Spokane, the Lilac City, is the hub of the Inland Northwest. It is
the second largest city in Washington State and the largest city between Seattle and
Minneapolis and between Calgary and Salt Lake City. It is 18 miles west of the Idaho
Panhandle and 110 miles south of British Columbia, Canada. Approximately half a million people
live in the city and metropolitan area. Click for
Spokane Area Links
Before 1800, the area which is now Spokane was a favorite Spokane Indian fishing grounds.
The powerful falls on the Spokane River was the focus of their settlement. In 1872, the first
white settlement was established in Spokane. The City of Spokane Falls was incorporated on
November 29, 1881, and in 1891 renamed Spokane. Since its founding, Spokane has been the
economic and civic capital of the Inland Northwest.
Recreation
Spokane is home to the Spokane Chiefs Hockey Team, the Spokane Indians Baseball
Team, the Spokane Shock Arena Football team, the Spokane Polo Club, and the Spokane
Shadow Soccer Team. It has 7 major hospitals, 18 golf courses, 55 tennis courts, 8
public swimming pools, 28 athletic clubs, 40 handball/racquetball facilities, 12 bowling
alleys, and 4 skating rinks. Within a day's drive are 24 ski resorts, 5 of which are
within 100 miles. Within 50 miles are 76 lakes and 4 major rivers. This allows for the
best in fishing, water skiing, sailing, swimming, wind surfing, rafting, and other
water-related activities.
Every year in May, Spokane hosts Bloomsday, the world's largest,
timed road race. Over 60,000 runners, joggers, and walkers pass through the streets of
Spokane and along this scenic 12K course. May also brings the city's week-long Lilac
Festival which culminates with the famous Armed Forces/Torchlight Parade.
Parks
The city and county are proud of their many parks and public
buildings. Over 60 parks are maintained for all types of interests.
- Riverfront Park, in the center of the city, was the former site of
EXPO '74. It spans the Spokane River with over 53 acres of greenery, cascading waterfalls,
and amphitheaters. It is a center for entertainment and community activities and serves as
home for the historic Looff Carrousel.
- The Finch Arboretum has an extensive botanical and tree garden with
more than 2,000 labeled ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Manito Park, on the South Hill, is noted for its 18th century styled
Duncan gardens, Conservatory, Rose Gardens and Japanese Gardens.
- The Spokane County ORV Park has motocross, sand drags, go-kart track,
tractor pulls, and 4x4 pits.
- Riverside State Park has over 100 acres of scenic beauty, with 101
camp sites, horseback riding, and hiking trails.
- Along with all the other city and county parks, there are 12 national
parks within a day's drive.
In addition, citizens can enjoy the Ag-Trade Center, the
The Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture,
the Spokane Civic Theater, and the Spokane Opera House.
Spokane River
Spokane Falls Community College sits above the Spokane River. Just north of the college, the
river flows through neighboring Riverside State Park. Running through the park along the river
is the paved Centennial Trail which is 12 feet wide and runs for 39 miles. Closed to motorized
traffic, it is reserved for runners, walkers, and bicyclists. There is a special parallel path
for horses along parts of the trail. It begins at the confluence of the Spokane and Little
Spokane Rivers. It follows the Spokane River through the City of Spokane east to the
Washington/Idaho border where it meets the 23-mile North Idaho Centennial Trail. Along its
route the trail passes four institutions of higher education: Spokane Falls Community
College, Gonzaga University, Spokane Community College, and the Spokane Intercollegiate
Research and Technology Institute.
Demographics
The topography of the area around Spokane varies from rolling wheat
fields to snowcapped mountains, from lush forests to deserts, and from pristine lakes to
raging rivers. Spokane has more than 170 days of sunshine each year. Its annual
precipitation is 16.71 inches and annual snowfall is 51.6 inches. The humidity ranges from
77 percent in January to 28 percent in August. The average temperature ranges from 25.6 F
in January to 69.7 F in July. The mean wind speed is 8.8 mph. Spokane is a
four-season region; with each season contributing an opportunity to enjoy outdoor life.
Spokane Area Links
Check out these links for more information about Spokane and the surrounding area.
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