Explore Spokane's Fall Colors
Fall colors in Spokane are a sight to behold! The area's deciduous trees have this whole aging thing down. Instead of wrinkles and back problems, they look as beautiful as ever with brilliant bursts of red and gold. Fall elicits a bright and colorful display in the Spokane region, where parks, neighborhoods, and trails adorn the season’s hues. Here are some of the best spots to view fall colors in Spokane.
A tree lover’s paradise, Spokane’s arboretum features more than 2,000 labeled ornamental trees. Finch Arboretum is a 65-acre botanical garden located in southwest Spokane, Washington. It is home to over 2,000 labeled trees and shrubs, including many native to the Inland Northwest. The Self-Guided Walking Tour will take you through the area’s diverse tree collection, identifying Dawn Redwood, Japanese Umbrella Pine, Tri-color Beeche, and much more. The arboretum is open year-round. It is a popular spot for fall foliage viewing, as the trees change color in late September and early October.
The arboretum was founded in 1912 by John A. Finch, a mining investor and philanthropist. The arboretum is located along Garden Springs Creek, which provides a natural habitat for many of the plants in the collection. The arboretum is a popular spot for weddings, photo shoots, and other events.
Manito Park is home to five showcase gardens, but the flowers don’t have to be in bloom for the park to be at its best. At Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Memorial Japanese Garden, scarlet maple leaves beautifully frame serene koi ponds and footbridges. South of the park, visitors will find a canopy of gold foliage covering Manito Boulevard – a perfect spot for a neighborhood stroll.
This five-mile loop hiking trail in Dishman Hills Conservation Area located in the Spokane Valley offers spectacular fall colors. The trail is known for its beautiful fall colors, which typically peak in late September or early October. The trail winds through a variety of hardwood forests, including maple, oak, and ash trees. The leaves on these trees change color in a variety of shades, from red to orange to yellow.
The trail culminates at the Rocks of Sharon, a group of large granite boulders located on the hill’s ridge line. From the rocks' viewpoints, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Steptoe Butte, Mica Peak, and the Palouse.
The Iller Creek Trail is a moderately challenging trail, with some steep climbs and descents. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.The Iller Creek Trail is a great place to enjoy the beauty of fall colors in Spokane. The trail is challenging but rewarding, and the views are stunning.
Fall colors can also be found throughout the over 40-mile Centennial Trail, but the section that runs from Gonzaga University through Riverfront Park offers the most deciduous trees. On a particularly clear day, you can even catch the leaves reflecting off the neighboring Spokane River. The Centennial Trail a popular spot for walking, biking, and running. The trail is used year round but, it's especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.