Overview

Spokane is nicknamed “Lilac City” due to the flowers that flourish here. But flowers aren’t the only things that make this city a favorite of travelers. There is an endless array of outdoor fun to be had in Spokane.

Location

Spokane is in the far eastern section of Washington State, on I-90, 20 miles from the Washington/Idaho border and southwest of Glacier National Park.

Services/Amenities

Spokane is a large city and has dining to fit every taste. Find bakeries, world-class restaurants and bistros, as well as those fast food eateries so important to people on the go. You’ll find premier dining no matter your preference.

Lodging is great here after a long day in the outdoors or traveling. Inexpensive motels and hotels are available as well as luxurious inns and lodges. Some hotels offer free parking so be sure to check when you are making reservations.

Activities

With so many national parks nearby, there’s a never-ending choice in outdoor recreation.

• Hiking
  The wilderness areas all around in the northwest Rocky Mountains provide miles of trails that will take you up close and personal with Mother Nature.
• Boating
  Lake Coeur d’Alene, Priest Lake and Lake Pend Oreille provide many opportunities to get out in the sun on a boat. There are at least 76 lakes close to the city and easily accessed. Rivers are abundant, too, for some wonderful float trips.
• Golf
  Spokane has thirty-three golf courses with low prices, making it a great place to work on improving your game. Enjoy the wonderful views, the pine forests and varied landscapes.
• Arts & Entertainment
  The arts scene and a rich cultural experience are yours in Spokane. You get the chance to relax for an evening of music and watching some performing artists in quality shows around the city.
• Winter Sports
  The Spokane area boasts five nearby ski resorts where winter vacationers can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and much more. With so many wilderness areas surrounding, snowshoeing, dog sledding and cross-country skiing is the best.

Attractions

• Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
  When you visit Manito Park, you can expect incredible displays of flowers and large tropical plants. You’ll also discover Rose Hill, featuring more than 150 kinds of roses. The Nishinomiya Japanese Garden also is a classic-style Japanese garden that is a peaceful place to tour.
• John A. Finch Arboretum
  On this 65 acres of beautiful trees, you can walk the paths and enjoy the foliage and color, with 2,000 trees and over 600 species of shrubs.
• Bowl & Pitcher in Riverside State Park
  Visitors have a wonderful time hiking along the river and having a marvelous picnic with the family. See the lava rock as it was eroded into odd shapes. Cross a swinging bridge with the rushing water below.
• Grand Coulee Dam
  Grand Coulee Dam is not too far a drive and well worth it to see the largest concrete structure in the U.S.

Getting Here

To get to Glacier National Park from Spokane, Washington, simply get on Interstate 90 heading east. Take exit 33 and go left on Montana Highway 135. In 21 miles you’ll come to MT 200 and jog over to MT 28. From there you get on US 93 for 26 miles, to MT 82 then MT 35, turning right onto MT 206 after 9 miles. This will take you to US 2 and the entrance to Glacier. It’s a four-hour and 24-minute scenic trip.