Expo Art in the Spokane River
I don’t know what that thing represents but it is an art piece installed for Expo 1974. May, 2011.
Spokane Pictures
Need a Spokane picture? Feel free to steal one (just try to cite this website). If you need something specific, probably simplest to run a search. New pictures are posted from time to time from SpokanePlanner’s library of thousands of pictures. Some pictures aren’t so great, some are pretty good. All photos are posted at 800 x 600 pixels (for the most part). If you’d like a full size image, feel free to contact SpokanePlanner via social media and I’ll send one your way.
The Best Burger Joint in Spokane
Dick’s Hamburgers deserves a post unto itself on this blog. When I entertain out of town guests, be them personal or professional, Dick’s is among the first places I take them. Order a Whammy, some fries, and a malt. Don’t forget to dip your burger and fries in tartar as you eat them. May, 2011.
Condos on Beachfront Property
Those condos on the left are among the first along the Spokane River. There’s not a lot of beachfront property left overlooking Spokane’s waterfalls but these residents have a front row seat to the best show in town. May, 2011.
Clowning Around Riverfront Park
One of the cardinal symptoms of a healthy downtown is enough street activity to motivate local entrepreneurs engage the market, albeit one person at a time. May, 2011.
Classic Riverfront Park
This view of Riverfront Park shows three out of four iconic structures within it — the Pavilion, Imax, and power plant. The only one missing is the clock tower. May, 2011.
Bloomsday Statues
Artist David Govedare erected 40 life size statues in honor of Spokane’s annual Bloomsday race in 1986. May, 2011.
A Lovely Day to View Spokane Falls
Spring is the best time to explore Spokane’s waterfalls. There are plenty of vantage points from Riverfront Park to take it all in. May, 2011.
Spokane’s Most Photogenic Images
Capturing The Essence Of Urban Spokane — These are the pictures that shape Spokane’s urban image, our best face. The View from Cliff Drive Gondolas from Post Street Bridge View of the Falls from Monroe Street Bridge Another View of the Falls from Atop Monroe Street Bridge View of Downtown from Kendall Yards Clock Tower and Pavilion in Riverfront Park Looking Down Post Street to River Park Square Descending Sunset Hill into Downtown
Another View of Spokane’s Clock Tower
Spokane’s Clock Tower is taller than most trees in Riverfront Park. It stands 155 feet tall. May, 2011.
Spokane’s Clock Tower
Up close and personal with Spokane’s Clock Tower, located in Riverfront Park. It stands 155 feet tall. May, 2011.
Speed Limit 5mph
Mind your kids along the trails in Riverfront Park. A child can sprint well faster than 5-mph. I wonder if anyone has ever gotten a ticket? May, 2011.
A Great Place to Skate
The Centennial Trail through Riverfront Park is wide and inviting. May, 2011.
Spokane Opera House (Part II)
Spokane’s opera house directly abuts the Spokane River and Riverfront Park downtown. May, 2011.
Spokane Opera House
The Spokane Opera House opened for Expo 1974. It’s 2,700 seat capacity hosts the metro’s top-tier performing arts tours. May, 2011.Â
Spokane Imax Theater
The Imax Theater in Riverfront Park was constructed for Expo 1974. As of this post (October, 2016), the Imax is slated for demolition to construct park improvements via a $64-million bond issuance approved by voters in 2014. This photo was taken in May, 2011.
North Fork Spokane Falls
Canada Island splits the Spokane River at the upper falls. This is the fork to the north of Canada Island. May, 2011.
Spokane Upper Falls Looking Downstream
The view looking downstream from Spokane Falls upper drop. May, 2011.
Spokane Falls Upper Drop
The upper drop of Spokane Falls is easy to view from all the footbridges that span it. May, 2011.
Spokane Falls Main Drop (Part II)
This photo was taken in May, 2011, with the late spring water still robust. Water volume over Spokane Falls tends to peak in early April.
Spokane Falls Main Drop
From the viewing stairs in Huntington Park below City Hall you can get up close and personal with the main drop of Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
The Viewing Stairs Of The Lower Spokane Falls
This is the best stair case in the world, and it can be found just below City Hall in Spokane. May, 2011.
Class 5 Plus
This picture shows the start of a wild ride down stream. It’s merely a spectator sport on the Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
That’s A Lonely Tree
This little guy must feel pretty lonely when high water comes. He can be found from a perch atop Canada Island. May, 2011.
Spokane Gondola Rides over the Falls
There is no better view of Spokane’s waterfalls than from a gondola ride over them. Try to catch the Falls in early April or so, that’s when the run-off from winter snows is peaking. It’s a hell of a show. May, 2011.
Monroe Street Bridge from Post Street
The Spokane River drops something north of 60-feet through downtown Spokane — the second largest urban waterfall system in America (next to Niagara). The final and most significant drop is pictured here while standing atop the Post Street Bridge. May, 2011.Â
Monroe Street Bridge above Spokane Falls
Monroe Street Bridge is one of Spokane’s most iconic structures, and it just so happens to span the main drop of Spokane’s waterfalls. May, 2011.
Gondolas Beneath Monroe Street Bridge
The best way to see Spokane Falls is via a sky-ride over them. Our gondola line was built for Expo 1974 and remains one of Spokane’s most unique attractions. May, 2011.Â
More Kiddie Rides in Riverfront Park
There are a lot of kiddie rides in Riverfront Park. Here’s a few of them. May, 2011.
The Ferris Wheel in Riverfront Park
The Ferris Wheel next to the Pavilion in Riverfront Park, Spokane. May, 2011.
Another View of the Tour Train in Riverfront Park
…just another view of the tour train in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
The Tour Train in Riverfront Park
This little guy will take you around most of Riverfront Park’s roughly 100 acres. May, 2011.
Another View of the Looff Carrousel
The view looking easterly at the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Looff Carrousel Spokane
Spokane’s Looff Carrousel was built in 1909. Today, it’s considered a work of art from multiple perspectives — mechanically, wood working, colors. It can be found in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Inside Spokane’s Looff Carrousel
The view from inside inside Spokane’s Looff Carrousel. May, 2011.
Kids’ Games Beneath the Pavilion
Kids love all the joy-rides beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Beneath the Pavilion
The Pavilion in Riverfront Park was a big tent structure for Expo 1974 activities. Locals joke that Seattle got the Space Needle, and Spokane got a big tent. May, 2011.
The Pavilion at Riverfront Park
A nice view of the Pavilion at Riverfront Park. It was originally built as a tent for Expo 1974. May, 2011.
The Shops Beneath the Pavilion
The shops beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park provide access to the IMAX and additional kids activities. May, 2011.
Inside the Pavilion
The view from inside the Pavilion at Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Opera House and Clock Tower
Locals refer to the diagonalled INB Performing Arts Center by its given name — the Opera House. Both the Opera House and the Clock Tower are in Riverfront Park, downtown. May, 2011.
Washington Water Power and Post Street Bridge
The big, brick Washington Water Power building, located in downtown Spokane, collects energy from the Spokane River. May, 2011.
The Pavilion, Clock Tower, and Imax
Artifacts of Expo 1974, the Pavilion, Imax, and Clock Tower. May, 2011.
Footbridge Across the Falls
One of the many footbridges in Riverfront Park. This one places you directly above the upper Falls. May, 2011.
The View from Canada Island
The view of the upper Spokane Falls from Canada Island in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Upper Falls Power Plant
The Upper Falls Power Plant harnesses the flow from the upper Spokane Falls in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Monroe Street Bridge
A great view of the Monroe Street Bridge that gives perspective of the drop of the Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
Washington Water Power
The old Washington Water Power plant is still operational as it catches power from Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
The Falls Surrounding Canada Island
When the Spokane River crests at high-flow, the footbridges around Canada Island in Riverfront Park are a perfect place to enjoy the show. May, 2011.Â
Main Drop of Spokane Falls
A close-up view of the main drop of Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
Diverging Washington and Stevens
These dual bridges across the Spokane River look pretty cool atop a perch in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
The Boulevard on Riverside Avenue
The boulevard on Riverside Avenue. March, 2011.
Art Over the Falls
This statue (title and artist unknown) provides a great vantage point overlooking the main drop of Spokane Falls and a panoramic view of Downtown Spokane. It’s located in Riverfront Park. March, 2011.
Riverside Avenue in March
…it looks a lot better with leaves on the trees and green grass. March, 2011.
Bloomsday Runner Statues
The Bloomsday runner statues (formally titled “The Joy of Running Together”) was installed in 1985 to commemorate Spokane’s popular 12k timed footrace. The artist is David Govedare. March, 2011.
Lourdes Cathedral, Downtown
Lourdes Cathedral is the seat of Bishop, as well as some of the finest architecture in town. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama Northeasterly View
The view looking northeasterly from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama North View
The view looking due north from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama North-Northwesterly View
The view looking north-northwesterly from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama Northwesterly View
The view looking northwesterly from Cliff Drive overlook. That’s Sacred Heart Hospital. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama West View
The view looking west from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
The Edge of Monroe Street Bridge
The view from street level at the edge of the Monroe Street Bridge. March, 2011.
Spokane Falls from Monroe Street Bridge
The view of Spokane Falls from the Monroe Street Bridge. March, 2011.
Riverside Avenue and the Masonic Temple
There’s a stretch of Riverside Avenue between about Monroe Street and 1st Avenue that creates a great street. This is part it. March, 2011.
Masonic Temple Looking East
The iconic Masonic Temple looking east down Riverside Avenue. In 2014, development plans were unveiled to redevelop the structure into a mixed-use project. March, 2011.
Masonic Temple Looking West
The Masonic Temple is one of Spokane’s most iconic historic landmarks. March, 2011.
Riverside Avenue Sidewalk
This sidewalk adjacent to the Masonic Temple on Riverside Avenue is a slice of one of the best urban environments in Spokane. March, 2011.
Condos Along the Spokane River
These condos along the Spokane River have one of the best views in town. Downtown could use a few more projects like this. March. 2011.
Footbridges to Canada Island
These footbridges criss-cross the Spokane River throughout Riverfront Park. March, 2011.
Canada Island
Canada Island in Riverfront Park is a giant basalt outcrop that splits the Spokane River as it drops through Downtown. March, 2011.
Old Huntington Park
The view of old Huntington Park from the Monroe Street Bridge. The land is now improved and beautified to provide a better viewing experience of the waterfalls. That white building in the background is Spokane City Hall. March, 2011.
Gondolas at Old Huntington Park
A view of old Huntington Park before the land was beautified into an improved gathering and viewing location of Spokane Falls. March, 2011.
Gondolas over Spokane Falls
Not too many cities have water falls roaring through their downtown. Not too many cities offer gondola rides just above them. Spokane’s pretty dope. March, 2011.
Spokane Falls Boulevard Sidewalk
The sidewalk along Spokane Falls Boulevard near River Park Square. March, 2011.
Outside the Apple Store
Outside the Apple Store on Main Avenue, Downtown. March, 2011.
Sidewalk Along Main Avenue
Main Avenue is the chicest retail destination in Spokane, particularly near River Park Square. An area’s retail mix says a lot about the market it caters to. Downtown Spokane caters to a pretty healthy market. March, 2011.
Wall Street Skywalks
There’s a lot of skywalks in Downtown Spokane. Here’s three of them over Wall Street. March, 2011.
Outside River Park Square
The sidewalk outside the main entry to River Park Square. March, 2011.
Wall Street Looking South
Another view of Wall Street this time looking south. March, 2011.
Mt. Spokane from Cliff Drive
The view of Mt. Spokane from Cliff Drive — the South Hill’s most popular make-out spot. That’s the University District in the foreground. March, 2011.
Wall Street Looking North
Wall Street in Downtown Spokane was refurbished as a pedestrian mall in the 1990s. June, 2004.Â
Gateway into Riverfront Park
The gateway into Riverfront Park from Spokane Falls Boulevard. June, 2004.
Howard Street Looking South
The view of Howard Street looking south in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
The Old Fountain by the Parkade
In Canada, they call parking garages parkades. For a time, that’s what they called them in Spokane, too. This is the plaza behind Spokane’s historic parkade. June, 2004.
Eastbound Riverside Avenue
Riverside Avenue was once a hotbed for late night cruising in Downtown Spokane. Although the trend has died off for about two decades, word is it’s starting to make a comeback.
Post Street Downtown
A view looking south along Post Street, Downtown. June, 2004.
Quiet Downtown Bistro
This quiet Downtown setting was once an alleyway. Now, it’s a nice place to sip an espresso. June, 2004.
Back-Alley Spokane
You want some nice pictures, or are you the holy type? Just a random back-alley in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
Spokesman Review from Riverside Avenue
The protruding and curve-linear Spokesman Review Building is one of Spokane’s best architectural landmarks. June, 2004.
Riverside Avenue Looking East
Riverside Avenue looking east in June, 2004.
Main Avenue
Main Avenue in June, 2004, looking westerly. The building on the right is Macy’s.
Pyramid Fountains
This great wide sidewalk is on Spokane Falls Boulevard adjacent to Riverfront Park. That old brick pyramid fountain has since been removed. June, 2004.
Downtown Spiral Staircases
At the date this picture was taken, Downtown had three spiral staircases leading up to its skywalk system (the third being just off picture left). One of them has since been demolished to make way for a real estate investment, and the final two (showed in this June, 2004 picture) are still pretty cool, nonetheless.
Riverfront Park Kids’ Rides
During the summer months, kids’ activities dominate the space beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Beneath the Pavilion
The Pavilion in Riverfront Park hosts a multitude of activities beneath it. It was constructed for Expo 1974. June, 2004.
Spokane Smokestacks
These twin smokestacks are a prominent part of Spokane’s skyline. Once an operating steam plant that provided heat for the bulk of downtown, the operation was abandoned several decades back and the structure remained vacant and dilapidated until local developers revitalized the building. Today, an array of hipster tenants occupy the structure, known as Steam Plant Square. Picture taken June, 2004.
Spokane’s Tallest Buildings
These are Spokane’s two tallest buildings. The white one clocks in at about 24 stories (243 feet), while the grey one clocks in at about 29 stories (288). Both were built and completed in the early 80s. Photo taken June, 2004.
Riverside Toward Lourdes
With the right vantage point down Riverside Avenue, one can capture two of Spokane’s most iconic structures: the Spokesman Review Building and Lourdes Cathedral. June, 2004.
Historic Davenport Hotel
The Davenport Hotel from Sprague Avenue. June, 2004.
Davenport Hotel
The Davenport Hotel from Riverside Avenue. June, 2004.
Davenport Hotel Sidewalk
Judging by this streetscape, the Davenport Hotel spares no details. June, 2004.
Just a Wee Little Guy
That little building must be original, huh? June, 2004.
Low Flow Spokane River
This June, 2004, picture illustrates well how low the Spokane River runs in high summer.
Nordstrom and River Park Square
Most downtowns don’t have a Nordstrom. But most downtowns aren’t Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.Â
Spokane River Near Downtown
A placid June, 2004, day on the Spokane River just east of Riverfront Park, Downtown.
Coeur d’Alene Park
Coeur d’Alene Park is the natural heart and soul of Browne’s Addition. June, 2004.
Pacific and Cannon
The intersection of Pacific and Cannon is the commercial heart and soul of Browne’s Addition. June, 2004.
Manito Duck Pond
The Manito Duck Pond (in Manito Park) was once a popular place to feed the ducks but overfeeding has led to contamination of the pond (seen in this June, 2004 picture). Now, the City has prohibited feeding and has plans to restore and improve the pond.
Steps Outside Spokane Opera House
The steps outside Spokane’s Opera House along the Spokane River. June, 2004.
Red Wagon Slide
This over-sized Radio Flyer is a popular play area in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Looff Carrousel, Spokane
The old Looff Carrousel in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
Centennial Trail, Riverfront Park
The Centennial Trail is a 40+ mile long pathway that stretches from Coeur d’Alene through Spokane. This stretch of the Centennial Trail in Riverfront Park is wide and inviting. June, 2004.
Downtown Spokane from Riverfront Park
Downtown Spokane from Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Spokane Expo 1974 Art
What is that thing? This art piece was installed for Expo 1974 outside the Opera House. June, 2004.
Sidewalk Outside River Park Square
The sidewalk view outside of River Park Square. Downtown Spokane, June, 2004.
Dicks Hamburgers Sign
Dicks Hamburgers is a classic Spokane burger joint located on the fringe of Downtown. June, 2004.
Steps Along the Spokane River
Steps along the Spokane River adjacent to the Opera House. June, 2004.
Old YMCA Building
The old YMCA building in Riverfront Park was demolished in 2011. This picture was taken in June, 2004.
South Bound from Downtown
Looking toward the South Hill from Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
The Lusso Block, Downtown Spokane
Historic and modern architecture in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
Riverfront Park Viewing Dock
A lovely day to read a book along the Spokane River in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Classic Spokane
Spokane’s most classic urban scene — Downtown’s Pavilion and Clock Tower in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Spokane Opera House
The sleek and modern Spokane Opera House along the Spokane River, Downtown. June, 2004.
Spokane County Courthouse
Looks pretty dope. The Spokane County Courthouse, November, 2003.
Spokesman Review Building
The Burnham-esque Spokesman Review building on a rainy day in November, 2003.
Spokane River George Shanties
Spokane River George beach-front property is now coveted. Not long ago, no one really cared to live there. November, 2003.
Spokane River George
The Olmsted Brothers have a vision for this place — the Spokane River George looking west from the Monroe Street Bridge, Downtown. November, 2003.
Old Kendall Yards
Once known as Felony Flats, it’s in these fields above the Spokane River and adjacent to Downtown that Kendall Yards is being developed (and they are fields no longer). November, 2003.
Monroe Street Statues
Do you see the statue in the background? It’s just like the one in the foreground. These two gentlemen can be found on Monroe Street and Main Avenue, Downtown. November, 2003.
Spokane River Low Water
In late fall, even after the rains set in, the Spokane River is at it’s lowest flow of the year, as seen in this November, 2003 photo. The natural area on the right has since been converted into a park.
Rockwood Mansions
A couple of mansions perched atop the hill on Rockwood Boulevard in Spokane. November, 2003.
Rainy Downtown Spokane
The skywalks come in pretty handy on those chilly wet winter days in Downtown Spokane. November, 2003.
Dreary Spokane
Being 90 miles from Canada, there are times when Spokane can be somewhat of a dreary place. This is one of them. November, 2003.