Things You Probably Haven't Done (at least, all at the same time) in Spokane, Washington
If you're planning a trip to Spokane... or if you're a local that's feeling a little bored in your city (that's crazy to us), then you've just stumbled upon a list of 28 things to do that will probably blow your mind (at least once).
The list below was curated through a long series of ask-and-answer, personal trial and error and good old fashion snooping. What you find will give you some great options to break the boredom... or plan to do some trip activities that usually only Spokane locals know how to do.
If you read through this list and think we've missed something, please, please shoot us an email using the form at the bottom so we can add your "must do," and bump up the number of things to do in Spokane, Washington.
Cheers!
Take a picture of the Bowl & Pitcher- From the 90, take the Maple Street Bridge exit and turn left on Maxwell Street. Stop at the Bowl & Pitcher trailhead. Cross the swinging bridge. You can go upstream for basalt rock formations or downstream for rapids.
Find a sign with the original name of the Children of the Sun- This is a loose translation of the word Spokane and a signifier for the original inhabitants of the area. The Spokane Tribe's reservation is on the Columbia River Plateau.
Catch an October brown on Clear Lake- Good action in October, especially if you are fishing for browns. There is a Kid's Fishing Derby (ages 5-14) the first Saturday in May and always good fun to watch. There is a free boat launch, sailing and camping as well.
Climb the Cliff Drive- These crags are in the center of the city and offer some great climbs with routes ranging from 5.6 and up. Cliff Drive also has the most romantic views over downtown Spokane. Great for a night time drive.
Find obsidian on the Columbia Plateau- This plateau covers about 100,000 thousand square miles. People come here for the wild array of land forms caused by volcanic eruptions. The landscaped was scoured by erosion and is known as a scabland.
Hike and shoot Deep Creek Canyon- Located right on latitude 47, this canyon is very close to Spokane and boasts many hiking trails. It is in a corner of Riverside State Park, climb Pine Bluff and check out Nine Mile Reservoir you won't regret it.
Pick the Devil's Toenail- A run on the Spokane River, the Toenail is a Class III run near the right bank; everything river left is considered Class IV at most levels.
Visit two farms in Green Bluff Growers during the Apple Festival- Formed in 1902, the present day incarnation offers a varied venue of harvests and festivals including the Apple Festival in late September through early October. A large concentration of family farms in small area. Really local feel.
Travel the tree tunnel on Krell Hill- Also called Tower Mountain, this peak is on latitude 47 and rises abruptly out of the Moran Prairie neighborhood. A great place to bike or hike. Take the trail you'll find out what a tree tunnel is like.
Find 12 birds on Liberty Lake- One of the biggest county parks in WA, we have wetlands, lakeshore, montane forest and so much more. There is a nominal fee, but it is well worth it.
Find 8 different colored lilacs in Lilac City- Introduced in the early 20th Century, lilacs have flourished in Spokane and are the reason the city is officially called the Lilac City.
Revitalize your life in Medical Lake- The Native Americans in this region have always held that the waters of Medical Lake were revitalizing. They have come here for many years to bathe in the water and extract salts for healing purposes.
Find some mica on the (secret) Mica Peak trail- Go east of Spokane. Find the white domed Mica Peak. Take Liberty Lake County Park Trailhead and head towards Cedar Grove. Go right at the horse trail and climb the north face by taking every right you can. Look for the jeep trail. It isn't on the map. You're welcome.
Climb and shoot a food selfie on Minnehaha- One of Spokane's most popular rock-climbing destinations, the park also boasts tennis courts, trails, softball/baseball fields and, depending on who you ask, even a haunted house. A great place for the whole family.
Ride park on Mount Spokane- The place to go to ride park in the winter. In the summer, you can hike, bike, ride horses, picnic, fish, climb any recreational activity you can imagine. A must see on this list.
Zip line on Nine Mile Falls- Downstream from Spokane, this is a great place to stop in for a bite or go zip lining or hiking.
Listen to Otis Redding in Otis Orchards- Full of history. You can see the Watchtower, Schnebley Bridge or even the foundation of Blessing Cabin built in 1884. Beautiful parks as well.
Read the creation story of Palouse Falls while hiking Palouse Falls- The Palouse tribe says the falls were created millennia ago when four giant brothers fought Big Beaver. Go see it. You'll understand why. Spectacular hiking and kayaking.
Take a picnic picture under Treaty Tree on Peone Prairie- Just south of Doak Road, on top of a grassy hill, you'll see the Treaty Tree. Planted in the mid-1800s, this tree represents an agreement between the Spokane tribe and the American military. Superb picnic area.
Find out how long it takes water to journey through the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer... by talking with real humans and not Siri- Formed during the last ice age, this natural aquifer is the source of drinking water for more than 500,000 people.
Tight line in the Riverfront Park- A downtown park in Spokane and a great urban center for the whole family.
Find 13 birds in the Saltese Uplands [Conservation Area] - Over 7 miles of trail for hiking, equestrian, birding, cross-country skiing. A beautiful place to visit in any season.
Eat in (and buy a key chain from) South Hill- Running on latitude 47, this area is perfect for the city goer looking for an easy getaway and offers shopping and restaurants paired with great parks and a slower lifestyle.
Take a picture of 3 icicles in the Spokane Ice Caves- Even on the hottest day of the year, you'll still find icicles in this cave.
Stand on Lincoln and listen to the Spokane River Falls- Stand on Lincoln and Spokane Falls Boulevard. You hear that? That's the Spokane Falls. Highly recommended.
Kayak Sullivan Hole- This is the coolest surf spot for a kayak. Ask an employee about this one.
Build a fort in Three Springs- West of Doomsday Hill road, this is where the aquifer rises back into a river. A great place to take your kids. The whole family can build forts and explore the unique vegetation endemic to these springs.
Eat an apple on Tum Tum- Chinuk wawa word meaning "heart and soul," this structure is a lava dome that rises out of the surrounding forest. Each year it hosts the Tum Tum Native American Encampment. Great 360 views, and romantic sunsets.
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