Spokane

Spokane is a city in eastern Washington that spreads along the Spokane River next to the Selkirk Mountains, encompassing numerous urban parks and natural spaces. The city covers a sprawling area with wooded hills, riverside walkways, and several neighborhoods connected by bridges and main roads.

James N. Glover founded the settlement in 1873 as Spokane Falls, and after the Great Fire of 1889 the city was rebuilt largely with brick and stone. This transformation turned a frontier town into a regional trade center for the Pacific Northwest.

The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture preserves regional finds, while the Martin Woldson Theater showcases performances in an Art Deco building from 1931. Local craft markets and regional festivals take place regularly in the parks along the river, where residents share their traditions.

The Centennial Trail stretches roughly 64 kilometers from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho border, offering opportunities for cycling, walking, and other outdoor activities. The path runs mostly flat along the river and is easily accessible for most visitors.

The SteamPlant, once an industrial facility, now serves as a restaurant and brewery while keeping its original architectural elements intact. Visitors can dine among the old boilers and pipes that recall the industrial past of the area.

Location: Spokane County

Inception: 1871

Founders: James N. Glover

Elevation above the sea: 562 m

Website: http://spokanecity.org

GPS coordinates: 47.65719,-117.42350

Latest update: December 2, 2025 22:15