Spokane (pop. 468,684) isn't as polished or hip as Seattle or Missoula. Which is why we like it. We also like how affordable and lush and underrated it is. There's damn fine skiing nearby (five resorts within two hours), serious whitewater, and lots (and lots) of running trails. Like Riverside State Park, whose 75-mile network starts just five miles from town.
Spokane Photographer: Spokane Regional CVB

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For 95 years, the all volunteer run non-profit Spokane Mountaineers have been helping people to enjoy the outdoors in and around Spokane. They also strive to conserve open spaces for generations to come. http://www.spokanemountaineers.org/
Flag ThisGeez, was the writer even in Spokane, home of Jerry Lindgren? The vast Riverside State Park trail network starts well INSIDE the western city limits at Albi Stadium and near Spokane Falls Community College. And that's just barely scratching the surface of options ranging from the trails on the South Hill Bluffs, in the Spokane Valley at Beacon Hill -- and just ask the local high school cross-country teams about the trails on the north side of town along the Little Spokane River.
Flag ThisSpokane is great because it is so close to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (population 45,000). Coeur d'Alene is a world-class community on one of the world's most spectacular lakes. Some say Spokane is "Near Perfect. Near Nature.", well Coeur d'Alene is perfectly natural! Several great attributes besides the lake 1) North Idaho Centennial Trail (www.nictf.org) 2) the citiy's park system (www.cdaid.org) 3) The areas chamber CVB are very helpful and welcoming (www.coeurdalene.org). Check'm out!
Flag Thisnever thought of missoula as polished ...just a great place to live, So much foer lists.........
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