Spokane, Washington Bird Watching

The weather in Spokane is lovely any time of year, and even our local wildlife knows it. Many bright and beautiful birds use Spokane as their safe spot, a place to nest, and their natural habitat. Whether you’re a novice bird watcher just learning about the differences or are more experienced and want to capture your next photo for your collection, we have some great spots for you to check out.

Dishman Hills Park and Natural Area Trail

Image by Paul van de Velde is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Conveniently located near the city, the Dishman Hills Park and Natural Area Trail is a beautiful place to decompress for bird watchers. You don’t have to drive far to see some of your favorite birds. The over 530 acres of rocky hills and ponds have been a protected natural area for over 30 years. The grassy area has towering pines, a fir and pine tree forest, aspen groves, and wildflowers bursting with color every spring.

For those that enjoy a little leisurely walk or hike, there are several trails to meet your needs and skill level. Sitting adjacent to Camp Caro, some popular trails include Deep Ravine Loop Trail and Pinecliff Loop Trail. Both have public access areas ideal to meet the needs of hikers of varying levels. Along these paths, you’ll find some local birds coloring the sky and sitting in the trees. Some species you can expect to encounter are the willow and western flycatchers, the eastern and western kingbirds, and warbling vireos.

You’ll find Dishman Hills at South 625 Sargent Road. The park is open from dawn till dusk daily unless otherwise posted. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunblock. Because temperatures can fluctuate, dressing in layers is recommended.

Painted Rocks Nature Trail

Painted Rocks Nature Trail is a 3.3-mile-long round-trip hiking trail near Spokane. The trail takes a little over an hour for a novice or simple recreational walker or hiker. A popular area for Britannica, the best time of year to visit this trail is between March and November. Although it is a gorgeous site to experience near any time of day, you’ll have to leave your dogs at home. They aren’t allowed on park premises.

At this beautiful retreat from the typically loud noises of society, you’re likely to see the northern pygmy owl, the bald eagle, the osprey, and the red-naped sapsucker. You’ll find this lovely location in Little Spokane River Natural Area at 5626-5742 West Rutter Parkway. The park is open daily throughout the year.

Mount Spokane State Park

Bird watchers will likely love a visit to Mount Spokane State Park. This fun-packed area is a simple answer to the question of where to find great locations for birding. It is a large camping park spanning 12,0000 acres and boasting over 79 miles of trail suitable for mountain bikers and equestrians. A local favorite past-time, Mount Spokane State Park is a wonderful place for snowboarding. It has its own snowboarding park that was established in 1930 with 1,700 acres of skiable area.

If you’re not that adventurous and would rather marvel at the gorgeous beauty of nature that tests your limits, you aren’t alone. The birds will happily sit and sing in your presence. The frosty background in the winter is something that makes for gorgeous photos. However, the warmer months are equally beautiful.

You’ll find this bird watcher’s paradise at 1111 Israel Road SW in Tumwater. For more information or to walk the trails during the winter or enjoy your own snowboarding fun and see the winter birds in their glory, call 260-902-8844.

Spokane River Walk

The Riverfront found in the heart of downtown Spokane seems like an easy choice for a quick spot to go birding. Use your lunch break to unwind and walk along the waters. A visit here puts you in the center of the city, its culture, and what is happening in town. During the day, there is a carousel, art fixtures to see, free and paid concerts and performances, a live theatrical display recounting traditional stories by a beloved coyote figure, and even a festival.

For those of you who seek the solitude of nature, you should head closer to the waters. Some species of birds you’ll see here include Cassin’s kingbirds and western wood pewees. Use your visit as the perfect opportunity to snap a photo of yourself near the falls for a perfect social media profile photo.

Hangman Park Loop

Although the name might sound a little suspicious, Hangman Park Loop offers an ideal opportunity for bird watchers to capture the sight of some of the most graceful birds in the natural surroundings, nearly untouched by humankind. This moderately challenging route provides visitors with an adequate amount of exercise and vistas that are unforgettable.

It is a 2.6-mile round-trip trail ideal for running and basking in nature’s presence. The area has plenty of shade but few places to stop and sit. Be cautious of small holes in the ground as you walk. When you go, we suggest you dress in layers and use some sort of bug repellant, especially in the warmer months when insects are more active.

Bird Watching In Spokane, Washington

So, there you have it. We at Spokane Hyundai have enjoyed sharing with you our list of top bird-watching spots near Spokane, Washington. Whether you just have a pair of binoculars and want to spend a little time reconnecting with nature or have professional photography equipment and want to capture our feathered friends in their best light, these locations will have something to offer.

What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite location to go birding? If we did, please let us know. Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas. You might even find your suggestion featured on our list in the future. Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a new-to-you vehicle to go on bird-watching adventures, check out our available selection.