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The Inland Empire
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Explore Washington’s Inland Empire for Spokane’s riverfront, Palouse wheat hills, Walla Walla wine country and Columbia Basin landscapes.

The Inland Empire is a historic, informal name for the broad interior of eastern Washington, centred on Spokane and extending across the Palouse, the lower Columbia Basin, the wheat country around Walla Walla and the river cities of the south-east. It is not a modern administrative district, and its boundaries vary according to context; this guide uses the Washington portion of the region, while recognising that the wider historic Inland Empire also reaches into northern Idaho. The landscape changes markedly across this large territory, from forested mountains and glacial lakes in the north to dry shrub-steppe, irrigated farmland and rolling wheat hills farther south.
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Spokane is the region’s principal urban centre and a useful base for exploring the northern Inland Empire. Its identity was shaped by the Spokane River, whose falls run through the city centre, and by the railways and timber, mining and agricultural trade that made Spokane an important inland commercial hub. Downtown combines early twentieth-century buildings with parks, galleries, theatres, sporting venues and a growing food scene. Nearby Riverside State Park follows the river through basalt country, while Mount Spokane offers forest, winter sports and expansive views north of the city.
East of Spokane, the Palouse is known for its smooth, deeply folded hills, produced by wind-blown loess and cultivated for generations. Pullman, home to Washington State University, provides a collegiate cultural centre amid this agricultural landscape, while smaller communities such as Colfax and Palouse retain historic main streets and strong connections with wheat farming. South of the Palouse, the Snake and Columbia rivers form a warmer, drier setting around Clarkston, where river recreation and access to Hells Canyon contrast with the high farmland above.
The south-eastern part of the region has a different cadence. Walla Walla is associated with historic streets, vineyards, fine dining and a long agricultural tradition, while the Tri-Cities—Kennewick, Pasco and Richland—stand amid irrigated orchards, vineyards, scientific institutions and broad river landscapes. Hanford’s twentieth-century history has left a major technological and environmental legacy, although access to the Hanford Site is controlled and should be approached through authorised visitor arrangements rather than independent exploration.
Travel in the Inland Empire rewards planning because distances are considerable and public transport is concentrated in the larger towns and cities. Road journeys reveal the region’s contrasts particularly well: pine forests and granite waterways in the north, wheat-covered ridges in the Palouse, and open sagebrush and river valleys in the south. Food and drink are equally varied, encompassing wheat, apples, cherries, wine, craft beer and locally raised produce. The result is a region defined less by one uniform landscape than by the meeting of inland rivers, working agricultural country, university communities and an urban centre with a distinctly north-western history.

Getting to and around The Inland Empire

How to get there

Spokane International Airport is the principal commercial gateway within the Washington Inland Empire, with road and air connections serving Spokane and the northern part of the region. Walla Walla Regional Airport serves the south-east, while Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco is useful for Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and the central Columbia Basin. Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport is across the state line in Idaho but serves Pullman and the eastern Palouse. Amtrak’s Empire Builder serves Spokane, and long-distance road approaches include Interstate 90 from Seattle and Idaho, US 195 towards Pullman, US 12 towards Walla Walla and US 395 through the Columbia Basin.

Transportation

A car is the most practical way to connect the region’s dispersed towns, wineries, river viewpoints and rural landscapes. Spokane has local buses and an urban street network, while Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities and Pullman have local public transport, but rural services are limited and do not provide comprehensive access to attractions. Regional bus connections exist between some principal communities, though routes and operating arrangements should be checked before travel. Cycling is rewarding on selected trails and quiet country roads, but distances, heat, wind and limited shoulders require preparation. Winter snow and summer wildfire smoke can affect mountain and rural driving.

Top city travel guides in The Inland Empire

The cities of The Inland Empire, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in The Inland Empire

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in The Inland Empire

The Inland Empire’s attractions range from urban culture to large-scale landscapes. In Spokane, the Spokane River falls, Riverfront Park, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and the historic Browne’s Addition area provide an accessible introduction to the region’s urban and commercial history. Riverside State Park follows the river through basalt scenery and offers walking, cycling, boating and camping. North of the city, Mount Spokane State Park brings forest trails, winter recreation and high-country views. Across the Palouse, Pullman combines Washington State University’s campus life with access to rolling wheat country, while the communities of Palouse and Colfax offer smaller-scale historic streets. Walla Walla is a base for wine tasting, museums, galleries and agricultural touring. The Tri-Cities open onto the Columbia and Snake rivers, with science-focused interpretation, river trails, water sports and authorised programmes connected with Hanford’s history. Near Clarkston, river recreation and guided excursions provide access to the dramatic Hells Canyon country, although much of the canyon lies beyond Washington and should be treated as a cross-border journey rather than a local attraction.

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Best landmarks in The Inland Empire

Spokane Falls is the region’s most recognisable urban landmark, where the Spokane River narrows and drops through the city centre amid bridges, parks and historic commercial buildings. The Davenport Hotel and neighbouring early twentieth-century architecture express the prosperity created by railways and inland trade. In the Palouse, the rounded agricultural hills themselves form a distinctive geographical landmark, their patterned slopes changing colour with the seasons. Walla Walla’s historic downtown streets and surviving commercial buildings recall its nineteenth-century role as a regional trading centre. The Columbia River and its broad reservoirs define the Tri-Cities landscape, while the nearby Hanford Reach preserves a less developed stretch of the river beside one of the country’s most consequential nuclear sites. Grand Coulee Dam lies in the wider north-eastern Washington landscape and is a major engineering landmark, but it is a substantial journey from Spokane. Basalt cliffs, river corridors and the high ridges above the Snake near Clarkston provide the region’s most prominent natural forms.

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Best restaurants in The Inland Empire

Dining in the Inland Empire reflects wheat farming, irrigated horticulture, cattle, vineyards and the cuisines of a growing urban population. Spokane has the broadest choice, from independent cafés and bakeries to contemporary restaurants, breweries and established American dining rooms. Walla Walla is particularly associated with wine-country restaurants, tasting rooms and menus built around local vegetables, fruit, grains and meat, while the Tri-Cities combines casual river-city dining with wine-focused venues and family restaurants. Pullman’s university community supports an international and informal food scene. Across the region, seasonal produce includes apples, cherries, asparagus and other crops from the irrigated Columbia Basin, while wheat remains an important agricultural foundation even when it is not served as a headline ingredient. Farmers’ markets, farm stands, breweries and wineries are useful places to encounter local products, but opening patterns vary by season and by town.

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Best bars in The Inland Empire

Nightlife is concentrated in Spokane, with the city offering the region’s widest range of cocktail bars, breweries, live-music rooms, theatre programmes and late-evening restaurants. Pullman has a youthful, university-shaped evening scene, particularly during the academic year, while Walla Walla’s nightlife centres more on wine bars, tasting rooms, restaurants and relaxed public houses than on large clubs. The Tri-Cities provides breweries, bars, live entertainment and waterfront dining across Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, although venues are dispersed rather than gathered in one compact district. In smaller Palouse and agricultural communities, evening life generally focuses on local taverns, cafés, community events and seasonal entertainment. Rural distances make a designated driver essential, and wine tasting should be arranged around safe transport rather than spontaneous driving between distant towns.

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Best nightclubs in The Inland Empire

Nightlife is concentrated in Spokane, with the city offering the region’s widest range of cocktail bars, breweries, live-music rooms, theatre programmes and late-evening restaurants. Pullman has a youthful, university-shaped evening scene, particularly during the academic year, while Walla Walla’s nightlife centres more on wine bars, tasting rooms, restaurants and relaxed public houses than on large clubs. The Tri-Cities provides breweries, bars, live entertainment and waterfront dining across Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, although venues are dispersed rather than gathered in one compact district. In smaller Palouse and agricultural communities, evening life generally focuses on local taverns, cafés, community events and seasonal entertainment. Rural distances make a designated driver essential, and wine tasting should be arranged around safe transport rather than spontaneous driving between distant towns.

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Best shops in The Inland Empire

Shopping varies sharply between Spokane’s established urban districts, college-town Pullman, wine-country Walla Walla and the dispersed communities of the Columbia Basin. Spokane offers independent boutiques, bookshops, galleries, antiques, regional food retailers and larger commercial centres, with downtown and nearby neighbourhoods providing the greatest concentration of specialist shopping. Walla Walla is well suited to browsing tasting-room merchandise, art galleries, homeware, books and locally produced food, while Pullman has a smaller selection shaped by university life. The Tri-Cities has conventional retail centres alongside farmers’ markets, winery shops and outlets selling regional produce. Useful take-home products include Washington wine, craft beer, orchard fruit when in season, local preserves, wheat-based foods, artwork and practical outdoor goods. Rural farm stands can be excellent but may operate seasonally, accept limited payment methods or use self-service arrangements, so carry a card and some cash.

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The Inland Empire essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD), as throughout Washington State. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Spokane, Walla Walla, Pullman and the Tri-Cities, including most hotels, restaurants, tasting rooms and larger shops. Cash remains useful at some farm stands, small rural businesses, informal markets and isolated facilities, although availability varies. Tipping is customary in American table-service restaurants, bars and for several personal services; check the bill and treat any service charge separately from an optional tip.
Safety
Use normal urban precautions in Spokane and other town centres, particularly at night and around busy transport areas. Outdoor risks vary by landscape: summer heat, dehydration, rattlesnakes, ticks, wildfire smoke and sudden weather changes are possible in dry river and shrub-steppe country, while snow and ice affect higher elevations. Keep to public roads and signed trails, obey water-safety guidance and do not approach wildlife. Agricultural roads may have slow machinery, dust and limited visibility. Wine touring requires a designated sober driver or an organised transport option.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 anywhere in Washington for police, fire or ambulance assistance. State that you are in the Inland Empire and give the nearest town, road, trailhead, river access point or milepost, as rural addresses can be difficult to identify. Mobile coverage is inconsistent in remote mountain, canyon and river areas, so download maps and tell someone your plans before heading out. Water emergencies may involve local fire or sheriff’s services and, where appropriate, the Coast Guard; backcountry incidents are coordinated through local emergency services and search-and-rescue teams.
Do's and Don'ts
Do respect tribal lands, treaty fishing areas, private farmland and posted restrictions, and ask before photographing people or community events. Do observe Washington’s outdoor access rules, leave gates as you find them and avoid driving on unpaved farm tracks unless permitted. Do not enter the Hanford Site or other restricted facilities without authorised access. In restaurants and bars, follow American queueing and tipping customs, and carry valid government-issued identification when buying alcohol. Do not drink and drive, even where rural roads appear quiet.
Local Tips
The region’s character changes with altitude and river basin, so combine an urban stay in Spokane with a separate itinerary for the Palouse, Walla Walla or the Tri-Cities. Spring brings green wheat hills and flowering orchards, while summer is hot and dry in the south and autumn is particularly attractive for vineyards and harvest landscapes. Reserve time for museums and heritage sites in the Tri-Cities if Hanford history interests you, and check whether a tour requires advance booking. In rural areas, fill the vehicle with fuel before long crossings and do not assume the next service town is close.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHey there[Hey ther]
GoodbyeSee you later[See ya lay-ter]
YesYep[Yep]
NoNah[Nah]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[No prob-lem]
Thank youThanks a lot[Thanks a lot]
Excuse me/SorrySorry about that[Sor-ry about that]
How are you?How's it going?[How's it go-ing?]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[Good. You?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[You speak English?]
I don't understandI don’t get it[I don’t get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[Can I see the men-u?]
I don't eat meatI’m a vegetarian[I’m a vege-tar-i-an]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[Can I get the check?]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Leave me alone![Leave me a-lone!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![Call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![Get a doc-tor!]
I'm lostI can’t find my way[I can’t find my way]
I'm illI’m not feeling well[I’m not feel-ing well]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[I want to buy...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[Just brows-ing]
How much is it?What’s the price?[What’s the price?]
That's too expensiveThat’s way too much[That’s way too much]
Can you lower the price?Can you knock down the price?[Can you knock down the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt’s one o’clock[It’s one o’clock]
Half past (10)Half past ten[Half past ten]
MorningMorning[Morn-ing]
AfternoonAfternoon[Af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[Eve-ning]
YesterdayYesterday[Yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[To-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[To-mor-row]
1One[One]
2Two[Two]
3Three[Three]
4Four[Four]
5Five[Five]
6Six[Six]
7Seven[Seven]
8Eight[Eight]
9Nine[Nine]
10Ten[Ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[Where’s the...?]
What's the address?What’s the address?[What’s the ad-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?[Can you point it out?]
When's the next (bus)?When’s the next bus?[When’s the next bus?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[A tick-et to...]

History of The Inland Empire

Indigenous Homelands and River Networks

Long before American settlement, eastern Washington was home to Indigenous nations whose communities were connected by the Columbia, Snake and Spokane river systems. The Spokane, Colville, Yakama, Nez Perce and Palouse peoples, among others, developed seasonal economies based on fishing, gathering, hunting and trade. River crossings and fishing places were also important cultural and diplomatic centres. The arrival of settlers, military authorities and restrictive federal policies caused dispossession, disruption and profound demographic change, but Indigenous communities remain active throughout the region and continue to shape its cultural life.

Fur Trade, Missions and Early Exploration

In the early nineteenth century, fur-trading companies and missionaries entered the interior along established Indigenous routes. Fort Nez Percés, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company near the confluence of the Walla Walla and Columbia rivers, became an important trading post and meeting place, although the original site lies at present-day Waiilatpu near the Washington-Oregon border. Missionary activity and increasing overland migration brought new religious, commercial and political pressures, contributing to conflict and the rapid transformation of Indigenous-controlled landscapes.

Territorial Settlement and Conflict

During the nineteenth century, American migration, military expansion and treaty-making incorporated eastern Washington into the United States. Conflicts including the 1855–1858 Yakima War and the Nez Perce War of 1877 reflected resistance to the loss of land and autonomy. Fort Walla Walla and other military installations supported federal control, while settler towns developed along rivers and emerging transport routes. The region’s modern geography cannot be understood without recognising that agriculture, towns and infrastructure were built amid contested treaty relationships and the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples.

Railways, Spokane and the Inland Empire Economy

Railway construction in the late nineteenth century transformed eastern Washington. Spokane grew rapidly as lines connected the interior with Pacific Northwest ports and eastern markets, becoming a centre for banking, wholesale trade, timber, mining supplies and agricultural commerce. Walla Walla, founded earlier as a trading and agricultural town, retained its own commercial importance, while rail links encouraged settlement across the Palouse. The term Inland Empire came to describe this productive interior, whose wheat, livestock, timber and mineral economies tied dispersed communities to Spokane and the wider national market.

Irrigation, Dams and Columbia Basin Transformation

The twentieth century brought large-scale irrigation and hydroelectric development to the Columbia Basin. Projects associated with the Columbia Basin Project redirected water to formerly arid land, supporting orchards, vineyards and other intensive agriculture. Grand Coulee Dam, completed in stages from the 1930s, became a major source of electricity and irrigation infrastructure, while dams throughout the Columbia and Snake systems altered fish migration, river ecology and Indigenous fishing practices. The resulting landscape of reservoirs, canals and farms remains one of the most consequential transformations in eastern Washington.

Hanford and the Nuclear Era

During the Second World War, the federal government established the Hanford Engineer Works to produce plutonium for the Manhattan Project. The pre-existing community of Hanford was removed, and a secret industrial complex developed along the Columbia near present-day Richland. Hanford later became one of the largest environmental clean-up projects in the United States, with continuing scientific, engineering and ecological significance. The site’s history is interpreted through authorised programmes and museums in the Tri-Cities, while much of the former complex remains restricted.

Wine, Universities and Economic Diversification

From the late twentieth century, eastern Washington’s economy broadened beyond wheat, timber and heavy industry. Washington State University strengthened Pullman’s role as a centre for research and education, while viticulture expanded in the dry, irrigated landscapes around Walla Walla, the Tri-Cities and other Columbia Basin districts. Craft brewing, technology, health services, outdoor recreation and heritage tourism added further strands to the regional economy. These developments have not displaced agriculture; instead, they have added new cultural and commercial identities to a region still shaped by working land and major rivers.

The Inland Empire in Photos

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