Best Scenic Drives Near Spokane for a Weekend Road Trip

The Inland Northwest Was Made for Road Trips

The landscape surrounding Spokane is astonishingly diverse — from rolling golden wheat fields to dense evergreen forests, deep river canyons, and shimmering alpine lakes. Here are five of the best scenic drives you can do from Spokane.

1. Spokane to Sandpoint via Highway 95

Distance: ~90 miles one way Time: ~2 hours

Drive north through the forests of the Idaho Panhandle to Sandpoint, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille — Idaho's largest lake. Stop at the Pend d'Oreille Winery on the way, and spend time on the long sandy beach downtown.

2. The Palouse Scenic Byway

Distance: ~100-mile loop Time: 3–4 hours with stops

Head south from Spokane into the Palouse — a region of dramatic rolling hills covered in wheat, lentils, and barley. The undulating landscape looks like something out of Tuscany. Best in late spring when the fields are brilliant green, or late summer when they turn golden.

Key stops: Steptoe Butte (360-degree panoramic views), Kamiak Butte, and the small college town of Pullman.

3. Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway

Distance: ~50 miles Time: 2–3 hours

Follow Highway 97 along the eastern shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This winding road hugs the lakefront with stunning water views, forested coves, and occasional osprey nests. Stop at Beauty Bay for a picnic.

4. Highway 200 to the Clark Fork Valley

Distance: ~120 miles to the Montana border Time: 3 hours

From Sandpoint, head east along Highway 200 through the Clark Fork Valley into Montana. The road follows a rushing river through narrow mountain valleys — quintessential Northern Rockies scenery.

5. Mount Spokane Summit Drive

Distance: ~35 miles from downtown Time: 1.5 hours round trip

Drive up Mt. Spokane State Park to the summit for sweeping views of Spokane, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days, three states and Canada. The road is paved and easy — a great option when you have a free afternoon.

The Right Vehicle Matters

Some of these routes include gravel forest roads and mountain passes. An SUV or crossover from High River Rentals gives you the ground clearance and confidence to explore without limits.