Perhaps one of the most notable features of the Spokane is her colorful interior which she has sported since being rebuilt in the mid 1990s.
Spokane was named for the Spokane tribe by the Washington State Highway Commission, continuing the tradition of naming ferry vessels for Native American tribes that was started by the Puget Sound Navigation Company. At least seven other vessels had carried the name "Spokane" prior to the launch of the ferry in 1972.[1]
Spokane was launched by Todd Shipyards on April 14, 1972, and christened by Carol Stearns of the Spokane tribe. On the same day, the keel for was laid at the shipyard.[2] [3] Both vessels cost $17.7 million to construct.[4]
She made her ceremonial maiden voyage on February 13, 1973, departing from Colman Dock in Seattle carrying Governor Dan Evans, the mayors of Seattle and Spokane, and members of the Spokane tribe.[5] At 440feet long and with a capacity of 206 cars, the Spokane was the largest ferry in the Washington State Ferries system when she entered service.[6]
The ferry made her first regular commuter run on the morning of February 24, 1973. Riders onboard complimented the "superferry" on her luxurious look, cleanliness, and handling.[7]
With the launch of the ferries and in 1998, Spokane was moved to the Edmonds–Kingston route alongside .[8] [9]
The ferry was featured in a scene in the film Cinderella Liberty.