Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: 479,398
Area: 1,781 square miles
County Seat: Spokane
OVERVIEW
Spokane County is a county in Eastern Washington. It is most populous and features the second largest city in Washington State. The territory of the county is 1,781 square miles, and the population is 479,398.
The largest city and its’ county seat is Spokane. Spokane County was famous for the mining, timber and railroad industries. Cattle ranging and wheat farming also played an important role in the economy of the county. It should be said that agriculture even now play an important role for the county. Scientist say that Spokane County is located in the center of the Inland Empire and includes such well-known territories as Valley plains, Palouse Hills, Selkirk Highlands and Okanogan.
HISTORY
Spokane County was created in 1858, later in 1864 it was annexed by Stevens County and reorganized from Stevens County in 1879. Spokane is an Indian word which means “Children of the Sun” or “Sun People”. The County is named after Spokane tribe.
Three tribes of Spokane Indians considered this land their home. They lived along the Spokane River and had very good trading connections with other tribes within the Columbia Plateau region – the Inland Northwest.
COUNTY SEAT
Spokane is the largest city and the county seat of Spokane County. The city is located on the Spokane River, 92 miles south from the Canadian border. The population of the city is about 210 thousand people, making it the second largest city in Washington State.
The Spokane River runs through the city, offering different outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors of the county will also enjoy ski-resorts, camping areas, lakes, hiking trails and well-known the Centennial trail.
Spokane is home to the Lilac Bloomsday Run, the largest timed road race in the nation, and the largest three-on-three basketball tournament, Hoopfest.
ATTRACTIONS
Riverside State Park
Riverside State Park is a wonderland for every hiker. There are more than 100 miles of trails for hikers of all ages and abilities. All the trails are well-marked and well-maintained. It’s a perfect place to enjoy beauty and perfectness of nature.
Bowl and Pitcher Trail
The Bowl and Pitcher at Riverside State park is one of Spokane’s best wonders. This area is filled with natural and historical treasures. Bowl and Pitcher hike has something for everyone: from beautiful nature with basalt formations to a great picnic area and a campground. The Bowl and Pitcher is the jewel of Riverside State Park.
It opens access to the unique trail; the campground of the park offers more than 14, 000 acres for exploration. This park offers great opportunities for recreation and is full of history.
The Bowl and Pitcher Trail is a perfect escape from the city life and a wonderful place for walks around the nature, beautiful birds and other small creatures. This trail is wide and spacious, which makes it easy accessible.
The Bowl and Pitcher is a geologic phenomenon with its bountiful basalt formations. Basalt is any kind of lava with less than 53% silicon. Basalt formations cover the largest southeastern part of Washington giving the idea of geological past of the region. The most famous basalt formations of Spokane are situated at Bowl and Pitcher.
Palouse Region
Palouse is located south of Spokane, and is considered to be a rich farming area of about 3,000 square miles. The main crop here is wheat and rapeseed. And in the middle of this desert you will find the most beautiful a 200-foot waterfall – Palouse Falls. It’s worth mentioning that 15, 000 years ago many rivers of this area changed the course and the Palouse River received its gorgeous waterfall.
Mount Spokane State Park
Mount Spokane State Park is a 13,919-acre park with great possibilities for camping in the Selkrik Mountains. There are numerous old-growth timbers, granite rocks outcroppings and unbelievably perfect views from the top of the mountain. Mount Spokane State Park features Nordic ski trails that are perfect for skiing in winter.
Spokane River Centennial Trail
The Spokane River Centennial Trail is a 37 mile paved recreational trail that stretches from Sontag Park in Nine Miles Falls to the Washington and Idaho state border. The trail continues in Idaho and runs through Post Falls into Coeur d'Alene.
Information: Marina Petrova
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