Top 15 Spots for Engagement Proposals in the Spokane Area
Spokane Engagement Proposal
If you are reading this article then I am assuming you are looking to pop THE question. First off, CONGRATULATIONS on this huge step! I remember proposing to my wife just this last fall and it was a VERY exciting but also very nerve wracking. Finding the perfect location and planning the perfect evening can be a daunting task, especially if you are unfamiliar with the Spokane. In this article, I hope to make your life a little easier and offer insight on my top 15 spots for engagement proposals in the Spokane area. All locations are within an hour of Spokane and I make sure to cover all the best proposal locations for any time of year.
Spots to Propose in Spokane
Places in Manito Park
Rose Gardens
From mid summer to early fall, the rose gardens in Manito park can be an incredible place to propose. There are rows upon rows of multi-colored roses that are planted for your viewing pleasure. If you plan on proposing here during summer, aim for doing it in the evening as it can be much cooler. The rose gardens are adjacent to the next location on our list so make sure to go for a walk to see both, time permitting.
Duncan Gardens
Duncan Gardens is one of Spokane’s iconic locations within Manito. This garden is curated with flowers and other perennials unlike any other park in Spokane. It is BEAUTIFUL. This part of the park features a conservatory with exotic plants inside located right by the parking area. The outdoor gardens have paths down either side and a pathway down the middle that leads to a large fountain. This location can be great in the morning or evening during the late spring to early fall; but again, I would recommend to stay away the middle of the day during summer as it can be VERY hot.
Japanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens is a secluded area in Manito that is fenced in. It can be a great place to propose any time of the day from Spring to Fall as it provides plenty of shade. There is not much else to say here. It is beautiful but a pretty standard Japanese garden.
Places Around Downtown Spokane
Riverfront Park Pavilion
This last year, Riverfront Park got a huge overhaul. The pavilion got an incredible upgrade and can be a beautiful place to propose at later in the evening or at night any time of year (thought Spring-Fall may be best due to the weather). The pavilion boasts dazzling light shows through the week and can make for a magical proposal. It is right downtown so grab some dinner then get a hot chocolate or dessert and go for a walk to the pavilion.
Riverfront Park Falls Overlook
Spokane falls has many viewpoints and bridges around Riverfront Park that allow for a great view of the falls during summer. If you are considering proposing here, go in the evening and consider grabbing a bite to eat at some of Spokane’s best restaurants around downtown. If you want an area that has it all for great dining and deserts as well as a beautiful place to walk, make sure to check out the Kendal Yards area as well.
Davenport Hotel
The Davenport Hotel is Spokane’s most elegant and historic hotel. This can be a great place to propose no matter the time of year. During Christmas, there are very large trees that are decorated for the holiday season that can make for a great place to propose. If you choose to do so here, consider grabbing dinner at the Davenport Safari Lounge or downtown at one of the many amazing restaurants.
Sunset at High Drive
High Drive is one of Spokane’s less known view-points. Though many people who live on the South Hill are aware of this location and walk the path along the vista daily, many others in Spokane are unaware of its beauty, especially so at sunset. If you are looking for a great place on the South Hill, go check out this location. It can be a great spot to go for a walk and propose after dinner or desert.
Spots Just Outside of Spokane
Rocks of Sharon
The Rocks of Sharon are located just south of Spokane and includes an easy (but slightly steep in parts) 20-30 minute hike to the top. At the top of the trail, there are many rocks that one can scramble up (but be careful) that offer incredible views of the Palouse during from Spring through the Fall. If you choose to propose here, bring some water, a warm jacket or sweater, decent hiking shoes, and bug spray. Try and aim for sunset for the best sights.
Bowl and Pitcher
Bowl and Pitcher is located on the western edge of Spokane. It features many large house-sized boulders that sit in the Spokane river, a walking trail that goes through the park, and an iconic suspension bridge that crosses the river. There are two places that are best to propose at, the viewpoint (located at the entrance of the park) and the bridge. If you plan to propose here, make sure to bring decent walking shoes and quite possibly some bug spray! Do note that you will need a discover pass within the park to avoid getting a ticket.
Steptoe Butte
Steptoe Butte is one of Spokane’s least known gems. The butte is located in the Palouse, about an hour south of Spokane. During the Spring and summer, the views can be absolutely breathtaking. Believe it or not, people travel from all over the country and world to this location for views of the rolling fields. If you think you might want to propose here, consider bringing food for a picnic or evening dinner on top of the butte. Watch the sun set over the rolling fields and maybe even check out the stars afterward. Though the park does close at dusk, one can view the stars without issue so long as you aren’t car camping overnight. On that note, this location can also be great for viewing the Perseid meteor shower during the summer.
Mt Spokane
Mt. Spokane is, strangely enough, another place that many have not visited when there is no snow. From spring until late fall, one can drive their cars to the summit for incredible views. At the top, the vista house is open to guests and there are also picnic tables which make for a great spot to have a lunch or even nice picnic dinner. This can make for a great spot to propose around sunset. One should make sure to bring a warm jacket as it can be windy at the top and also make sure to bring bug spray as the black flies can be very annoying depending on the year. Do note that you will need a discover pass within the park to avoid getting a ticket and the park does close at dusk.
Tubbs Hill
Tubbs Hill is an in-and-out hike in Coeur d’ Alene. It starts by the CDA Resort and ends up near Sanders Beach. It is an easy walking trail that provides incredible views of lake CDA. During the summer this trail is heavily populated. There are many secluded beaches along this trail that can be perfect for couples on a hot summer day. If you plan to propose here, try to time your visit around sunset, bring sunscreen, and maybe even a small picnic meal.
CDA Boardwalk
The CDA Boardwalk can be a great place for engagement proposals year round. During the winter, this is one of my top recommendations as one can get dinner downtown in CDA, grab some hot chocolate, and then go for a walk on the boardwalk. During the holiday season, there are light displays all around CDA and the boardwalk which makes for the perfect festive feel. If you choose to propose here, go at sunset or at night to see all of the lights and dress WARM.
Conclusion
Though there are many great proposal spots listed above, this is by no means an exhaustive list. I was raised in the Spokane and CDA area so I know this place like the back of my hand. If you are looking for more locations, feel free to get in contact with me. I can also photograph your proposal which is becoming more and more common (and I love it). I have a lot of experience in this area and would love to help you plan the perfect outing for your proposal!
If you have any questions or would like me to photograph your proposal, feel free to contact me!
If you liked this article and want to learn more about my services, go see my wedding portfolio as well as my wedding packages and pricing.
Top 15 Spots for Engagement Proposals in the Spokane Area
Written by: Zach Nichols
February 9, 2020
© Zach Nichols Photography