Road-Trip Through Eastern Washington from Spokane to Walla Walla

While it may not get as much attention as Seattle and the Puget Sound area, the eastern side of Washington shouldn’t be missed. This loop through Spokane, Pullman, and Walla Walla is full of adventure, city life, and shifting landscapes from evergreen mountains to the rippling wheat fields of the south. Get ready for great food, outdoor activities, and unforgettable side quests—all without long, taxing hours in the car.  

Spokane 

With over 500,000 people in its metro area, Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, and it’s the perfect starting place for those exploring Eastern Washington. Home to Bing Crosby, Washington State, and Gonzaga universities, and the first environmentally-themed World’s Fair (in 1974), Spokane is easily navigated with more to do within 30 minutes of the city than you can fit into a week. When you arrive, check in at the Davenport Tower or Hotel Indigo for a convenient downtown stay.

Walk the accessible Centennial Trail along Spokane River at Riverfront Park, where families can enjoy the Looff Carrousel and the Numerica Skyride gondola. Sign up for a rafting tour with Wiley E. Waters and splash along the Spokane River. Or, if you’re looking to stay dry, try one of the city’s many hikes. Palisades Park has wonderful views of the city below, Riverside State Park offers relaxing strolls, and the Dishman Hills Natural Area features the moderate Rocks of Sharon loop. During the winter, the park trails—like those at Mount Spokane State Park—become opportunities for snow play. 

Spokane has no shortage of dining options. Enjoy breakfast at Maple Street Bistro, or get waffles at The People’s Waffle, which is just a few blocks from Riverfront Park. Cozy up with comfort food at Indigenous Eats or find creative pizzas at The Flying Goat. For dinner, the Italian cuisine at Sorella won’t disappoint.

Have Extra Time? 

From mid-May to mid-September, take a 2-hour trip (about 110 miles) north to Crawford State Park for a tour of Gardner Cave, which is close to the US-Canada border. Gardner is the third-longest limestone cave in Washington. A one-day pass is $10, and free tours (reservations required) are offered Thursday through Monday. During the winter months, a day trip to 49° North Mountain Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Spokane to Palouse Falls to Pullman

Leave in the morning, heading south from Spokane on I-90 W to WA-261 S to Washtucna (87 miles). You’ll see ponderosa pines and Douglas firs give way to rolling wheat fields and prairies. Before you reach Washtucna, look out the left side of your car for a bus covered in graffiti (#thatNWbus). It makes for a fun roadside photo. If you need to refuel, there is one unstaffed gas station in Washtucna on Main Street that takes credit cards.

Continue on WA-261 S (17 miles), taking a left at Sperry until you reach Palouse Falls Road on the left. Palouse Falls is approximately 200 feet tall, and it comes with dramatic views from above. Stop for a picnic lunch while you take in the scene. Limited parking is on the honor system at $10 per car. 

Next, head to Kamiak Butte County Park (84 miles) by driving back through Washtucna on WA-26. The trail to the top of the butte has two routes: a shorter one up the middle and a longer, 3.5-mile loop. Both lead to incredible sweeping views at 3,641 feet of the rippling wheat fields below. From Kamiak Butte, drive 14 miles south on WA-27 S to Pullman (population 32,800) for an early dinner at Black Cypress, a local foodie institution that serves a mix of Greek and Italian dishes.

If you visit in August, don’t skip the National Lentil Festival, which includes live music, a beer garden, food (like lentil chili), and cooking demos.

Have Extra Time?

Book one of the award-winning tours with the Nez Perce Tribe (33 miles south of Pullman near Clarkston, Washington, and Lewiston, Idaho), such as the Saqánpa Hells Canyon jet boat tour, rafting, horseback riding, or cultural wine tours.

Pullman to Walla Walla

Drive 115 miles southwest of Pullman to Walla Walla (on US-195 N, WA-26 W, WA-127 S, and US-12 W). Check into the Marcus Whitman Hotel, a remodeled historic hotel with well-appointed rooms in downtown Walla Walla. Since Walla Walla County is known for its agriculture industry, it’s not surprising that the highly walkable city has plenty of places to eat and more than 30 winery tasting rooms. 

For breakfast, visit Maple Counter Cafe for addictive pancakes. When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, AK’s Mercado has mouth-watering smokehouse barbecue alongside tacos, tortas, and sandwiches. 

Get a history lesson at the Fort Walla Walla Museum or visit Whitman Mission, a national historic site, to walk the trails or attend a ranger program in the summer.

Walla Walla to Spokane

To close the loop, return to Spokane the next day, and watch the terrain change from fields to towering trees. Before you reach Spokane, take a short detour to the 23,000-acre Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. The preserve—which consists of wetlands, prairies, volcanic rock, and forests—has abundant birding and miles of quiet trails.