Spokane, Washington: 10 Short Day Trips Worth Taking
10 Easy Road Trips from Spokane, Washington for a Fun Day Out
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| Trade a routine weekend for lakefront strolls, roller coaster thrills, canyon views, and cave adventures on these easy day trips from Spokane, Washington. |
Need a quick break from Spokane, Washington without spending hours planning? You’re in luck. Spokane is in a great spot for short road trips, scenic drives, and easy day trips that feel like a real reset. In just an hour or two, you can swap city streets for lakes, mountain views, small towns, and local history.
If you’ve ever had one of those weekends where you just want to go somewhere but not too far, this list is for you. These nearby getaways from Spokane, WA all stay outside Spokane County and offer something a little different. Some are great for hiking. Others are better for strolling, eating, or simply enjoying the drive.
Let’s dive into 10 of the best out-of-county day trips near Spokane, Washington.
1. Coeur d’Alene Lake and Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
One of the most popular road trips from Spokane is the quick drive east to Coeur d’Alene in Kootenai County, Idaho. It’s about 35 miles away, so this is an easy pick when you want maximum fun with minimal drive time.
The big draw here is beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. The water, marina, and long waterfront path make this place feel like a classic vacation town. Downtown is also packed with shops, coffee stops, and casual restaurants.
I’ve always thought Coeur d’Alene is one of those places that makes a normal Saturday feel like a mini holiday. Grab a drink, walk the shoreline, and let the pace slow down.
- Best for: Couples, families, relaxed lake days
- Drive time: About 40 minutes
- Don’t miss: City Park and the lakeside boardwalk area
2. Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, Idaho
If your idea of a great nearby getaway includes roller coasters and water slides, head to Silverwood Theme Park in Kootenai County, Idaho. This is one of the most iconic attractions near Spokane and a favorite for families across the region.
Located roughly 50 miles from Spokane, Silverwood is close enough for a full day of fun without needing a hotel. During warmer months, the attached water park is a huge plus. It’s the kind of place where kids burn off endless energy and adults secretly have just as much fun.
Want a day trip that feels big and exciting? This is it.
- Best for: Families, thrill seekers, summer day trips
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Don’t miss: The coasters and Boulder Beach Water Park
3. Farragut State Park near Athol, Idaho
Not far from Silverwood, you’ll find Farragut State Park, another gem in Kootenai County. This spot sits at the south end of Lake Pend Oreille and offers a totally different kind of experience.
Instead of rides and crowds, you get forest trails, open space, mountain views, and a peaceful lakeside setting. It’s a great choice if you want a day trip from Spokane, WA that feels calm and outdoorsy.
Think of it like pressing the reset button. You can hike, bike, picnic, or just enjoy the fresh air. Sometimes that’s all you really need.
- Best for: Hikers, campers, nature lovers
- Drive time: About 1 hour
- Don’t miss: Scenic lake views and the park’s trail network
4. Lake Pend Oreille and Sandpoint, Idaho
For a slightly longer but still very doable weekend trip or day trip, head north to Sandpoint in Bonner County, Idaho. This charming town sits on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Northwest.
Sandpoint has that hard-to-explain charm some small towns just naturally have. It feels welcoming the moment you arrive. Downtown is walkable, the views are amazing, and the lake gives everything a calm, open feel.
If you enjoy a road trip where the drive itself is part of the fun, this one delivers. The route north is scenic, and the payoff is worth it.
- Best for: Scenic drives, lakeside walks, casual exploring
- Drive time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Don’t miss: Sandpoint City Beach and downtown shops
5. Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho
Also in Bonner County, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a great pick when you want mountain views and fresh air. In winter, it’s known for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, it turns into a scenic escape with hiking, chairlift rides, and alpine views.
This is one of the best road trips near Spokane for people who want the mountains without a super long haul. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles, and it feels like standing on top of the region.
If you’ve been craving cooler air and big scenery, Schweitzer is a smart choice.
- Best for: Mountain lovers, outdoor adventure, seasonal trips
- Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Don’t miss: The summit views and seasonal outdoor activities
6. St. Maries and the St. Joe River, Idaho
Looking for a quieter escape? Drive to St. Maries in Benewah County, Idaho. This small town is close to the beautiful St. Joe River, which is famous for its clear water and peaceful natural setting.
This is the kind of place you pick when you want a slower day. Pack a lunch, take a simple riverside drive, and enjoy the scenery. It’s not flashy, but that’s part of the appeal. Some trips are about doing more. Others are about breathing easier.
In my opinion, those quieter road trips often end up being the most memorable.
- Best for: Scenic drives, fishing, laid-back day trips
- Drive time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Don’t miss: River views and small-town charm
7. 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Washington
Since we’re avoiding Spokane County, a great mountain option is 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort in Stevens County, Washington. Near Chewelah, this area offers year-round outdoor fun and beautiful forested scenery.
During winter, it’s all about skiing. In summer and fall, the area works well for a scenic drive and mountain escape. The landscape has that classic inland Northwest feel with tall trees, rolling ridges, and open skies.
Want a weekend trip from Spokane, Washington that doesn’t feel complicated? This one is easy to love.
- Best for: Skiers, scenic drives, mountain air
- Drive time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Don’t miss: Seasonal mountain activities and nearby Chewelah
8. Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge, Washington
Another excellent option in Stevens County is the Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge. If you love wildlife, quiet roads, and wide-open nature, this is a wonderful day trip near Spokane.
The refuge has forests, wetlands, and grasslands, making it a great place for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful walks. It’s less polished than a tourist town, but that’s exactly why many people enjoy it.
Think of it as nature without the noise. No rush. No overpacked schedule. Just room to wander.
- Best for: Birdwatchers, nature fans, photographers
- Drive time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Don’t miss: Scenic refuge roads and wildlife viewing areas
9. Palouse Falls State Park, Washington
If you want something truly dramatic, head to Palouse Falls State Park in Whitman County, Washington. This is one of the most iconic natural sights in the state and makes a fantastic road trip from Spokane, WA.
The waterfall drops nearly 200 feet into a rugged canyon, and the landscape feels almost surreal. It’s one of those places that makes you stop talking for a second when you first see it.
The drive is longer than some others on this list, but if you love photography or big scenery, it’s worth every mile. Bring water, good shoes, and your camera.
- Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, bucket-list views
- Drive time: About 2 hours
- Don’t miss: The main overlook and canyon views
10. Metaline Falls and Gardner Cave, Washington
For a more adventurous nearby getaway from Spokane, Washington, head to Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County, Washington. This little town has big natural beauty, and the standout attraction is Gardner Cave.
Exploring a cave is a fun way to switch things up from the usual hiking-and-lake routine. It almost feels like stepping into another world, with cool air, rock formations, and a little mystery built in. Nearby, the town and surrounding landscape are worth exploring too.
This trip is especially good if you want something that feels different from the standard day out.
- Best for: Adventurous travelers, families, nature fans
- Drive time: About 2 hours
- Don’t miss: Gardner Cave and scenic views around Metaline Falls
Tips for Planning Your Spokane, Washington Day Trips
Before you hit the road, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check seasonal hours for parks, caves, ski areas, and attractions.
- Pack snacks and water, especially for rural drives.
- Fill up on gas before heading into more remote areas.
- Bring layers. Weather can change fast in this part of the Northwest.
- Download maps ahead of time in case cell service gets spotty.
A little prep goes a long way. The best short road trips from Spokane are the ones that feel easy and stress-free.
Final Thoughts on Nearby Getaways from Spokane, WA
One of the best things about living in or visiting Spokane, Washington is how many great escapes sit just beyond the county line. Whether you want lake views, a mountain resort, a waterfall, or a quiet small town, there’s a day trip here with your name on it.
So, where will you go first? A laid-back drive to Sandpoint? A fun family day at Silverwood? A scenic stop at Palouse Falls?
If you found this list helpful, share it with a friend who loves a good road trip. And if you’ve taken any of these day trips from Spokane, Washington, leave a comment and share your favorite stop. I’d love to hear which one you’d add to the list.
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