SpokaneOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Indigenous Homeland to Industrial Hub

Spokane's history begins with the Spokane Tribe of Native Americans, whose name translates to "Children of the Sun." For thousands of years, the Spokane people lived along the Spokane River, using the salmon and hunting grounds of what is now Eastern Washington and parts of Idaho and Montana. Their lifestyle centered around the river, with winter residences along its banks and seasonal moves for hunting and gathering.

The first European presence arrived in 1810 when the British-Canadian North West Company established Spokane House, a fur trading post at the confluence of the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. This was the first long-term non-Indian settlement in what would become Washington state. American settlers, J.J. Downing and S.R. Scranton, built a cabin and sawmill near Spokane Falls in 1871, recognizing the hydropower potential. James N. Glover purchased their claims in 1873, planning a town built around the falls. The settlement was initially known as Spokan Falls, incorporating as a city in 1881.

The Railroad Era and the Great Fire

The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1881, and its transcontinental link in 1883, made Spokane a commercial center for the Inland Northwest. The city became a hub for transporting goods and people. However, a fire in 1889 destroyed 32 blocks of downtown Spokane. Spokane rebuilt, experiencing another construction period at the turn of the 20th century. In 1891, "Falls" was dropped from the city's name, officially becoming Spokane.

The 20th century saw Spokane continue to grow, though its economy faced challenges with declining prices in silver, timber, and farm products into the 1990s. In 1974, Spokane hosted Expo '74, the first environmentally themed World's Fair. This event revitalized the downtown area, converting former railyards into Riverfront Park, which remains today.

• —Spokane Pavilion — This structure, a remnant of Expo '74, has a cable-net canopy and hosts concerts and events. Its open design allows for views of the Spokane River and surrounding park.
• —Clock Tower — This tower in Riverfront Park is the last remaining piece of the Great Northern Railroad Depot, which once occupied Havermale Island.
• —Looff Carrousel Building — This building houses a restored 1909 Charles I.D. Looff carousel, offering rides on hand-carved animals, many of which are original.
• —Garbage Goat, Riverfront Park — This goat-shaped metal sculpture is a piece of public art that vacuums up small pieces of trash.
• —Upper Spokane Falls Viewpoint — This point provides views of the Spokane Falls, showing the natural feature central to the city's founding. The falls are particularly strong in spring due to snowmelt.
• —Canada Island — Accessible via pedestrian bridges, this island in the Spokane River offers walking paths and green space with views of the falls and city skyline.
• —Childhood Express (Red Wagon) — A large red wagon sculpture in Riverfront Park, large enough to climb on, serves as a photo opportunity.
• —Expo '74 Commemorative Plaza — This area within Riverfront Park commemorates Spokane's hosting of the 1974 World's Fair, highlighting the fair's environmental theme and its impact on the city's urban landscape.

The best time to visit Spokane for outdoor activities is from early July to late August. During these summer months, temperatures average highs in the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) with low humidity and clear skies. Rain is minimal, with one or two wet days per month. Spring, particularly May, is also an option when the Spokane Falls are strong due to snowmelt, and the weather is mild.

Avoid visiting in winter, from November to February, if you prefer to avoid cold and snow. December is the coldest month, with average lows around 27°F (-3°C) and the highest snowfall. Skies are cloudiest in January.

Spokane International Airport (GEG) is the main airport, located about 7 miles west of downtown. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit (Spokane Transit Authority, STA) are available for transfers. Amtrak also serves Spokane, with the station downtown.

Downtown Spokane is walkable, especially Riverfront Park and its attractions. Many areas are connected by pedestrian paths like the Howard Street Promenade, which is part of the Centennial Trail. For longer distances, the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) operates bus services. Parking garages and metered street parking are available downtown. Check parking signs for time limits and rates. Spokane does not have widespread siesta customs or significant Monday closures; most businesses operate on standard schedules.