Best Backpacking Destinations in Spokane, Washington, United States
1. Riverside State Park
A massive park along the Spokane River with camping, hiking trails, and water activities.
- Camping Availability: Offers numerous campsites for backpackers.
- Water Activities: Provides canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities along the Spokane River.
- Trail Network: Boasts a vast network of hiking trails for backpackers to explore.
2. Indian Canyon
Unique canyons with rock formations and petroglyphs in a natural setting perfect for hiking.
- Petroglyph Sites: Features ancient Native American rock art.
- Hiking Trails: Offers scenic trails through the canyons and surrounding hills.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife like deer, coyotes, and birds.
3. Dishman Hills Nature Reserve
A peaceful nature reserve with hiking trails, scenic vistas, and wildflowers in season.
- Scenic Vistas: Features panoramic views of Spokane and the surrounding hills.
- Wildflower Viewing: Offers beautiful displays of wildflowers in spring.
- Quiet Trails: Provides peaceful, less-crowded trails for backpackers.
4. Mount Spokane State Park
A mountain park offering hiking trails, skiing, and camping in the summer.
- Hiking Trails: Provides a network of trails for backpackers to explore.
- Seasonal Activities: Offers skiing in winter and hiking, camping, and mountain biking in summer.
- Historical Sites: Features a lookout tower from the early 1900s.
5. Rocky Point Recreation Area
A lakefront area with camping, fishing, and hiking trails.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Camping Availability: Provides campsites for backpackers near the lake.
- Hiking Trails: Features easy-to-moderate trails for backpackers to explore.
6. Northern Quest Casino RV Park
An RV park with amenities and nearby access to hiking trails.
- Convenient Location: Located near a casino, restaurants, and shopping.
- Amenities: Offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
- Nearby Trails: Close to trails in Riverside State Park for backpacking adventures.
7. Camp Sno-Yaca
A winter campground for skiing and snowshoeing with hiking trails in summer.
- Skiing and Snowshoeing: Offers groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails during the summer months.
- Campground Amenities: Offers heated restrooms and warming huts in winter.
8. Manito Park and Botanic Gardens
A beautiful park with gardens, trails, and a conservatory.
- Gardens and Trails: Features various themed gardens and walking paths.
- Conservatory: Includes a tropical conservatory with exotic plants.
- Seasons of Interest: Offers different attractions depending on the season.
9. Campbell's Gold Hill Campground
A campground near Gold Hill with hiking trails and historic gold mines.
- Historic Sites: Features old gold mines and mining equipment.
- Hiking Trails: Provides access to trails for backpackers.
- Campground Amenities: Offers restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits.
10. Fairchild Global Center for Science and Education
A research station with hiking trails and educational programs.
- Educational Programs: Offers guided tours, workshops, and lectures.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic trails for backpacking.
- Research Facilities: Features labs and greenhouses to learn about plants and ecosystems.
11. Camp Sekani at Priest Lake
A campground on a lake with fishing, boating, and hiking trails.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Hiking Trails: Provides access to hiking trails for backpackers.
- Campground Amenities: Offers restrooms, showers, and a store.
12. Priest Lake RV Park
An RV park with access to Priest Lake for boating and fishing.
- Water Activities: Offers easy access to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Amenities: Provides full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
13. Palisades Park
A scenic park with a waterfall, picnic areas, and walking paths.
- Scenic Views: Features a picturesque waterfall.
- Picnic Areas: Offers picnic spots with tables and grills.
- Walking Paths: Provides walking paths for leisurely strolls.
14. Loon Lake Campground
A campground with lake access for fishing and boating.
- Water Activities: Offers fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Campground Amenities: Provides restrooms, showers, and a store.
- Scenic Views: Features beautiful views of Loon Lake.
15. Mount Kit Carson Wilderness Area
A wilderness area with challenging hiking trails and remote camping.
- Challenging Trails: Features strenuous, backcountry hiking trails.
- Remote Camping: Offers camping opportunities in a remote wilderness setting.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides chances to observe local wildlife like elk, bears, and deer.