10 Easy Road Trips From Spokane Valley, WA: Iconic Things To Do Just Beyond The County Line

If you live in or near Spokane Valley, Washington, you probably know the local parks and coffee shops by heart. But what about all the fun just outside Spokane County? Within about a 30–90 minute drive, you can hike by mountain lakes, wander tiny farm towns, soak in lake views, and even explore old mining history. These quick out-of-county road trips are perfect for weekend adventures, date days, or last‑minute “let’s just go somewhere” drives. Below are 10 short road trips from Spokane Valley into nearby counties in Washington and Idaho:

Benewah County, ID
Bonner County, ID
Kootenai County, ID
Lincoln County, WA
Pend Oreille County, WA
Stevens County, WA
Whitman County, WA

Each trip is outside Spokane County, but still close enough for a relaxed day or easy overnighter.

1. Cruise To Coeur d’Alene, ID – Lake Views & Waterfront Strolls (Kootenai County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. County: Kootenai County, Idaho is probably the most popular quick escape from Spokane Valley, and for good reason. The town wraps around a sparkling lake and has a friendly, walkable downtown. Things to do:

Walk the lakeside boardwalk at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Marina.
Stroll Sherman Avenue for local shops, art galleries, and ice cream.
Hike Tubbs Hill for easy lake views and short trails.
Take a lake cruise, especially pretty around sunset.

If you only have one free afternoon and want a sure win, Coeur d’Alene is hard to beat. It’s close, but it feels like a mini vacation.

2. Harrison, ID & The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (Benewah County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1–1.5 hours County: Benewah County, Idaho Looking for a quieter, small‑town vibe on the lake? Head down the southeast shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene to the tiny town of Harrison. It’s a laid‑back stop that’s perfect for biking and relaxing by the water. Things to do:

Bike or walk the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, one of Idaho’s most scenic paved trails.
Grab a burger or ice cream in town and sit by the marina.
Rent bikes or e‑bikes in the summer.
Swim or picnic at the waterfront park when it’s warm.

On a personal note, this is one of those places where time slows down. You’ll see families riding bikes, couples sitting on benches, and kids skipping rocks. It feels worlds away even though it’s only a short drive.

3. Sandpoint, ID & Lake Pend Oreille (Bonner County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1.5 hours County: Bonner County, Idaho If you enjoy cozy mountain towns, artisan shops, and big‑water views, Sandpoint makes an excellent day trip. It sits on the edge of Lake Pend Oreille, which is over 1,100 feet deep and surrounded by forested hills. Things to do:

Walk the Sandpoint City Beach and watch the boats and trains pass by.
Explore downtown shops, cafés, and local breweries.
Drive up toward Schweitzer (even if you don’t ski) for mountain views.
In summer, rent a kayak or paddleboard on the lake.

If you’re wondering where to go for a full‑day outing that still feels relaxed, Sandpoint is a solid choice.

4. Wallace, ID – Historic Mining Town in the Mountains (Shoshone County via Kootenai County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1–1.25 hours Main access drive: I‑90 east through Kootenai County; lies in Shoshone County but is a popular extension of a Coeur d’Alene area drive. If you like history, old brick buildings, and quirky attractions, you’ll love a drive to Wallace. While it’s just beyond the counties in our formal list, the route runs right through Kootenai County and makes for an iconic regional road trip from Spokane Valley. Things to do:

Wander the historic downtown and check out the old architecture.
Visit one of the mining museums to learn about silver mining.
Ride a bike on the Route of the Hiawatha (seasonal, nearby) or explore local trails.
Grab lunch in a classic old‑west style bar or café.

The town has a fun claim to fame as “the Center of the Universe,” with a painted marker right in an intersection. It’s touristy in the best way—charming, simple, and photogenic.

5. Steptoe Butte State Park – Sweeping Views of the Palouse (Whitman County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1.5 hours County: Whitman County, Washington If you’ve ever seen photos of rolling green hills that look like waves, there’s a good chance it was the Palouse. One of the best places to view it is Steptoe Butte State Park. Things to do:

Drive the spiraling road to the top of Steptoe Butte.
Stop at turnouts for panoramic views and photos.
Bring a picnic and enjoy sunrise or sunset if you’re up for a longer outing.

In late spring and early summer, the fields turn bright green. Later in the year, they shift to golden brown. Either way, it’s a stunning sight and an easy road trip from Spokane Valley. Just remember you’ll need a Washington Discover Pass to park.

6. Pullman, WA – College Town Energy & Scenic Farm Country (Whitman County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1.5–2 hours County: Whitman County, Washington , home of Washington State University, has that classic college‑town feel: sports, coffee shops, and a lot of energy. The drive down through the Palouse is half the fun. Things to do:

Walk around the WSU campus and visit the bears at the Bear Center (check hours).
Visit the creamery on campus for famous Cougar Gold cheese.
Explore local parks and trails along the river.
Catch a game in season or just enjoy the downtown food scene.

This is a great trip if you want a mix of small‑city activity and countryside views along the way.

7. Lake Roosevelt & Fort Spokane Area (Lincoln County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1–1.5 hours County: Lincoln County, Washington To the west of Spokane Valley, the land opens up into big skies, wheat fields, and deep river valleys. One of the most scenic stretches is around Lake Roosevelt near the historic Fort Spokane area. Things to do:

Stop at viewpoints along the lake for photos.
Swim, boat, or fish in summer (check local ramps and beaches).
Walk the historic grounds at Fort Spokane and learn about its past.
Bring a picnic and enjoy the quieter, more remote feel.

If you like open roads with very little traffic and wide views, Lincoln County has that “middle‑of‑nowhere in the best way” feeling.

8. Chewelah & 49° North Area – Small Town & Mountain Forests (Stevens County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1–1.25 hours County: Stevens County, Washington Head north from Spokane Valley and you’ll reach Chewelah, a friendly town surrounded by forests and rolling hills. It’s also the gateway to 49° North Mountain Resort. Things to do:

Walk downtown Chewelah and check out local shops and cafés.
In winter, ski or snowboard at 49° North.
In summer and fall, hike or mountain bike nearby trails.
Enjoy a scenic drive through forested backroads.

If you’re craving mountains but want to avoid crowds, this is a nice alternative to bigger, busier resort towns.

9. Colville & Colville National Forest (Stevens County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1.5–2 hours County: Stevens County, Washington Keep heading north and you’ll reach Colville, a small city surrounded by the Colville National Forest. It’s a good base if you like outdoor exploring but still want a grocery store and a place to grab dinner. Things to do:

Stroll Colville’s downtown for small shops and local eats.
Drive into Colville National Forest for hiking and forest roads.
Look for campgrounds and picnic areas along creeks and lakes.
In fall, enjoy the changing colors and quieter trails.

This area feels a bit more rugged and less polished than some tourist spots, which is exactly what many people love about it.

10. Newport & The Pend Oreille River Scenic Drive (Pend Oreille County)

Distance from Spokane Valley: about 1–1.25 hours County: Pend Oreille County, Washington To the north and a bit east, Newport sits on the Washington–Idaho border along the Pend Oreille River. It’s a low‑key, peaceful place with plenty of water and forest nearby. Things to do:

Walk around town and along the riverfront.
Drive the scenic highway along the Pend Oreille River for beautiful views.
Stop at parks and boat launches for picnics or photos.
Explore nearby campgrounds and short trails.

If you’re looking for a simple day: gas up the car, grab some snacks, and just follow the river north. It’s the kind of drive where you roll the windows down and don’t rush.

Tips For Easy Road Trips From Spokane Valley

To make these Spokane Valley day trips even smoother:

Check drive times: Most of these are 30–90 minutes from Spokane Valley.
Watch the weather: Mountain and lake areas can change quickly, especially in winter.
Bring layers: Even in summer, evenings near lakes and rivers can feel cool.
Fuel up first: Some rural areas have long stretches without gas stations.
Know your passes: Washington state parks often require a Discover Pass; some Idaho areas have their own fees.

Ready To Hit The Road From Spokane Valley?

You don’t have to go far from Spokane Valley to feel like you’ve escaped. Whether you want lake towns like Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, wide‑open farm views near Steptoe Butte, or quiet forests around Colville and Newport, there’s a quick road trip for just about every mood. Which of these 10 out‑of‑county road trips are you planning to try first?

Have you taken any of these drives from Spokane Valley?
Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Benewah, Bonner, Kootenai, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, or Whitman County?

Share your tips and stories in the comments—your experience might help someone else plan their next getaway. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in or near Spokane Valley. A simple share can spark someone’s next great road trip.

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10 Best Short Road Trips From Spokane Valley, Washington