I’m excited to share my 5 favorite locations for winter family photos in Spokane, because if you’ve lived here for long, you know that winter is intense! Snowy, cold, and can be a magical backdrop for family photos, especially with the right location.

As a family photographer who has lived in Spokane for over 8 years now (which is still crazy to me), who grew up in sunny and warm Hawaii, I am always fascinated with the winters here in Eastern Washington. I have many clients each year who choose to capture their family’s story in the heart of the holiday and winter season, so I’ve curated my favorite winter locations that I come back to year after year for the best family photos! In no particular order, I’m excited to share them with you.

Mount Spokane

While you can’t get to the summit of Mount Spokane by car in the winter, there are so many beautiful cross hiking and country ski paths that make for perfect framing for family photos. If you’re up for the drive, it is one of the best places to take photos in the winter. Truly magical!

Christmas Tree Farms

I have two favorites: Theodore’s Thicket and Greenbluff Tree Farm. Both are located in North Spokane and are so magical to visit with your kids. The biggest difference between the tree farms that I personally have noticed (as a non-tree expert) is that the tree types or breeds are different. Theodore’s trees are more blue-green and Greenbluff’s trees are more evergreen green! Both so beautiful and make perfect locations for a family portrait session in Spokane.

Bowl & Pitcher: Riverside State Park

Bowl and Pitcher, at Riverside State Park is one of the most iconic outdoor locations Spokane has to offer, and one of the first that I ever visited upon my arrival to Spokane. It features a giant swinging bridge, massive boulders, and is right along the beautiful Spokane river. It’s one of the more easily accessible locations during the winter, and is always a client favorite! Check out this family and maternity session I did at Bowl and Pitcher. Don’t forget to make sure your photographer has a commercial photography permit through the state!

Deep Creek Canyon

Deep Creek is definitely a client favorite. Not only is it gorgeous in the winter with the tall trees and pathway that is perfect for family photos, it’s also not very crowded. It’s quieter and has less distractions for the kiddos when trying to get those cute playful smiles.

Audubon Park (and Little Garden Cafe)

This sweet and quiet location, Audubon Park, is so romantic during the winter! Not only is it home to many tall evergreen trees that look magical in the winter, there is also a cute cafe, Little Garden Cafe, right across the street that can be the perfect place to warm up or do a few photos like I did with this couple!

Dwight Merkel

I was hesitant to share this location because it’s one of my favorites, and until this day I have never seen another photographer there. BUT it’s too beautiful an area not to share. Dwight-Merkel park is a large park that has baseball and soccer fields, a dirt bike track, a skating park, and behind the sports complex are trails to a bluff. Both the trails, and the stunning bluff make a perfect wintery backdrop for a family photo session in Spokane. This maternity session was done at Dwight-Merkel and it was so magical! Fair warning: there is some walking involved, so be prepared to walk on ice for a little to get to the bluff. It’s worth it though!

Winter Family Photos in Spokane

These locations all mean a lot to me as a long-time family photographer in Spokane, and I hope you can appreciate the beauty of them as I do! If you’re looking for a photographer, feel free to reach out to Taylor White Photography and let’s get some magical photos of your family this winter!