When to Go

Eastern Washington has four distinct seasons, with generally very hot summers and sometimes very snowy winters. Recreational activities are geared to the specific season, with several downhill ski resorts open for skiing and snowboarding, and Nordic skiing available in the national forests, too. In summer, water activities on the lakes and rivers are popular, and there are many places to pursue hiking, backpacking, cycling, and fishing. Eastern Washington rarely feels crowded, though popular campgrounds may fill in summer. Lodging rates tend to be higher between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so visiting off-season can reduce costs. Spring and fall are both beautiful seasons to explore the region. In smaller towns certain attractions are open only from May through September, so call ahead to plan visits to sights. Also call well in advance to make reservations during college special-event weekends in Pullman and Walla Walla.

Festivals and Events

The region’s rich bounty of viniculture and agriculture is celebrated with festivals throughout the year.

Bloomsday. On the first Sunday of May, more than 40,000 runners course 12 km (7½ miles) through downtown Spokane and the northwest part of the city. Spokane, Washington, 99201. 509/838–1579; www.bloomsdayrun.org.

Farmer Consumer Awareness Day. Farms and processing plants in Quincy throw an open house for a weekend every mid-September so consumers can get a closer look at where their food comes from. There are exhibits, a farmers' market, food booths, tours of farms, processors, and geology sites, and lots of other events. Quincy, Washington, 98848. 509/787–2140; www.quincyfarmerconsumer.com.

Green Bluff Growers Festivals. The association of small farms and food stands in Green Bluff (about 20 miles northeast of downtown Spokane) presents several festivals as orchard fruits come into season. Strawberries are celebrated in late June and early July, while the Cherry Festival runs two weekends in July, the Peach Festival mid-August through Labor Day, and the Apple Festival weekends from late September through late October. Hwy. 2 and Green Bluff Rd., Colbert, Washington, 99021. www.greenbluffgrowers.com.

Hoopfest. The last weekend in June, basketball mania descends on downtown Spokane as Hoopfest comes to town, a mega tournament with nearly 7,000 teams and 27,000 players playing 3-on-3 basketball on 450 courts over 40 city blocks. It's the world's largest event of its type, with more than 225,000 fans in attendance. Spokane, Washington, 99201. 509/624–2414; www.spokanehoopfest.net.

Pig Out in the Park. Locals and tourists flock to Riverfront Park over Labor Day to gorge on yummy food and nonstop live music. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St., Spokane, Washington, 99201. 509/879–0826; www.spokanepigout.com.

Spokane Lilac Festival. Parades and other events honor the flower that gives Spokane the moniker "Lilac City." Spokane, Washington, 99201. 509/535–4554; www.spokanelilacfestival.org.

Walla Walla Wine Festivals. The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance coordinates Spring Release Weekend, the first weekend in May; Celebrate Walla Walla Wines, for a weekend in mid-June; Fall Release Weekend, the first weekend in November; and Holiday Barrel Tasting, the first weekend in December. Events include wine tasting, tours, winemaker dinners, music, and arts festivals. Walla Walla, Washington, 99362. 509/526–3117; www.wallawallawine.com.