Spokane, Washington?

You ever considered Bend , Oregon? Sounds right up your alley and would check pretty much all of those boxes. You could fly into Redmond or even Portland (cheaper prob) if you wanted a nice little scenic drive (3ish hours) through Mt Hood National Forest.

If you do end up in Spokane you should def consider the drive over to Couer D’ Alene , Idaho also.

quote:

---

No waterfalls to speak of.

---

Palouse Falls is amazing but 100 miles away. That might be too far for a roadtrip to see a waterfall even one as photogenic as Palouse.

From what I've heard Spokane is pretty gritty and some parts are unsafe so be careful which hotel you pick. Still nice part of the country if you want to drive around and Coer d'Alene next door is really nice.

Look into Bellingham and Burlington also. Reasonably priced and easy to get there from SEA-TEC and there's more to do as far as outdoorsy stuff.

Like others have mentioned, I've heard that Spokane can be pretty sketchy.

If you decide to go to Bend, there are plenty of breweries, waterfalls, and dispensaries here.

can't speak on Spokane but there's a ton of great outdoor options not far out of seattle. to the east is the Cascade mountain range and to the west is Olympic NP and the coast.

quote:

---

Anybody have experiences good or bad with Spokane? To put it briefly, I'm looking into a possible solo trip up in that Northwest USA region, and reasonably priced is a plus.

---

I like Spokane. It’s not that sketchy, as others have mentioned above. There are sketchy areas (pretty much one large continuous blob) north of downtown and around the railroad and industrial areas. There are no dangerous areas, unless you are car parked in the wrong spot. Downtown, university area, South Hill, and far north parts of town are fine.

The main tourist area is centered around the waterfalls and Riverfront Park In downtown. Most of the hotels are here too. If you can afford it, any of the three Davenport Hotels are great. Plenty of breweries in the area too. My favorite, No-Li, is about a mile of east of downtown near Gonzaga University. A bike/walk path along the river will take you right there.

Riverside State Park is a great spot to visit on a nice day, especially the “bowl and pitcher” area. I’d also try to visit Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. I prefer Sandpoint to CdA. Better lake, smaller town.


As others mentioned, there are a few spots in the NW that are probably better places to visit. Bend would be my #1, but can be pricey. Downtown, the river, Pilot Butte, and the breweries are all great. You will also need to venture outside of town as well. Newberry Crater National Monument is a must visit. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a scenic drive that loops you into the Sunriver Resort area. Even Crater Lake is doable from Bend as well, but you will need to get cracking early and invest an entire day.

There’s no way Spokane is anywhere near as “sketchy” as say Baton Rouge.

As others have mentioned, the greater Puget Sound area is wonderful. I like to bounce between islands on the ferries, which are maybe $20/head (plus car charge) and an hour ride.



But if you're set on Spokane, I like that area as well. I don't see the sketchiness any more than your average medium town like Baton Rouge, Sacramento, Rochester, etc... use your head. I enjoy nine mile falls park about 30 minutes north of town, there are definitely more waterfalls.



There is also a wildlife area 45 minutes past the airport to the southwest, very quiet.


Finally the Idaho towns nearby - Sandpoint and Couer D'Alene - are very nice, lots of vacation homes and good golf courses.

I would go back for sure.

Good responses and tips to my original post, thanks my dudes

If set on going to Spokane either drive to Coeur D'Alene or Sandpoint. Priest Lake is very nice. I've spent a weekend in Coeur D'Alene alone and had a great time.

If willing to go a little further west fly into Portland and try Hood River and Cannon Beach. The drive along the CRG is amazing. You could also fly into Seattle and check out the San Juan Islands

quote:

---

I've heard that Spokane can be pretty sketchy.

---

You've heard?

You don't know what you're talking about but keep spreading that rumor.