Spokane is a terrific place to be for outdoor recreation; particularly after the long winter months of inactivity. Opportunities abound along the trails and on the water for fun and adventure. Hiking is one of the great things to do this time of year, particularly in the lower elevations where the trails are no longer snowy or muddy. Make sure you’re equipped with the appropriate clothing and footwear – and don’t forget those 10 Essentials in your rucksack! See The Day Hiker’s Ten Essentials — The Mountaineers. Other good items to have along are insect repellant, a whistle, toilet paper, binoculars or monocular, and a walking stick or trekking poles.
For tips on the correct gear and places to go, here is a list of resources from Spokane Public Library to get you started and answer any questions. Many of the trails in the local guides, particularly south of town, are quite level and very low impact. So – see you on the trail! And to paraphrase Henry David Thoreau – “You shall see many wild and noble sights before night, such as they who sit in parlors never dream of.”
Library Book List and Resources
Go to our catalog at www.spokanelibrary.org for many more titles on these subjects!
Day hiking Eastern Washington: Kettles-Selkirks, Columbia Plateau, Blue Mountains by Rich Landers
Urban trails : Spokane and Coeur d’Alene: Spokane County, Kootenai County, Centennial Trail by Rich Landers
Five-star trails, Spokane: 30 spectacular hikes in the inland Northwest by Seth Marlin
Best hikes Spokane: the greatest views, lakes, and rivers by Fred Barstad
Day hike!: Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint by Seabury Blair
Best easy day hikes: Spokane/Coeur d’Alene by Fred Barstad
Mount Spokane State Park: a user’s guide by Cris M. Currie
The ultimate hiker’s gear guide: tools & techniques to hit the trail by Andrew Skurka
How to hike the Pacific Crest Trail [videorecording (DVD)]
Book
Magazine Resources
Explore our selection of eMagazines and articles about outdoor recreation!
Stream videos on Kanopy
Stream films from our subscription to Kanopy and watch the series Outdoor Fundamentals: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe. 24 insightful videos will give you the practical skills you need to set off for the water or the woods. Topics such as canoeing and kayaking skills, backpacking, navigation, and first aid are covered.
Other Resources
Spokane Parks & Recreation: Parks & Recreation – City of Spokane, Washington
Washington Trails Association: Washington Trails Association
Bureau of Land Management: Oregon-Washington | Bureau of Land Management
Washington State Department of Natural resources: WA – DNR