Spokane Sports & Outdoors

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Sports & Outdoors

Spokane is a dreamland for sports enthusiasts of every type! In spring and summer, the area has fantastic cycling, mountain biking, golf, boating, fishing, swimming and kayaking (in high summer, book kayak trips well in advance).

In the winter, there are five ski resorts that offer dry snow and challenging, wide-ranging terrain. Mt. Spokane, just 45 minutes from the city, has a rich history dating further back than the early 1930s when the Spokane Ski Club in part built the world’s first double chairlift on the southeastern slope of the mountain. Just recently, Mt. Spokane was incorporated as a non-profit organization to serve the citizens of the region.

With more lake and streams than the number of small towns near the city, the Spokane area is a paradise for water skiers and wake boarders. Over 20 lakes in the Spokane County provide endless hours of entertainment for boaters, swimmers, and fishermen. Newman Lake, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake and Silver Lake are among the largest and closest lakes to the Spokane area. Of course, there is Lake Coeur d’Alene just a half hour away from Spokane as well.

Cyclists visit from around the world to ride the Spokane River Centennial Trail, Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, and Route of the Hiawatha trail complex, which stretches nearly a hundred miles from west of Spokane to Montana. The ROW Adventure Center offers a variety of bike trips for those wanting to cycle their way through the area!

Rock climbing is a popular activity in Spokane, both outdoors and indoors, and there are plenty of instructors to show you the ropes. Indoor rock climbing facilities include Wild Walls, REI Inc, and Mountain Gear. These facilities are a great way to learn the sport and practice techniques. When you’re ready to get out into the sunshine there are several locations to check out. Outdoor opportunities include Mini Ha Ha, Tum Tum, Deep Creek Dishman Hills, and Little Spokane.

There are numerous terrific spots for Spokane hiking. Just across the Idaho border are more excellent trails and forests to explore. Revett Lake, the Little Spokane River, and the Dishman Hills Natural Area are just some of the beautiful areas to explore by foot. Mt. Spokane and Mt. Kit Carson are among the highest peaks in the Spokane area and offer incredible panoramic views of the area.

There are many parks to take advantage of Spokane’s exceptional natural locations. Riverside State Park, Riverfront Park and Manito Park are just a few of Spokane’s most enjoyable sites. Riverside State Park came into being in 1933 and 1934 and has been a cherished piece of nature in the metropolitan Spokane area. Reserve a campsite well in advance during the summer! Campers enjoy the warm summer weather and cool nights under the stars. It's a true spectacle to see! The Bowl and Pitcher is the most popular scenic attraction for many visitors to Riverside State Park. It is a geologic phenomenon resulting in spectacular scenery. Large basaltic knobs sit like oversized lumps of sugar along the edges of the Spokane River. Riverfront Park, located in the heart of downtown Spokane, offers natural beauty to compliment its urban surroundings. Enjoy a scenic Skyride of the Spokane Falls between March and October in an enclosed gondola. Riverfront Park is a host to some of Spokane’s most loved community events. Bloomsday Run Post-Race Celebration, Hoopfest, Pig Out in the Park and more all take place in this unique and beautiful area. Manito Park is located in beautiful Spokane Washington's South Hill neighborhood. Manito Park has five gardens, a conservatory and duck pond that are toured by over 150,000 visitors each year. The 90 acre park includes spacious manicured lawns, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, flowers, topiary shrubs, a greenhouse conservatory and multiple picturesque gardens. Manito Park's large trees and well tended landscaping make for a great place to visit in Spokane.

The enthusiasm of Spokane residents for the great outdoors and the passion the residents have for exercise has led to many great annual outdoor events. Runners and triathletes come to Spokane for the Lilac Bloomsday Run and the Iron Man Triathlon. After more than three decades, Bloomsday has worked its way into the fabric of life in the Inland Northwest. For most residents, it's impossible to imagine spring in Spokane without Bloomsday. Of course, the largest event in town is Hoopfest, in which hundreds of thousands of fans and players gather to downtown Spokane for the world's largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

New to Spokane is SpokeFest, a community day of bicycling in early September. Two-different routes make it easy for people of all ages and experience levels to get involved. With the support of the community and growing interest, SpokeFest is quickly becoming on of Spokane’s favorite outdoor events.

If you are looking to take in a sporting event during your time in Spokane, be sure to check out the schedules of the Spokane Shock, Spokane’s very own arena football team, or the Spokane Chiefs, members of the Western Hockey League. University athletics, the Gonzaga University Bulldogs and the Whitworth University Pirates, offer many sporting events as well.

If you want to do it right...experience Spokane with a ROW Adventure Center Activity!