Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Spokane, Washington, United States
1. Spokane River Centennial Trail
A 37-mile trail along the Spokane River, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birds and waterfowl.
- Urban Wildlife Habitat: Provides a unique urban habitat that attracts diverse wildlife in the heart of the city.
- Accessibility: Offers easy access for visitors with a variety of activities along its length, including bike riding and birdwatching.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the river, city, and surrounding landscape.
2. Rocky Point Wildlife Preserve
A 100-acre preserve featuring a variety of wetlands, providing habitat for waterfowl, beavers, and other wildlife.
- Wetland Habitat: Protects important wetland habitats that support a diverse array of wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Spokane River Valley and surrounding hills.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs to raise awareness about local wildlife and conservation efforts.
3. Campbell's Pond Nature Reserve
A small wetland area with a large diversity of bird species, including great blue herons and sandhill cranes.
- Birdwatching Hotspot: One of the best spots in Spokane for birdwatchers to observe a variety of species.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere for relaxation and reflection.
- Community Effort: Maintained by local volunteers, contributing to its unique charm and dedication to conservation.
4. Mount Spokane State Park
A beautiful mountain park with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and snow sports.
- Mountain Ecosystem: Protects a variety of ecosystems found at different elevations, supporting diverse wildlife.
- Seasonal Activities: Offers activities for all seasons, from hiking in the summer to cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Historical Sites: Features historic sites and artifacts related to the area's logging history.
5. Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC)
A museum showcasing local art, history, and wildlife-focused exhibits.
- Artistic Diversity: Offers a diverse collection of artwork reflecting the cultural heritage of Spokane.
- Historical Insights: Provides historical insights into the region's natural and human history.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs that connect visitors with local wildlife and conservation efforts.
6. College Park Conservatory
A greenhouse complex featuring tropical plants and a variety of birds, including parrots and macaws.
- Tropical Ecosystem: Provides a unique opportunity to explore a tropical ecosystem in the heart of Spokane.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Allows visitors to observe exotic birds up close within a controlled environment.
- Educational Exhibits: Offers educational exhibits about the plants, animals, and conservation efforts in tropical regions.
7. Manito Park
A large park featuring gardens, a conservatory, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Botanical Diversity: Showcases a wide variety of plants from around the world in its beautiful gardens.
- Seasonal Beauty: Offers breathtaking seasonal beauty, particularly during the blooming of the tulips in the spring.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds and squirrels.
8. Mirabeau Point Park
A riverside park offering beautiful views of the Spokane River and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Riverside Beauty: Offers stunning views of the Spokane River and surrounding hills.
- Recreational Activities: Provides picnic areas, fishing spots, and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
- Wildlife Habitat: Supports a variety of wildlife, particularly waterfowl and birds of prey.
9. Nine Mile Falls Conservation Area
A conservation area with hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly waterfowl and birds of prey.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife, including waterfowl, raptors, and deer.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Spokane River Valley and surrounding hills.
10. Dishman Hills Natural Area
A natural area featuring hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and beautiful views of the city.
- Urban Wildlife Habitat: Provides a unique urban habitat that attracts diverse wildlife in the heart of Spokane.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking trails for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the city, the Spokane River Valley, and surrounding hills.
11. Campbell's Field Preserve
A small preserve featuring a variety of wetlands, providing habitat for waterfowl, beavers, and other wildlife.
- Wetland Habitat: Protects important wetland habitats that support a diverse array of wildlife.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere for relaxation and reflection.
- Community Effort: Maintained by local volunteers, contributing to its unique charm and dedication to conservation.
12. Greenbluff Farms
A collection of family-owned farms offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly birds and waterfowl.
- Urban Farming Experience: Offers a unique urban farming experience with a focus on conservation and sustainability.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds and waterfowl.
- Seasonal Produce: Allows visitors to purchase fresh seasonal produce directly from the farmers.
13. Spokane Valley Ranch
A working ranch with opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly birds and waterfowl.
- Urban Agriculture: Offers a unique urban agriculture experience with a focus on conservation and sustainability.
- Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, including birds and waterfowl.
- Historical Insights: Features historical insights into the region's agricultural history.
14. Indian Canyon Park
A park featuring canyons, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly birds of prey.
- Canyon Beauty: Offers stunning views of the canyons and surrounding hills.
- Recreational Activities: Provides picnic areas, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
- Wildlife Habitat: Supports a variety of wildlife, particularly birds of prey.
15. Latah Creek Wetlands Preserve
A wetland preserve featuring a variety of waterfowl, beavers, and other wildlife.
- Wetland Habitat: Protects important wetland habitats that support a diverse array of wildlife.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, particularly during the migratory seasons.
- Natural Beauty: Provides breathtaking natural beauty and serenity amidst a busy city.