It’s Time to Discover the Valley

We’re not fans of gatekeeping, so it’s time to spill the beans–Spokane Valley is waiting for you. With regional charm and proximity to hiking, shopping, and skiing, it’s the perfect four-season destination–more on those specifics later. 

A day trip to Spokane Valley is simply not enough. Between the price tag, the number of things to do, and the convenience of being near everything Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho offer, it warrants a long weekend. It is well-suited to fit the needs of both couples and families. Find out why the Valley should be your next home away from home. 

What to Do

Spokane Valley is a destination that offers four seasons of fun. Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoorsy person, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the colder months. Buckle up for our complete local guide for every Spokane Valley budget and interest. 

Winter

Life in the Valley doesn’t stop in the winter. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-fueled adventure or prefer being cozy by a fire with a good book, there are options for every speed.

Powder hounds unite–staying in Spokane Valley puts you within a two-hour drive of five ski resorts. The closest option is Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 25 miles north. Mount Spokane is a nonprofit ski area with a killer terrain park that even allows uphill travel. Sixty-four miles north in the Colville National Forest, you’ll find 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. Perhaps one of the most easily accessible ski resorts is  Silver Mountain Resort, which is 60 miles due east outside Coeur d’Alene and right off I-90. Lookout Pass is located in the Bitterroot Range on the Idaho/Montana border. It’s a smaller ski area with only four lifts but boasts lots of tree skiing. It’s 84 miles east of Spokane Valley and easily accessible from I-90. Finally, Schweitzer Mountain is the northernmost choice in the Selkirk Mountains overlooking Lake Pend Oreille; it is 71 miles north of Spokane Valley. Only 15 minutes from quaint and picturesque Sandpoint, it has the most vertical feet of all five resorts (up to 6,400) and the most reliable snowpack. 

If you’re looking for more relaxed options, check out a Spokane Chiefs hockey game or the Washington State basketball championships in March at the HUB Sports Center, which also offers open play for pickleball, basketball, and volleyball. Looking for date night ideas? Go bowling at Valley Bowl or take advantage of the Fireside Dinner & Music series at Arbor Crest.  

During the holidays, enjoy the magic of the season at Northwest Winterfest, a beautiful lantern display that illuminates the darkest time of the year. 

Spring 

When the snow melts and spring hits the Valley, you’ll find locals and visitors on trails and enjoying the rejuvenation of warmer temperatures. For a more low-key option, stroll along the Centennial Trail, 64 miles of completely paved trail along the Spokane River. To get your heart racing, head up to the Antoine Peak Conservation Area, which has 15 miles of trails to choose from with 360-degree views of Liberty Lake, the Valley, Mount Spokane, and the Selkirk Range. Thanks to conservation efforts, there is a significant amount of wildlife here; you’ll likely see red-tail hawks, woodpeckers, moose, and elk. 

The annual Bloomsday run, a 12km race held in May, celebrates fitness and community and the beautiful lilacs that dot the area this time of year. 

Summer

When summer hits the Valley, there are endless options for fun in the sun. For outdoor enthusiasts, the mountain biking trails at Silver Mountain can’t be beat. Visit Liberty Lake Regional Park for a picnic or a day at the beach. Hike the popular Liberty Lake Loop Trail (8.3 miles), or get your adrenaline pumping by rafting the Spokane River. 

The Valley loves its sports, too. Hoopfest, the biggest 3on3 basketball tournament in the world, is held in Spokane in June. Cycle Celebration is in July with 10, 25, and 50-mile options for cycling races. Spokane Valley has its own minor league baseball team, the Spokane Indians, a fun option for the perfect summer evening outing for a couple or a family.

If you’re traveling with the kids and need to beat the heat, check out Silverwood Theme Park, Splash Down Family Water Park, and Discovery Playground, or catch an award-winning live performance at the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre.  

Foodies seek out Crave NW in July, the premier food and drink celebration in the Inland Northwest at Spokane Valley Centerplace.

Fall

When back-to-school season hits, look no further than the plethora of options at Spokane Valley Mall. There are department stores and boutiques, a movie theater, and several food options to fuel your shopping spree. 

In early September, Schweitzer will host a four-day Fall Fest beer festival with live music and over 80 beers, ciders, and seltzers from regional breweries. Later in the month, check out Valleyfest, Spokane’s premier community festival, complete with live entertainment. 

When the air gets crisper and you start craving fall flavors, you can find the local bounty at the Spokane Valley farmers’ market. In October, you can pick apples and pumpkins at the fall harvest festival at Walter’s Fruit Ranch or sit by the fire and grab a drink at Bardic Brewing and Cider.  

Where to Stay 

Spokane Valley has countless conveniently located hotels with amenities galore and accessibility to everything nearby — trails, shopping, restaurants, you name it. Here are our top picks by budget: 

Splurge: 

The Oxford Suites is a luxurious boutique hotel experience for weary travelers. Relax on their beautiful patio along the Centennial Trail, overlooking the Spokane River. Amenities include a fitness center, complimentary hot breakfast, indoor pool, spa, sauna and steam room. 

Mid-Range:

The Fairfield Inn and Suites is the perfect mid-range choice, especially if you’re traveling with kids; the Altitude Trampoline Park is across the street! Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, and an indoor pool. Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks from 5 pm – 7 pm Monday- Wednesday and homemade cookies nightly from 7-9 pm. 

Budget-Friendly: 

The Super-8 in Spokane Valley has everything you need without the price tag—an affordable, comfortable pet-friendly lodging option. If you’re traveling with the family, you’ll be happy to learn that Splash Down Waterpark is only minutes away. 

Where to Eat 

Spokane Valley has countless restaurant options, from sports pubs to fine dining and everything in between. 

Craft & Gather is our pick for a romantic date night. They make a killer maple old-fashioned, and their flourless chocolate fudge cake is to die for. If you’re looking for something more casual, Head to Hangry’s for the best burger in the Valley.

If you’re craving something more exotic, head to Top of India for their mouth-watering butter chicken and garlic cheese naan. We love the Mexican food at Rancho Viejo and honestly have a hard time choosing between their delicious burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.

Are you ready to discover the Valley? Let’s go!