Articles Tagged "parks and recreation"

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Riverfront Park this December? Our real estate agents have you covered. Many Spokane homes for sale put you within minutes of this bustling hub of the city's social scene. There's always something new to see and do, especially around the holidays. And the surroundings are truly beautiful!

Let's take a look at some December Riverfront Park events you won't want to miss:

• Riverfront Market – 574 West North Howard Street, Spokane, WA 99201
  Found at the Spokane Pavilion on Wednesdays, including December 14 and December 21, Riverfront Market is one of the most popular events around Riverfront Park. With an eclectic assortment of all kinds of local vendors, live musical performances, and delicious food, it's a lovely way to spend a day. What a perfect opportunity to wrap up your holiday shopping with gifts you can't find elsewhere!
  
  
• Skate for a Cause – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Taking place at the Numerica Skate Ribbon, a popular Spokane ice skating rink in Riverfront Park, this year's ultimate Skate for a Cause held on December 14 will benefit the Spokane Parks Foundation. Guests will strap on their skates for an amazing time between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with all ages welcome. Whether you're new to the ice or a pro, you'll find a friendly environment with rental skates available.
  
  
• DJ Night on the Ice – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Also at the Numerica Skate Ribbon is this popular Friday night event: It runs at 6 p.m. December 16, 23, 30, and on New Year's Eve. One-hour admission for adults is $9.95, while kids 3-12 pay $6.95. Children aged 2 and under attend free. Skate rental is $6.95 for all, while helmets are available at no charge. There'll be themed costumes, lights, contests, and more, so don't skip DJ Night on the Ice!
  
  
• Learn to Skate Group Lessons – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Once again, the Numerica Skate Ribbon is where it's at for Learn to Skate Group Lessons. Ever wanted to learn how to skate but felt a little bit intimidated? The experienced coaches from Lake City Figure Skating are here to help. All ages are welcome, and lessons will continue from December 17 into the new year. Be sure to pre-register on the website, and note that other locations are also available.
  
  
• Coaches Corner – 720 West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA 99201
  Need something a little bit more informal than the Learn to Skate Group Lessons? Stop by the Numerica Skate Ribbon on December 17 for the very last Coaches Corner of the year. At Coaches Corner, the staff of Lake City Figure Skating will individually coach emerging skaters. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids aged 2 through 18 can swing by for pointers. Standard admission and ice skate rental fees apply.

Contact us to discover more of all that Spokane, WA, has in store for you.

Think Spokane area ski resorts are only fun in the winter? Think again!

Thanks to the region's dry, clear, and warm climate during the summer months, mountain resorts around Spokane homes for sale still offer a wealth of outdoor activities. When our real estate agents need fresh air and sunshine, they head to these great nearby resorts for summer fun.

• Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Resort - 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead, WA 99021
  With more than 1,700 acres and 52 runs, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Resort is a winter wonderland, but the fun doesn't stop when the weather heats up. Visitors to this resort near Mead homes for sale trade skis and snowboards for mountain bikes at the resort's summer camps. Sessions include beginning and all-levels skills camps for ages 7-15 and advanced skills camps for ages 10-17. If you're looking for variety, there's a mountain adventure camp for ages 5-14 that includes climbing, hiking, and crafts. Biking enthusiasts of all ages can ride the numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Visit the website for more information, including schedule and pricing.
  
  
• 49°N Mountain Resort - 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah, WA 99109
  Want to beat the summer heat around Chewelah homes for sale? Enjoy the cool mountain air of Chewelah Peak at 49°N Mountain Resort, where temperatures are usually at least 10 degrees lower than the valley below. Service roads in the West, Central, and East Basins are open to the public for hiking and mountain biking, while hikers can also use the cross-country trails and downhill runs. For those who prefer more leisurely activities, Chewelah Peak is a prime spot for picking huckleberries. Visitors are allowed to pick up to three gallons of huckleberries per day for non-commercial use.
  
  
• Silver Mountain Resort - 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, ID 83837
  The action never slows down at Silver Mountain Resort, just minutes from Kellogg homes for sale. Bikers can take a casual two-mile trip along the Trail of the Hiawatha or explore the scenic wonders along the 72-mile riverside Trail of the Coeur D'alenes. The resort also features a spectacular mountainside bike park, accessible by North America's longest gondola ride. There's fun for the whole family at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, where you can hang 10 in the wave pool, ride a raft in the Moose Sluice, or just float along the North Fork Lazy River. Plan a unique date night with Ride & Dine, where the gondola trip ends with dinner at the Mountain House.
  
  
• Schweitzer - 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, ID 83864
  Adrenaline junkies get their fill of thrills at Schweitzer, a popular mountain resort conveniently close to Sandpoint homes for sale. Soar above the ground along the 700-foot zipline, catch some air on the trampoline, or ride the Great Escape Quad chairlift to the mountain top for panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and wildlife sightings. Once you're there, have a lively game of disc golf followed by lunch at the Sky House. Take a two-hour hosted electric bike tour where guides provide fascinating information about the flora and fauna encountered along the way. 

Learn more about what makes Spokane such a special place to live when you contact us at Coldwell Banker Tomlinson.

Our real estate agents are always excited to welcome spring back to the Spokane area. This season offers a chance to reconnect with nature and to be reminded of all the amazing green spaces our city has to offer. 

This spring, we recommend taking that appreciation a step further by exploring some of Spokane's most amazing gardens. With spring flowers blooming, there's no better time to experience these spectacular Spokane gardens. 

• Lilac Garden - W Shoshone Pl, Spokane, WA 99203
  Spokane has been nicknamed the Lilac City, and it's not hard to see why. The Lilac Garden in Manito Park contains over 100 cultivars from at least 23 unique species of lilac trees and bushes. The best time to see them in full bloom is from late May into early June, and the annual Lilac Festival has been a fixture of Spokane's spring calendar since the 1930s. 

• Duncan Garden - S Park Dr, Spokane, WA 99203
  One of several gardens that are located with the city's beautiful 90-acre Manito Park, Duncan Garden is unique among Spokane's public gardens. It's a classic Renaissance garden with three acres of manicured lawns adorned with sculpted shrubs and vast beds of flowering annuals. This garden is best explored at a slow pace from spring into early summer. Duncan Garden is also a popular wedding venue, located just minutes from these Spokane homes for sale.
  
  
• Rose Hill Garden - Rose Garden Path, Spokane, WA 99203
  Often ranked among the best rose gardens in the nation, Rose Hill Garden is another splendid component of Manito Park. The rose garden was established in 1938 and has grown to include more than 150 rose varieties in a dazzling spectrum of colors. Rose Hill Garden is a great picnic spot and features a collection of old-fashioned roses and miniature roses along with grandiflora, floribunda, and hybrid tea roses.
  
  
• Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden - 2025 S Bernard St, Spokane, WA 99203
  There may be no better place in Spokane to feel the balance, tranquility, and beauty of nature come together. Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden was built between 1970 and 1974 to symbolize the friendship between Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. Two Japanese architects, Shosuke Nagai and Hirohiko Kawai designed and oversaw the construction of the garden, which remains a magnificent symbol of peace and harmony. 
  
  
• Gaiser Conservatory - 4 W 21st Ave, Spokane, WA 99203
  Located in Gaiser Park just east of Rose Hill, the Gaiser Conservatory features a series of greenhouses in which plants from temperate, sub-tropical, and tropical regions from around the world are grown. The greenhouses are open every day of the week except Wednesdays, and visitors can experience a wide range of different plants in bloom, depending on the season. The Geiser Conservatory also hosts a brilliant holiday lights display every winter.
  
  
• Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens - 525 W 7th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204
  The Victorian-influenced design of Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens is unique in Spokane. These gardens, which span an incredible 120 acres, were originally constructed between 1889 and 1932 under the supervision of Frank Rockwood Moore on the grounds of what was then his own private home. Later purchased by the city and opened to the public, this historic property includes a pond, tea house, rose garden, and perennial garden. Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Spokane. When you're ready to start looking for your dream home in Spokane and the surrounding areas, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Some parts of Washington never really get enough ice to make ice fishing possible. But here in the Spokane area, our cold winters are a blessing in disguise. Local anglers look forward to ice fishing all year. 

Our real estate agents look forward to it too. If you happen to be in the Spokane area and are looking for a place to drop a line, be sure to check out these great local ice fishing spots. 

• Silver Lake - Medical Lake, WA 99022
  Silver Lake is the closest reliable ice fishing lake to Spokane, located just outside the town of Medical Lake and less than 30 minutes from these Spokane homes for sale. The lake spans a little over 400 acres and has abundant populations of panfish and bass. Safe ice forms most years, and many anglers come here to jig for perch through the ice. Access is available at the Silver Lake Public Boat Launch at the northern end of the lake which is close to many Medical Lake homes for sale. 
  
  
• Eloika Lake - Elk, WA 99009
  About 25 miles north of Spokane and a short drive from Elk homes for sale, Eloika Lake is a great place to fish in any season. Yellow perch and black crappie are the most common catches through the ice, and the lake is also known for producing some of the biggest largemouth bass in the region, occasionally weighing 5 pounds or more. You can get out on the ice from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) access site south of Grey's Landing. 
  
  
• Hog Canyon Lake - Sprague, WA 99032
  Hog Canyon Lake holds a special place in the hearts of Spokane's ice fishermen. This small, 48-acre lake in Sprague is managed specifically as a winter fishery. Rainbow trout have been stocked in the lake for many years, and the fishing season begins the Friday after Thanksgiving. The WDFW operates a shore access site at the southern tip of the Hog Canyon Lake, just a short drive from Sprague homes for sale.
  
  
• Newman Lake - Newman Lake, WA 99025
  One of the largest lakes in the Spokane area, Newman Lake is a 1,099-acre body of water near the Idaho border, less than 20 miles from Spokane. Anglers near Newman Lake homes for sale most commonly catch bluegill, crappie, and perch through the ice, though the lake also offers up bass, muskellunge, and the occasional brook trout. Much of the shoreline of Newman Lake is privately owned, but there's an access site and boat ramp just off NE Newman Lake Drive, toward the southeast end of the lake. 
  
  
• Fourth of July Lake - Sprague, WA 99032
  One of the best winter-only fishing lakes in eastern Washington, Fourth of July Lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. Trout over 20 inches are often caught here, and the fishing season begins every November on Black Friday, much like Hog Canyon Lake. Safe ice is not guaranteed, but fly-fishing is also productive early and late in the winter when open water permits. Fourth of July Lake is about 45 minutes southwest of Spokane, and much of the shoreline is accessible. 
  
  
• Sprague Lake - Sprague, WA 99032
  Sprague Lake is just minutes from Fourth of July Lake, so if you don't catch fish in one, you can always try the other! Trout, bass, and panfish are all on the menu at this 1,760-acre lake. There's a WDFW public access site toward the south end, about 45 minutes southwest of Spokane, and the area between the shore and Harper Island is often great for ice fishing. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Spokane. From outdoor adventure to rich arts and culture, it's a unique place to call home. If you're looking for your dream home in the Spokane area, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

The Spokane River Centennial Trail is just one example of what there is to see and do in the area, and it can provide day after day of outdoor adventures. Whether you prefer more urban activities or want to hike your way through gorgeous topography, the trail has something for everyone. Nearly 2 million people visit the trail each year, a testament to its popularity and the gorgeous scenery it offers.

Our real estate agents share what you need to know about exploring Spokane's Centennial Trail:

History of the Trail

Spokane River Centennial Trail is 40 miles long, starting at a recreation area on Lake Spokane before winding its way to the Idaho border and beyond. It generally follows the contours of the Spokane River as it makes its way through many diverse areas of both states.

Construction for the trail began between 1989-1991 in celebration of the Washington State Centennial. All of the trail's miles are completely paved, with many stretches separated from vehicular traffic.

The trail takes you through areas ranging from basalt canyons to hip urban centers. 

For example, you may want to spend time in historic downtown Spokane and the more urban areas of the trail before heading out to explore more rural areas and their spectacular views. You can traverse the trail's entire length on a long bike ride, or take several days to hike your way through.

Or, if you'd rather, break your route into smaller sections to explore by using its 18 marked trailheads and access points. The most convenient access point is in downtown Spokane between miles 20 and 23 by most north or southbound streets between Mission Park and Kendall Yards.

Historical Sites

You'll find more than 40 historically significant sites along the trail, including the following:

• Site of 1974 World's Fair - Riverfront Park in Spokane was the location for the 1974 World's Fair. It's marked by a pavilion with a large metal frame and wire shell that was used during their fair.
• Great Northern Railroad Depot Clock Tower - Constructed in 1902 and located on Havermale Island in Spokane's Riverfront Park, the clock tower was built by Burlington Northern Railroad. It's a monument to the importance of the railroad industry to the area.
• Fossil beds - The fossil beds can be accessed via the Carlson Trailhead near mile marker 36, which you can follow to Deep Creek Canyon. They're estimated to be almost 11,000 years old.

Other Activities

The Centennial Trail is open from 6:30 a.m. - dusk throughout the year and offers an array of activities that any outdoor enthusiast will love. Spokane's Centennial Trail also offers the following activities:

• Events such as bike races and marathons
• Horseback riding in the Riverside State Park section
• Hiking
• Cycling
• Inline skating
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Camping
• Geocaching
• Rafting
• Swimming
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Bird and wildlife viewing

Ready to start your own Spokane adventure? Contact us to see Spokane homes for sale and to find out more about the area's abundant recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Parks and trails in the Spokane area offer amazing hiking opportunities during the warmer months... but the fun doesn't end when the snow flies. Winter in Spokane means it's time to strap on the snowshoes!

When there's a good base layer of snow on the ground, there's no place quite like Spokane County for an outdoor adventure. Our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite snowshoeing destinations in the Spokane area. 

• Mount Spokane State Park - 26107 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021
  There may be no better place to enjoy the outdoors in the Spokane area than Mount Spokane State Park. In winter, when the park's 12,293 acres and 100 miles of trails are blanketed in snow. The centerpiece of the park is the towering summit of Mount Spokane, which gets upwards of 300 inches of snow each winter and is popular for downhill skiing. Many of the less strenuous trails that meander around the meadows, forests, and foothills at the base of Mount Spokane are perfect for snowshoeing. The park is a short drive from many Mead homes for sale and less than an hour from Spokane. 
  
  
• McKenzie Conservation Area - 15898 N West, NW Newman Lake Dr, Newman Lake, WA 99202
  A beautiful park just 40 minutes from Spokane, McKenzie Conservation Area offers great beginner-friendly snowshoe trails, including some that hug the picturesque shoreline of Newman Lake. The 3.3-mile loop formed by the Bedrock Ridge and Turtle Rock trails is a great place to start. One thing to keep in mind is that the weather can be a bit of a wildcard here. Because of its elevation, McKenzie Conservation may be a winter wonderland, or the ground may be entirely bare. You may or may not end up needing your snowshoes, but either way, it's a beautiful winter hike. 
  
  
• Antoine Peak Conservation Area - 15501 E Brevier Rd, Spokane, WA 99217
  The trails in Antoine Peak Conservation Area traverse rolling meadowlands and forests of Ponderosa pine and juniper around the slopes of the park's namesake peak. Popular among hikers and horseback riders in summer, these trails usually offer excellent snowshoeing in winter. As in McKenzie Conservation Area, snow is likely but not guaranteed. Many routes here follow old roadbeds, while others veer off on their own and cover somewhat more rugged terrain. The moderate Emerald Necklace loop, which begins at the West Trailhead and encircles Antoine Peak over the course of 4.6 miles, is a good choice for snowshoeing near these Spokane homes for sale.
  
  
• Colville National Forest - 475-469 Indian Creek Rd, Newport, WA 99156
  Located north of the city near some lovely Newport homes for sale, the trails up here are more likely to get a decent coat of snow than those at lower elevations in Spokane proper. A highlight of the forest is Geophysical Sno-Park, which has 6.2 miles of trails that are groomed specifically for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Nearby Bead Lake is another popular spot, with a trail that encircles the shoreline through ancient cedar forests.

For more information on snowshoeing in the Spokane area, check out Spokane Parks & Recreation's upcoming guided snowshoe outings. The Parks & Rec department leads guided snowshoe trips throughout the winter months in many of the areas listed above, providing great opportunities for beginners as well as experienced snowshoers. 

Contact us today to learn more about enjoying all the great outdoors have to offer in Spokane. 

If you're looking at Spokane homes for sale, you'll be within easy reach of Mount Spokane State Park. This is a lovely place to stop and take a hike. The scenery is breathtaking, and there are trails catering to all ages and levels of ability. Here are a few of the key trails you can hike within the state park. 

• Upper Trail 140: Trailhead Coordinates: 47.8859, -117.0864
  Upper Trail 140 is one of the more difficult trails to hike within Mount Spokane State Park. But if you can manage the rocky footing and a few steep ascents, this hiking trail has a lovely payoff. Along the way, you can look down a mixture of timber forests and farmland. At the end of the trail, you'll see Vista House, a stone home built in 1934.
  
  Trail 140 mostly passes through lush forests, but there are a few places where it passes through open fields. Since it's a 10.8-mile hike round trip, make sure you plan ahead and bring the essentials.
  
  
• Mount Kit Carson Trail: Trailhead Coordinates: 47.8882, -117.1249
  If you're really in the mood to climb a mountain, then Mount Kit Carson Trail is a great choice. It's a 7.5-mile hike, round trip, taking you to the peak of Mount Kit Carson, which is the second-highest peak in the park.
  
  Along the way, you'll pass through a dense forest before reaching the open summit, which is sparsely dotted with trees. The Foothills agricultural community is visible off in the distance, and you can see the Selkirk Range in the northeast.
  
  
• Trail 110: Trailhead Coordinates: 47.9041, -117.1246
  Trail 110 is one of the most accessible trails in the park. The trailhead is just inside the park entrance, and the terrain is moderate. While the trail does start out fairly steep, it flattens out after the first half-mile. 
  
  Trail 110 is a 7.5-mile hike, round trip. It intersects many other trails, so you'll want to pay close attention to your navigation so you don't take a wrong turn. With a mixture of alpine forests, flowering meadows, and small shrubbery, the trail gives you a good sampling of the landscape in Mount Spokane State Park.
  
  
• Lower Trail 130: Trailhead Coordinates: 47.9048, -117.1027
  While Lower Trail 130 is 12 miles round trip, it is one of the easiest hikes in the park as far as terrain is concerned. If you don't have time for a 12-mile hike, you can still get some lovely views if you hike the first mile or two and then turn back.
  
  This trail stretches around the mountain, so you can see Mount Spokane from multiple perspectives as you hike.
  
  
• Trail 183: Trailhead Coordinates: 47.928560, -117.152490
  Trail 183 is a short, easy, point-to-point trail that follows an old road. It starts near Blanchard Creek Rd. and connects to the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road. 
  
  This trail passes through a densely wooded area, so you feel well immersed in nature as you hike. It's a good choice in the heat of summer since it is nicely shaded, too. 

Whether you take a short hike along Trail 183 or an all-day trek along Lower Trail 130, hiking in Mount Spokane State Park is a lovely way to get outside and enjoy nature. Just make time for a hiking trip! Contact us