Living in Spokane means you’re never more than a couple hours from your next adventure. I’ve spent years exploring every direction from our city, and I’m constantly amazed by the variety within a tank of gas. Whether you’re craving lake views, mountain trails, wine country, or quirky small towns, the Inland Northwest delivers.
Here’s my tested guide to the best day trips from Spokane – complete with estimated drive times, what to do when you get there, and insider tips I’ve learned the hard way.
North to Lake Country
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Distance: about 33 miles (35 minutes)
Best for: Lake activities, resort town vibes, year-round beauty
Coeur d’Alene might be our most popular day trip, and for good reason. This lakeside gem transforms with the seasons but never loses its charm.
Summer must-dos:
- Walk the world’s longest floating boardwalk (3,300 feet)
- Beach time at City Beach or Sanders Beach
- Tubbs Hill hiking trail for lake views
- Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene
Year-round favorites:
- Sherman Avenue shopping and dining
- Coeur d’Alene Resort (splurge on Sunday brunch)
- Hudson’s Hamburgers (cash only, counter seating since 1907)
Hidden gem: McEuen Park has a splash pad for kids and the best sunset views in town. Pack a picnic and claim a spot on the grass.
Pro tip: Parking downtown is tricky in summer. Use the parking garage behind the resort or park at the library and walk.
Sandpoint & Lake Pend Oreille
Distance: about 80 miles (1.5 hours)
Best for: Outdoor adventure, craft beer, artistic community
Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced “pond-oh-RAY”), Idaho’s largest lake. This artist haven offers more than just stunning views.
Can’t miss:
- City Beach (sandy beach, volleyball courts, picnic areas)
- Schweitzer Mountain Resort (summer hiking, winter skiing)
- Downtown galleries and shops on 1st Avenue
- MickDuff’s Brewing Company (local institution)
Summer bonus: The Festival at Sandpoint brings world-class musicians to an outdoor venue right on the lake. Check their schedule – day trips for concerts are magical.
Drive tip: Take Highway 2 through Newport for a scenic alternative to I-90 and Highway 95.
Silverwood Theme Park
Distance: about 70 miles (1 hour 15 minutes)
Best for: Thrill seekers, families, summer fun
The Northwest’s largest theme park opens May through September, with Boulder Beach water park included in admission.
Top attractions:
- Aftershock – one of only three Giant Inverted Boomerangs worldwide
- Stunt Pilot – Rocky Mountain Construction’s masterpiece
- Boulder Beach – essential on hot days
- Garfield Summer Camp for little kids
Money-saving tips:
- Buy tickets online for discounts
- Bring your own food (they allow coolers in the parking lot)
- Arrive at opening to beat crowds
- Season passes pay for themselves in two visits
East to the Palouse
Palouse Falls
Distance: about 95 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
Best for: Photography, hiking, Washington’s state waterfall
This 200-foot waterfall in the middle of nowhere is Washington’s official state waterfall, and it’s absolutely worth the drive.
What to know:
- The viewpoint is easy – just park and walk 100 feet
- For adventurous types, there’s an unmarked trail to the bottom (sketchy but doable)
- Best photography in late afternoon
- Spring has the most water flow
Combine with: The Palouse Scenic Byway if you have extra time. Rolling wheat fields create Windows XP wallpaper vibes.
Important: No services at the falls. Stop in Washtucna for gas and snacks.
Pullman & WSU
Distance: about 75 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)
Best for: College town atmosphere, Cougar pride, surprising food scene
Washington State University’s home offers more than just college sports (though Cougar football Saturdays are epic).
Worth the stop:
- Ferdinand’s Creamery for Cougar Gold cheese and ice cream
- WSU campus tour (the views from Thompson Hall!)
- Downtown Pullman’s revitalized Main Street
- Kamiak Butte for hiking with Palouse views
Timing tip: Avoid home football weekends unless you’re going to the game – hotels book up and restaurants overflow.
South Through History
Steptoe Butte
Distance: about 50 miles (1 hour)
Best for: Panoramic views, photography, sunset watching
This 3,612-foot quartzite island jutting from the Palouse offers 360-degree views that photographers dream about.
The experience:
- Drive to the top (paved road, suitable for all vehicles)
- Pack a picnic for the summit
- Sunset is magical but gets crowded
- Spring green or harvest gold seasons are most photogenic
Combine with: Palouse Falls or Pullman for a full day trip.
Walla Walla Wine Country
Distance: about 120 miles (2 hours)
Best for: Wine tasting, foodie adventures, charming downtown
Okay, this pushes our 2-hour limit, but Walla Walla’s worth the stretch. With over 120 wineries, this agricultural town became Washington’s premier wine destination.
Day trip strategy:
- Focus on one area (downtown tasting rooms or airport wineries)
- Make lunch reservations in advance
- Designate a driver or book a tour
- Visit on weekdays for smaller crowds
Can’t miss wineries:
- L’Ecole No. 41 (in a historic schoolhouse)
- Watermill Winery (stunning grounds)
- Rotie Cellars (funky downtown spot)
Food highlights:
- Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen
- Maple Counter Cafe (breakfast/lunch)
- T. Maccarone’s (get the mac and cheese)
West to Recreation
Mount Spokane
Distance: about 30 miles (45 minutes)
Best for: Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, escaping summer heat
Our closest mountain getaway transforms with the seasons but always delivers outdoor adventure.
Winter activities:
- Mount Spokane Ski Resort (night skiing available)
- Snowshoeing trails from the SnoPark
- Nordic skiing on groomed trails
Summer adventures:
- Summit trail to Mount Spokane lookout
- Mountain biking on ski runs
- Huckleberry picking in August
- Cooler temperatures on hot days
Local secret: The Vista House at the summit serves food in winter and offers the best views year-round.
Lake Roosevelt
Distance: about 55 miles to Seven Bays (1 hour)
Best for: Boating, fishing, beach camping, water sports
This 150-mile reservoir created by Grand Coulee Dam offers endless water recreation without the Coeur d’Alene crowds.
Popular spots:
- Seven Bays Marina (closest to Spokane)
- Fort Spokane (history and beaches)
- Hawk Creek (primitive but beautiful)
What to bring:
- Everything – services are limited
- Discover Pass for boat launches
- Fishing license (great walleye fishing)
- Sun protection (minimal shade)
Grand Coulee Dam
Distance: about 90 miles (1.5 hours)
Best for: Engineering marvels, laser light show, American history
The largest concrete structure in North America deserves a visit at least once.
Must-see:
- Free dam tours (security screening required)
- Visitor center exhibits
- Laser light show (summer evenings only)
- Lake Roosevelt views from Crown Point
Timing: Visit during summer for the laser show, projected directly onto the dam at dusk.
Small Town Charm
Wallace, Idaho
Distance: about 50 miles (1 hour)
Best for: Mining history, quirky attractions, mountain town character
This entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it shows. Wallace embraces its mining past and eccentric present.
Unique attractions:
- Sierra Silver Mine Tour (underground adventure)
- Oasis Bordello Museum (exactly what it sounds like)
- Center of the Universe (officially declared!)
- Historic downtown walking tour
Don’t miss: The Fainting Goat wine bar for lunch. Their cheese boards pair perfectly with local wines.
Newport, Washington
Distance: about 48 miles (50 minutes)
Best for: Antique shopping, Pend Oreille River, quiet escape
This river town offers a slower pace and surprising finds.
Worth exploring:
- Antique shops along Washington Avenue
- Newport Marina and RV Park
- Owen’s Grocery (old-school market)
- Painted Lady Gift Shop
Nature option: Old American Kampground has river access and picnic spots.
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May)
- Palouse turns green
- Wildflowers at Steptoe Butte
- Waterfall flows peak
- Wine country blooms
Summer (June-August)
- Lake activities in full swing
- Theme park season
- Mountain hiking accessible
- Festival season everywhere
Fall (September-November)
- Wine harvest season
- Larch trees turn gold
- Crisp hiking weather
- Smaller crowds at attractions
Winter (December-February)
- Skiing at Mount Spokane and Schweitzer
- Coeur d’Alene holiday lights
- Wine tasting without crowds
- Hot springs more appealing
Planning Your Perfect Day Trip
Leave early: Beat traffic and crowds by starting before 8 AM
Pack smart:
- Water and snacks (always)
- Discover Pass for state parks
- Cash for small towns
- Layers for changing weather
- Full gas tank
Check ahead:
- Seasonal closures
- Event schedules
- Restaurant hours (small towns close early)
- Weather conditions
- Fire season updates
Mix it up: Combine destinations for fuller days. Coeur d’Alene + Silverwood, Steptoe Butte + Palouse Falls, Wallace + Murray.
Hidden Gems Worth the Drive
Manito Park: Okay, it’s in Spokane, but many locals haven’t fully explored all five gardens.
Post Falls, Idaho: Stop at Treaty Rock on your way to Coeur d’Alene for history and hiking.
Liberty Lake: about 25 minutes east for hiking, swimming, and picnicking without the drive.
Medical Lake: about 25 minutes west for quiet water activities and historic downtown.
Your Weekend Adventure Awaits
Living in Spokane means weekend boredom is a choice. With this many options within two hours, the hardest part is choosing where to go first. My advice? Make a list and start checking them off. Each season brings new reasons to revisit favorites and discover new spots.
Some of my best memories come from spontaneous Saturday morning decisions to hit the road. Whether it’s wine tasting in Walla Walla, beach time at Coeur d’Alene, or chasing waterfalls in the Palouse, adventure is always just a short drive away.
What’s your favorite day trip from Spokane? Any hidden gems I missed? Share your recommendations in the comments – I’m always looking for new places to explore!
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