There’s nothing quite like having a trusted four-legged friend to join you on the trail. They’re great company, they don’t complain and if you’re lacking the motivation to get active, they’ll usually have enough enthusiasm to make up for it.
Spokane is home to a multitude of dog-friendly hiking, walking and just plain playing options. Here are a few favorite trails and dog parks that are great for man and beast alike.
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Stroll away
For a nice stroll along a Spokane classic, consider taking your dog on the 2.2-mile Riverfront park-Gonzaga University loop. The mostly paved path shadows the Spokane River and takes in views of Spokane Falls, bridges and nearby art installations.
The 40-mile Spokane River Centennial Trail is an ideal spot for humans and canines alike to get some steps in. The paved trail crosses the Idaho state line through Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.
Baxter loves to run the Centennial Trail with Hannah.
Venture out
Just outside of Spokane, the Dishman Hills Conservation Area offers a scenic walk through forests and past rocky outcrops and mountain vistas. There’s a five-mile loop that’s good for a longer day with the dog, but shorter options also abound thanks to a network of spur trails.
To the mountain
It’s a little over 20 miles to get to Mount Spokane State Park from Spokane, but for hiking with your dog, it’s worth it. The park is home to more than 100 miles of hiking trails that range from the three-mile Upper Trail 140, which hits the summit of Mount Spokane, to the 7.5-mile Trail 110, which runs through the center of the park. All trails are dog-friendly, so long as there’s a leash involved.
SpokAnimal
Right across the road from the Spokane River, the SpokAnimal Dog Park at High Bridge is 11 acres of canine bliss. Run by SpokAnimal, the Inland Northwest Humane Society, the park offers a wide-open, fenced-in area for lots of romping about.
Dog days
For those times when the exercise focus is largely on the pups and not you, head to Spokane’s Valley Mission Dog Park. Located at 11123 E. Mission, the park features two separate areas, one for small dogs under 30 pounds and one for those 30 pounds or more. There’s also a dog wash station and agility features.
Urban dogs
This one’s about as fresh as it gets: In May 2019 the city of Spokane wrapped up work on a new stormwater tank that also helped pave the way for the city’s first urban dog park. Located on a triangular parcel bordered by Riverside Avenue, Sprague Avenue and Adams Street, the park is aimed at nearby apartment dwellers, but there’s no reason why anyone with a four-legged friend can’t drop in for a little play during a downtown stroll. The implementation of a stormwater tank is important for areas most hit by heavy rain, that is why stormwater prevention plan companies in houston tx and other states, are needed to ensure that these locations are handled properly.
Photo: Woman jogs with her dog at the Spokane River promenade in downtown Spokane by benedek
Tags: dog exercise, dog friendly spokane
