8 Fun Things to Do in Spokane

Spokane is only a one-hour plane trip from Portland, or a half-day drive, but has a way different feel. I recently took my second trip there and had a very fun weekend. Here are a few highlights for visiting this 210,000-population Eastern Washington city.

Visit the Falls

Spokane is known for having the second largest urban waterfall in the U.S. Indeed, Spokane Falls is big and pounding. I forked over $7 to take a skyride over the falls, which was well worth it if you like skyrides. You get an aerial view, and your gondola will stop and hang for a while so you can admire the falls from various angles.

Take a Bike Ride

Riding a cruiser bike by the river was a highlight of my Spokane trip. I stayed at Ruby2, a very economical motel that was recently converted from a Howard Johnson. Free bikes for visitors! You can ride all along the river paths and poke around the Gonzaga campus.

Look for Wildlife

While biking or walking by the river, you may encounter wildlife, such as these Canada geese and goslings. So fluffy! I also saw a wild-eyed orange cat with a snake hanging out of its mouth. Unfortunately, missed that photographic opportunity.

Eat at Spokane’s Best Vegan Restaurant

Boots Bakery is number one in Spokane, as far as I’m concerned. Fun, artsy place with excellent food. Enchilada pie! Curried lentils! Owner Alison Collins has been turning out delicious meals for Spokane’s vegans for two years now. And the city loves her for it. I hear there are a few other good places to get a vegan lunch or dinner in Spokane, but I mostly just ate Boots food during my stay.

See a Parade

This only works if you plan ahead, or luck out with your timing and stumble onto a parade like I did. And what a parade: the Lilac Parade, biggest of the year. This night parade goes on. And on. And on. After two or three hours, I was paraded out and retired before the end. The Lilac Parade is heavy on military, and every group of veterans got a standing ovation. Also, lots of marching bands and floats.

Ride the Old Carousel

While you’re downtown by the river, ride the 1909 carousel. Not only is it pretty and historic, it’s the fastest carousel I’ve ever been on. And even the outside animals go up and down.

Admire Old Neon

I looked up an old photographer friend I hadn’t seen for years who lives in Spokane. He took me to the Garland neighborhood at night, where we had fun photographing Spokane’s best old neon signs.