A Recreational Paradise

This is four-season country, a land where nature’s changes touch the lives of each resident and visitor. Whether you’re a participant or a spectator, you’ll discover a wide range of recreational opportunities to enjoy.

There are 76 lakes and four major rivers within a 50-mile radius of the city. This allows for excellent fishing, water skiing, sailing, swimming, wind surfing, rafting and other water-related activities. Three of North Idaho’s larger lakes are nearby. Each lake offers scenic wonders and recreational activities. The nearby St. Joe River is the world’s highest navigable river, containing over 120 miles of free-flowing enjoyment for canoeists, kayakers and rafters.

In 1986, an inspired handful of local citizens unveiled a plan for the Spokane River – a pathway along the river, opening up the riverbank for all to enjoy. This Centennial Trail begins near the old Spokane House fur trading post and stretches southward through Riverside State Park. It continues to thread its way along until both river and trail meet the mighty falls in downtown Spokane’s Riverfront Park. From there, the trail winds its way eastward, through the Spokane Valley to the state line and on into Idaho. Most of the trail is 12 feet wide and paved. It is supported by trailheads, parking facilities, power, water, picnic tables, restrooms, directories and river access.

The trail is a welcome alternative to motor-driven traffic routes, offering increased safety and decreased noise and pollution. For those who are visiting our beautiful area or those who call Spokane home, this is a great way to see parts of our community that have remained hidden from view.

There are many things to see and do along the Spokane River. If you need information about specific sites, call AVISTA at (800) 727-9170.

Parks

Spokane has countless qualities which set it apart as the gem of the Inland Northwest. One of these qualities is its parks. Combined, the city and county operate over 60 parks. Add to this the 12 national parks within a day’s drive and you’ll find that year-round enjoyment is alive and abundant. For a complimentary City Park Map, and a Parks and Recreation Class and Activity Guide, call (509) 625-6200.

Riverfront Park

An adventure is waiting for visitors at this outstanding park located in downtown Spokane. Former site of EXPO ’74 (The World’s Fair), it has 100 acres of large green meadows, cascading waterfalls and exciting attractions. The park has natural beauty, the excitement of the historic Looff Carrousel, thrills of the giant IMAX Theatre, a scenic gondola ride over rushing waters and falls, and a “funtastic” ferris wheel.

Riverside State Park

Spanning 7,655 acres and 44,000 feet of Spokane River shoreline, park visitors enjoy camping, hiking, and off-road vehicle and equestrian trails. Kitchens, hot showers and a boat launch are available.

Mt. Spokane State Park

Encompassing over 13,000 acres, the park is home to bobcats, coyotes, porcupines, deer, moose and black bear. Visitors to the summit of Mt. Spokane are rewarded with spectacular views of two countries, three states, two mountain ranges, and eight lakes. The park has camp and picnic sites, and shelters.

Manito Park and Botanical Gardens

The city’s showcase, this park is noted for its 18th century-style gardens, and has 90 acres of secluded green alcoves, quiet drives, tennis courts, playgrounds, greenhouses and wonderful gardens. Manito is home to ducks, geese and swans. The Gaiser Conservatory contains large tropical plants combined with flowering displays and foliage. Spokane Nishinomiya Garden inspires tranquility and peace. Created with painstaking effort, the gardens are home to birds and fish. The formal Duncan Garden, the Joel E. Ferris Garden, and the Rose Gardens round out a park that everyone should see.

Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

The Spokane Arena is home to the most exciting variety of sports, music, family and convention events in the Inland Northwest. Whether it’s a Spokane Chiefs hockey game, a circus, a Broadway show, a Spokane Shock arena football game or a concert, the city comes alive during its many exciting events. Adjacent to downtown’s Riverfront Park, the arena offers up to 12,500 seats for a galaxy of all-star entertainment.

Major Recreational Facilities

Cat Tales Zoological Park	(509) 238-4126
Joe Albi Stadium	(509) 326-4625
Spokane Center	(509) 279-7000
Spokane Fair and Expo Center	(509) 477-1766
Spokane Raceway Park	(509) 244-3663
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena	(509) 279-7000
Turnbull Wildlife Refuge	(509) 235-4723
Other Recreational Facilities
Health clubs	29
Bowling alleys	9
Golf courses	32
Handball/racquetball courts	40
Lakes, beaches	76
Maintained trails (miles)	1,635
Movie theatres	11 theatres / 76 screens
Skating rinks	5
Soccer fields	18
Swimming pools	11
Tennis courts	62
Parks and Recreation
Finch Arboretum	(509) 624-4832
Manito Park & Greenhouse	(509) 625-6682
Riverfront Park	(509) 625-6600
Riverside State Park	(509) 465-5064
Splash Down	(509) 924-3079
Spokane Parks & Recreation	(509) 625-6200
Spokane Parks Swim Line	(509) 625-6960
Spokane County Parks Department	(509) 477-4730
United States National Parks	(206) 470-4060
Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department	(509) 921-0160
Washington Department of Natural Resources	(360) 902-1004
Washington State Parks & Recreation	(360) 902-8844
Major Sports Organizations
Bloomsday	(509) 838-1579
Golf Getaways	(888) SPOKANE
Hoopfest	(509) 624-2414
Spokane Chiefs Hockey Club	(509) 328-0450
Spokane Indians Baseball Club	(509) 535-2922
Spokane Polo Club	(509) 747-0084
Spokane Raceway Park	(509) 244-3663
Spokane Shadow Soccer Team	(509) 326-4625
Spokane Shock	(509) 242-7462
Spokane Regional Sports Commission	(509) 456-5812
Spokane RiverHawks	(509) 244-4295
Major Ski Areas
Big Mountain	(800) 858-4152
Lookout Pass	(208) 744-1301
Mt. Spokane	(509) 238-4258
49 Degrees North	(509) 935-6649
Schweitzer	(800) 831-8810
Silver Mountain	(800) 204-6428
Red Mountain Resorts	(800) 663-0105
Whitewater	(800) 666-9420
Public Golf Courses
Creek at Qualchan	(509) 448-9317
Deer Park	(509) 276-5912
Downriver	(509) 327-5269
Esmeralda	(509) 487-6291
Fairways	(509) 747-8418
Hangman Valley	(509) 448-1212
Indian Canyon	(509) 747-5353
Liberty Lake	(509) 255-6233
Meadow Wood	(509) 255-9539
Painted Hills	(509) 928-4653
Pine Acres Par 3	(509) 466-9984
Sun Dance	(509) 466-4040
Valley View	(509) 928-3484
Wandermere	(509) 466-8023