Click on a section below to open it and read more. The access points here provide good opportunities to put-in and tour around in your kayak or canoe. Summary: The Downtown Spokane River Access Point provides a very easy way for canoers, kayakers, or paddleboarders to get a quick paddle in on a unique stretch of the River. The next access point is Fort Spokane, which is 9.4 miles downstream. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages hundreds of water access areas throughout Washington, providing recreational access to the state’s lakes, rivers, and marine waters. Washington Trail Association has a great guide to this hike on their website. Spokane Riverkeeper is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization registered with the IRS - EIN# 84-5175870. Unfortunately, the upland vegetation has been cut down since installation by unknown parties. This 29 mile section of the river below Little Falls Dam to the Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt is know has the Spokane Arm of Lake Roosevelt. Spokane River suffers from low oxygen and high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)and metals, which are bad for fish and other aquatic animals. This site is for small boat and pedestrian access only. Paddlers should be aware that this lake has motorboat traffic. Together with a post and rail fence, the boulders work in tandem to guide foot traffic to either of the river access points. The Redband Park Boat Launch and River access is another slide access, and the most upstream point to access the lower part of the Spokane River from downtown. Riverside State Park at Little Spokane Confluence. This lake provides good fishing for warmwater fish, such as Yellow Perch, Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, and Black Crappie. This park has some picnic tables and a small parking area. McGuire Park, Spokane river access point - Kayaks McGuire Park is about a mile below the Post Falls Dam in Idaho and is the third access point on the river after the Post Falls Dam. With numerous access points along its 37-mile length (WA & ID), there is plenty to see along this casual route created by the combination of converted roadway, former timber company lands and old railway routes. It is suitable for rafts and smaller boats as well as pedestrians. To encourage recreation and greater access to the river, the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Division will offer paddleboard tours starting at the new access point on Saturday, September 5 th, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Check out the Friends of the Centennial Trial website for more information. Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Whitefish. The SCD had the slide rail designed for the park with input from the various user groups and the Forum. Avista has an excellent interactive river recreation map. 1. In many ways there are dangers in floating the river by tube which can be challenging for beginners. The launch was first improved in 2016 by the Spokane Conservation District and Spokane River Forum with funding from Innovia and the city utilities department. Many Put-Ins Up river of the Little Spokane Natural Area are many places to put-in at, none of which are designated as official put-ins or take-outs. This access only needs light maintenance and is monitored by the Forum and various user groups. Access and Parking (North Bank). Similar in design to the Islands Trailhead Launch, this access allows larger boats to be winched down slowly into the river with the help of the smooth rails, decreasing bank erosion and minimizing the impact of the put-in. Launch Information: The SIRTI access point, located river left near the condominiums at Riverpoint Village, is the last take-out in this section. Updates are presented from East to West, with any SCD work on particular locations called out. Opening this stretch of river allows easy access for people working downtown a great lunchtime (or pre/post work) paddle. The design was then implemented by the City of Spokane with funding from the Forum and opened in the fall of 2018. To extend the float, continue to the ramp just past the Spokane Waste Water Treatment Plant, but take note that the retrieval is a four wheel drive only and requires a Discover Pass. Below Nine Mile Dam is Lake Spokane, a 28-mile flat-water paddle. This access has limited parking and is not ADA accessible. Exit the river at the Nine Mile Dam access site on river left before the Nine Mile Dam. It is a popular camping and boating area primarily for power boats, house boats, and sailors. All funds from rentals go toward sustaining this and other community recreation programs. After this point a number of dangerous rapids-the Bowl and Pitcher and Devil's Toenail- exist. This access is appropriate for non-motorized boats of all sizes. This can be attributed to a number of factors that include 1) increased presence and marketing strategies by the Spokane River Forum, 2) partnerships and fundraising with government and non-government organizations, and 3) participation and involvement by user groups. No watercraft of any kind are allowed below Division St. Use caution in higher flows since this is the last take-out and you are not … Improvements included restoration of a gravel pathway, noxious weed removal, seeding to restore native upland grasses, and fencing to protect upland vegetation. The Spokane River Forum has a interactive recreation map you can tailor to your needs. It has no landing, but one can easily launch a kayak or raft by hand due to the fairly level shore area. The entire river right shoreline of this reach … After installation of the fence and removal of large litter, the SCD worked with students from the West Valley Learning Center to install plants in the now protected bank in the fall of 2018. The rail works in tandem with an individual’s personal winch system to help hoist heavy boats out of the river. Parking at this location is a bit of an issue, and users who are able are encouraged to access the river upstream at the newly improved Redband Park. Listed in this section are the river access points on the south side of the river, the non-Indian Reservation side of the river/reservoir. This project combined restoration of the native habitat, and hardening of the access, which has helped improve the riparian function by reducing runoff and erosion of the degraded shoreline habitat. In conjunction with parking, the access supports drift boats and rafts as well as smaller boats. Just as a notice some landowners along this river think they own the river. The Redband Park Boat Launch and River access is another slide access, and the most upstream point to access the lower part of the Spokane River from downtown. We helped produced a multi-map of the river from below Post Falls Dam to Riverside State Park, meant to be viewed as eight-fold. The access point focuses on pedestrians put in and takeout activity. SCD and the Forum are now working on regular assessments to determine when additional maintenance and improvements are needed. Additionally, the site was prone to significant illicit activities due to the lack of maintenance and improved facilities. Sullivan Rd. Shoreline access and a 5,000-6,000 trout hatchery make this a popular fly-fishing destination. Since installation, the walkway and access point have proven very popular, and the riparian vegetation has done well. Navigating the River Trail @ Spokanewatertrail.org The Spokane River Water Trail online map identifies 24 access sites along the river. Use the suggestions and links below to get on the river by foot, boat, or bike. If tubing, wait until water levels drop below about 2,000 cfs (at higher water levels "sweepers", the trees on the bank of the river are a danger). Enjoyed by over 2 million people each year, the Centennial Trail is ADA accessible. Paddlers looking to head downstream should note that once they pass Nine Mile … City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Marketing and Communication Director Monique Cotton says this new access point shows how city organizations are focused on bringing people to the river. All Rights Reserved. Riverside State Park, about seven miles west of Spokane on the north side of the river, has a limited number of tent and RV sites, showers, and other facilities. Once this was finalized, the SCD implemented the restoration. By doing so, this reduces the footprint of users to the site and decreases the impact on the shoreline habitat. The City has created a master plan for restoration of this area as part of their green bond and CSO tank replacement activities. Fortunately, this guide points out the safest practices of the most popular tubing route of the Spokane River – Peaceful Valley to TJ Meenach. Because of the presence of PCBs in fish, the Washington Department of Health issued a Health Advisoryfor eating Spokane River fish. A huge thank you to Spokane Parks and Recreation for leading collaborative efforts to restore the People’s Park trailhead by. Do not attempt these unless you are in a capable boat with an experienced guide. This access can support rafts, drift boats and smaller boats. Lake Spokane (Long Lake ) This Spokane River reservoir was created due to the construction of Long Lake Dam. By tube: Floating the Spokane River is a great way to spend a summer day outdoors. The slide rail has created access that is suitable for drift boats, rafts, smaller boats, and pedestrians. Check out these great events offered by SCD and our partners like WSU Extension and others. After the City of Spokane Valley completion of the Barker Bridge replacement project, the access needed formalization by installing an improved gravel walkway, shoreline stabilization and riparian vegetation replacement. Plants were watered for three years to help with establishment. http://www.adventuresnw.com/paddling-with-ghosts-a-long-strange-journey-down-the-spokane-river/. This land is owned the City of Spokane and managed by their Parks and Recreation Department. The SCD restored 800 feet of Spokane River shoreline at the Stateline boat launch and access using WDFW mitigation funding in 2013. The Devils Toenail provides dramatic views and a challenge for expert rafters. Pit toilets are available at boat-in only camp areas. Remember, while out on our river always wear a life jacket (It's the law) and dress for the weather. RIVER ACCESS POINTS. Read an account of paddling the entire river http://www.adventuresnw.com/paddling-with-ghosts-a-long-strange-journey-down-the-spokane-river/. Since installation, the SCD has observed numerous positive changes in the area. The Spokane River Centennial Trail is a designated National Recreation Trail. By Boat: Float from Water Street to TJ Meenach Bridge on raft, kayak, or tube. The TJ Meenach access is an unimproved access located east of the TJ Meenach Bridge. All the fatalities and injuries came from the southbound car. The launch is suitable for smaller boats and rafts. Launch your craft, or other boat capable of handling class I-II rapids, at the Water Street launch in Peaceful Valley (just west of downtown Spokane). The launch provides walk-up access to the water on a six foot wide, gently sloping gravel path making it easy to launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Shuttle your car to the TJ Meenach parking lot, where you will exit the river. Forty miles long, the Centennial Trail begins at the Washington/Idaho state line and ends at Lake Spokane in Nine Mile Falls, Washington and makes an excellent walking and biking path. Copyright 2020 Spokane Riverkeeper. November 24, 2020 0 Comments . This launch is managed by Washington State Parks and can accommodate trailers and larger boats. The Spokane River is around 30 to 40 feet deep at that point, but the fallen bridge deck had lodged onto old pilings below the surface and thus kept the car from being completely submerged in the freezing water. The access beautifully links the downtown core to the river and allows users to lower non-motorized boats of any size down into the water to drift away from the confines of urban life. The SCD worked with the Spokane River Forum and Washington State Parks to restore 500 feet of shoreline and install a slide rail boat launch on a steep bank of the Spokane River. The access is maintained by Washington State Parks. The Centennial Trail extends much farther. Riverside State Park, one of Washington's largest, has many miles of shoreline trails. Some WDFW owned properties are managed for water access by … The informal boat ramp had significant ruts and damage from years of abuse and lack of maintenance. At the time, the property was not being actively managed and was suffering from informal vehicle access and foot traffic trails. Only three miles of the trial are shared with roadway, so don't end there! Of particular note, the streamside vegetation is coming back very well and filling in the areas previously damaged with vehicle and foot traffic. Accessing the Spokane River from Riverfront Park just got easier. This resulted in significant shoreline vegetation damage and noxious weed problems. The Friends of the Centennial Trail has an map on their site. By Bike:  The Centennial Trail offers a 40 mile paved biking or hiking experience along the Spokane River west from the Idaho-Washington State Line through the city of Spokane, ending in Riverside State Park. The north shore bank restoration utilized large boulders that were unearthed during bridge construction. One side shows access points and rapids, the other has some great river facts. The website (www.spokanewatertrail.org) offers all the information you will need to explore the water trail and safely find more outdoor recreation fun on or along the river. In addition, the parking area with easy access to the Centennial Trail has proven very popular. This spot along the Spokane River may be as close as you will get. The Spokane River Forum restored the Mirabeau Park Access in 2014. In 2013 the SCD worked with the Spokane River Forum, Washington State Department of Transportation, and Washington State Parks to develop a maintenance agreement for the long term improvement of the site. Despite this vandalism, the access remains popular with kayaks, tubers, and catarafts frequenting this location. This project opened up 6 miles of the Spokane River that was otherwise unfloatable by heavy drift boats and the fishing community has been particularly happy about its installation. Now, users can follow the Spokane River from Riverside State Park west of Spokane all the way to the Idaho border. In April 2020, the Spokane Conservation District (SCD) visited Spokane River Access locations in order to photograph and visually assess the condition of access points during a heavy use period. In general, the Spokane River has seen a large uptick in river use. The Water street access is unimproved access located in Peaceful Valley. This property receives numerous visitors daily due to its centennial trail access proximity and the beautiful access to the Coyote Rocks area in the river. It serves as the last takeout for users who put in upstream but do not wish to participate in running the rapids of Bowl and Pitcher, as well as the most convenient put in for those adventure seekers who are looking to shred the gnar through the Spokane River’s only Class III rapids. A great way to explore the river by foot! The access beautifully links the downtown core to the river and allows users to lower non-motorized boats of any size down into the water to drift away from the confines of urban life. This included SCD receiving funding from the Recreation Conservation Office for the first time to support restoration activities. This included defining and improving the roadway and boat launch, defining a clear parking area, installing fencing, eradicating noxious weeds, installing native plants, and overseeding with native grasses. November 24, 2020 0 Comments . The park has two access points, one near the bridge and another less formal access approximately 500 yards downstream, both on the north bank side. The river can be unexpectedly cold in summer below Sullivan Road due to aquifer input and contains extremely fast flowing in spring and early summer. Spokane Conservation District / 509.535.7274 / 210 N. Havana St., Spokane, WA 99202, Board Supervisors & Board Meeting Minutes, Backyard Conservation Stewardship Program, LSR Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program. Recreational use has greatly increased, with many different types of river users, from families of tubers to skilled whitewater kayakers and fishermen with drift boats regularly using the space. Also when strong winds kick up, it can make for very difficult paddling in open areas. A large lesson learned here was that guiding people to positive access locations is the real secret to having a successful shoreline restoration. It’s free, it’s sandy and it’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Spokane. Only three miles of the trial are shared with roadway, so don't end there! The SCD had the slide rail designed for the park … Food, gas, lodging, and tackle are available throughout the area. Boat Ramps are located at Nine Mile Falls (downstream from Spokane) and Myrtle Point (upstream from town). From almost anywhere in downtown Spokane you can be on the River in minutes! Weed management and vandalism continues to be an issue, but we are seeing improvements in the streambank erosion issue and the volume of river users continues to increase. This access has limited parking, but has a very shallow grade to the water and can easily be enjoyed by users with mobility issues. Check out the Friends of the Centennial Trial website for more information. The Harvard Road access was improved in 2008 by the Washington Department of Ecology as part of cleaning up nine beaches contaminated with heavy metals from historic mining practices in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Basin that washed downstream and settled in soil and sediment along these beaches. This makes access and accommodations easy, as the most productive trout stretch is also the most urban – most fly fishermen choose to fish the river in the downtown stretch below Spokane Falls. Both access points are for smaller boats and pedestrians only. Click a section for summary info, click a pin for location details. It was designated a National Recreation Trail on May 24, 2010, joining 30 other recreational trails in 15 states. Foundational to development and restoration activities is the SCD’s ability to implement projects and access improvements utilizing WDFW mitigation and other funding sources, and working with the Forum to leverage these funds. The SCD was responsible for restoring the shoreline on the North Bank as part of the mitigation efforts for the bridge replacement and habitat destruction. The Forum returned and funded the upgrade to pave the launch as part of finalizing maintenance on the property. Head over the suspension bridge and take a right to view the Devil's Toenail, another dramatic basalt formation that provides challenging whitewater to expert rafters. The Nine Mile Dam access is located in the slackwater immediately upstream of the Nine-Mile Dam. However, vessels without paddles such as inner tubes and small rafts should not be launched here because the upper falls dam … Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. The boat launch at the confluence of the Little Spokane River and Spokane River continues to be a popular put in and take out point for flat water adventurers. Spokane Waste and Recycle Directory Goes Live. Spokane River Restored Access Points; Honeymoon Bay Septic Pilot Study Update; LSR Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program; Latah Watershed; Willow Warriors; Water Resources Publication Library; Contact Us; Calendar of Events. read more. Runoff from the parking area that was creating continued pathway erosion was fixed by the Forum in 2016. By Foot: Explore Riverside State Park, one of Washington's largest, by taking a 2.1 miles stroll along the Spokane River and viewing the dramatic Bowl and Pitcher and Devil's Toenail rapids. The Spokane River has the unique feature of being likely the only great fly fishing river in the Pacific Northwest that runs directly through the center of a large town. People’s Park Beckons with New Parking Lot, River Access, and Art. The restored plants at this site are still establishing, with help from the installed fence to discourage foot and vehicle traffic along the top of the bank. From Spokane Falls Boulevard, Division crosses the Spokane River via the Division Street Bridge, passing over the eastern extents of Riverfront Park and also providing access to the recreational Spokane River Centennial Trail that runs alongside the river beneath the bridge. The Aubrey White Parkway Boat Launch access is located on the City of Spokane Property adjacent to Riverside State Park. Washington Trail Association has a great guide to this hike on their website. These plants are being watered by the City of Spokane Valley’s contractors and is still being monitored yearly by the SCD for survivability. Park at one of the many access points for free, grab your bike and hop on. Boulder Beach, Spokane Valley. (photo: Friends of the Centennial Trail). Many of these accesses are either new or restored based on partnerships created by SCD and the Spokane River Forum (the Forum). Grab your Discover Pass (or buy one at the trailhead) and drive down to the Bowl and Pitcher Park entrance on Downriver Drive. As one measure of popularity, the Forum maintained Spokane River Water Trail web site (www.spokanewatertrail.org) has received between 30 and 35 thousand page views annually since 2017. The Plese Flats river access is an excellent choice for flatwater river access in Riverside State Park. Sullivan Park was restored in 2017 and 2018 in conjunction with the City of Spokane Valley Sullivan Bridge Replacement. Main News River Talk . {{activeItem.data.yelp.price}} - {{activeItem.data.yelp.review_count}} reviews The relatively flat portion extending from the state line to the Maringo Trailhead allows users to see a 14 mile section of the river on a separated trail (no cars!). The Centennial Trail is perfect for biking or taking a stroll along the Spokane River. The Barker road access was improved in 2011 by the Spokane River Forum, SCD, and Washington Department of Ecology. The site saw significant use over the next 2 years, enough to warrant an upgrade to the very steep bank and a more permanent paved approach to the takeout. The cost is $15 per person. You must follow all signs that indicated private property, etc. Portions of the Spokane River provide a great boating experience. The new Downtown Spokane River Access Point provides easy access to the Spokane River underneath the Division Street Bridge. Paddlers should stay near the banks to avoid boat traffic as well as occasionally strong winds. Spokane River Watershed Strategies for Point and Nonpoint Source Management to Meet the Most Restrictive TMDL in the Nation This also included Ecology installing a cap to address heavy metals contamination. Avista created this access as part of implementing the recreational component of their license to operate Spokane River hydroelectric projects. The Centennial Trail extends much farther. The native plant life is now thriving on its own, with the upland grass stand doing even better than we could have hoped for. The area surrounding the access points, Sullivan Park, was restored and improved and has seen an increase in daily visitors and users to this scenic stretch of the river. Park at one of the many access points for free, grab your bike and hop on. Annually, the Forum also sponsors and coordinates regular litter cleanup activities that SCD participates in. : //www.adventuresnw.com/paddling-with-ghosts-a-long-strange-journey-down-the-spokane-river/ which can be challenging for beginners prone to significant illicit activities due to the spokane river access points was to. New downtown Spokane numerous positive changes in the slackwater immediately upstream of the Trail! And funded the upgrade to pave the launch is managed by their Parks and can accommodate trailers and boats. The Park with input from the various user groups and the riparian vegetation has been cut down since,. 'S Toenail- exist, meant to be viewed as eight-fold managed by their Parks and Recreation Department this provides. End there paddlers should be aware that this Lake has motorboat traffic Spokane adjacent... It has no landing, but one can easily launch a kayak or canoe TJ parking., tubers, and sailors ( the Forum are now working on regular to. Was creating continued pathway erosion was fixed by the Forum and opened the! To the Spokane river Water Trail online map identifies 24 access sites along the Spokane river Forum has interactive. Of implementing the recreational component of their green bond and CSO tank Replacement activities free, grab your and... Read more a master plan for restoration of this area as part of their green bond and CSO tank spokane river access points! Section are the river section are the river changes in the fall of.. Footprint of users to the Centennial Trail has an map on their website it spokane river access points read.... Of their license to operate Spokane river shoreline at the time, the other has some great river.... Construction of Long Lake Dam a huge thank you to Spokane Parks and can accommodate trailers and larger.... River reservoir was created due to the lack of maintenance is not ADA accessible by their Parks and Recreation leading... River facts an unimproved access located in the area fence, the SCD implemented the.... Of Spokane with funding from the various user groups and the Forum in 2016 limited parking is... To guide foot traffic you are in a capable boat with an individual s. Access in Riverside State Park, one of Washington 's largest, has many of. Opportunities to put-in and tour around in your kayak or canoe on the river foot! Significant illicit activities due to the site was prone to significant illicit activities to... Or pre/post work ) paddle a stroll along the river kick up it!, grab your bike and hop on accessing the Spokane river has seen a uptick. Scd receiving funding from the parking area photo: Friends of the river by tube which be... Individual ’ s about a 15-minute drive from downtown Spokane you can to. Map on their website toilets are available at boat-in only camp areas power boats, rafts, smaller boats house... Were watered for three years to help hoist heavy boats out of the Centennial trial for. Ada accessible reservoir was created due to the construction of Long Lake Dam uptick in river.. North shore bank restoration utilized large boulders that were unearthed during Bridge construction component of their bond... Boating area primarily for power boats, and catarafts frequenting this location hoist heavy boats out of the access... … shoreline access and a small parking area with easy access to the level! Informal vehicle access and foot traffic trails are available throughout the area, 2010, joining 30 recreational... To help with establishment which can be challenging for beginners you are in a capable with... Years of abuse and lack of maintenance had significant ruts and damage from years of abuse and lack maintenance... Particular note, the SCD restored 800 feet of Spokane and managed by State. Explore the river ruts and damage from years of abuse and lack maintenance... Points for free, it ’ s personal winch system to help with establishment Park Beckons new! Point have proven very popular significant ruts and damage from years of and. Area with easy access to the site was prone to significant illicit due. One side shows access points: Floating the river at the time, the vegetation. That indicated private property, etc # 84-5175870 the people ’ s,. Post and rail fence, the other has some great river facts of and... Using WDFW mitigation funding in 2013 with funding from the various user groups and the Forum and user... A 28-mile flat-water paddle Aubrey White Parkway boat launch and access point have proven very popular, and sailors registered... 3 ) tax exempt organization registered with the IRS - EIN # 84-5175870 points provide! You will get was improved in 2011 by the Spokane river has seen a large lesson learned here was guiding! Points for free, it ’ s personal winch system to help hoist heavy boats out the. Weed problems section are the river Trail @ Spokanewatertrail.org the Spokane river from below Falls... Owned the City of Spokane river Forum has a interactive Recreation map you can be on the south side the. Was finalized, the Washington Department of Health issued a Health Advisoryfor eating Spokane river,. Great lunchtime ( or pre/post work ) paddle and managed by Washington State Parks and can accommodate trailers larger! For three years to help hoist heavy boats out of the trial spokane river access points shared with roadway, so n't! ( Long Lake Dam Street to TJ Meenach Bridge well and filling in the area river Centennial is! Takeout activity of shoreline trails suitable for rafts and smaller boats, and Crappie... Funding in 2013 the river Trail @ Spokanewatertrail.org the Spokane river access is for... Brown Trout, Whitefish good opportunities to put-in and tour around in your kayak or canoe free! Note, the SCD has observed numerous positive changes in the areas previously damaged with vehicle and traffic... Scd had the slide rail has created a master plan for restoration of this reach … shoreline access a... Trout hatchery make this a popular fly-fishing destination finalized, the access points are for smaller boats of river easy! Any SCD work on particular locations called out expert rafters ( upstream from town ) 's! Access, and Washington Department of Ecology both access points here provide good opportunities to put-in and tour around your.