Located in eastern Washington, in an area known as the Inland Northwest, this city is full of scenic and interesting spots for RV owners to check out.
By Susie Wall
October 2022
Seattle is usually the first city that comes to mind when people think of Washington state. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, both in terms of climate and location, the state’s second-largest city, Spokane, holds its own with only 16.5 inches of rain annually plus 87 parks, 19 wineries, 12 golf courses, three universities, and one mighty river.
From Riverfront Park, visitors can cross the bridge to Havermale Island and see the Clocktower.
Natural Spokane
Spokane is a city of parks. From the baseball fields and tennis courts of Franklin Park to the tree-lined paths of Mirabeau Point Park, space is available for everyone and every activity.
Manito Park is a great place to start your exploration of Spokane’s many green spaces. These 78 acres, located in a quiet residential neighborhood, allow visitors to explore five gardens, including the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Rose Hill, and Lilac Garden. Gaiser Conservatory houses unique tropical plants and a chance to warm up on cool mornings. In the summer months, visitors can grab a bite at the Park Bench Café or bring a picnic lunch and find the perfect grassy spot to watch the ducks having their own fun on Mirror Pond.
Riverside State Park should be on every adventurer’s checklist.
If you prefer a little more excitement in your outdoor experiences, check out Riverside State Park. This park may be just a short drive from downtown Spokane, but you’ll feel miles away from the city among the forests of ponderosa pines. Visitors can explore a wide range of outdoor activities, from horseback riding and hiking to fishing and bird-watching.
The Spokane River Centennial Trail in Riverside State Park.
This is also where the Spokane River Centennial Trail begins its 40-mile path, extending all the way to Idaho for those looking for a two-wheeled adventure.
No matter how much time you spend in Riverside State Park, be sure to check out the famous Bowl and Pitcher rock formation that rises up from the Spokane River and take a walk across the suspension bridge. Keep in mind that all Washington state parks charge a day-use fee of $10.00 per vehicle.
The Looff Carrousel at Riverfront Park.
The crown jewel of Spokane’s green spaces is Riverfront Park. Located along the banks of the Spokane River, just across Spokane Falls Boulevard and the bustle of downtown, the park provides a dizzying array of activities for the whole family.
Kids can hop aboard one of the beautifully carved animals on the Looff Carrousel, slide down the 12-foot shoot on the red wagon sculpture (officially known as The Childhood Express), find hours of interactive fun at Providence Playscape, and actually enjoy cleaning up by feeding the Garbage-Eating Goat sculpture. Older kids can stroll or jog along the many paved trails, learn about Spokane’s hosting of the Expo ’74 World’s Fair through a series of education plaques, and admire works of art along the Sculpture Walk.
Take the Numerica SkyRide at Riverfront State Park to see the Spokane Falls.
If Riverfront Park is Spokane’s most exciting park, the Numerica SkyRide is its most exciting attraction. Riders soar above thundering Spokane Falls — the second-longest urban falls in the United States — in enclosed glass cabins suspended on cables. The SkyRide and the carousel each require a small fee, but all other attractions in the park are free.
The giant Radio Flyer in Riverfront Park also functions as a slide.
Fruitful Spokane
There’s a reason Spokane County has over 2,500 farms, the second-highest number in the state. Mild winters that lack heavy snowfall and dry, warm summers on the eastern side of the state create ideal growing conditions for all types of crops. This fruitful environment provides visitors many ways to sample Spokane’s local food and drink.
Fifteen minutes north of Spokane, Green Bluff Growers gives visitors a place to relish all the flavors of the seasons. Formed in 1902 to protect local farmers from outside competition, Green Bluff Growers Association continues to help promote agritourism among the 60-plus small-scale farms and food stands. Pick your own fruit, pet a goat, and shop for fresh pies and handmade crafts. Since each location is run independently, no stop will be the same.
Start your tour on the East Loop at Hidden Acres to pluck apples and pears right off the tree. Pick up some local honey and jam while the kids navigate the corn maze at Siemers Farm. Then grab some lunch and espresso at Beck’s Harvest House to give you the energy to head over to the West Loop, where purple fields of lavender are yours for the picking at Fleur de Provence Lavender Farm. Take the kids for a train ride on the Fruit Loop Express at Walters’ Fruit Ranch, and then end your day relaxing in the tasting room of Hierophant Meadery. A map and description of each grower can be found online at www.greenbluffgrowers.com, or you can pick one up at your first stop.
Arbor Crest Cliff House Estate is now home to a winery.
Visitors to Spokane who enjoy savoring fruit with some age on it will be delighted to find that the area has a wide variety of wineries to explore. From the stunning views and sprawling grounds at Arbor Crest Cliff House Estate to the intimate tasting rooms in downtown Spokane, there seems to be a vintner to satisfy every wine lover.
The best way to choose your tasting stops is to access a map of Spokane’s Cork District at www.visitspokane.com/food-drink/wineries/. This “district” actually contains every winery within the cities of Spokane and nearby Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, and South Hill. You can decide to focus on one winery in an area or plan a walking tour of several that are clustered together. At each stop, knowledgeable pourers will offer up educational tastings, or you can simply sit and savor a glass.
Cultural Spokane
Jundt Art Museum features the works of old masters and modern artists.
Education is important to the people of Spokane. This is evident in the three area universities, including academic and basketball powerhouse Gonzaga University. Numerous museums provide opportunities to view local art and learn about Spokane’s history.
The oldest neighborhood in Spokane, Browne’s Addition, is home to the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. After walking the quiet side streets and admiring the stately historic homes, make a stop at this museum to learn about the history of the people who made Spokane the city it is today. They range from the ancient tribes that fished the salmon-rich waters of the Spokane River to the Asian-Americans who sought work and refuge in the Inland Northwest and the town’s citizens who served in World War II.
Local artists’ work is on display at the Campbell House next-door to the museum. Guided tours of Campbell House are available, and admission is included with the entrance fee for the museum.
Continue your art experience at the Jundt Art Museum. This beautiful building located on Gonzaga’s campus offers visitors a peaceful place to view the university’s collections of art by masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, Picasso, Chihuly, and Warhol. Pieces by regional artists in a wide range of media are also on display. While you’re checking out the museum, be sure to take some time to tour the stately brick buildings on campus.
Mobius Discovery Center is a hands-on science and art museum.
Pint-sized visitors to Spokane have their own exciting place to learn at the Mobius Discovery Center. Previously located in the River Park Square mall, Mobius recently moved to its own dedicated space in the historic Washington Water Power building on the grounds of Riverfront Park. Hands-on play and learning combine to engage and educate kids about the wonders of the scientific world. Launch a bottle rocket into the air, build bridges, operate the Super Digger excavator, and practice math skills while shopping at the Kids Market.
If you like your education to have a little more bite to it, be sure to stop at Cat Tales Wildlife Center, a nonprofit wildlife and rescue sanctuary for large mammals such as black bears, Bengal tigers, and wolves. You can tour the grounds and learn each animal’s story. You might even have the opportunity to feed one of the residents.
Whether you’re looking for big adventures or a little relaxation, Spokane has it all.
Further Info
Visit Spokane
www.visitspokane.com
(888) 776-5263
Campgrounds
North Spokane RV Campground
10904 N. Newport Hwy.
Spokane, WA 99218
(509) 315-5561
www.northspokanervcampground.com
Northern Quest RV Resort
303 S. Kalispel Way
Airway Heights, WA 99001
(833) 702-2082
www.northernquest.com/rv
Riverside State Park
Three RV campgrounds available: Bowl and Pitcher, Equestrian, and Nine Mile Recreation Area
(888) 226-7688
www.parks.state.wa.us/573/Riverside
Spokane KOA Journey
3025 N. Barker Road
Spokane Valley, WA 99027
(509) 924-4722
Reservations: (800) 562-3309
www.koa.com/campgrounds/spokane
Trailer Inns RV Park Of Spokane
6021 E. 4th Ave.
Spokane, WA 99212
(509) 535-1811
Reservations: (800) 659-4864
www.trailerinnsrv.com