Spokane

Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis. Developed as an agricultural and timber processing center in the late 19th century, it has matured into a remarkable mid-sized city. The area along the Spokane River, once the location of rail yards and mills of various kinds, was transformed when the city hosted a World's Fair in 1974. It now provides a great place to visit, and this 2.6 mile route follows the north and south riverbank trails in a loop through the city. The route is level.

The walk begins at the entrance to Riverfront Park, along the Spokane River, at the Rotary Fountain at Spokane Falls Blvd and Howard Street. What was once a large railroad yard at the center of Spokane was transformed into the 1974 World's Fair site. The legacy of the fair is a 100-acre park encompassing both sides of the river and one island. This rotary fountain wasn't constructed until 2005. Beyond the fountain is the entrance to the main part of Riverfront Park, which hosts numerous special events. In October, 2015, when this photo was snapped, the special event was a Chinese Festival of Lanterns.

Go right from the Rotary Fountain. Straight ahead is the Looff Carousel. Originally built in 1909 and located on the west side of Spokane, it was moved to this site in 1967.


Continue along the Riverfront Trail under the Stevens Street overpass. Next on your right will be this gigantic Radio Flyer Red Wagon, placed here in 1989 and serving as a giant slide and play area.

Continue along the riverfront under another road overpass. On your right is the Spokane Performing Arts Center, which includes this interesting piece of sculpture.

The Performing Arts Center itself is a dazzling building along the riverfront, overlooking this pretty pond. Beyond the Performing Arts Center is the Convention Center - both facilities look like they can hold large events, perhaps larger than would be expected in a city the size of Spokane.

Continue along the riverfront trail. After you cross under busy Highway 2 the next stretch of trail becomes much quieter, as you pass between the river on your left and, after a couple of hotels and a residential development on your right. Eventually you will get to this pedestrian bridge, which you should take to cross to the north side of the Spokane River.

After crossing the bridge turn left and continue along the riverside path that follows the north side of the Spokane River. You are now at the edge of the Gonzaga University campus. This Jesuit school was established in 1887 and currently has 7,400 students. While the main campus is away from the river to the right, you will pass by the beautiful Jundt Art Museum and its accompanying sculpture garden. This attractive building opened in 1995.

Continue along the riverfront trail, which passes through a series of tranquil settings along the Spokane River. At a couple of places you can sit down and take in the peaceful and beautiful scenery.

Continue on the north side of the river under the busy Highway 2 bridge and into a more commercial portion of the riverfront, adjacent to several large hotels. Eventually you will get to a bridge that goes over onto the Riverfront Park site. While you won't go over this bridge, you should take a look at the falls and power plant along the river. Spokane was founded at this location because the Spokane River Falls provided an easy power source in the 19th century.

Continuing on the riverfront trail, you will pass several more motels. Soon on the right is the Spokane Arena. The facility was opened in 1995 and seats 12,000 for most sporting events and concerts.

At Howard Street, which now doesn't allow motor vehicles, turn left and cross the bridge over the Spokane River to Canada Island. Once on Canada Island take the pathway to the right. In the early 20th century the island was the site of a large laundry, and eventually became a freight yard. In 1974, as part of the World's Fair, the island was cleaned up and renamed as a symbol of national friendship between the U.S. and Canada. Walk through the peaceful center of the island to the totem pole and flags, and it is hard to imagine that this was once an industrial site! The building across the river is a historic flour mill, originally constructed in 1895.

The other feature of Canada Island is the spectacular view it provides of the Upper Falls of the Spokane River. After viewing the north side of the island (see above), turn left and follow the footbridge that leads from the south side of the island over to Riverfront Park. Here you'll see the south side falls.

On the other side of the footbridge you will see this attractive building on the left, which appears to be an old power station. Turn right to go around the building.

Before you get to Post Street take the trail fork to the left. The trail meanders back and forth over this waterway, which drains the water area on the south side of Riverfront Park. Eventually head left and back to your starting point at the entrance to Riverfront Park.