Situated east of the Cascade Mountain Range that divides Washington State, Spokane is a cultural and commercial oasis spread along a beautiful river – complete with a lovely waterfall. Here you’ll find some intriguing museums, interesting architecture, numerous wineries, a wide selection of outdoor activities, national travel deals aplenty, and the birthplace of Bing Crosby.
Getting there
Spokane International Airport is situated 10 miles west of downtown and serves flights across the country and into Canada. International and long-haul flights are routed through Seattle, or visitors can make their own way to Spokane after touching down there. The airports in Spokane and Seattle both feature national travel deals. Amtrak trains make a stop in Spokane, as do Greyhound buses, although the long distances make the latter option rather uncomfortable.
Passing over the North Cascades along Highway 20 is the most spectacular way to reach Spokane from East Washington. The I-90 crosses the state from east to west, passing through Spokane on its way to Idaho. If traveling from Canada take U.S. 395 south into Spokane. Being the second largest city in Washington and a major commercial center, itеs quite easy to reach Spokane by car rental.
Key attractions
Spokane is centered on the Riverfront Park spread over two islands on the Spokane River and also encompassing the Spokane Falls. Thereеs a vast variety of entertainment on offer, including an ice rink, IMAX theater, a beautiful hand-crafted Looff Carousel dating from 1909, plenty of nature trails and camping grounds and the Gondola Skyride providing a birdеs eye view of the park and falls.
For something different, visit Gonzaga University’s Crosbyana Room, which is packed with memorabilia detailing the life of Bing Crosby, including the Best Actor Award he won in 1944 for Going My Wayе. The school is Crosbyеs alma mater and now also owns his birthplace and childhood home where you can browse Crosby family memorabilia.
Out and about
Mount Spokane State Park is northwest of the city by rental car to Spokane and offers great views of the surrounding prairies. You can drive your car rental to the peak or take one of the many scenic nature trails that wind through the untouched forest. Further west you cross into Idaho and spectacular Rocky Mountains scenery. Driving a rental car in Spokane east will bring you to Yakima, one of the countries biggest fruit growing regions and home to dozens of wineries which are open for tours and tasting.
Leisure options
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most interesting and well-maintained museums. It houses an enormous mixture of exhibits and artifacts documenting local history, and exhibitions showcasing Plateau Indian culture. Arbor Crest Wine Cellars occupies the historic Cliff House overlooking the river northeast of downtown. Here you can sip chardonnay while taking in the most spectacular setting of any winery in the state.
Safety
The red light district of the East Sprague and Hillyard are Spokane’s dodgiest neighbourhoods, but caution should also be taken when walking the Centennial Trail or Riverfront Park after dark. Travel insurance is another strongly recommended precaution.