Springtime Activities in and Around Spokane
Hiya Hi-5 kids (and parents)!
Hi 5 Orthodontics here, coming at you with THE BEST SPRINGTIME ACTIVITIES IN SPOKANE!
There are seriously so many fun and wonderful Springtime activities to get involved in around the city and outskirts of Spokane. Where do we even start?!
Sunshine and getting outside for some physical activity is so important to your overall health and wellness, so get out, have fun and ring in the Spring in all the following ways!
VISIT LOCAL SPOKANE PARKS:
Manito Park:
Manito Park is one of Spokane’s most manicured and iconic places to spend an afternoon. This park encompasses of five different and unique garden areas. There’s the Japanese Garden, Duncan Garden, Rose Hill, Lilac Garden and Ferris Perennial Garden to check out during your time at the park. Manito Park is nationally recognized and even has a walking-tour brochure to help you locate all your favorite spots.
Manito Park spans over 78 acres of native Spokane landscape and 20 acres carefully cultivated world-class gardens. The park features the Mirror Pond, where you can watch the ducks and water fowl; Loop Drive offering spectacular views of the Rose Garden; and two playgrounds in the upper and lower areas for children to participate in active games. In the center of the park, lies the Gaiser Conservatory, where displays of flowers and foliage are constantly changing.
This park is only minutes from downtown, located in South Hill. Manito is known for its roomy meadows, playgrounds, walking paths, bike-ability, flowers, shrubs, water-features, greenhouse conservatory, cafe, driving loops, and charming gardens. What an oasis for little ones and old ones alike!
Riverfront Park:
The Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane is home to one of the top urban parks! Built for the World Expo of 1974, it’s a spectacular sight to tour around. Conveniently, it’s right in your city! Riverfront Park is extremely Special as Spokane is one of very few cities who have actually hosted a World Expo!
There are a multitude of areas to explore while at Riverfront Park. With so many sights and attractions, time spent in this park can be new and interesting every time you visit. Here, you’ll come across many beautiful handmade art-sculptures, public fine-art pieces, statues, foot-bridges, and wonderful views of Spokane’s waterfalls, wildlife, cultural activities, markets and concerts.
If you head to Riverfront Park on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening, be sure to catch the light-show at the U.S. Pavilion. This EPIC light-show takes place from sunset to 10:00pm all year long.
Credit: Spokane Parks and Recreation
TAKE A HIKE NEAR SPOKANE:
Bowl and Pitcher hike at Riverside State Park:
The Bowl and Pitcher Hiking Area provides a postcard-view of Spokane’s river. The hiking trail is easy to get to from the main parking area. Immediately, you’ll encounter a sweet-looking suspension bridge where you can walk across the water. From the bridge, you can watch the river flow below and look out at the immense basalt rock formations that line the riverbanks.
Cross the suspension bridge and climb the unique set of stairs that are built into the hillside. You can head left or right at the top to admire the valley views on either side.
Peep Riverside State Park site here:
https://parks.state.wa.us/573/Riverside Liberty Lake Loop hike at Liberty Lake Regional Park:
Near the border of Idaho, this hiking trail goes in a loop, beginning and ending adjacent the shore of Liberty Lake. This loop-hike winds back and forth over 8-miles of beautiful and diverse forest environments.
The initial 2.5 miles are easily graded and well-maintained, with a wide and flat path leading you all the way to Cedar Grove Conservation Area. This part of the trail is wide enough to even take someone along for a stroller ride.
Once reaching Cedar Grove, it’s a good turn-around spot, or if you’re able to make it up a steeper path with quick changes in elevation, you can make your way all the way up to Liberty Creek Falls. The falls are the fullest and best for viewing in springtime.
Find more information on the Liberty Lake Loop here:
https://bit.ly/38T7FKN Rocks of Sharon at Iller Creek Conservation
This hike is located in the Dishman Hills Conservation Area. Iller Creek is a wooded retreat that’s tucked perfectly away from the surrounding neighborhoods. At southeast side, there are two trailheads that will give you access to this hiking area. The most iconic lookout is at “Big Rock,” also named Rocks of Sharon. Here you will find extensive views of the Palouse. A 5-mile loop trail circles the Iller Creek Conservation Area.
Rocks of Sharon is beautiful viewpoint, and also a popular climbing spot for those of you that enjoy rock-climbing. This destination hosts a 250-foot rock face with a variety of varying levels of climbing routes. Iller Creek is the most popular hiking trail, though Stevens Creek Trailhead will get you to the Rocks of Sharon for a viewpoint faster.
Iller Creek Conservation Area official site here:
http://www.dishmanhills.org/ 
Bowl & Pitcher
RIDE A BIKE ON SPOKANE RIVER CENTENNIAL TRAIL:
The Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail runs over 40-miles from Nine Mile Recreation Area all the way to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Along the trail, you’ll pass through multiple climates like a high desert, Ponderosa pine forest, basalt canyons, cultural heritage sites and urban centers.
Whether you’re a hiker, biker, rollerblade-er or a skater, you can have a fun adventure on this lengthy trail. Parts of the Riverside State Park are even horse-friendly!
There are more than 40 historical-sites marked on the trail, so you can make this outdoor activity an educational one! You can see what remains of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp and the Great Northern Railroad clock tower, Deep Creek Canyon fossil beds and more.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to take on the trail all at once! There are several access points from the highway that will allow you to break it up into pieces.
Centennial Trail Spokane - Credit: Seattle Times
SPRING IN SPOKANE CONCLUSION:
How many of these activities can you check off your Spring to-do list? Did we miss any awesome and exciting springtime activity recommendations? Let us know your springtime must-do’s and maybe we’ll add them to our list!
Get outside, soak up the sun, see the new flowers budding, breathe the crisp air, take a peek at wildlife, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Oh… AND… Don’t forget to floss! 😉
From all of us at Hi 5 Orthodontics, have a happy Spring!!
-Hi 5 Ortho Team
