Day Trips from Spokane, WA
Ready to unplug from the daily routine and escape the city for a day? Eastern Washington and North Idaho I explored for two weeks offer many amazing places to see in just one day (or a quick weekend trip).
The Route of the Hiawatha - 1.5 hours from Spokane
The Route of the Hiawatha is a fantastic experience, one of the American West's most scenic railroad route stretches and my #1 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.
First off, 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.
Next, 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.
Kennewick Downtown District - 2.5 hours from Spokane
This vibrant riverside hub wowed me with its waterfront parks, public art murals, lively farmers’ market, and cafés. It felt like the ultimate Columbia River escape and it's my #2 day trip from Spokane!
After a 2-hour drive southwest from Spokane, we reached Kennewick’s Downtown Historic District. First, we enjoyed strolling through the Columbia Gardens for 90 minutes.
Next, we enjoyed exploring Clover Island with its lighthouse views, 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.
Sandpoint - 1.5 hours from Spokane
I was enchanted by Sandpoint, and it instantly became my #3 day trip from Spokane. It's framed by the sapphire waters of Lake Pend Oreille, and Cabinet mountains. There are may indie shops and cafés that make the town feel artsy yet down-to-earth.
After a lovely scenic 1.5-hour drive northeast from Spokane (winding past wheat fields and forests) 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 first cruised Lake Pend Oreille aboard a classic wooden boat, then wandered along downtown’s Cedar Street Bridge Marketplace. 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.
Colville National Forest - 1.5 hours from Spokane
My #4 day trip from Spokane was heading north to Colville National Forest, which is about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending where you enter.
We started early in the morning, grabbing coffee in Spokane, thinking it was a brilliant idea because the drive itself was part of the experience and honestly one of the most relaxing and exciting starts to a weekend getaway.
The first stop was a quiet pull off near Sullivan Lake, which is near the Canadian border, and it instantly felt like magic with calm water, vibrant trees, and that cool mountain air that made this place feel so underrated.
After that we walked one of the forest trails, nothing too intense, just an easy hike that felt affordable, joyful, and it quickly became one of my favorite experiences.
Next we drove deeper into the forest roads, stopping anytime something looked interesting or unusual, which made the whole day feel spontaneous and honestly the best way to explore this spectacular area.
Lunch was a simple picnic by the river, and it ended up being one of those dream moments where everything felt quiet and perfect.
Later in the afternoon we checked out a waterfall tucked away off a side road, such a cool and hidden spot that felt like our own secret gem.
For me, Colville National Forest is one of the best day trips from Spokane.
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.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
