Spokane Valley, WA
Spokane Valley is a suburban city in eastern Washington, located along the Spokane River and Interstate 90. Incorporated in 2003, it's the eighth-largest city in the state and a key part of the Spokane–Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area, offering outdoor recreation and family-friendly communities.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Spokane Valley, Washington .
- Administrative Role: Spokane Valley is a city and the largest suburb of Spokane. It is not a county seat; it lies within Spokane County .
- Country and Region: The city is located in Spokane County in the state of Washington (WA) , United States. This region is part of the Inland Northwest, known for its mix of mountains, rivers, and agricultural lands like the Palouse to the south .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Official Motto: "A community of opportunity where individuals and families can grow and play, and businesses will flourish and prosper" .
- Common Nickname: Locally, it is often simply called "The Valley" by residents of the greater Spokane–Coeur d'Alene area .
- Historical Nickname: In the early 20th century, after irrigation turned the area into fertile farmland, it was promoted as "Spokane Valley, the Valley Bountiful" .
Date of Foundation and Age
- First Settlement: The first known settler in the area was Antoine Plante, a French Canadian and Blackfoot fur trader, who built a cabin and started a ferry across the Spokane River in 1849 .
- Incorporation: The City of Spokane Valley was officially incorporated much later, on March 31, 2003 .
- Age at Incorporation: At its creation, it was the third-largest newly incorporated city in U.S. history .
Geographical Position and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 47°37′50″N 117°15′42″W (centroid) .
- Positioning: The city lies along the banks of the Spokane River, which flows from Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho towards the Columbia River. It is located in the Spokane Valley, a valley carved by prehistoric Missoula Floods. It sits directly east of the city of Spokane and west of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 621 meters (2,038 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Spokane Valley functions primarily as a major suburban residential and commercial center for the Spokane metropolitan area.
- Transportation Hub: Its location on Interstate 90 and at the junction of two Class 1 railroads (Union Pacific and BNSF) makes it a strategic freight and logistics corridor .
- Retail and Services: A significant part of its economy is retail trade and community services, serving its own population and the wider region .
- Light Industry: Historically, the area supported agriculture and railroad maintenance. Today, it includes manufacturing and distribution centers .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 102,976. A 2024 estimate placed the population at 108,267, making it the 8th most populous city in Washington state .
- City Classification: Spokane Valley is a large suburb and a principal city in the Spokane–Coeur d'Alene Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which has a population of over 780,000 .
- Demographic Note: The city was formed by consolidating several unincorporated communities and has grown as a residential and commercial hub in the region .
City's "Calling Card" (Brief)
Spokane Valley offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and suburban comfort. Nestled along the Spokane River with access to the Dishman Hills and the vast Centennial Trail system, it's a gateway to nature where you can hike, bike, and zip-line. At the same time, it provides convenient access to urban amenities, minor league baseball at Avista Stadium, and serves as a strategic base for exploring the broader Inland Northwest, including nearby Spokane and Coeur d'Alene .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- Selkirk Mountains: The Spokane Valley is situated within the southern reaches of the Selkirk Mountains. The city is located in the valley carved by the Spokane River through this range. Peaks like Mica Peak, located just south of the city, are considered the southernmost peaks in the Selkirks and separate the Spokane Valley from the Palouse region .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Creeks)
- Spokane River (Spokane River) : The defining river of the region, it flows through the heart of Spokane Valley on its journey from Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho to the Columbia River. Its presence shaped the valley and its history .
- Saltese Creek (Saltese Creek) : A stream that flows through the eastern part of the city, eventually feeding into Shelley Lake .
- Shelley Lake (Shelley Lake) : A small lake located within the city limits, fed by Saltese Creek .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
- Channeled Scablands: The Spokane Valley itself is a product of the cataclysmic Missoula Floods that occurred over 12,000 years ago. These floods gouged out the valley and created the unique, rugged, and potholed landscape seen in areas like the Dishman Hills, characterized by deep gullies and exposed bedrock .
- Saltese Flats: Located in the southeast part of the valley, this area features a shrub-steppe landscape with grassy hills and ravines, representing a transition zone between different ecosystems .
National and Natural Parks
- Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area (Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area) : This is a protected area encompassing over 3,000 acres of rugged terrain. It is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Washington state, where forests, grasslands, and shrublands converge. It offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Spokane Valley has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Most sources classify it as a Mediterranean Climate (Köppen Csa) , though its dry summers place it on the border of a semi-arid climate (Köppen Bsk) .
Average Temperatures by Month
The table below shows average maximum and minimum temperatures throughout the year .
| Month | Avg. Max (°C / °F) | Avg. Min (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F |
| February | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F |
| March | 11°C / 52°F | 1°C / 34°F |
| April | 15°C / 59°F | 4°C / 39°F |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 9°C / 48°F |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 15°C / 59°F |
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| October | 16°C / 61°F | 5°C / 41°F |
| November | 8°C / 46°F | 1°C / 34°F |
| December | 3°C / 37°F | -2°C / 28°F |
- Hottest Month: July and August, with average highs around 31°C (88°F) .
- Coldest Month: December, with average lows of -2°C (28°F) .
- Extreme Temperatures: A record high of 44°C (112°F) was recorded in June 2021 and July 2024, and a record low of -15°C (5°F) in December 2022 .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Approximately 686 mm (27 inches) , including rain and snow .
- Wettest Month: December, with about 98 mm (3.9 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: August, with only about 12 mm (0.5 inches) of precipitation .
- Snowfall: Average total snowfall is about 100 cm (39 inches) per year, with December and February typically seeing the most snow .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunniest Months: July and August, with up to 12 hours of sunshine per day. The winter months of December and January are the cloudiest, with only about 2 hours of sunshine per day .
- UV Index: The UV index peaks in June at a level of 7 (High) , requiring sun protection during midday hours .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Spokane Valley for pleasant, sunny weather is from May through September .
- Spring (March - May): Temperatures warm up nicely from cool to mild, with blooming flowers in parks like Mirabeau Point and along trails. May is a particularly good month with comfortable highs of 22°C (72°F) .
- Summer (June - August): This is the warmest and driest period, ideal for hiking, biking the Centennial Trail, zip-lining, and enjoying outdoor events like Spokane Indians baseball games. Days are long and sunny, though July and August can get quite hot .
- Fall (September - October): September remains warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities. October sees cooler temperatures and a significant increase in rainfall, signaling the transition to winter .
- Winter (November - February): This is the coldest and wettest period, with most of the annual snowfall. It's a quiet time, suitable for indoor activities and enjoying the city's restaurants and shops .
Landmarks and Attractions
Dishman Hills Natural Area
A sprawling 530+ acre protected area offering rugged hiking and mountain biking trails. It's a prime spot for wildlife viewing and experiencing the unique geology shaped by the Missoula Floods, with dramatic rock formations like the "Rocks of Sharon" that provide panoramic valley views .
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum
Located in the historic 1914 Corbin Art Center building in nearby Waverly Place (often associated with the Valley's history), this museum preserves and shares the rich history of the Spokane Valley, from the native peoples and early settlers like Antoine Plante to the development of irrigation and the apple orchards .
Spokane Indians Baseball at Avista Stadium
Home to the Spokane Indians, a minor league baseball team (High-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies). Catching a game here is a beloved local tradition, known for its family-friendly atmosphere, affordable tickets, and community events like fireworks nights .
Mirabeau Point Park
A 7.5-acre community park featuring beautiful forested grounds, walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, and the CenterPlace Regional Event Center. It's a central hub for community activities and a peaceful spot for a stroll, with wildflowers blooming in the spring .
Mica Moon Zip Line Tours
For an adrenaline rush, this adventure park on Mica Peak offers 14 zip lines, including a 3,500-foot line, and an aerial park. It provides a unique way to experience the forests and views of the surrounding area .
Centennial Trail
A nationally recognized 37-mile paved trail that stretches from west Spokane through Spokane Valley to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. It's perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading, offering scenic views of the Spokane River and the valley .
Transport
Main Highways
- Interstate 90 (I-90): This is the city's lifeline, running east-west directly through Spokane Valley. It provides immediate access to Spokane to the west, Coeur d'Alene and the Idaho panhandle to the east, and is a major coast-to-coast freight corridor .
- U.S. Highways: North-south routes like U.S. 2, 195, and 395 connect Spokane Valley to other parts of eastern Washington and, via connections to I-95, to the Canadian border 110 miles north .
Rail Service
Spokane Valley is a significant railroad hub. It is served by two Class 1 railroads: Union Pacific (UP) and BNSF Railway. They operate out of a switching yard in the valley, providing direct freight service on the Seattle-to-Chicago line, making it a key gateway for goods to and from the Pacific Rim .
Public Transportation (Bus Service)
Public transit is provided by the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) . Recent expansions under the "STA Moving Forward" plan have greatly improved service in the valley .
- Key Routes: New frequent bus routes connect Spokane Valley with key destinations. Notably, Route 7 Valley/Airport provides a direct, one-seat ride from Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley to the Spokane International Airport, operating daily .
- Connectivity: Other routes connect the valley to downtown Spokane, Millwood, and other regional hubs .
Nearest Major Airports
- Spokane International Airport (GEG): Located about 20-30 minutes west in Spokane, this is the region's primary commercial airport. It is the second-largest airport in Washington state, served by eight airlines offering non-stop flights to 20 destinations and one-stop international connections . It is now directly accessible from Spokane Valley via STA's Route 7 bus .
- Felts Field (SFF): This is a historic general aviation airport located just west of Spokane Valley, along the Spokane River. It handles over 59,000 aircraft operations annually and is home to private aircraft and flight schools .
Local Roads and Trails
- Major Arterials: Key north-south and east-west roads like Sprague Avenue, Sullivan Road, and Barker Road provide local connectivity.
- Trails as Transport: The Centennial Trail and Appleway Trail are not just for recreation but serve as important non-motorized transportation routes for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting neighborhoods and commercial areas .