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Aaron Theisen/Visit Spokane
Huntington Park Spokane Falls
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Coeur d'Alene Convention and Visitor Bureau
Coeur d'Alene Lake
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Coeur d'Alene Convention and Visitor Bureau
Downtown Coeur d'Alene
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Alan Bisson/Visit Spokane
Mt. Spokane
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Tamarack RV Park
Tamarack RV Park
Words by Jan Lee
When Northwesterners pine for sunshine in the chilly spring months they often head toward Spokane. Situated close to the Idaho border, Washington's second-largest city is known for its arid, temperate spring and fall weather and its interesting mix of fair- and cold-weather activities. Skiing, hiking, kayaking, art walks, and lake cruises are all within an easy drive throughout the Spokane area.
For RVers, though, it is the area's abundant accommodations that create the biggest draw. Year-round and seasonal parks can be found on both sides of the Washington-Idaho border. Coeur d'Alene Idaho, Spokane's nearest metropolitan neighbour, has been a destination for RVers for decades, largely because of its lakeside scenery and easy access to downtown attractions.
Unusual names, common histories
Both cities owe their unusual names to their indigenous roots. Coeur d'Alene (often just called CDA) borrowed its name from the Coeur d'Alene Native Americans, who were considered by 19th French traders to be sharp and skilled traders, and to have the "heart of an awl."
Spokane's name, however, is a nod to its sunny character. Originally named after the chief of the local Salishan tribes, Spokane, it's often translated as "Children of the Sun" – a fitting name for a city that possesses some of the driest and sunniest weather in Washington State.
Both cities can claim lineage to the early pioneer history of the fur trades and the various gold rushes of the 1800s. The dream of a better life and overnight wealth brought both settlers and ambitious miners to the growing communities. Spokane's many museums include the eclectic Northwest History and Culture Museum and early 20th century Campbell House. CDA's Museum of North Idaho features exhibits on the logging, mining and other industries that helped settle the rugged Idaho Panhandle.
Hollywood history buffs can learn about Spokane's most famous citizen at the many Bing Crosby museums, exhibits, and archives. His boyhood home is housed on the grounds of his alma mater, Gonzaga University. The university features a special on the early 20 century Hollywood star.
For a true step back in time, the Bing Theatre in downtown Spokane houses entertainment in its 1914 hall. The venue is outfitted with 21st-century technology and plenty of ambience.
Both cities are also known for their culinary fare. CDA's Inlander Restaurant Week, Feb. 21 to Mar. 2, is a great way to test out the city's best culinary offerings. The cities' visitor centres also list a variety of must-try restaurants, wineries and craft beer venues.
Music events start early in CDA with the Coeur d'Alene Blues Festival (March 29-31), hosted by the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The Food and Wine Festival follows in April with dishes and wine pairings from around the Northwest.
Recreation choices for all tastes
For skiers and snowboarders, Mount Spokane is less than a couple hours' drive from either city. Located northwest of Spokane, the mountain is just tall enough (1,794 meters) to offer some good springtime downhill skiing. Nature enthusiasts can also get spectacular views of the surrounding countryside by visiting the adjacent Mount Spokane State Park. The Quartz Mountain fire lookout and the Vista House, a quaint stone-built structure high in the Selkirk Mountains offer vistas as far away as British Columbia.
The Spokane-CDA area is well known for its summer river-rafting opportunities, which range from sedate to a rollicking Class IV or V journey. But it also features plenty of more sedate springtime boating opportunities. A trip to the region isn't complete without a tour on Lake Coeur d'Alene, which is offered year-round, even in the winter.
RV Parks – Plenty to choose from
The hardest challenge RVers may find when visiting the Spokane-CDA area is figuring out which kind of venue appeals to them.
Most of Spokane's RV accommodations are on the outskirts of the city, which affords some distance from the traffic, but easy access to attractions. The Spokane KOA Journey, in the city of Spokane Valley (just east of Spokane downtown) features pull-through RV sites with 50 amp service and 70-foot parking. The location affords an easy drive to CDA as well as Spokane's popular Riverfront Park and various downtown eateries.
In CDA, the River Walk and Blackwell Island RV Parks are situated close to Lake Coeur d'Alene in CDA, affording easy strolls through the downtown area. Tamarack RV Park is just north of the lake, and a bit closer to the outlying communities of northern Idaho.
The CDA parks all vary in their amenities and access to pull-through accommodations, so it is worth contacting them to determine which best suits your rig.
It's also worth noting that some of the CDA parks have restrictions on the age of the rig for monthly or extended stays. River Walk reserves the right to inspect your rig, while Tamarack restricts monthly rentals to RVs less than 12 years of age. Tamarack specified, however, that owners of older rigs can apply for a waiver if the RV is "in good condition [with] no rust and physical damage." Parks may differ as well as to the access to WiFi and costs, so be sure to ask about amenities.
Some parks also restrict the kinds of dogs that are allowed in the park. Blackwell Island prohibits German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Pit Bulls from entering the park, but doesn't specify whether Shepherds which commonly serve as guide or service dogs, would be allowed.
But all of the year-round parks are well-equipped to meet the needs of short- and long-term stays and are well-versed with the many attractions in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene region.
The best time to go
There are a number of routes to reach the Spokane area depending upon your starting point. RVers leaving from the British Columbia Okanagan have a relatively easy drive following Highway 97 south, which joins with State Route 155 (in Omak) and later with S.R. 71 and 21, to US Highway 2 until it meets the main corridor to Spokane, U.S. 90 E. The route affords an interesting view of Washington's rural towns and vistas, and there are minimal elevation changes compared to other routes.
Drivers should keep in mind that early-year travel can still mean traversing snowy passes if coming from Canada, Seattle or Montana. Checking the best route for your rig according to the weather conditions and planning your roadside stops in advance, is all part of enjoying an early spring stay-over in beautiful Inland Washington and Idaho.