Day Trips from Spokane, WA
Spokane is surrounded by some of the best day trips in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s become one of my favorite hubs for exploring natural beauty and small-town charm.
Wherever you’re based in Spokane, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lakes, mountains, small towns, and wine country, all perfect for a quick escape. From my four week time exploring this underrated corner of the Pacific Northwest, here’s my collection of the best day trips (and weekend getaways) from Spokane. I think you will love them too.
1. Experience the Route of the Hiawatha
The Route of the Hiawatha is a fantastic experience, one of the American West's most scenic railroad route stretches! I think it's the best day trip from Spokane. Why? Because it combines incredible views, history and a fun day out in nature
From Wallace, Idaho, it was about a 30-minute drive east (18 miles on I-90) to the trailhead at Lookout Pass. The 15-mile hiking and mountain biking trail is located near the city of Avery, Idaho about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Spokane.
I thought it was cool to learn that the historic railroad was the first American route to use electric locomotives during the early 20th century, extending through Idaho and Montana's Bitterroot Mountains region.
I found out that in the 1980s, the route was purchased by the Lookout Pass Ski Area and converted into a passenger trail, named for the route's famed Hiawatha trains.
Today, you can explore this super cool route on foot or bike, which stretches between Avery and nearby St. Regis, Montana. If you don't want to return to Spokane just yet, you can stay at the lovely skiing lodge at Lookout Pass, which showcases delicious restaurants and luxurious amenities.
My highlight were the 10 incredible tunnels which are located along the route, along with seven train trestles.
2. Visit the Kennewick Downtown District
This vibrant riverside hub wowed me with its sun-drenched waterfront parks, locally loved wineries, public art murals, lively farmers’ market, and walkable streets dotted with cafés, boutiques, and craft breweries—it felt like the ultimate Columbia River escape!
After a 2-hour drive southwest from Spokane, I reached Kennewick’s Downtown Historic District, which struck me as welcoming, eclectic, and full of local charm. I spent three relaxed days exploring Clover Island with its lighthouse views, strolling the Columbia Gardens for 90 minutes, browsing handmade goods at the Public Market, and winding down with sunset walks along the Columbia River Trail.
My personal highlight was birdwatching in Sacajawea State Park just 15 minutes away.
3. Cross the Border and Check out Nelson, B.C.
This creative mountain community charmed me with its historic brick architecture, eclectic cafés, indie shops, thriving arts culture, and breathtaking views of lake and peaks—it felt like the quintessential Kootenay getaway!
After a winding 3.5-hour drive north from Spokane, I arrived in Nelson, B.C. (yes, you have to bring your passport to cross the Canadian border!), a lively town perched on the western arm of Kootenay Lake. The atmosphere was relaxed yet energetic, with a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery. I browsed the boutiques along Baker Street, and unwound at nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs for 90 minutes. Next time I plan to trek into Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, and paddle across the lake surrounded by the Selkirk Mountains.
There are some great art galleries in town as well. Marzano and Louie's Steakhouse serve great food when you get hungry.
Depending on the season, you can plan a hike on the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail or ski at the Whitewater Ski Resort.
Ainsworth Hot Springs were definitely my personal highlight. I plan to check in for a three day stay when I go back.
4. Visit iconic landmarks in Seattle
Don't forget Seattle, a city that needs no introduction. This bustling Pacific Northwest hub dazzled me with its waterfront views, world-famous landmarks, artisan markets, and mountain-meets-sea scenery—it felt like an ambitious but unforgettable day trip from Spokane!
Catching an early morning flight west, I touched down in Seattle in under an hour and set out to experience the city’s highlights at a lively pace. My whirlwind adventure included wandering around the produce stalls and flower vendors at Pike Place Market for an hour, snapping photos from the top of the Space Needle, and strolling along the waterfront with glimpses of ferries gliding across Puget Sound. I also carved out time to see the brilliant installations at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
It totally works as a day trip if you catch an early flight from Spokane to Seattle. But we usually base ourselves in Seattle for at least three days at the 4-star Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel (family and pet-friendly) or Hotel Crocodile (adults-only for a romantic trip).
My highlight was capping the day with a fresh seafood dinner overlooking Elliott Bay at Elliott's Oyster House. Their Spicy Fried Shrimp with Sesame chili sauce is amazing.
5. Relax by the lake in Sandpoint
I was enchanted by Sandpoint, framed by the sapphire waters of Lake Pend Oreille, hemmed in by the rugged Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, and sprinkled with indie shops and cafés that make the town feel artsy yet down-to-earth.
After a scenic 1.5-hour drive northeast from Spokane (winding past wheat fields, pine-forested ridges, and glimpses of sparkling lakes) I found a place that blended mountain-town charm with lakefront adventure. It felt both outdoorsy and creative — part alpine retreat, part lakeside playground.
In a single day I cruised Lake Pend Oreille aboard a classic wooden boat, wandered downtown’s Cedar Street Bridge Marketplace, biked a stretch of the peaceful Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. It was just enough to get a taste...and left me wanting to come back for a weekend to dive deeper into the mountains and lake.
My personal highlight was watching the sunset at City Beach.
6. Hike in Colville National Forest
This sprawling forest retreat amazed me with its endless pines, alpine meadows, hidden lakes, and rugged peaks—it felt like stepping into a true Inland Northwest wilderness escape that completely won me over!
After a two-hour drive north from Spokane, I reached Colville National Forest, which sprawls across nearly 1.5 million acres of northeastern Washington. The forest felt both wild and serene, with trails that meander through quiet cedar groves, climb toward panoramic ridges, and reveal wildlife at nearly every turn.
The highlight of my day trip was hiking the 6 mile Sherman Peak Loop Trail, a moderately challenging route that rewarded me with sweeping views of the Kettle River Range and layers of blue-green mountains fading into Canada.
I also want to point out that cabins and camping are super affordable here so it's easy to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway if you love nature.
7. See dramatic cliffs at Dry Falls
This jaw-dropping geologic wonder stunned me with its sheer basalt cliffs, vast amphitheater walls, and stark desert beauty—it felt like standing before the ghost of the world’s largest waterfall!
Did you know that Dry Falls is home to the remains of the world's largest waterfall? Once upon a time, it tumbled down three miles of cliffs and flowed with the power of more water than all of the world's rivers combined !!
After a scenic two-hour drive west from Spokane, we arrived at Dry Falls State Park ($10 Discover Pass required) and stopped at Dry Falls Visitor Center. Here the Ice Age floods once carved a canyon 3.5 miles wide and 400 feet high. The site felt both haunting and awe-inspiring, a reminder of nature’s power on a scale hard to fathom. I spent the day hiking the rim trails for sweeping views of the coulee, descending into the basin where small lakes now sparkle in the sun.
Our highlight was learning about the geologic story at the Visitor Center perched above the cliffs.
8. Crawford State Park Heritage Site
This hidden gem impressed me with its forested tranquility, rich history, and the chance to descend into a fascinating underworld—it felt like uncovering one of Washington’s best-kept secrets!
After a 2-hour drive north from Spokane, I reached Crawford State Park Heritage Site, tucked into the Selkirk Mountains near the Canadian border. At first glance it looks like a quiet, pine-scented day-use park, but its real treasure lies underground: Gardner Cave, Washington’s third-longest limestone cavern.
With a ranger-led tour, I wandered past stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and cathedral-like chambers, each feature slowly sculpted over thousands of years. Above ground, I picnicked beneath the towering trees and explored the shaded trails leading to overlooks of the Pend Oreille River.
Gardner Cave was definitely a highlight and one of the best day trips from Spokane.
9. Grand Coulee Dam
This colossal feat of engineering left me in awe with its immense concrete walls, powerful spillways, and the sheer scale of water harnessed from the Columbia—it felt like standing at the crossroads of nature’s force and human ambition!
After a 2.5-hour drive west from Spokane, I reached Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures in the world and a symbol of both New Deal determination and the Columbia Basin’s transformation. The experience was both humbling and fascinating. We toured the Visitor Center to learn about the dam’s history and construction, walked the overlook to take in sweeping views of the reservoir, and stayed into the evening for the famous laser light show, where history and culture were projected across the massive spillway under the night sky.
Learning about the largest power station in the United States was definitely a highlight (production capacity up to 6,809 megawatts)! Since 1989, the dam has presented a free nightly laser light show on its walls every evening throughout the summer months which is very cool!!
10. Idaho Panhandle National Forests
This vast northern wilderness enchanted me with its mountain lakes, cedar groves, rushing rivers, and endless trails—it felt like stepping into the wild heart of the Inland Northwest!
After a short 1.5-hour drive east from Spokane, I reached the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, a sprawling 2.5-million-acre expanse covering three ranges: the Selkirks, the Cabinets, and the Bitterroots.
The forest felt diverse and unspoiled, offering everything from gentle lakeside walks to challenging alpine summits. Here you can kayak on Priest Lake, hike through the ancient cedar trees of Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars, and bike along the Route of the Hiawatha which I mentioned earlier.
Evenings meant quiet campfires under some of the clearest starry skies I’ve ever seen, definitely a highlight.
Conclusion
Here you have it...my best day trips from Spokane all on one page. With destinations just one to two hours away, it’s easy to plan the best kind of quick escape. Whether youre after outdoor adventure, small-town strolling, or simply a change of pace, Spokane offers the best access to it all.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
