Parks and the outdoors in Spokane

Parks and the outdoors in Spokane

1. See

   Finch Arboretum

   Contains about 2,000 trees and shrubs, including 65 groups of lilacs, as well as a rhododendron grove, conifer and maple collections, and a nature trail.

   Free

2. See

   High Bridge Park

   Much of the park is forested. There is an 18-hole disc golf course, a grass field, picnic shelter and playground.

3. See

   Manito Park

   Its steep hills make it a popular and well-used wintertime sledding spot; be careful of the trees, however. A zoo until 1933, Manito is now a year-round home to a friendly flock of geese, ducks, and turtles. Visit the park's Rose Garden in the Summer, the formal Duncan Gardens near the greenhouse (open until dusk), the Japanese Gardens on the Bernard Street side of the park. There are two playgrounds, one for smaller children near the duck pond and the main entrance, another with a waterpad near the ball fields on the south end (25th Avenue). A small restaurant operates in the summer in an old stone building near the perennial gardens, open for lunch and maybe breakfast. Parts of the park are rustic and undeveloped; tennis courts are near the main entrance. The park, like all those in the city, closes at 10PM and is patrolled periodically.

4. See

   Monroe Street Bridge

   This bridge was built in 1911 and is the largest arch bridge in the United States. It is one of the finest examples and also one of the last remaining bridges among the several dozen bridges that once crisscrossed the falls and made Spokane world-famous as the "City of Bridges" during the latter half of the 19th century (i.e, Spokane had the largest number of bridges of any city in the world at the time). Take an inspiring walk across the falls of the Spokane River while admiring the buffalo head sculptures adorning the covered observation decks across the span. The Monroe St Bridge is in the heart of Downtown immediately west of Riverfront Park, the former site of the old train station and rail yards (locals know it well, just ask one). It was restored in 2003-05.

5. Drink

   No-Li Brewhouse

   Northern Lights Brewing Co.

   Fresh local beer on the banks of the Spokane River. This is a true brewpub, offering sampler trays (and pints, of course) of its fine locally made ales, including its famous Crystal Bitter and Chocolate Dunkel. Also has an ambitious food menu.

   Main Pub: daily noon–8PM; Bier Hall: Thu-Sat noon–10PM, Sun-Wed noon-9PM

6. Buy

   River Park Square

   Renovated shopping center in the center of downtown, just across from Riverfront Park. River Park Square is home to a 20-screen movie theater. Upscale stores such as Nordstroms, Williams Sonoma, Macy's and Restoration Hardware. A diverse collection of specialty stores selling items ranging from walking sticks to chocolates. Satisfy your hunger at the fast food court or at one of its many sit down restaurants. River Park Square is also a great place for kids with a children's museum, bookstore and toy store. Skywalks connect River Park Square with the rest of downtown.

7. See

   Riverfront Park

   The host of the 1974 World's Fair. A few of the pavilions still exist, and the park is beautifully maintained. The park has fun features: the river and its waterfalls, the dam, two suspension footbridges, a rare, beautiful, and priceless hand-carved Looff Carousel (complete with rings and a target; sit on an outside horse if you want to participate!), the rather frightening gondolas over the falls, a small amusement park, bike rentals, an IMAX theater and game room, concert areas, and annual events including concerts, plays, "Pig Out in the Park", powwows, Battle of the Bands, and children's activities. The striking clock tower is the only remnant of the ugly train yards that once occupied the parkland, and a good place to meet up if you get separated.

   6AM-midnight, Skyride 10AM-6PM

8. See

   Riverside State Park

   Bowl and Pitcher is basalt rock formations in the middle of the fast flowing Spokane River. Overlook and suspension bridge on east side is a great way to experience Spokane's motto: Near Nature Near Perfect. Be careful on the sharp rocks, though.

   Summer: 6:30AM-dusk; winter: 8AM-dusk

9. Eat

   The Rockwood Bakery

   Great for a mid-day coffee or pastry after a day in the park.

10. Do Not mapped

    Bare Buns Fun Run

    Largest clothing-optional timed road race in the U.S., since 1984. 5 km run/walk on pressed gravel. Family-oriented code of conduct applies. Drive with caution on the narrow, winding road, which becomes unpaved at the end of the lake shore.

    Last Sun in July

11. Do Not mapped

    Bloomsday

    This 12-km all-ages run/walk is one of the world's largest timed road-races with over 50,000 participants each year.

    first Sun in May

12. Do Not mapped

    Mt. Spokane

    Has excellent skiing in the wintertime, including cross-country, at Mt. Spokane Ski Resort. If you don't ski, Mt. Spokane State Park, has camping and daytime recreation. In the Selkirk Mountains, at the top of the 5,883-foot summit there are great views as far as Canada.

13. See

    Cat Tales Wildlife Center

    Cat Tales Zoological Park

    17020 N Newport Hwy, Mead

    Adults $15, seniors 65+ $12 (free on Thursday), students (max age 22) $12, children (5-12) $10, age 0-4 free

14. See

    Huntingdon Park

    See Spokane Falls from the edge of Huntingdon Park.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Spokane (CC BY-SA 4.0).