Explore the Inland Northwest Parks

This is the first installment in a new series on parks in the Inland Northwest. From Spokane’s Riverfront Park to Kootenai Falls in Montana, there is something for everyone within a day drive. We are lucky to live in an area full of National Forests, and a wide variety of city, county, and state parks.

Riverfront Park is located in the heart of downtown Spokane, and was historically a gathering and fishing place for the Spokane Tribe along with other local tribes. In the 1880’s, pioneers and the railroad began moving in to establish the town on Spokan Falls. However, in 1891 they settled on the name Spokane. In 1974, Spokane became the smallest city ever to host a World’s Fair. Consequently, following the World’s Fair, President Carter dedicated Riverfront Park. Check out the abundance of things to see and do while visiting with your family.

Looff Carrousel at Riverfront Park

Certainly, the 1909 Looff Carrousel is one of the biggest draws in Riverfront Park. Looff Carrousel’s are famous for their beautifully carved wooden animals, and the brass rings you can toss as you ride. Originally at Natatorium Park, Charles Looff built the carrousel as a wedding present for his daughter Emma. However, in 1975, the carrousel was moved to Riverfront Park, and was placed on the National Registrar of Historic Places.

Riverfront Park: Spokane River and Falls

The Spokane River and Spokane Falls are a major part of Riverfront Park. The upper and lower falls combined are approximately 146 feet high. For those that enjoy a view from up above, the Sky Ride gondola allows you to take a birds eye view to the falls. Other enjoy walking and taking in the scenes from the Monroe and Post Street Bridges and the trails throughout the park. Often people are sitting watching the fish, crawfish, ducks and geese that call the river home.

Pavilion

The renovated Pavilion reopened in September 2019. No matter if it’s day or night this is a must see on any trip to Spokane. At night, the Pavilion lights up in a variety of colors. On Valentine’s Day 2021, this alternated from blue and green to a rainbow. During the summer, it is also a gathering place to listen to concerts, or sit and watch the world go by. Take some time to wander up the walk ways and look out over downtown Spokane and the Spokane River. In addition, join Spokane Labor Day weekend for Pig Out in the Park. This is Spokane’s premier food truck event, and includes many of the amazing restaurants in the area, along with local vendors and live music.

Riverfront Park is one of my personal favorite urban locations for family photography, and wandering around. To book a session, or for more information, contact me.

This information was gathered from spokanecity.org, spokanetribe.com, and historicspokane.com.