Seattle to Spokane: Your Ultimate Road Trip Guide!
Everyone knows the city of Seattle, but what do you know about Washington’s second-largest city, Spokane? A 4 to 5-hour drive away from the Emerald City, Spokane is just 18 miles west of the state of Idaho. Spokane can be visited as a day trip from Seattle, but to get the most of your time, we recommend spending at least a weekend there, which is what we did for a Memorial Day weekend. Whether you’re doing the trip in a day or turning it into a multi-day getaway, this ultimate guide will help you plan the perfect Seattle to Spokane road trip.
6 Facts About Spokane
It’s known as the birthplace of Father’s Day.
The official nickname is “lilac city.”
Spokane’s motto is “Creative by nature.”
The first people to live in the area were the Spokane tribe.
Spokane means “children of the sun” in Salishan.
Spokane was founded in 1873 by James Glover.
The Best Time to Visit Spokane
Spokane is sandwiched between the Cascades Range and the Rocky Mountains. This protects the city from typical Pacific Northwest weather patterns. Spokane receives less than half of Seattle’s average annual rainfall of 37 inches. If you seek warm, dry weather, it is best to visit between June 1 and September 30th. The warmest time of the year is usually in August. Meanwhile, winter generally brings snow, and Spokane averages 44 inches of annual snowfall. This is great if you love snow sports as there are five ski resorts within a couple of hours of driving distance.
Plan for at least one full day to visit Spokane, but two or three days lets you explore stops more thoroughly. Don’t forget to pack layers, snacks, a camera, and a playlist for the ride!
GETTING TO SPOKANE
About 5 miles west of downtown Spokane, you’ll find the Spokane International Airport. Flying in from the larger and busier Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a possibility. But bear in mind the need for a rental car. If you have access to a vehicle, it’s best to drive to Spokane, especially if you are based in nearby Seattle or Coeur d’Alene.
If you opt to road trip from Seattle to Spokane, it’s a straight shot on Interstate-90, a well-maintained highway that cuts through forests, farmland, and mountain passes. he first part of the drive east from Seattle is incredibly scenic. You’ll enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains and plenty of spots to stretch your legs. If you want a bit more adventure, consider detours through scenic byways or stops at state parks. Always check road conditions, especially in winter, and remember to fill up on gas before long stretches with fewer services. Driving with breaks every couple of hours will keep the trip relaxing and fun.
Must-See Stops Along the Way TO SPOKANE
Snoqualmie Falls: Just about 30 miles east of Seattle, this iconic 268-foot waterfall is a perfect first stop. There’s a park with easy trails and viewing platforms that make for stunning photos. The falls plus nearby Salish Lodge are key spots associated with the hit TV show Twin Peaks, if you happen to be a fan.
Roslyn: This historic coal-mining town also doubled as the filming location for the TV show Northern Exposure. Wander its quaint streets and soak in the small-town vibe. Rosyln Old Company Mercantile is a favorite spot of ours for grabbing a coffee and pastry, or Cle Elum Bakery and retro Twin Pines Drive In in the town over.
Ellensburg: Known for its charming downtown, vibrant arts scene, and being home to Central Washington University, Ellensburg is a great place pit stop to grab a bite or visit local wineries. Red Horse Diner and The Red Pickle are favorite food stops for us.
Columbia River Gorge Viewpoints: As you near Spokane, don’t miss several viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River, offering dramatic vistas and photo ops. Wild Horses Monument offers a scenic viewpoint and short hike to said art installations. The Gorge Amphitheater is a popular venue with stunning views (although usually only open during paid events), or stop by Cave B Winery for views and wine samples. But if you want a quick stop over, consider driving to Frenchman Coulee Recreational Area. The one way route offers stunning views of the gorge, and terminates at a popular swimming spot on the Columbia River.
Outdoor Activities and Nature Spots
If you love the outdoors, the Seattle to Spokane route has plenty to offer:
Hikes Along the Way
If you love stretching your legs on scenic trails, the drive from Seattle to Spokane offers some incredible hiking stops right off I-90. Near North Bend, Rattlesnake Lake and Rattlesnake Ledge is a popular, moderately challenging hike with a big payoff—breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is 1.9 miles long and begins at 830 feet altitude, with a total elevation gain of 1,493 feet, ending near Rattlesnake Ledge at 2,080 feet. The hike is well-maintained and accessible year-round, though it can get crowded on weekends, especially during summer.
Just a bit farther east, Franklin Falls is an easy, 2-mile roundtrip hike with a 400-foot elevation gain, making it a family-friendly trail that winds through lush forest to a stunning 70-foot waterfall, perfect for photos. If you want a longer, slightly more challenging trail, nearby Denny Creek takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. It is known for its stunning views, including Lake Melakwa, and features a natural waterslide, two waterfalls, and beautiful alpine scenery
For those looking for a real workout, Mount Si offers a classic Pacific Northwest experience with switchbacks and panoramic views of the Cascades and Snoqualmie Valley from the summit. The hike is approximately 8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of about 3,250 feet. Also nearby is Little Si trail, which is approximately 3.7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet.
Food and Drink Recommendations
Road trips are all about good eats, and this route from Seattle to Spokane doesn’t disappoint:
Roadside Diners and Cafés: Stop in small towns like North Bend or Ellensburg for classic comfort food and fresh coffee.
Local Breweries and Wineries: Ellensburg and Spokane both have vibrant craft beer scenes. Try some local brews at places like Iron Horse Brewery or Perry Street Brewing.
Spokane’s Top Restaurants: Once you arrive, explore downtown Spokane’s lively food scene with everything from farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine.
Popular Restaurants in Spokane
Wild Sage Bistro
An upscale yet welcoming downtown favorite. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients shine in creative American dishes. Ideal for date nights or special occasions.
The Flying Goat
Laid-back North Spokane spot famous for wood-fired pizzas with inventive toppings. Great craft beer selection. Perfect for families or casual dinners.
Clinkerdagger
A Spokane classic inside the historic Flour Mill. Enjoy steaks and seafood with stunning views of the Spokane River and waterfalls. Memorable and scenic.
Frank’s Diner
Eat in a beautifully restored vintage railroad dining car. Generous portions of classic diner breakfasts and lunches. Kid-friendly and nostalgic.
Durkin’s Liquor Bar
Downtown spot with a cool, vintage-inspired vibe. Elevated comfort food like fried chicken and burgers, plus expertly crafted cocktails.
Italia Trattoria
Cozy Italian restaurant in Browne’s Addition. Handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal specials. Vegetarian-friendly and great for a romantic night out.
No-Li Brewhouse
Local craft beer hotspot on the Spokane River. Award-winning brews, a lively taproom, and hearty pub fare. Ideal for groups and casual meals.
Baba Spokane
Trendy, stylish spot for Mediterranean small plates. Wood-fired pita, creative mezze, and great cocktails. Perfect for sharing with friends.
The Scoop
Charming South Hill ice cream shop serving homemade, small-batch flavors like lemon bar and salted caramel. Family-friendly and fun.
Ruins
A food-lover’s dream with a constantly changing, globally inspired menu of creative small plates. For adventurous diners who want something new every visit.
Best Coffee Shops in Spokane
Indaba Coffee
A local staple with several locations. Expertly roasted coffee, friendly baristas, and a welcoming, community-focused vibe.
Atticus Coffee & Gifts
Downtown favorite that’s part coffee shop, part bookstore and gift shop. Great for relaxing with a cappuccino while browsing local art.
First Avenue Coffee
Stylish downtown café serving single-origin espresso drinks, pour-overs, and fresh pastries. Partners with local roaster Roast House.
Ladder Coffee Roasters
Modern, airy café with house-roasted beans and excellent espresso drinks. Known for creative seasonal beverages and friendly service.
Where to Stay
As the second-largest city in Washington state, there are plenty of hotels in Spokane. 2-star hotels can be had for an average of $60 per night, while luxury hotels are priced upwards of $150 per night. Among the most notable hotels in Spokane includes The Centennial Hotel and The Historic Davenport. To take full advantage of downtown Spokane, choose an accommodation near Riverfront Park (more on that below).
You can also opt for a more rustic experience like the Spokane KOA Journey. It’s an RV resort with full hookups as well as tent campsites and guest cabins. We got a charming cabin equipped with 3 beds and a communal bathroom for $85 per night. Note that no linens are included, so pack sleeping bags and towels along with your usual overnight bag.
Things to Do in Spokane - Downtown
Also known as Riverside, Downtown Spokane is worth a stroll for several reasons. First, it is full of Romanesque Revival-style architecture. Many of these buildings were restored after the Great Fire. You’ll find corporate office buildings, restaurants and bars, and indie boutiques. Adjacent to downtown is the hip University District. Home to Gonzaga University and an outpost of Washington State University, this area is full of pubs, cafes, and student services.
Spokane Parks
If you love the outdoors and nature, you’ll really love Spokane as there are over 87 parks covering 4,100 acres. Most parks offer stunning photo opportunities and hiking trails for outdoor lovers.
Riverfront Park
In 1974, downtown Spokane was transformed to host the World’s Fair Expo. At the time, it was the smallest city to host a World’s Fair. What remains of the fairgrounds became the 100-acre Riverfront Park. Located just blocks from the urban downtown core and Spokane Convention Center, the park is full of grassy meadows, the Lilac Bowl natural amphitheater, the Great Northern Clocktower, a carousel, and the U.S. Pavilion. But the crown jewels are the waterfalls. The massive Spokane River runs right through the park. Upper Spokane Falls is the second-largest urban waterfall in the United States. If you combine it with the Lower Spokane Falls, you get the largest urban waterfall in the USA. There are a couple of footbridges that lead you across various parts of the waterfalls. To get an up-close view, opt for a cable car ride over Spokane Falls.
Palisades Park
For one of the best views of Spokane, head up to Palisades Park. It’s about 7 miles west of Riverfront Park and it offers stunning views of Mount Spokane and the Selkirk Range. You can grab photos from the parking lot or spend a whole day here exploring the hiking trail systems. Be sure to bring a telephoto lens to get the best photos here.
Manito Park
From Riverfront Park, head 2 miles south to Manito Park. This giant public park spans 90 acres and includes an arboretum, conservatory, botanical gardens, and two playgrounds. Of particular note are:
Duncan Garden - a 3-acre European garden
Gaiser Conservatory with tropical and desert plants.
Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden
Lilac Garden
Dahlia Garden
Rose Hill - with over 1500 rose bushes
Spokane River Centennial Trail
Endurance athletes will love this 40-mile trail that spans through eastern Washington to Lake Spokane on the Idaho border. There are many scenic and historical stops on the trail including trailheads to smaller paths. After crossing into Idaho, the trail continues to Coeur d’Alene via the North Idaho Centennial Trail.
Tips for a Memorable Road Trip
Pack essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a fully charged phone.
See our full road trip packing list plus downloadable PDF.
Conclusion
The Seattle to Spokane road trip offers an incredible way to experience the beauty and culture of Washington State. With scenic stops, outdoor adventures, delicious food, and charming towns along the way, it’s a route that suits every traveler. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, foodie, or culture buff, this drive promises unforgettable memories. So fuel up, hit the road, and discover the Pacific Northwest in style!
