxell Overlook, which offers panoramic views of Palouse River Canyon.
Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, Phone: 509-646-9218, Palouse Falls State Park Video
Post Falls
Post Falls is a family-friendly destination near Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. Head to the popular Falls Park, which offers a children's fishing pond and stunning overlook views of the majestic Shoshone Falls at Avista Dam. The beautiful falls extend 212 feet higher than Niagara Falls! If you only have time to see one waterfall in the Pacific Northwest, this has to be it. The 78-acre Q’emiln Park is home to a public beach and a network of 12 interconnected hiking trails, along with geocaching sites and natural rock climbing walls. Post Falls is known as Idaho's "River City," located in Kootenai County near the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of family-friendly activities throughout the city, including popular Falls Park, which offers a children's fishing pond and stunning overlook views of the majestic Shoshone Falls at Avista Dam. The beautiful falls extend 212 feet higher than Niagara Falls, known as one of the most astounding falls sites in the Pacific Northwest. The 78-acre Q’emiln Park is home to a public beach and a network of 12 interconnected hiking trails, along with geocaching sites and natural rock climbing walls. Visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding at Snake River Canyon or fish at Dierkes and Bass Lake. Delicious restaurants and bars line the city's downtown district, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor recreation.
Riverside State Park
Just 25 minutes from Spokane, the Riverside State Park is Washington's second-largest state park. In addition to 37 miles of hiking and biking trails, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is home to the Nine Mile Recreation Area, the Little Spokane River Natural Area, and the Bowl and Pitcher Area. Stop at the Spokane House Interpretive Center and check out the restored Spokane House fur trading post. The lovely park covers more than 11,000 acres along the banks of the beautiful Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, home to the Nine Mile Recreation Area, the Little Spokane River Natural Area, and the Bowl and Pitcher Area. Visitors can explore exhibits on the region's indigenous and pioneer history at the Spokane House Interpretive Center or view the restored Spokane House fur trading post. 37 miles of hiking and biking trails are offered along the Spokane River Centennial Trail, while a 600-acre off-road vehicle riding area offers opportunities for dirt biking and snowmobiling. Other popular activities include fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
9711 W Charles Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026, Phone: 509-465-5064
Sierra Silver Mine
Sierra Silver Mine was an historic mine that was discovered around the turn of the 20th century in Wallace, Idaho, initially believed to be rich in silver and lead. Throughout its early operations, the mine was mined by hand, but after the development of more advanced technology, a sinkhole entrance was developed to lead directly down into the mine. Upon this development, miners realized that the mine dining not contain enough silver and lead to warrant further mining operations, so the mine was converted into a mining lab for area high school students. Once the area's mining operations were shuttered in the late 20th century, the mine was converted into a nonprofit organization, offering guided tours for visitors throughout the year. All tours meet in downtown Wallace and travel by trolley to the mine, descending into its shaft for approximately 45 minutes. Experienced miner guides take participants through the mine's main drift, elaborating on mining practices and history in the area.
509 Cedar St, Wallace, ID 83873, Phone: 208-752-5151
Soap Lake
Enjoy mud baths at the lake or float on its waters due to its unique buoyancy conditions. In the city of Soap Lake, catch a performance at the Masquers Theater, take an art walking tour, play golf, or stay in an indigenous-style tipi.
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful national wildlife refuge located approximately six miles south of the city of Cheney, along the eastern edge of the Columbia Basin. This is an amazing spot for nature photography!
26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney, WA 99004, Phone: 509-235-4723
Walla Walla
Walla Walla has a charming main street with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Over the past two decades, the Oregon border city has reinvented itself as a major destination for wine tourism, receiving major international acclaim for wineries producing delicious Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet varietals. Walla Walla is Walla Walla County's largest city, formerly best known for its production of sweet onions and its Washington State penitentiary location. Today, more than 100 wineries dot the region's landscape, including Waterbrook Winery and Leonetti Cellar. Its charming main street was named as a Great American Main Street by USA Today, known for its lovely shops, cafes, and dining destinations. Annual special events include the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, held each year in July. Annual special events include the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, held each year in July.Walla Walla