Discover Spokane: Nature and Culture

There are many different reasons to visit Spokane: river landscapes and trails, parks with distinctive scenery, and places where cultural history comes to life. When planning, consider whether nature experiences, history, or events will shape your stay.

River Landscapes and Trails

The Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail runs from the Nine Mile Recreation Area on Lake Spokane to the Idaho border. Along the trail, high-desert landscapes give way to Ponderosa pine forests and basalt canyons. Several access points to the Spokane River offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. If you plan to take part in water activities, you can experience the trail from a different perspective than simply as a route. In winter, sections in Riverside State Park are groomed for cross-country skiing and fat biking; this seasonal use applies to those sections, not necessarily to the entire trail.

Mount Spokane State Park offers a different selection of activities. It covers 12,444 acres and has 100 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In winter, nearly 37 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails are added. This means the offerings vary considerably by season: the multi-use trails accommodate several activities, while the groomed ski trails are specifically for winter.

At Liberty Lake Regional Park, wetlands, lakefront, montane forest, and irrigated lawns span 3,591 acres. The park has a public swimming beach. Check the beach rules and conditions before swimming. The scenery here differs from the high-desert sections of the River Trail: lakefront and wetlands define the park, while Ponderosa pines and basalt canyons shape the character of the trail.

History and Culture in Spokane

The Spokane House Interpretive Center is located at the site of the North West Company’s Spokane House trading post, which operated from 1810 to 1826. It is considered the first permanent Euro-American settlement in Washington State. At the same time, the center is on the site of a traditional village of the Spokane Tribe of Indians. These two historical connections sit side by side and tell different stories of the same place.

A short, self-guided interpretive trail at the center explores food gathering and trade along the Spokane River. It leads to the Peavine Jimmy Barn, one of the oldest structures in Spokane County. The trail thus connects specific aspects of everyday life and trade with a structure that is part of the county’s history. Spokane Falls has been a gathering place for the Spokane Tribe of Indians since the earliest times.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture was founded in 1916 and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. At Riverfront Park, the 64-acre park offers views of Spokane Falls, walking paths, and a sculpture walk. Bicycles can access the Centennial Trail. There is also year-round entertainment for families and groups. The Looff Carrousel, built in 1909 in Riverfront Park, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This makes it possible to plan the historical and cultural offerings as a distinct focus alongside nature experiences.

Green Spaces and Getting Around

The John A. Finch Arboretum is in southwest Spokane, across 65 acres of wooded hills. Its collection of trees and woody plants is arranged along Garden Springs Creek and includes labeled native and cultivated plants. The landscapes here include a native pine forest and a shady rhododendron grove. A walking guide is available to download for a self-guided tour of the collections and specimen trees.

For arrivals, the Spokane Transit Authority offers bus service from Spokane International Airport to the transit hub in downtown Spokane. Check routes before you travel. Riverfront Park is also home to the Spokane Visitor Center, with free brochures and maps, as well as historical information and information about walking tours. If you plan to visit, check current operating hours in advance.

Seasonal Experiences and Trip Planning

In September, the Spokane County Fair & Expo Center’s event calendar includes the Spokane Interstate Fair. Event dates may change, so check the specific dates for your trip. Offerings at Green Bluff farms also depend on each farm: they include U-pick fruit, fresh vegetables and flowers, as well as farm entertainment and recreation, but schedules vary by farm. Siemer’s Farm offers fresh ingredients, beer, cider, wine, jams, juices, and pumpkin and huckleberry doughnuts; many of these are made with locally grown fruit and vegetables. These offerings are event-dependent.

When planning your trip, it’s worth matching your dates and the season to your preferred activities: winter trails, September events, and changing farm offerings are subject to different conditions. First decide whether nature, cultural history, or seasonal experiences are your priority.

Discover More Destinations

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