John A. Finch Arboretum - Spokane (WA)

5 /5 Jennifer Quillin: Feels like youve stepped into a secret garden. The smell of fresh dirt and mulch softly fills your senses as you drive into the property. We slowly meandered to the end of the gravel road and parked in a small parking lot. Path leads gently downhill beside a small stream (tributary of the Spokane River). Mentally blocked out the nearby road noise and immersed myself in the canopy. Rounded a corner and discovered a half dozen Rhodies in various colors. Then an enormous pale pink Rhododendron. I had no idea they grew that big like a tree! We crossed the stream a few times with small waterfalls. The best part was walking barefoot across the soft grass. Spied a marmot, carefully stepped across pinecones. Grass was warm underfoot in the sun, and cool and dewy in the shade. The energy was magical. We rested at a picnic table under the shade of a large tree. Enjoyed the sights, but not the loud sound of the freeway.

5 /5 Jamie Boyd: Beautiful area to walk through, so dont just drive by. You wont get the full experience unless you walk the trails into the forest. The flowers and trees are arranged along the path in a way that makes you feel like you are in a woodsy paradise. Its very well taken care of by park staff.

5 /5 Ang Shove-ink: Lovely green space just outside of downtown Spokane. They hold an annual Arbor Day festival each spring with local city resources on gardening and tree planting as well as composting and waste management. There are arts and craft activities for the kids and they give out free compost bins to Spokane residents (come early while supplies last!)

3 /5 Hallie Martinez: Beautiful park, convenient urban escape. Spring is a great time to visit. Only thing missing is some sound barrier for the 195 and Sunset Boulevard. The constant buzz of the cars makes it hard to fully appreciate being out in nature.

5 /5 Charu Bhandari: I recently visited John A. Finch Arboretum and had a wonderful experience. The arboretum boasts a stunning collection of trees and plants, creating a serene and picturesque environment. One of the highlights of my visit was the charming creek that adds a peaceful, natural touch to the surroundings. The arboretum offers plenty of free parking, making it easy to visit without any hassle. Its a fantastic place to take a leisurely walk, snap some beautiful photos, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. The tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor gatherings. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and a great place to unwind, John A. Finch Arboretum is definitely worth a visit.