Half day to explore Spokane area - where to check out?

Hello Spokane area climbers. I'm from the Denver area and will be in Spokane for work later this month. This area is on my short list for possible retirement locations (tax advantages) but we haven't ever visited it. 

Of upmost importance to us is access to outdoor recreation: climbing, biking, trail running, camping, etc. I also enjoy boating so being able to head over the the lakes in ID is attractive. 

Unfortunately I'll only have an evening and maybe a half a day to explore so I know this won't give your area a fair shot but it's the best I have for now. Where do you recommend I drive to get a taste for the area? I won't have time to actually run or climb or make any long approach hikes. Are there a handful of locations I can drive to that you think will show me an example of the geography and recreation opportunities?

Thanks

Hey Jimmy, it's tough to say what will give you an accurate representation of the area offerings in such a short amount of time. That said, some things you might consider would be checking out Big Rock (accessed via the Stevens Creek TH), which is about a mile approach and has a nice variety of climbing, trails for running and cycling, and a great view of the Palouse on a clear day. Big rock has some of the longer routes in the more immediate area. Another climbing area would be Minnehaha, which is also tucked into the Beacon Hill area which has some really renowned mountain biking. 

There are certainly more offerings around - and more than I can feasibly list here. Riverside state park has a huge network of trails, great for XC style biking and running (fatbiking and XC skiing in the winter), and I spend a lot of my time running up out of the Glenrose Trailhead. 

Hopefully that gives you some ideas. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. Not an expert by any means, but I've lived here most of my life and enjoy many of the same hobbies. 

Riverside state park, 7 mile road, deep creek trail head. Walk to the pit or main wall based off of the mountain project directions 

This is a 20-30 minute drive from downtown with a 10-15 minute approach. The approach will give you an idea of some of the parks scope and potential beyond climbing 

Thanks. Those are all nice and close to the city. Any areas worth driving up north into the National Forest for? How about over into the ID panhandle? 

There are some spots north, but quite a ways north. Panhandle has a lot to offer - some local stuff in Post Falls, but Chimney Rock, Lions Head, Harrison Peak, Lions Creek Drainage, all have day hike accessible multipitch trad and sport.

This time of year anything in the Selkirks is going to start getting cold and snowy.  If you are looking for something in the ID panhandle for Nov/Dec I would recommend Laclede.  It faces south so sees good sun particularly in the afternoon and has a lot of good routes.  It is about an hour from Spokane.