Outdoor Recreation
About The Outdoor Recreation Program
The Outdoor Program of Spokane Parks and Recreation was started in 1989. It is one of the largest programs of its type in the country. The program serves Adults, Families, Singles, Youth, Teenagers, Companies and other Groups. The Spokane area has numerous lakes, streams and rivers for exceptional canoeing and kayaking. The nearby mountains are home to many ski resorts that host downhill and cross-country skiing along with many snowshoe trails. The Spokane hiking, biking and climbing areas are spectacular and the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Outdoor Program offer activities in all of these categories.
To sign up for our promotions email Outdoor Program Supervisor Ryan Griffith.
Cross Country and Skate Skiing
The Outdoor Program operates a Nordic Ski School at the Mt. Spokane State Park Selkirk Lodge Nordic Area. The Nordic area has more skier days than any other ski area in the state. Both group and private lessons are also offered. All skiing equipment is supplied for the lessons. The program instructors are certified through the Professional Ski Instructors of America North West (PSIA-NW). During the full moon, we have moonlight ski and dinners that attract many skiers out onto the moonlit snow-covered forest of Mt. Spokane.
Snowshoeing
The Outdoor Program provides a learn-to-snowshoe program for all ages, beginning as young as 5 years old, at Mt. Spokane State Park. Snowshoes are provided. Both group and private tours are available During the full moon, our moonlit snowshoe dinner tours offer an excellent way to spend your weekend evening at Mt. Spokane! In addition snowshoe day tours are provided around the Inland Northwest in cooperation with the Colville National Forest.
Group/Private Programs
The Outdoor Program offers private group adventures for your organization. Many schools, youth groups, scout troops and businesses take advantage of the great group pricing offered through the program. Guides, equipment and even transportation is provided. Trips are typically 4 hours in length. All trips can be customized to your group's desire. During the winter month private xc skiing lessons and tours are available, as well as snowshoeing tours at Mt. Spokane St. Park. During the spring, summer and fall months the program is available for private group canoeing, kayaking and hiking trips to surrounding Spokane lakes, streams and trails. Schedule your group by calling 509.363.5418 or emailing rgriffith@spokanecity.org.
Support the Outdoor Program
The Outdoor Program is looking for additional support to continue to provide affordable adventures. You or your organization can sponsor one of our activities by donating to the Outdoor Recreation Program. Your donation and sponsorship will be featured in our Outdoor Recreation Brochure as well as our Outdoor Program webpage.
Please contact Ryan Griffith 509-363-5418 or rgriffith@spokanecity.org for donation information.
Cooperative Work
The Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department provides the Outdoor Program access to the following areas: Liberty Lake County Park, Medical Lake County Park, The Dishman Hills Natural Area, Bear Lake, Fish Lake and more. This access allows for great local trips close to home including Canoeing and Kayaking, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing!
Under permit with the Colville National Forest Service the Outdoor Program is able to provide great trips to the Little Pend Oreille Lake Chains, Deer Creek Nordic Area, Geophysical Nordic Area and Sherman Pass.
In cooperation with Riverside State Park we are able to provide Canoe and Kayak tours down the Little Spokane River!
Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation teaches all ages how to Nordic (cross-country) ski, develops and maintains the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park (in cooperation with Mt. Spokane State Park and other agencies), provides ski lessons for all ages, hosts ski competitions, and informs the community about cross-country ski developments.
