10 Easy Road Trips From Spokane, WA: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside the County
Planning a visit to
Spokane, Washington and want to explore beyond the city limits? Or maybe you live in Spokane and you’re itching for a quick escape without hopping on a plane.
You’re in luck.
Within about a 1–2 hour drive, you’ll find lakes, small towns, hidden hot springs, ghost towns, and mountain views that feel a world away from the city. And the best part? These are all
out-of-county road trips from Spokane, taking you into nearby parts of Idaho and eastern Washington.
Below are
10 short road trips from Spokane into the surrounding counties of:
All of these make great
day trips or relaxed
weekend getaways.
1. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho: Lake Town Escape (Kootenai County, ID)
Just about 35–45 minutes east of Spokane,
Coeur d’Alene is probably the most classic road trip from the city. If you’ve ever wanted a “lake town vacation” without flying to the Midwest, this is it.
Why go:
- Stroll the waterfront at Lake Coeur d’Alene and watch the boats.
- Walk the Tubbs Hill loop trail for easy views (about 2 miles, but you can shorten it).
- Try a lake cruise, from simple sightseeing to sunset and dinner cruises.
- Grab ice cream or coffee downtown and people-watch along Sherman Avenue.
On hot days, locals jump right off the docks into the clear water. If you grew up near lakes, it may feel a bit like a childhood summer vacation, just with mountain views.
Driving time from Spokane: Around 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
2. Silverwood Theme Park: Roller Coasters in the Pines (Kootenai County, ID)
If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do near Spokane,
Silverwood Theme Park is a no-brainer. It’s north of Coeur d’Alene and combines a full amusement park with a water park.
What to expect:
- Big coasters like Tremors and Timber Terror
- Plenty of kid rides and family-friendly attractions
- Water slides and a lazy river at Boulder Beach in the summer
- Special events like Halloween “Scarywood” in the fall
If you don’t love thrill rides, you can still enjoy shows, food, and walking under tall pines. It feels more relaxed than many big-name theme parks.
Driving time from Spokane: About 1 hour.
3. Sandpoint & Lake Pend Oreille: Mountain-Lake Vibes (Bonner County, ID)
Drive about an hour and a half northeast from Spokane, and you’ll land in
Sandpoint, a laid-back town on the edge of massive
Lake Pend Oreille (locals say “Pond-er-ray”).
Highlights:
- Relax at City Beach, a sandy park right on the lake.
- Walk the small downtown with its galleries, coffee shops, and breweries.
- In winter, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort for skiing and snowboarding.
- In summer, ride the chairlift at Schweitzer for views without the cold.
If you like the idea of a
Spokane weekend getaway with both water and mountains, Sandpoint is hard to beat. It feels more low-key than bigger resort towns.
Driving time from Spokane: About 1.5 hours.
4. Priest Lake: Quiet Forest Getaway (Bonner County, ID)
If you’re craving more peace and fewer people,
Priest Lake is a beautiful choice. It’s farther north than Sandpoint and tucked deep in the forest.
Things to do at Priest Lake:
- Swim, paddleboard, or kayak in the clear water.
- Rent a cabin or campsite and enjoy bonfires and starry skies.
- Hike short trails along the shoreline or into the woods.
- In winter, try snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
The lake has a classic “Northwoods” feel—tall trees, quiet coves, and that fresh, piney smell. It’s great for couples, families, or anyone needing a screen break.
Driving time from Spokane: Around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on where you stay on the lake.
5. Wallace, Idaho: Historic Mining Town Adventure (Shoshone County via Kootenai access)
While not in your list of counties,
Wallace is reached by heading through Kootenai County from Spokane, and many locals pair it with stops in Coeur d’Alene and Silverwood. Once a booming silver mining town, Wallace has leaned into its quirky, historic vibe.
Why it’s fun:
- Walk the old downtown, with brick buildings and vintage signs.
- Take a mine tour to learn about silver mining history.
- Ride the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail nearby (family-friendly, mostly downhill, with tunnels and trestles).
- Check out small museums and antique shops.
The whole town feels like a movie set. In fact, some movies have actually been filmed there.
Driving time from Spokane: About 1.5 hours.
6. Palouse Falls & The Palouse Scenic Drive (Lincoln & Whitman Counties, WA)
If you’re hoping for something that looks straight out of a travel magazine, the
Palouse region delivers. While Palouse Falls itself is in a neighboring county, you can explore the rolling hills of
Whitman County and
Lincoln County on the way.
Ideas for your day:
- Drive the Palouse Scenic Byways through waves of green and gold fields.
- Stop in small towns like Colfax or Pullman (home of Washington State University) for coffee or lunch.
- Head toward Palouse Falls State Park for views of the dramatic waterfall dropping into a rocky canyon.
- Bring a camera—sunrise and sunset can be incredible.
If you’ve never seen the Palouse before, the soft hills almost look like a giant patchwork quilt.
Driving time from Spokane:
- To Colfax (Whitman County): about 1–1.25 hours
- To Palouse Falls area: about 2–2.5 hours (plan for a full day)
7. Fort Spokane & Lake Roosevelt: History and Water Views (Lincoln County, WA)
Head west from Spokane into
Lincoln County and you’ll trade city streets for wide-open sky. One of the easiest day trips in this direction is
Fort Spokane and the shores of
Lake Roosevelt.
What you can do:
- Walk the grounds of Fort Spokane, a historic military post from the late 1800s.
- Learn about the area’s Native American and military history at the visitor center (hours vary by season).
- Enjoy picnicking, swimming, or fishing along Lake Roosevelt.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
The combination of open water, pine forest, and history makes this a nice change of pace from city life.
Driving time from Spokane: Around 1.25 hours.
8. Chewelah & 49° North Mountain Resort (Stevens County, WA)
If you love skiing or just want a mountain-town feel close to Spokane, head north into
Stevens County toward
Chewelah and
49° North Mountain Resort.
Winter highlights:
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding with a friendly local vibe.
- Tree runs, groomers, and beginner terrain for all skill levels.
- Cozy lodge time with hot chocolate after a day in the snow.
Summer & fall:
- Hiking and mountain biking on the slopes.
- Scenic chairlift rides on select weekends.
- Explore Chewelah’s small downtown for food and a relaxed pace.
If you’re looking for a less-crowded alternative to bigger resorts, this is a strong option.
Driving time from Spokane: About 1.25–1.5 hours.
9. Colville National Forest & Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Area (Stevens & Pend Oreille Counties, WA)
For a wilder road trip from Spokane, the forests to the north are packed with trails, campgrounds, and quiet scenic drives.
In Colville National Forest and the Little Pend Oreille Wildlife Area you can:
- Hike easy to moderate forest trails with creek crossings and viewpoints.
- Camp under dark skies, with excellent stargazing on clear nights.
- Look for deer, elk, and plenty of bird species.
- Drive gravel forest roads to truly unplug (check conditions before you go).
This area stretches across
Stevens County and into
Pend Oreille County, so you can choose how deep into the forest you want to go, based on time and comfort level.
Driving time from Spokane: Roughly 1.5–2 hours, depending on your exact destination.
10. Newport & the Pend Oreille River: Small-Town Riverside Chill (Pend Oreille County, WA)
North of Spokane, right on the Washington–Idaho border, lies
Newport, a quiet town on the
Pend Oreille River. It’s an easy, low-stress drive when you just want to slow down.
What to do near Newport:
- Walk along the riverfront and enjoy the views.
- Rent a kayak or bring your own to paddle the calm water.
- Explore nearby parks and boat launches for picnics or fishing.
- Take a scenic drive north along the river toward more remote spots.
Newport is one of those towns where you can simply sit with a cup of coffee, watch the water, and feel your shoulders drop an inch.
Driving time from Spokane: Around 1 hour.
Quick Tips for Road Trips from Spokane
- Check the seasons: Some activities (like Silverwood, chairlift rides, or certain visitor centers) are very seasonal.
- Watch the weather: Eastern Washington and North Idaho can see snow and ice in winter, and very hot days in late summer.
- Gas up early: Once you get into rural areas, gas stations can be far apart.
- Pack layers: Lakes, mountains, and open fields can all have different temperatures on the same day.
These
short trips from Spokane let you dip into lakes, forests, history, and small-town life without going far from the city.
Share Your Favorite Spokane-Area Road Trips
Have you explored any of these places near Spokane?
Did I miss a hidden gem in Benewah, Whitman, or Stevens County that you think deserves a shoutout?
I’d love to hear from you:
- Drop a comment with your favorite out-of-county day trip from Spokane.
- Share this post with friends and family who are planning a visit to Spokane or looking for weekend ideas.
The more we share our road trip experiences, the easier it is for others to discover new adventures just down the highway.
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