In Spokane, Washington, there is an abundance of beauty to be found in the colors of fall. As the temperatures drop and the trees prepare to lose their leaves, you’ll notice a drastic change in scenery. Hues of green shift to yellow, yellow to orange, and some turn various shades of red. It’s a short-lived season, so it’s worth planning a couple of adventures before winter rolls around. Here are some places we recommend you visit while the trees are vibrant and the air is crisp.
Riverfront Park
If you live in Spokane and have for a while, you’ve probably been to Riverfront Park. It’s beautiful in every season, but it’s particularly bright in autumn. When the fall colors take over the landscape, the hills are lined with gold and red trees. They reflect off of the river and create a fiery display of fantastic foliage. You can enjoy the scenery by taking a stroll through the park on the bike path that winds through it. Stop at a local coffee shop in downtown Spokane and grab a hot drink to warm you up.
Manito Park
Another sprawling location to catch the fall colors is on the South Hill, near downtown Spokane. There, you can find Manito Park, which offers yet another place to go for a walk and admire the changing leaves. Manito is because it contains several smaller parks, within the park. It even includes a Japanese garden that is especially beautiful in autumn. If you’re feeling chilly during your trip around the park, Manito also boasts a humid greenhouse. It’s full of exotic plants and is open to the public. Take some time to tour through the greenhouse and warm up your ears, toes, and hands.
Finch Arboretum
This 65-acre plot of land is dedicated to various trees that were planted there for education and conservation purposes. It’s located just off I-90, on the right-hand side if you’re heading west toward the Spokane International Airport. Since the space is so large and filled with different trees, you’ll want to bring a map. With that map, you’ll be able to navigate your way through the arboretum and identify the trees that reside there.
Green Bluff
In autumn, Green Bluff is filled with not only fall colors, but also fall activities! And it’s a must for apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. You can also enjoy apple and pumpkin flavored treats and beverages on the farms. If you’re just there to enjoy the sights, enjoy the fresh air as you roam around the orchards and pumpkin patches. You’re guaranteed to see a misshapen pumpkin or two and bunches of shiny red apples hanging from the trees.
Centennial Trail
Our final feature on the list of fall color viewing areas is a maintained trail that’s nearly 40 miles long. The Centennial Trail stretches from Nine Mile Falls, through downtown Spokane, into Spokane Valley, and out towards Liberty Lake. It features multiple river crossings, hills, stretches of flat ground, and a massive variety of trees and plants. If you’re lucky, you may even see some wildlife! On the trail there’s potential to see coyotes, deer, elk, marmots, raccoons, eagles, pheasants, quail, ospreys, and herons. The trail is open to foot traffic and the use of non-motorized vehicles. So, no matter your preferred method of non-motorized travel, this trail is waiting to be explored. Give it a chance, and watch the colorful leaves dance in the breeze.
See the Colors Before it’s Too Late
Sit on the hill and watch the day go by. Take a leisurely walk on one of the many maintained trails. Enjoy a long bike ride to feel the brisk wind and warm sun on your face. Whatever you decide to do, get out to one of these gorgeous locations to see Spokane’s fleeting fall colors.
Do you feel like you don’t have enough time to get outside? Make it a priority! Read our tips on finding time to get outdoors.
