Best Day Trips Within 2 Hours of Spokane

Living in Spokane means some of the Northwest’s best scenery is just a short drive away. Within two hours, you can reach alpine lakes, quiet forests, and winding scenic byways that remind you why it’s worth getting out on the road. Whether you’re behind the wheel of an adventurous Bronco, a roomy Explorer, or a fuel-efficient Escape, these five day trips show just how easy it is to make the most of a free weekend.

Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park

Roughly 100 miles west of Spokane, Sun Lakes–Dry Falls State Park feels like driving into another world. Once the site of a massive Ice Age waterfall, the cliffs and coulees now stretch across central Washington, framing deep blue lakes below. The overlook at Dry Falls offers sweeping views of the 400-foot cliffs, and there are several short trails where you can walk the rim or descend toward the water.

The drive takes about two hours and passes through the wide-open farmland of the Columbia Basin—perfect territory for a comfortable crossover like the Ford Edge or Escape. The open highway gives you space to settle in and enjoy the scenery, and the park’s picnic areas make it easy to turn the outing into a full-day adventure. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen; the coulee country gets warm in summer.

Colville National Forest

If your idea of a day trip includes mountain air and quiet forest roads, Colville National Forest delivers. About two hours north of Spokane, it spans more than a million acres of peaks, lakes, and pine-covered ridges. The Sherman Pass Scenic Byway is a favorite route, winding through the Kettle Range with overlooks that seem to stretch forever. There are plenty of places to stop and hike, fish, or just enjoy the sound of the wind through the trees.

Drivers who own an F-150 or Bronco Sport will appreciate the smooth handling on winding forest roads, while available all-wheel drive and advanced traction systems make climbing mountain passes a breeze. The mix of pavement and gravel roads gives you a chance to put your vehicle’s capability to good use. Pack lunch, top off your tank, and plan to spend the day exploring before looping back through the small towns that dot the northeastern corner of the state.

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and Heyburn State Park

For an easier drive that still feels like an escape, head east to Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. The route from Spokane takes about 90 minutes and follows I-90 through the Silver Valley before reaching the 73-mile paved trail that winds around Lake Coeur d’Alene. Heyburn State Park, located at the southern end, offers lake access, hiking, and picnic areas with plenty of shade.

It’s an ideal outing for anyone wanting to enjoy the water without the bustle of the city. Bring bikes or walking shoes and spend the afternoon tracing the shoreline. A Ford Explorer or Escape offers just the right mix of cargo space and comfort for hauling gear while keeping the drive relaxed. On the way back, you can stop in Harrison for coffee or ice cream before returning to Spokane by evening.

Upper Priest Lake, Idaho

Two hours north of Spokane, Upper Priest Lake feels remote without being hard to reach. The clear, calm waters are surrounded by thick forest and connected to the main lake by a narrow channel accessible by boat or hiking trail. The drive up takes you through Priest River and Nordman, with plenty of photo stops along the way.

This is a favorite for drivers who want to experience Idaho’s mountain scenery without long hikes or crowds. A Ford Bronco or Maverick makes the trip easy, with comfortable seating and enough capability for gravel sections near the shoreline. Visitors often spot eagles and deer along the road, and there are a few quiet beaches for swimming or a lakeside lunch. It’s the kind of outing that feels like a mini vacation even if you’re only gone for the day.

Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park

For something completely different, drive north toward Metaline Falls to explore Gardner Cave at Crawford State Park. It’s one of the largest limestone caves in Washington and sits just two hours from Spokane, near the Canadian border. The guided tours take you more than 1,000 feet underground, where you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, and the kind of quiet darkness you can’t find anywhere else.

The drive follows the Pend Oreille River, with scenic pullouts and small-town stops in Ione and Tiger. A comfortable vehicle like the Ford Explorer or F-150 makes the twisting river road an enjoyable part of the experience. Once there, you can walk the short trail to the cave entrance or enjoy the picnic area overlooking the surrounding forest. It’s a trip that combines exploration, history, and the kind of back-road driving that Ford vehicles are built for.

Planning Your Spokane Day Trip

Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the miles ahead. Check your tire pressure, oil level, and fuel before leaving town, especially if you plan to venture into remote areas where services are limited. Spokane weather can change quickly in spring and fall, so bring layers and download maps ahead of time in case cell service fades.

Every trip on this list highlights why Spokane is such a great home base for drivers. You can be surrounded by waterfalls, mountain passes, or quiet lakes all within a couple of hours. Whether you drive a rugged Bronco, a capable F-150, or a comfortable Escape, your Ford is made for days like these. If you’re planning your next adventure or want to make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready, stop by Wendle Ford in Spokane—we’ll help you get where you want to go.