The best walks and hikes around Spokane

Yes, Spokane is very dog-friendly. Most trails in the area welcome leashed dogs. A great option is High Drive Trail loop — Bluff Parks System, which offers plenty of space for you and your canine companion to explore. Always remember to bring water for your dog and to clean up after them to keep the trails beautiful.

Spokane has some lovely trails that feature waterfalls, especially during the spring melt. For a short but rewarding hike, check out the Mystic Falls and Trail 120 loop — Palisades Park. The falls are a highlight of this popular local park, which also offers great city views from its basalt cliffs.

For an easy and accessible outing, the Spokane Falls loop — Riverfront Park is an excellent choice. It's a relatively flat, paved path in the heart of the city, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels. It offers fantastic views of the Spokane River and its powerful falls without requiring a strenuous trek.

If you're seeking a more strenuous hike, Mount Spokane State Park offers several challenging routes with significant elevation gain. The trails there reward hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It's a highly-regarded destination for those looking to push themselves.

For stunning 360-degree views, the trails within Dishman Hills Natural Area are a local favorite. The landscape of dramatic, diverse terrain provides excellent viewpoints overlooking the Spokane Valley. It's a protected natural area known for its scenic vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Absolutely. Many lower-elevation trails remain accessible for winter hiking, though you should be prepared for snow and ice with proper footwear like microspikes. For a true winter experience, Mount Spokane State Park becomes a hub for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a different way to enjoy its beautiful forested trails.

Spokane is surrounded by fantastic parks and natural areas for hiking. Some of the most popular include:

• Riverside State Park - Bowl and Pitcher Area: Famous for its picturesque suspension bridge and trails that follow the Spokane River amidst dramatic basalt formations.
• Mount Spokane State Park: A vast, forested park offering over 100 miles of trails, from gentle walks to challenging summit hikes.
• Dishman Hills Natural Area: A protected conservation area close to the city, prized for its rugged terrain and scenic overlooks.

You'll find over 50 curated hiking routes around Spokane on komoot. The region offers a great variety, from 39 easy walks perfect for a quick escape into nature to 11 moderate routes and 2 difficult trails for those seeking a challenge.

The trails around Spokane are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the region's stunning natural beauty, particularly the dramatic Spokane River gorge, the unique basalt rock formations, and the well-maintained trail networks within the state parks.

Yes, the Spokane River Centennial Trail is a 37-mile paved multi-use path that is perfect for walking. A great section to explore is the Riverfront Trails to People’s Park, which follows the river and connects several parks, offering scenic views along a smooth, accessible surface.

Trail conditions at Mount Spokane State Park vary significantly by season. In summer, the trails are generally clear and well-maintained. In spring, you may encounter mud and snow at higher elevations. During winter, the park is snow-covered and becomes a destination for snowshoeing and skiing. Always check a local weather forecast and park advisories before you go.

The Bowl and Pitcher area has a dedicated parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, as it's a very popular spot. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington State Parks, including this one. It's best to arrive early to secure a spot.