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.

[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.

[6] The ferry made her first regular commuter run on the morning of February 24, 1973.