Summary
Spokane ranks among the largest cities in Washington state, situated on the United States’ west coast.
Inland, the city occupies a significant position in the region, bordered by Idaho to the east, Canada less than one hundred miles to the north, and Seattle three hundred miles to the west.
The powerful Spokane River traverses the city, facilitating its growth over the decades.
In addition to being a critical hub for business and commerce in Washington state, Spokane is notably recognized by travelers for its proximity to some of the region’s most stunning natural landscapes.
Aside from the dynamic currents of the river, the city offers a short drive to the rugged terrains of Mount Spokane, a prime location for summer hiking and winter skiing, which is a prevalent recreational activity.
Beyond the state line in Idaho, expansive wilderness areas are protected as National Forests, welcoming visitors.
This location serves as an excellent base in Washington state for outdoor enthusiasts. To inspire your travels, here are the premier day trips from Spokane.
1. Mount Spokane
Situated merely an hour north of Spokane’s city center, Mount Spokane is one of the region’s premier outdoor recreation areas.
Named after the indigenous tribes that also inspired the names of the city and the river, this site boasts remarkable natural beauty alongside extensive wilderness. The opportunities for exploration here are virtually limitless.
During the summer, numerous hiking trails provide miles of scenic routes, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and landscapes, making the challenging terrain worthwhile.
As winter approaches and snow blankets the area, it transforms into one of Washington state’s outstanding ski resorts, featuring several established ski runs and resorts on its slopes.
Mount Spokane itself is a prominent element of the landscape, soaring to nearly 1800 meters in elevation.
2. Little Spokane River Natural Area
Traveling north from the city center along the river leads to several picturesque areas of protected outdoor reserves.
One such area is the Little Spokane River Natural Area, located just 10 miles from the city yet feels worlds away.
Numerous exceptional hiking trails are available along the river, or visitors may choose to explore by kayak or canoe.
Notably, the Indian Painted Rocks stand out as a key attraction. This remarkable archaeological site features art created over 250 years ago by local Native American tribes.
It serves as a well-preserved example of a culture that was largely diminished following European expansion westward.
3. Riverside State Park
Also located along the banks of the Spokane River is Riverside State Park.
This area offers beautiful hiking and outdoor trails just 10 miles from the city center, serving as an idyllic escape from Spokane for the day.
A particularly impressive feature here is the Bowl and Pitcher, a stunning yet turbulent section of the river surrounded by towering forests.
This site is a favored destination for hiking and camping, and if a day trip does not suffice to rejuvenate your spirit amid nature, overnight stays are also an option.
4. Nine Mile Falls
Nine Mile Falls is a small community situated along the Spokane River, nestled between the Little River Natural Area and Riverside State Park.
Like these neighboring natural beauty areas, Nine Mile Falls is surrounded by equally stunning landscapes along the river’s banks.
Named for a once-magnificent waterfall, damming projects upstream have reduced the waterfall’s former grandeur; nonetheless, this should not deter visitors from exploring the other remarkable scenery here.
5. McLellan Conservation Area
The McLellan Conservation Area is located along the Spokane River, approximately 20 miles northwest of the city.
While the recreation areas closer to the city can become busy, especially during summer, this tranquil location provides a haven of serenity year-round due to its remote setting.
Encircled predominantly by the Spokane River, it serves as a beautiful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
6. Dry Falls
Dry Falls was once five times larger than Niagara Falls.
Currently, it has nearly dried up. Long ago, at the conclusion of the last Ice Age, this waterfall must have been a breathtaking display of cascading water that extended for miles.
Presently, it remains an impressive site, despite the diminished water flow, as the enormous dimensions of the former waterfall are distinctly visible.
Located approximately 100 miles west of Spokane, Dry Falls is part of the Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
7. Grand Coulee Dam
Located west of Spokane, the Grand Coulee Dam is situated along the Columbia River. This massive engineering accomplishment dates back to the 1930s, constructed during the Great Depression to provide both hydroelectric power and employment.
The dam itself is an impressive structure to behold, as is the Roosevelt Reservoir created by runoff. However, the controversy surrounding the dam is particularly noteworthy, as its construction required the relocation of thousands of local Native Americans.
8. Win Tur Bison Farm
While bison once roamed the Great American Plains in large numbers, overhunting severely diminished their population following European settlement.
Currently, only a few remain, but the Win Tur Bison Farm is one establishment striving to make a positive impact by breeding these unique animals on their grounds.
A visit to the farm allows you to observe bison in their natural habitat and learn more about their close brush with extinction in America.
The farm is roughly an hour’s drive northwest of Spokane.
9. Colville National Forest
The Colville National Forest represents a vast area of preserved wilderness, awaiting adventurers in northeastern Washington State.
Located merely two hours from Spokane, this rugged, unspoiled land embodies the essence of a time before European settlers arrived.
The forest is renowned for its diverse wildlife, where visitors may encounter bears—both grizzly and black—as well as wolves, cougars, and a variety of other quintessential Western American wildlife.
10. Walla Walla
Walla Walla is a small city located right along the Oregon state border, south of Spokane.
This endearing destination is particularly recognized for its thriving wine industry, which has gained popularity among visitors in recent years.
Within the charming countryside and amidst beautiful scenery, guests can indulge in some of Washington’s premier wine-tasting experiences.
11. Kennewick
Located just west of Walla Walla is the larger city of Kennewick.
This city lies along the route taken by the Lewis and Clark expedition in the 19th century, which opened the western frontier to settlement by the eastern states.
It beautifully rests on the banks of the Columbia River, providing a remarkable environment for a day of exploration.
12. Post Falls
Located just 25 miles west of Spokane, across the state line in Idaho, Post Falls is a small town with a rich history.
Encompassed by stunning landscapes on the edge of Idaho’s vast forest reserves, Post Falls is also home to Treaty Rock.
This historical site marks where, in the 19th century, local Native American tribes signed a treaty with incoming settlers, a document that is still visible painted across massive rocks today.
13. Coeur d’Alene National Forest
Coeur d’Alene National Forest is one of the most breathtaking destinations to visit in nearby Idaho.
Beginning just an hour from Spokane, the forest is one of three vast National Forest areas that comprise the region known as the Idaho Panhandle.
This wild area is teeming with an impressive array of wildlife, making it a fantastic outdoor playground for adventure seekers.
Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, or biking, this National Forest provides a splendid opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors in the United States.
Visitors can easily spend consecutive days exploring this magnificent area, so be prepared to return multiple times from Spokane as you experience the beauty it has to offer.
14. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Located closer to Spokane, the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge sits just 20 miles to the south of the city center.
This refuge features a diverse landscape, blending wetlands and immaculate forest, alongside a wide variety of wildlife.
It is an ideal destination for both hiking and camping.
15. Missoula
Located a three-hour drive away across two state borders, Missoula serves as the second-largest city in Montana, making it an excellent day trip for those interested in experiencing life in Big Sky Country.
This city is surrounded by picturesque forests, offering outdoor enthusiasts multiple opportunities to engage with the landscapes and natural beauty for which Montana is renowned.
