Spokane, nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature lovers. From the rugged beauty of the nearby Spokane River Gorge and its cascading falls, to the scenic hiking trails of Riverside State Park, there’s no shortage of exploration. The surrounding mountains and forests provide perfect terrain for biking, camping, and skiing in the winter months. Whether you’re paddling on the river, trekking through lush trails, or simply soaking in the fresh air, Spokane’s outdoor scene is a true haven for adventurers.
Iller Creek and the Rocks of Sharon, located in the Spokane area of eastern Washington, are known for their scenic beauty and rich geological history. Iller Creek is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities, offering a mix of dense forests and open meadows.
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 9102 S Stevens Creek Rd, Spokane, WA 99223
Mileage: 5-Mile loop from Iller Creek Trailhead
Rimrock Drive in Palisades Park, located in the Spokane area, offers stunning panoramic views of the Spokane River Gorge and the surrounding landscape. The winding road stretches along the cliffs, providing access to scenic overlooks, peaceful hiking trails, and a sense of tranquility.
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 2-198 S Rimrock Dr, Spokane, WA 99224
Mileage: 1–7 Miles multiple trails
Dishman Hills Natural Area, located just south of Spokane, Washington, offers a scenic escape into nature with over 500 acres of diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky outcrops. It's a popular spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and outdoor photography, with a network of trails.
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 699 S Sargent Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Mileage: 5-Mile loop from Iller Creek Trailhead
The Liberty Lake Loop is a scenic trail located near Spokane, Washington. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring nature, especially in the spring and summer months. The loop is part of the larger Liberty Lake Regional Park.
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 3707 S Zephyr Rd, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Mileage: 8-Mile loop
The Mount Kit Carson Trail is a scenic trail located in the Spokane area of eastern Washington. It's part of the larger network of trails that run through Dishman Hills Conservation Area and offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 26902 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
Mileage: 7 Miles one way
The Bowl & Pitcher Trail, located in Riverside State Park near Spokane, Washington, offers a scenic and relatively easy hike with stunning views of the Spokane River. The trail is named after two large rock formations that resemble a bowl and a pitcher, located near the river’s edge.
Difficulty: Easy
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 4427 N Aubrey L White Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99205
Mileage: 1–5 Miles multiple trails
Knothead Loop is a scenic trail located along the Little Spokane River in the Spokane area, offering a peaceful escape into nature. The trail winds through lush forests, following the river’s path and providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape.
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Access: Hiking Only
Address: 5626-5742 W Rutter Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99208
Mileage: 7 Miles loop with a significant elevation gain
Deep Creek Canyon offers a scenic and serene hiking experience. The trail winds through lush forests and alongside the dramatic canyon walls, with the sound of Deep Creek flowing below. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Spokane River.
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Mileage: 5 Miles roundtrip
The Antoine Peak Conservation Area trail, located just east of Spokane, offers a scenic and moderately challenging hiking experience. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, open meadows, and rocky ridges, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Spokane Valley.
Difficulty: Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 15501 E Brevier Rd, Spokane, WA 99217
Mileage: 5.5-Mile loop
The Saltese Uplands Conservation Area trail, located just southeast of Spokane, offers a scenic and tranquil hiking experience with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This 1,500-acre preserve features a mix of grasslands, forests, and wetlands, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Access: Hiking & Biking
Address: 1931 S Henry Rd, Greenacres, WA 99016
Mileage: 4 Miles
Liberty Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake located in northeastern Spokane County, Washington, approximately 15 miles east of downtown Spokane and just west of the Idaho state line. Spanning 708 acres with a shoreline of 4.4 miles, the lake is nestled within a glacially formed basin surrounded by hills on three sides.
Permitted: Fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming, and wildlife observation
Address: 23810 E 3rd Ave, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Bear Lake, located approximately 15 miles north of Spokane, Washington, is a 166-acre county park that offers a serene, nature-filled escape with a variety of recreational activities. The park features a spring-fed lake covering about 35 acres, surrounded by upland forests and wetlands.
Permitted: Fishing, boating, swimming, kayak, paddle board
Address: 29109 N Newport Highway, Chattaroy, WA 99003
Fish Lake, located approximately 3 miles from Cheney, Washington, is a 43-acre freshwater lake nestled at an elevation of 2,175 feet. It is a popular destination for anglers. The lake is accessible via the nearby Fish Lake Regional Park, which provides amenities including a swimming beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft.
Permitted: Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming
Address: 14314 S Myers Park Rd, Cheney, WA 99004
Medical Lake, located just 16 miles west of Spokane, Washington, is a serene 206-acre freshwater lake nestled in a vibrant resort community. The lake is renowned for its rich history and recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
Permitted: Fishing, swimming, kayaking
Address: 11315 Lake Shore Lake Tyler Rd, Medical Lake, WA 99022
Long Lake, also known as Lake Spokane, is a reservoir located in eastern Washington, formed by the Long Lake Dam on the Spokane River. The lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping, and is surrounded by scenic forests and rugged terrain.
Permitted: Fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing
Address: 7453 WA-291, Ford, WA 99013
The Spokane River, stretching 111 miles from Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho to Lake Roosevelt in Washington, winds through the city of Spokane, offering a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. In downtown Spokane, the river cascades over basalt cliffs to form the Upper Spokane Falls, the largest urban waterfall in the United States.
Permitted: Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming
Address: Get Directions
The Little Spokane River is a serene, 35-mile tributary of the Spokane River in eastern Washington, meandering through forested foothills and rural valleys north of Spokane. It originates near Newport and Eloika Lake, converging between Elk and Milan before flowing south to join the Spokane River near Nine Mile Falls.
Permitted: Swimming, inner tubes, and similar floatation devices
Address: Get Directions
Deep Creek is a 23-mile stream in Spokane County, Washington, renowned for its dramatic canyon carved through basalt cliffs within Riverside State Park. Originating near Espanola, the creek flows westward, cutting a narrow gorge over 600 feet deep in some sections before merging with the Spokane River near Nine Mile Falls.
Permitted: Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, paddleboards, and swimming
Address: 12026 Centennial Trail, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
The Snake River, flowing through southeastern Washington, is a vital tributary of the Columbia River. While it doesn't pass directly through Spokane, it significantly influences the region's ecology and economy. The river is renowned for its diverse recreational opportunities.
Permitted: Boating, swimming, floating, fishing
Address: Get Directions
Deadman Creek is a stream in Spokane County, Washington, flowing from Mount Spokane through agricultural land to its confluence with the Little Spokane River. The creek offers recreational opportunities, such as fishing for species like smallmouth bass and Columbia River redband trout.
Permitted: Fishing, swimming, floating
Address: Get Directions
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, located just 28 miles north of Spokane, Washington, offers a community-focused winter escape within Mount Spokane State Park. Spanning over 1,700 acres, the park features 52 runs, six chairlifts, and a vertical drop of 2,000 feet. Its terrain caters to all skill levels.
Access: Skiing & snowboarding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing
Address: 29595 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
Silver Mountain Resort, nestled in Kellogg, Idaho, is a premier year-round destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snow tubing across 1,500 acres of terrain with 67 trails and a 2,197-foot vertical drop.
Access: Skiing & snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, gondola rides, mountain biking, hiking, golf course, indoor waterpark
Address: 610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837
49 Degrees North is a ski and snowboard resort located in northeastern Washington State, near the town of Chewelah. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, it offers over 2,300 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all skill levels and abundant tree skiing. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and relatively uncrowded slopes, the resort also features a variety of winter activities.
Access: Downhill skiing & snowboarding, nordic skiing & snowshoeing, fat biking
Address: 3311 Flowery Trail Rd, Chewelah, WA 99109
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, nestled on the Idaho–Montana border along I-90, is the oldest ski area in Idaho and one of the most family-friendly resorts in the Pacific Northwest. With over 450 inches of light, dry powder snow annually, it offers 1,023 skiable acres, 52 named runs, and a vertical drop of 1,650 feet. The resort features five lifts.
Access: Skiing & snowboarding, adaptive skiing, chairlift rides, mountain biking, hiking, frisbee golf, overnight RV parking
Address: I-90 Exit, 0, Mullan, ID 83846
Schweitzer is a premier ski resort nestled in the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, just 11 miles from Sandpoint and 80 miles from Spokane, Washington. Spanning 2,900 acres, it offers 92 trails with a vertical drop of 2,400 feet, catering to all skill levels. The resort boasts Idaho’s only high-speed six-person lift, Stella, and receives an average annual snowfall of 300 inches.
Access: Skiing & snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, snowbiking, ski patrol beacon practice, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, lift rides, e-biking
Address: 101B Village Ln, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Manito Park, located in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood, is a 90-acre urban oasis renowned for its meticulously curated gardens, serene landscapes, and community-focused amenities. Established in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, it remains one of Spokane’s most cherished public spaces.
Access: Wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots, walking, biking paths, dogs
Address: 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA 99203
Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington, is a vibrant 100-acre urban park nestled along the Spokane River in the heart of downtown. A legacy of Expo '74, the World's Fair held in Spokane, the park has evolved into a year-round destination that blends natural beauty, historic charm, and modern attractions. It draws over 3 million visitors annually.
Access: Parking lots, pedestrian paths, bikes, connections to the Centennial Trail, dogs
Address: 507 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Spokane Falls is a captivating natural landmark located in downtown Spokane, Washington, offering visitors a blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and recreational activities. The falls consist of two main sections: the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls, both of which can be viewed from various vantage points within the city.
Access: Wheelchair accessible, pedestrian paths, bikes, dogs
Address: Monroe Street Bridge, 218 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201
The Spokane River Centennial Trail is a scenic, 37-mile paved pathway that stretches from Nine Mile Falls in Washington to the Idaho border. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2010, it offers year-round access for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading.
Access: Biking, hiking, inline skating, horseback riding
Address: Get Directions
Huntington Park in Spokane, Washington, is a scenic urban park that offers stunning views of the Spokane River, the Spokane Falls, and the historic Monroe Street Bridge. Nestled between City Hall and the Washington Water Power building (now home to Mobius Science Center), the park provides a tranquil escape in the heart of downtown Spokane.
Access: Walkways, bikes, dogs, wheelchair access
Address: 350 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Mount Spokane State Park, located approximately 23 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, is the state's largest state park, encompassing over 12,000 acres of diverse terrain in the Selkirk Mountains. The park is renowned for its year-round recreational opportunities, offering activities ranging from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Access: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling
Address: 26107 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
Riverside State Park, located just northwest of Spokane, Washington, is the state's second-largest state park, encompassing over 11,000 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers. Established in 1933 and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park offers a diverse range of recreational activities amidst its scenic landscapes.
Access: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, camping, rock climbing, and more
Address: Get Directions
The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is a serene and culturally significant destination located in Spokane's historic Manito Park. This tranquil garden symbolizes the enduring friendship between Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan.
Access: Pedestrian paths
Address: 2025 S Bernard St, Spokane, WA 99203
A busy park with a splash pad, playground, and picnic area, offering family-friendly recreation.
Access: Pedestrian paths, dogs, sports, family activities
Address: 5211 W Lowell Ave, Spokane, WA 99208
Sky Prairie Park is a 26.25-acre community park located at 8501 N Nettleton Ct in northwest Spokane, Washington. Established in the early 2000s, it was designed by Idaho landscape architect Jon Mueller. The park offers a variety of amenities and recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
Access: Pedestrian paths, running, stroller-friendly, dogs, hiking, pickleball and tennis courts
Address: 8501 N Nettleton Ct, Spokane, WA 99208