There’s something deeply liberating about lacing up hiking boots in Spokane. After years of travel into big cities, I still remember the crisp spring morning I first stepped onto a forest path an hour north of town and felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Spokane’s natural beauty reveals itself quietly—a basalt canyon here, golden larches in autumn there, hidden waterfall glimpsed through pine fronds—and each trail felt like a whispered promise: slow down, breathe in, and notice.
If you’re visiting Spokane and craving a hiking escape—whether it’s a brisk half-day or a full wilderness wander—these five trails became my favorites. Here’s everything you’ll need: names, locations, difficulty, fees, booking platforms, nearby dining and lodging tips, and personal impressions.
Trail #1: Bowl & Pitcher Loop – Riverside State Park
📍 Location: Riverside State Park, ~10 miles north of Spokane city center (officially: 5202 S. Bigelow Gulch Rd, Nine Mile Falls, WA)
Distance & Elevation: ~5 miles loop, ~500 ft elevation gain
Fee/Permit: Requires a Discover Pass for vehicle parking — about \$10/day or \$30/year, available via discoverpass.wa.gov
Booking Platforms: No advance tickets needed; park map and permit information accessible online. Hike guide and history tours occasionally bookable via Viator or guided through AllTrails Experiences.
💬 My Experience
I rolled into the lower parking lot at 8:15 a.m. on a crisp April morning. The suspension bridge came into view almost immediately—its cables draped across the canyon like stage curtains. Stepping onto it, the Spokane River raged below, rhythmic and steady. I inhaled damp stone and pine needles, feeling alive in the stillness. As I started the loop, sun filtered through ancient basalt columns, dancing ribbons of light onto the trail.
At about mile two, I paused on a wooden overpass above rapids, watching kayakers shoot downstream. Their laughter felt heroic against the wilderness backdrop. Further on, a small waterfall cascaded behind a fern curtain. I ducked under an overhanging branch to peer into its mossy grotto. Eagles circled overhead. For a suburban Seattle transplant, this felt cathedral-level peaceful.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- Suspension bridge crossing offers panoramic river canyon views
- Basalt cliffs and rock formations telling geological stories
- Understory of ferns, wildflowers in spring, vivid fall colors later in the season
- Occasional wildlife: blue herons, deer, and migrating salmon later in the year
🛠️ Trail Tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds—by 10 a.m., parking lots get busy
- Wear sturdy trail shoes—the basalt switchbacks can get slippery when wet
- Carry water and a snack—no potable water on trail
- Restrooms at trailhead only, but few along the loop
- Dogs allowed on leash
🍽️ Post-Hike Highlights
Ten minutes south, I discovered the Garland District. At Satchel’s Pizza, the sun-warmed brick courtyard and quirky vibe made for perfect refuel. Their roasted garlic and goat-cheese pizza cured my hunger and soothed sore calves. Nearby indie cafés and vintage shops extended the leisurely mood of the trail.
Trail #2: Mount Spokane Alpine Trail
📍 Location: Mount Spokane State Park, about 40 miles northeast of Spokane (State Route 206)
Distance & Elevation: Approximately 4–6 miles round-trip (depending on route), ~1,200 ft gain
Fee/Permit: Same Discover Pass covers both city parks and state park parking
Booking Platforms: No ticket needed, but you can book guided hikes via Viator or trail reports via AllTrails Pro
💬 My Experience
I rose before dawn to tackle Mount Spokane’s Alpine Trail in early fall. The top ridge was rimmed with glowing golden larches, and by sunrise, the valley below lay drenched in soft pink light. I parked at the top lot, layered up, and set off. Each switchback crossed through golden larches that rustled with wind. After the final summit push, I emerged onto bare ridge line lit by sunrise—360-degree mountain views stretching into Idaho and the Cascades.
Standing there, I felt both awe and quiet humility. The wind tugged at my sleeves; the world spread out like a map beneath me. I snacked on trail mix, watching distant peaks fade in the morning haze.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- High ridge views with expansive panoramas
- Golden larches in October—Spokane’s signature fall spectacle
- Secluded alpine meadows and wildflower pockets in summer
- Snow-covered approach trails possible into early winter
🛠️ Trail Tips
- Dress in layers—even summer mornings at ridge top are chilly
- Bring trekking poles for stability over rocky terrain
- Start before 9 a.m. to avoid afternoon wind gusts
- Dogs allowed but must be leashed; bring extra water
🍽️ Post-Hike Pitstop
On the way back, I detoured to The Fireside Alehouse in Mead for a cold brew and bar snacks. Inside, travelers swapped trail stories. The laid-back energy and hearty menu paired perfectly with post-walk relaxation.
Trail #3: Centennial Trail (Spokane River Segment)
📍 Location: Begins at Riverfront Park downtown, follows Spokane River north into Idaho—total length ~37 miles, but choose manageable sections
Distance & Elevation: Variable—city segment is flat and easily walkable; river valley stretches offer up to 7 miles round-trip
Fee/Permit: Free
Booking Platforms: No tickets required; guided walking tours bookable via Viator, GetYourGuide, or AllTrails Experiences
💬 My Experience
One bright spring afternoon, I rented a hybrid bike from Spoke ‘N Sport and pedaled the Centennial Trail north along the river. Sunshine tipped the water gold through leafy branches. Joggers and dog-walkers shared the path. Water rushes contrasted with distant rooftops. I paused at a bench overlooking the river, feeling balanced between green peace and city hum.
The trail unfurled beneath me—rusty steel bridges, cottonwood trees, a lone stand of wild apples. At the Idaho border, I turned around just as golden hour arrived, painting the river in art-gallery light.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- Riverside scenery with peaceful urban access
- Wildlife spotting opportunities: osprey, turtles, warblers
- Low elevation gain; stroller and beginner-friendly
- Sections near downtown are paved and lighted at night
🛠️ Trail Tips
- Rent bikes through Viator or REI Experiences if you want guided options
- Early evening twilight rides offer soft light and fewer crowds
- Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a portable snack
- Skate ribbon access in downtown overlays with the trail
🍽️ Afterward Bites
I stopped at Indaba Coffee, just across from Riverfront Park—their oat milk latte paired perfectly with a pastry and riverside people-watching.
Trail #4: Dishman Hills Natural Area – Table Rock & Pines to Prairie Loop
📍 Location: Dishman Hills Natural Area, ~8 miles southeast of downtown Spokane (parking: 4141 S Regal St, Spokane Valley)
Distance & Elevation: ~4 miles, ~450 ft gain
Fee/Permit: Free; small neighborhood parking lot fills early
Booking Platforms: No tickets; guided group hikes occasionally book via Meetup or AllTrails Experience
💬 My Experience
I hiked this loop on an early summer evening—wildflowers thick on both sides, fragrant sagebrush in breeze, pine-shaded ridgelines opening to broad grassland views. I kept hearing rustles in the brush—hares darting, birds calling. At Table Rock lookout, I looked down on Pend Oreille Valley draped in golden light. Mount Spokane stood distant and proud.
It felt like stepping away from city chaos without leaving civilization behind—nature only minutes from Spokane Valley suburbs.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- Mix of pine forest, grassland, prairie
- Wildflower bloom in late spring (Lupine, Indian Paintbrush)
- Table Rock mesa viewpoint with panoramic valley views
- Well-defined loops, ideal for evening or weekday outings
🛠️ Trail Tips
- Park early to find spaces
- Bring insect repellent—seasonal mosquitos or ticks possible
- Good trail boots recommended due to rocky, uneven terrain
🍽️ Local Snack Break
Post-hike, I detoured to Rocket Donuts food truck and grabbed a funnel cake donut dusted in cinnamon sugar. It’s open weekends and offers quirky, handmade donuts traders rave about.
Trail #5: Bowl & Mosaic Rocks Trail – Riverside State Park (South Section)
📍 Location: Southern end of Riverside State Park, near the Bowl & Pitcher area (Bigelow Gulch Rd)
Distance & Elevation: ~3 miles round-trip, 200 ft gain
Fee/Permit: Discover Pass required
Booking Platforms: Trail maps available all year. Guided geology or photography walks occasionally available via Viator or AllTrails Pro
💬 My Experience
On a cloudy mid-summer morning, I hiked the Bowl & Mosaic Rocks trail. Towering limestone formations jutted skyward. Water droplets dripped from fissures into shaded pools. The sensation was cathedral-like—quiet reverence in stone. I discovered ancient petroglyph carvings, signs of millennia-old human presence.
Sunlight managed to pierce cloud canopy, making patterns on moss that glowed green. I paused often—each rocky alcove felt hidden, sacred. A lone chipmunk darted across the path. The limestone cliffs echoed with breath.
🌿 Trail Highlights
- Unique limestone and basalt cliffs rare in the Pacific Northwest
- Petroglyph sites showcasing Native American heritage
- Riparian pools and shaded canyon feel
- Photogenic angles for landscape and macro photography
🛠️ Trail Tips
- Go early to avoid heat reflecting off rocks
- Bring camera—ideal for macro and scale macro photography
- No facilities once on trail—carry water and snacks
🍽️ Nearby Refreshments
After the trailhead exit, drive back to downtown and unwind at Wild Sage Bistro, a local gem offering chef-driven Northwest cuisine. Seasonal produce, cozy ambiance, and friendly staff made it a memorable dinner spot.
✈️ 🛏️ Booking Platforms & Travel Tips I’ve Used
- Google Flights: to find best airfare into Spokane
- Expedia & Booking.com: hotel & rental car bundles near Riverfront or Mead
- Hotels.com: for loyalty nights and discounts on repeat stays
- Airbnb: when I stayed in Garland District for local vibe and kitchen options
- GetYourGuide, Viator, AllTrails Experiences: to book guided hikes, photography tours, trolley‑trail combo tickets
- OpenTable, Yelp, Resy: for dining reservations or discovering local favorites
🧢 Packing & Seasonal Tips
- Spring: layers, rain jacket, early wildflowers
- Summer: sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, hydration pack
- Fall: warm layers, sturdy boots, morning frost on trails
- Early Winter: microspikes if snow is present on ridge paths
🧭 Final Reflections from the Trails
After hiking these five trails, I felt more connected—to the land, to local rhythms, and to my own pace. Spokane taught me that nature doesn’t have to be dramatic to be moving; sometimes it’s the whisper of larch needles underfoot or mossy stone hidden behind ferns that resonates.
If you’re dreaming of a Pacific Northwest hike that feels human-sized yet wild, start here. Trail by trail, Spokane reveals itself slowly but beautifully—one mountain, canyon, prairie, and riverside path at a time.
So lace up, breathe deep, and let Spokane’s hikes open something quiet and wild inside you.
