Guide to Spokane Valley’s Great Outdoors

With the Spokane River running through town, it’s no wonder there are so many things to do in Spokane Valley, WA! Not only can you easily enjoy a variety of water-based sports like fishing and boating, but there are also hiking and biking trails everywhere you look! Plus, in winter, you’ll find skiing so close you’ll be strapping on your skis every weekend! To discover everything there is to enjoy in Spokane Valley, read our definitive guide below!

The Best Hiking Trails in Spokane Valley

Hiking and biking in Spokane Valley are fantastic ways to get in touch with nature, reconnect with friends, and teach your kids about nature. Most hiking trails here are a short drive from the city, making them an easy day trip.

Best Trails

  1. Iller Creek- This 5-mile loop trail is considered a moderate challenge. The 360° view of the surrounding area, including Steptoe Butteb and Palose, is spectacular!
  2. Dishman Hills Nature Area- Close to Spokane Valley, these moderately-difficult trails offer panoramic views from Eagle Peak.
  3. Liberty Lake Loop- This magnificent trail has a beautiful waterfall to see in Spring and rises 1,200 feet above sea level.
  4. Mt. Kit Carson Trail- This trail is 7 miles one-way, so be prepared with extra food and water (and also the breathtaking views).
  5. Knothead Loop- This is a challenging hike but worth it for the beautiful view of the Indian Painted Rocks you’ll enjoy.

Easiest Trails

  1. Rimrock Drive- With impressive views of downtown Spokane this easy trail is a real treat! It also has multiple trails if you want to take a longer hike.
  2. Bowl & Pitcher Trails- Sverela trails start at the end of the suspension bridge over the Spokane River. All of them are located in Riverside State Park.
  3. Saltese Uplands Conservation Area- If you’re seeking a bird’s-eye view of Liberty Lake, this easy trail is the one for you.
  4. Tubb Hill- An easy hike in summer that’s close to Spokane.

Where to Go Rock Climbing in Spokane Valley

climbing gear in focus with view of river in background

There are 8 Climbing areas in the Spokane Valley area, enough to keep you going all year without climbing the same route twice!

The Best Rock Climbing Spots

  • Minnehaha- The most popular climbing area in Spokane Valley is also the oldest.
  • Dishman- Mostly for Experienced climbers.
  • Mirabeau- Several sport climbing routes and 14 bolted routes make this an excellent choice for experienced climbers.
  • Cliff Drive- Challenging but short routes that are well-bolted make Cliff Drive a great choice. 
  • Liberty Park- Check out the steep boulder routes in the park’s basalt cave!
  • Rocks of Sharon- Climbing here will provide incredible views from Tower Mountain.
  • McLellan- Newly developed, this secluded climbing area is about 30 miles west of Spokane. 

How Difficult Are the Climbs in Spokane Valley?

The climbs range from easy to extremely difficult and everything in between. They offer easy climbing, sport climbing routes, and lots of bouldering. Rock climbing can be dangerous, so be sure to take precautions whenever you go. 

Top Places to Go Fishing in Spokane Valley

Fly fishermen casting into the river during sunrise

With tranquil waters that boast a wide variety of sport fish, Spokane Valley is an angler’s paradise. You don’t need a boat, but having one will allow you to enjoy even more of the fantastic fishing spots in the area.

Top 5 Best Places to Fish

  1.  Badger Lake
  2.  Medical Lake
  3.  Sprague Lake
  4.  Downs Lake
  5.  Liberty Lake

Types of Fish in Spokane Valley

  •  Rainbow trout
  •  Lake trout
  •  Chinook salmon
  •  Largemouth bass
  •  Brown trout
  •  Bluegill
  •  Yellow perch
  •  Smallmouth bass

Top 5 Golf Courses in Spokane Valley

3 people standing next to a golf cart smiling

You might be surprised to learn that the Spokane Valley is one of the hottest golfing destinations in this part of the United States. Golf courses here are highly rated, with exceptional conditions and layouts that offer a challenge for every level of player.

Best Golf Courses

  1. Esmerelda Golf Course- 6,330 yards
  2. Downriver Golf Course- 6,152 yards
  3. Indian Canyon Golf Course- 6,255 yards
  4. Liberty Lake Golf Course- 8,600 yards
  5. Latah Creek Golf Course- 9,865 yards

What’s the Weather Like in Spokane Valley 

There’s no denying that Spokane Valley, Washington, has long, cold winters that aren’t conducive to outdoor activities. However, with plenty of snow, skiers will be delighted when living here. Summertime is an absolute dream, with beautiful, sunny days that are never sweltering or humid. There’s very little rain, so climbing, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities are no problem. Indeed, from June through September, there’s very little rain. As you might have guessed, the snowiest time of year is from December through February, with a little bit in November and March. By the way, the comfort index in summer is 9.3 out of 10, which is practically perfect! 

Store Your Gear Safely with Northwest Self Storage

If you’ve come to Spokane Valley to climb, fish, hike, ski, or otherwise enjoy nature activities and golf courses, you probably have a lot of outdoor gear. When you need to store that gear, count on Northwest Self Storage. Our storage units in Spokane Valley are always clean, safe, and secure, with 24/7 video security cameras and an on-site manager. 

 Storage units in Spokane Valley are available at two locations, and we also have several in nearby Falls Post, Washington. If you need help determining what size storage unit you need, our storage unit size guide will be beneficial. You can always count on Northwest Self Storage for self-storage, Spokane Valley. Click, call, or reserve your storage units online today and store your outdoor adventure gear safely, securely, and affordably!

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