Active Pursuits

Walkers, joggers, and cyclists will want to get in some exercise on the Spokane River Centennial Trail (www.spokanecentennialtrail.org). The paved trail starts at Nine Mile Falls west of the city and parallels the river for 37 miles to the Idaho state line, where it connects to the Idaho Centennial Trail for a final leg into Coeur d'Alene (a total of 61 miles of pathway).

Riverside State Park (tel. 509/465-5064; www.riversidestatepark.org) lies along the banks of the meandering Spokane River on the west edge of the city, with 37 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and access to the Spokane River Centennial Trail. Despite proximity to the city, the park has a surprisingly wild feel, and the river flowing through the park is one of the state's prettiest stretches of water. The Bowl and Pitcher Overlook, near the park headquarters, provides a vista of huge basalt boulders on the banks of the river. Adjacent to the park is the Spokane House Interpretive Site, which tells the story of the early fur trade in this area. It's open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, on Saturday from 2 to 4pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. To find the park, drive north from downtown on Maple Street, turn left on Maxwell Street, which becomes Pettit Street; go past the Downriver Golf Course.

For a great view of the region, head northeast 25 miles to Mount Spokane State Park (tel. 509/238-4258; www.parks.wa.gov), where you can drive to the top of the mountain. Hiking trails wander for miles through the forest here.