Spot Moose, Eagles & More: Winter Wildlife Encounters Around Spokane Valley

Wildlife watching often forces travelers to choose between crowded national parks or costly remote lodges. Spokane Valley offers a refreshing third option—one where affordable hotels, free parking, and effortless I-90 access pair with morning drives to forests, wetlands, lakes and mountain ranges. From herds of elk to hundreds of bald eagles diving for salmon against snow-dusted peaks, this corner of the Pacific Northwest delivers authentic wildlife encounters without the congestion, complexity, or cost of traditional destinations.

PROTECTED SPACES

ILLER CREEK CONSERVATION AREA

Just minutes from your hotel, Dishman Hills Conservation Area and Iller Creek in south Spokane Valley pair convenience with captivating wildlife. A five-mile loop winds through towering evergreen trees before climbing to open ridgelines where panoramic views frame the Selkirks to the north and the Palouse to the south. Winter transforms the trail into a peaceful snow-softened passage, where early risers may catch moose browsing—especially between the halfway and three-quarter mark of the climb. Reaching the Rocks of Sharon peak rewards hikers with an unforgettable photo-op, overlooking a landscape of sweeping winter scenery.

TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Forty minutes southwest, Turnbull’s rolling pine forests, basalt bluffs, and quiet marshlands invite visitors into one of the region’s most distinctive winter ecosystems. Resident elk graze through the refuge’s open meadows, while moose wander its willow-lined wetlands at dawn and dusk. With snow mapping the tracks of deer, beaver, and other animals, even a slow drive along the Auto Tour Route becomes a natural scavenger hunt—an ideal option for visitors opting to explore via vehicle.

MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK

Rising 45 minutes northeast of Spokane Valley, Mount Spokane’s sweeping terrain unfolds across 37 miles of professionally groomed Nordic ski trails, plus non-groomed routes ideal for snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. Moose frequently appear in higher-elevation aspen groves, adding excitement to any outing. Visitors can warm up at Selkirk Lodge between outings or pair their wildlife wanderings with downhill runs at the ski and snowboard park.

WATERSIDE WONDERS

SALTESE FLATS WETLAND

A few miles east of the Valley, this 500-acre restored wetland becomes a lively winter gathering ground for thousands of migratory waterfowl. Ducks, geese, and the occasional tundra swan blanket the frozen ponds, drawing raptors overhead—bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and more. Broad views and gentle grades make the area a welcoming spot for families, and the Doris Morrison Learning Center adds hands-on educational exhibits for curious kids and adults alike.

LAKE COEUR D’ALENE

Thirty minutes east, Lake Coeur d’Alene stages the region’s most dramatic winter wildlife display. Each year, hundreds of bald eagles gather at Wolf Lodge Bay to feast on spawning kokanee salmon. Shoreline lookouts at Higgins Point, Beauty Bay, and the Mineral Ridge boat ramp offer front-row views of soaring silhouettes, effortless glides, and sudden plunges into icy waters. It’s one of the Northwest’s most reliable and riveting wildlife spectacles—and it’s only a short drive away.

UP-CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

CAT TALES WILDLIFE CENTER

Roughly 30 minutes north of the Valley, Cat Tales Wildlife Center provides an opportunity to observe big cats, bears, and other wildlife year-round in a nonprofit sanctuary setting. Home to over 100 rescued animals, Cat Tales focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education. Winter brings out unique behaviors as bobcats pounce through piles of snow and bears roll belly-up. Feeding encounters give visitors a supervised, memorable way to see the animals’ strength and personality up close, making this a dependable all-weather outing.

STAY IN SPOKANE VALLEY

Even off the trails, you’ll find wildlife woven through everyday Valley outings. Walk or bike the snow-lined Centennial Trail and watch for otters, beavers, and eagles along the river’s edge. For warm indoor wonder, the Mobius Discovery Center fills an afternoon with hands-on STEM exhibits, pairing natural curiosity with playful learning. When kids need to burn energy, Flight 509’s ropes course, bumper cars, and virtual reality stations—or Flying Squirrel’s sprawling trampoline park—offer all-weather excitement.

At day’s end, Spokane Valley’s hotels offer everything winter travelers appreciate: free parking, easy freeway access, indoor pools, and a calm suburban atmosphere that feels worlds away from crowded resort towns. Here, space is plentiful, travel is simple, and every direction leads to a new winter discovery.

Book your winter stay today and let the Valley lead the way.