Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley is the broad, flat stretch of the Spokane River valley east of Spokane, along Interstate 90 on the way to Idaho. It grew as a commercial and residential corridor rather than a tourist town, and it has a no fuss, practical character. Sprague Avenue, the old main road, runs through the middle, with shops, diners and motels along it. The pleasures here are outdoors and low key. The river, the Centennial Trail, and the rocky hills and pine woods around the edges give visitors a quiet base with quick access to Spokane, Liberty Lake and Coeur d'Alene.

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is the main outdoor draw, and it passes through the city for walking, running and cycling. Mirabeau Point Park has forested grounds with trails, picnic areas and a playground beside the river. Dishman Hills Natural Area offers hiking and wildlife viewing among rocky outcrops and pine woods, and Minnehaha Rocks, in Shields Park, draws climbers and mountain bikers. The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum covers local history, and CenterPlace Regional Event Center hosts shows and exhibits. Spokane Indians baseball at Avista Stadium makes a relaxed summer night out. Families can also use the city's pools and splash pads in warm weather.

Dining here is easygoing and spread out along Sprague Avenue and the roads near the Spokane Valley Mall. Expect family restaurants, burger spots, coffee stands, Mexican kitchens and a few brewpubs and local cafes. The Spokane Valley Farmers Market runs on Friday evenings in summer. Crave Food and Drink Celebration, held in July, gathers local cooks and drinks makers. Nightlife is modest and centers on pubs, tap rooms and the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre. For late nights, live music and a larger choice of bars, downtown Spokane is about ten miles west and an easy drive on the interstate.

Most hotels sit along Interstate 90 and Sullivan Road, near the mall and the freeway exits, which suits drivers who want easy parking and a quick start. Sprague Avenue has older motels and lodging with a roadside feel. Liberty Lake, just east, is a quieter, lakeside choice. Spokane Transit Authority buses serve the valley, though service is limited in the evenings, so a car is the best way to get around. The Centennial Trail is a good option for bikes. Spokane International Airport lies on the west side of Spokane, a drive of about twenty to thirty minutes. Parking is easy almost everywhere.

Summer is the best season, with warm, dry days for the trail, the river and the outdoor events. Autumn is bright and crisp, and Valleyfest and the Spokane County Interstate Fair fill September. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers on the Dishman Hills trails. Winters are cold and snowy, and Mount Spokane offers skiing within an hour's drive. One night covers the trail, a park and a meal. Two or three nights add downtown Spokane and its riverfront, plus a day at Liberty Lake or Coeur d'Alene. A weekend works well if you add the fair or festival.

Spokane Valley sits on Interstate 90, which makes it an easy link on a long run across the northern states. Coeur d'Alene and its lake lie about half an hour east, and the road continues over Lookout Pass toward Missoula and Montana. To the west, downtown Spokane and its falls are close, and the interstate crosses central Washington toward the Cascades and Seattle. The Amtrak Empire Builder stops in downtown Spokane, not in the Valley, so rail travelers connect by car or bus. A night here fits well on a Pacific Northwest road trip between the Cascades and the Northern Rockies.