Description
If you think that the Pacific Northwest is all rain and drizzle, think again. In fact, the eastern half of Washington state can be quite arid, a striking contrast to the coastal plain west of the Cascade Range. For an almost perfect annual mix of summer sunshine and winter snow, Spokane, Washington, roughly halfway down the state’s eastern edge, just might be your spot. Fringe seasons, spring and autumn, can be quick in these parts, but the summers are pleasantly warm (with highs in the low 80’s) and winters sufficiently white to make this a surprisingly agreeable arrangement with mother nature. Particularly when you consider the abundance of outdoor activities on offer, and the 260 days of sunshine annually.
Winter snow showers drop an average of 49 inches of powder across the city, and plenty more at elevation. Thanks to the proximity of big mountains, Spokane, Washington is a superb base for skiing or snowboarding adventures on five easily accessible ski areas within day-trip distance of downtown. Prefer Nordic skiing? Head for Mount Spokane, a short drive northeast of the city, and tackle miles of groomed trails. Traveling with young ones in tow? Consider a few hours of sledding at Manito Park, or a skating session at the Ice Palace, a large outdoor skating rink at Riverfront Park.
Fast forward a few months to May and you’ll find lilacs (hence Spokane’s nickname, the “Lilac City”) in bloom, the weather warmer, and plenty of outdoor festivities like the popular Bloomsday Run to kick start the summer. With the roads and trails ice-free, cyclists rejoin the milieu, frequenting popular routes like the paved Spokane River Centennial Trail, which runs for 37 miles and links Spokane with Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Another note-worthy Spokane-area pursuit? Rafting. In fact, when the water is high enough you can run a stretch of whitewater that cuts right through downtown. Just another reason why Spokane’s motto is “Near nature. Near perfect.” It’s a little corny but hey, we say they’re entitled.
