Spokane, Washington Walking Trails

Spokane, Washington has a variety of opportunities for recreational or serious walkers and runners. If you are already excited about the idea of walking out in the fresh air, Spokane is a great place to enjoy many different walking trails. There are various resources to get you excited about walking in Spokane, Washington.

There are many organizations in Spokane that focus on enhancing the health of the people and the community. These groups often have walking maps or programs set up to motivate you to get outside. Spokane Parks and Recreation has many places and opportunities for walking in Spokane. To see the Spokane Park trail list visit http://spokaneparks.org/index.php/Parks/page/156/. Also check out the Spokane Parks and Recreation Guide for area hikes and walking tours. A Spokane organization that has all levels of walking and running groups is The Bloomsday Road Runners Club. This is great for those would like to be motivated by others. The Spokane Centennial Trail is always a great destination for exercising or a leisurely stroll. The Spokane Regional Health District also has a list of walking maps at www.srhd.org/topics/walkingmaps.asp.

If you would like to learn more about the community or have a more cultural experience as you walk there are opportunities for you too! There are many works of art around town to see and The Spokane Arts Commission has created a map to guide you to them. Visit www.spokanearts.org/Sculpture_Walk_Brochure.pdf to download the sculpture walk brochure for a map and information about the artwork. For an historic tour of Spokane, go to www.historicspokane.org/HeritageTours/downtown/index.html to find a list of self-guided heritage walks for different Spokane neighborhoods.

If you'd like to contribute to others' health while you enhance yours there are even more options. The Spokane Humane Society can always use help with all those energetic animals. Go to http://www.spokanehumanesociety.org/becomevolunteer.php to fill out an application to volunteer to walk dogs. You can also keep watch to find walks that support area nonprofits such as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure or the Spokane Aids Walk.

For a broad perspective there are websites like www.mapmyrun.com. This website is an on-line tool that allows the user to map out a run or walk in any neighborhood they would like. You can calculate the distance you walk, figure out the average calories burned and keep track of and save each walk you go on. The other great thing about this is that it is an on-line community, so you can share your maps and search to find maps made by others in your area. For a specific list of Spokane walks users have compiled try going to www.mapmywalk.com/find-walk/united-states/wa/spokane.

Whatever route you choose, be safe and enjoy the great community of Spokane. Happy Trails!