There are many reasons to live in and love the Pacific Northwest. One of the top reasons people choose to live here are the spectacular outdoor activities we have available to us right in our backyard. From boating, to swimming, to hiking, to outdoor markets, there are so many options for activities for you and your family to explore this Summer. Trying to think of new ideas? We are here to point you in the right direction.
Lakes
Grab your kayak, paddle board, or favorite floatie and head to one of the many fabulous lakes all within a 2-hour drive from Spokane. Make the trip to Lake Roosevelt, the 130-mile span of water that stretches across the Columbia Basin, stay a little closer to home and have a picnic at Long Lake, take your boat to one of the 20 boat launches at lake Coeur d’Alene and cruise throughout 100 miles of lake and enjoy the stunning views, or grab your water skis and head to Idaho’s largest lake, Pend Oreille. Wherever you choose to spend the day or weekend, none of these lakes will let you down.
Hiking
The hiking options in the PNW are endless. Stay close to Spokane and try hiking one of the many trails throughout Riverside State Park like Bowl and Pitcher or Deep Creek Canyon. You will need a Discover Pass to park at any Riverside State Park location. You can get a day pass for $10 or an annual pass for $30. These can be purchased from retailers throughout the state, over the phone or online through discoverpass.wa.gov. If you are in Spokane Valley, Dishman Hills Natural Area at the north section of Appleway Blvd. and Camp Caro is a must-do for all hikers. A trip to Coeur d’Alene is not complete without hiking Tubbs Hill which you can access just east of the Coeur d’Alene Resort and enjoy spectacular views of the lake.
Farmer’s Market and City Events
Maybe you would prefer staying in the city and enjoying the events that Spokane has to offer during the Summer. The Kendall Yards Night Market is hosted every Wednesday evening in the heart of Kendall Yards. From food to crafty vendors there are lots of fun items to shop. Another option for finding delicious fresh foods is the Thursday Market in the Spokane Perry District. Take a trip just 15 minutes north of Spokane to Green Bluff Farms where you can pick your own produce, flowers and herbs. You can also find outdoor movies and concerts at parks throughout the area like Riverfront Park, Liberty Lake’s Pavilion Park and Spokane Valley’s Mirabeau Point Park.
There is bound to be activities that you can find for your whole family, significant other, or friends to enjoy during the Summer in Spokane and surrounding areas. We hope that this helped spur some ideas. For more information go to the helpful links below:
https://www.visitspokane.com/things-to-do/free-things-to-do/
https://www.inlander.com/spokane/hikes-every-local-should-do/Content?oid=2499601
