Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington State, and the largest between Seattle and Minneapolis. It is the economic hub of the "Inland Empire", a name used for Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle (pre-dating by nearly a century the use of the same title by a region in Southern California). It is at the north edge of the Palouse, where gently rolling hills of wheat fields end at the Spokane River valley. This article also includes the suburbs of Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley.
The city is pronounced as "spo-CAN," but often mispronounced as "spo-CANE." It is named for a Salish-speaking tribe of Native Americans who were the original inhabitants of the area. The original spelling, Spokan, was given an e by the adoption of the name of the original building, Spokane House (a trapping house built by early European arrivals). Spokane is the economic hub of an area that serves roughly 1.5 million people. The largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, its immediate metropolitan area, which includes neighboring Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho, is home to roughly 680,000 people. The city is home to just over 200,000.
The STA (Spokane Transit Authority) is an excellent way to get around to the north, south, and west sides as well as to the Valley and Liberty Lake in the east. Bus route maps can be found in a few stores and gas stations. Most drivers are very friendly and helpful so ask any questions you may have. The STA offers 2-hour and all-day passes. You must ask the driver for a pass before you put your fare in the fare box. Car rentals are available in many locations, mainly near the Spokane International Airport. All the major companies are there. Returning cars at the airport can be a little confusing.
The center for all of your shopping centers, main attractions and hotels. Skywalks connect much of the downtown shops, useful in winter. 1 Riverfront Park, ☏ +1 509-625-6600, fpinfo@spokanecity.org. 6AM-midnight, Skyride 10AM-6PM. The host of the 1974 World's Fair. A few of the pavilions still exist, and the park is beautifully maintained. The park has fun features: the river and its waterfalls, the dam, two suspension footbridges, a rare, beautiful, and priceless hand-carved Looff Carousel (complete with rings and a target; sit on an outside horse if you want to participate!), the rather frightening gondolas over the falls, a small amusement park, bike rentals, an IMAX theater and game roo…
1 Northern Quest Resort & Casino, 100 N. Hayford Rd, Airway Heights, toll-free: +1-877-871-6772. (updated Mar 2018) 2 Numerica SkyRide, 720 W Spokane Falls Blvd, ☏ +1 509-625-6600. Daily 10AM-7PM. Gondolas take you for an up-close view of the falls from a suspended height. (updated Jun 2023) 3 Wonderland Family Fun Center, 10515 N Division, ☏ +1 509-468-3286. (updated Jun 2023) 4 Gonzaga Bulldogs, McCarthey Athletic Center, 801 N. Cincinnati St, ☏ +1 509-313-6000, tickets@gonzaga.edu. The sports teams of Gonzaga University, officially nicknamed "Bulldogs" but affectionately called "Zags", are one of the city's great institutions.
Spokane's dining scene has come into its own. A wide variety of chef-owned restaurants serve all tastes, with an emphasis on locally-grown and organic ingredients. Don't leave without enjoying a craft pizza at one of the area's many artisan pie shops. The area is known for wild and exotic pizza varieties, including Thai and a four-cheese pie called the "Honey Badger," topped with a honey glaze. 1 Dick's Hamburgers, 10 E 3rd Ave, ☏ +1 509-747-2481. A Spokane institution, serving up the quickest and most efficient cholesterol-delivery systems in the state. No relation to the Dick's chain in Seattle. (updated Oct 2016) 2 Didier's Yogurt & More, 10410 N Division St, ☏ +1 509-466-8434.
Spokane experienced an explosion in craft brewing, with local and regional brewers becoming popular. Beyond that, the nightlife scene has a number of bars, pubs, and nightclubs downtown. 1 Jack & Dan's Bar & Grill, 1226 N Hamilton St, ☏ +1 509-487-6546. Classic sports bar owned by the father of former NBA & Gonzaga University star John Stockton. Sitting on the edge of Gonzaga University, it naturally caters to the students and is packed to watch basketball games. Children are welcome in the restaurant until 10PM. (updated Oct 2016) 2 O'Doherty's Irish Grille, 525 Spokane Falls Blvd, ☏ +1 509-747-0322. This is a place to gather, chat, tip a pint and enjoy a little Irish flavor.
People in Spokane are generally quite kind and hospitable. The city is safe, and violent crime is rare. That said, Spokane has had ongoing challenges with property crime and vehicle theft. If parking a vehicle, be sure to lock the doors and ensure that all valuables are in the trunk. Also, use caution when walking through Riverfront Park or on the Centennial Trail at night. Do not swim or wade in the Spokane River, drownings are not uncommon. While Spokane has a few hospitals (typical for a city its size), it does not have a Level 1 trauma hospital. While the need is rare, patients are flown by air ambulance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Oct, Spokane typically sees ~14°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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