Washington State Parks

Park overview:

Riverside State Park is a 10,000-acre camping park along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers in Eastern Washington. The park supports a wide variety of recreational activities and is rich in history. Freshwater marshes, running rivers and beautiful countryside make up the terrain. The park also includes the Nine Mile Recreation Area, which is available for camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating.

Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.

Park hours/updates:

Summer: 6:30 to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year round for camping and day use.

Camping:
Check-in time, 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time, 1 p.m.
Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.

Nine Mile Recreation Area, the Equestrian campground and Lake Spokane campground: Day-use areas and boat launches are open April 1 through Oct. 15. Camping is available May 15 through Oct. 15.

The ORV area is open 8 a.m. to dusk daily during the winter.

Agency information:

Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.

Campsite Information:

Bowl and Pitcher campground has 16 standard campsites, 16 utility hookup sites with electricity and water, the Retired Ranger vacation house, one dump station and two restrooms (both with showers). Maximum site length is 45 feet (may have limited availability). To make a reservation, visit the online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. For Bowl and Pitcher campsite maps, visit the reservation system.

Equestrian campground has 10 equestrian campsites with corrals. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. For Equestrian area campsite maps, visit the reservation system.

Nine Mile Recreation Area has three tent sites and 21 RV sites of varying length. The sites are available May 15 through Sept. 15. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. For Nine Mile Falls campsite maps, visit the reservation system.

Lake Spokane campground has 11 primitive campsites and is available May 15 through Sept. 15. There also are two boat-in only campsites available on Lake Spokane. All campsites are first come, first served.

Group Accommodations:

The Bowl and Pitcher campground has two group camp areas that accommodate either 40 to 60 tent campers. Fees are based on the number of campers, with a minimum of 20. For information call the park at (509) 465-5064. The two group camps are reservable by visiting online or calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

2013 camping fees:

Please note that the following general fee information is not customized for each individual park, so not all fees will apply to all parks (for example, primitive campsite and dump station fees listed apply only to parks that have primitive campsites and dump stations).

May 15 – Sept. 15 (peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $23 non-premium site, $26 premium site
Partial-utility campsite*: $30 non-premium site, $35 premium site
Full-utility campsite*: $32 non-premium site, $37 premium site
*Please note: Camping fees during the 2013 peak season are $28 for partial-utility sites and $29 for full-utility sites at Beacon Rock, Lewis & Clark and Schafer state parks. These parks are first come, first served.

Jan. 1 – May 14 and Sept. 16 – Dec. 31 (off-peak season)
Primitive campsite and water trail camping: $12
Standard campsite: $22 for non-premium and premium sites
Partial-utility campsite: $28 for non-premium and premium sites
Full-utility campsite: $29 for non-premium and premium sites

Maximum eight people per campsite.

Second vehicle: $10 per night is charged for a second vehicle unless it is towed by a recreational vehicle. Extra vehicles must be parked in designated campsite or extra vehicle parking spaces.

Dump stations (if available): Year-round dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.

More about park hours
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m.
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park from April 1 through Sept. 30; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.

To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.

Driving Directions

Located northwest of Spokane, Wash., on the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers in Spokane County.


Park office address:
9711 W. Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026

Riverside State Park's Bowl and Pitcher campground address:
4427 N Aubrey L White Parkway
Spokane, WA 99025

Nine Mile Recreation area address:
11226 W Charles Road
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026

Equestrian campground
3402 N. Aubrey L. White Parkway
Spokane, WA 99224

Lake Spokane campground
7453 Highway 291
TumTum, WA 99034

Riverside State Park headquarters: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple St), travel north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Ave. (Hwy 291), then take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Road. Travel for six miles. After going through the town of Nine Mile Falls, take a left at the dam (Charles Road). The park headquarters is on the left across the dam.

To the Bowl and Pitcher campground: From I-90, take exit 280 (Maple Street) and go north across the Spokane River. Then turn left at the second stop light onto Maxwell. Follow Maxwell, which becomes Pettit Drive, then Downriver Drive. Downriver Drive becomes N. Aubrey L. White Parkway at the park entrance. Continue on for two miles downriver to the Bowl & Pitcher day-use area and campground.

To ORV park: From I-90, take exit 280 (Maple St.) and go north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Avenue (Highway 291) and take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Road. Take a left on Seven Mile Road and follow the signs to the ORV area (approximately two miles).

Nine Mile Recreation Area: From I-90, take exit 280 (Maple St.), travel north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Avenue (Highway 291), then take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Road. Travel for six miles. After going through the town of Nine Mile Falls, take a left at the dam (Charles Road). Continue west on Charles Road for 1.3 miles and turn right (across from the church) into the park entrance.

To the Equestrian campground: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple Street), go north across the Spokane River and turn left at the second stop light onto Maxwell. Follow Maxwell, which becomes Pettit Dr., turn south on to North TJ Meenoch Drive for 1.5 miles. Then take a right on to Government Way for 1.5 miles to N. Aubrey L. White Parkway.

To Lake Spokane campground: From I-90 take exit 281 (Division Street), drive north for 6 miles. Turn west on to Francis, which turns into Highway 291, then travel north for 28 miles. Entrance is near the intersection of Corkscrew Canyon and Highway 291 in Stevens County.

The park can be reached at riverside@parks.wa.gov.

Park Maps

To view campsites and facilities reservable at this park, visit the reservation system and campsite maps.

Riverside downloadable pdf map #1


Riverside downloadable pdf map #2


Riverside downloadable pdf map #3


List of all downloadable Washington State Park PDF maps.

Park Features

Riverside features a 600-acre off-road vehicle riding area for dirt bikes and snowmobiles, as well as 37 miles of hiking along the Centennial Trail and many more miles on other trails. Horseback riding and bicycling are possible in the park, along with all manner of watersport activity. Interpretive programs invite exploration of the region's history. This is a large park with several natural areas abundant with wildlife.

Nine Mile Recreation Area features a boat ramp and two docks. Motorized boating, canoeing and kayaking are permitted on Lake Spokane.

History

The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park from 1933 to 1936. The area was a major gathering site for Native American cultures in prehistoric times. The park contains the oldest log structure in Spokane County.

Interpretive opportunities

The Spokane House Interpretive Center at Nine Mile Falls tells the history of the early fur trade in the area and its effects on the Native American population. The center is open Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. An interpretive trail in Riverside State Park features guide-posts and a self-guiding brochure connecting the Indian Painted Rocks area with the mouth of the Little Spokane River. A kiosk at the site of Seven Mile camp tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its role in building the park.

Services/Supplies

Available in the park	Available in the area
• Camping • Park store • Pay phone • Fire wood	• Auto repair • Airport • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Hospital • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Postal service • Propane • Recreational equipment • White gas • Wood • Swimming

Ice is available for purchase at the park. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the Nine Mile Recreation Area for $25 a day May 15 - Sept 15.

Activities

Trails	Water Activities	Other
• 1 mi. ADA Hiking Trails • 55 mi. Hiking Trails • 55 mi. Bike Trails • 25 mi. Horse Trails	• Boating (freshwater) • 2 boat ramps (freshwater) • 120 feet of dock (freshwater) • Fishing (freshwater) • Water Skiing (freshwater) • White-water Kayaking	• 1 Amphitheater • All Terrain Vehicles Permitted • Bird Watching • 3 Fire Circles • Interpretive Activities • Mountain Biking • Museum • Rock Climbing • Wildlife Viewing
All-terrain vehicles are only permitted in off-road vehicle area. The park provides a 600-acre off-road vehicle area for dirt bikes and snowmobiles and more than 37 miles for bike riding on the Centennial Trail, as well as other bike trails. An equestrian area features several hundred acres with loop trails and the park offers 40 miles of linear trails for horseback riding. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website.

Events

Events
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Saturdays March 20 - Nov 7	Off-Road Vehicle Safety Training (Dirt Bike School): Off-road vehicle drivers are invited to dirt bike school at Riverside State Park. Classes are held Saturdays from March 20 to Nov. 7. The one day classes are endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Participants will meet in the ORV area. Contact (208) 683-2600 for class details.	Riverside, ORV area (509) 465-5064
May 25 and 26	24-Hours Round the Clock: Join the solo or team mountain bike race at Riverside State Park. The course consists of 14.7-mile laps, over double track and single track trails. Registration and fee are required for participation. Registration is open to the first 900 participants who sign up. Presented by Round and Round Production. For more information, visit www.roundandround.com/race.php.	Riverside (509) 465-5064
June 1 9 a.m. - noon	National Trails Day Clean-up - Riverside: Lend a hand to make a difference – help cut a new trail to reroute Riverside State Park’s Valley Trail. In the spirit of National Trails Day, sink a shovel into fresh dirt and enjoy the beauty of the Little Spokane River Natural Area. Presented by REI and State Parks. RSVP not required. National Trails Day is sponsored by the American Hiking Society. RSVP not required. For more information, visit www.americanhiking.org/events. Please note: June 1 is a State Parks free day in honor of National Trails Day. A Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to state parks on free days.	Riverside, Little Spokane River Natural Area (509) 465-5064
June 8	Centennial 2013 Signature Event - Riverside: Officially commemorate the State Parks Centennial 2013 with family fun at Riverside State Park in Spokane. The all day festival is one of two signature celebrations marking the 100 years of State Parks and the beginning of a second century of memories. Event activities include river rafting demonstrations, recreation vendors, live music and more. Food will be available for purchase from area vendors. A second signature event for Western Washington is Aug. 3 at Deception Pass State Park. The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access. Representatives of the Spokane Tribe will welcome participants to a speaker ceremony on the central stage, featuring local and state officials and Commission representatives. The ceremony begins at noon. Music performances by bluegrass band Big Red Barn, the Celtic Knows and a traditional swing band called 6 Foot Swing will follow from 2:15 to 6 p.m. Presented in partnership with the Riverside State Park Foundation and the State Parks Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program. Please note: June 8 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to state parks on free days. - Detailed News Release -	Riverside (509) 465-5064
July 13	Dirty Dash - Riverside: Dare to get dirty on this one-of-a-kind race through Riverside State Park. The slide, climb and dive into muddy obstacles on a 3.5-mile course of fun. Kids ages 2 to 12 years may participate in the piglet pluge, a one-mile obstacle course. Registration and fee required for participation. Packet pick times are 2 tp 7 p.m. July 11 and 11 a.m .to 7 p.m. July 12. For more information or to register, visit www.thedirtydash.com.	Riverside (509) 465-5064
Sept. 8	SpokeFest: Starting in downtown Spokane and finishing at SpokeFair in Riverfront Park, join fellow cyclists on a ride along some of the region’s most memorable roads. The Classic River Loop course transverse through Riverside State Park along the Spokane River. It’s a 21-mile route, finishing atop of the Spokane Falls. Other course options are available. Registration and fee required for participation. For more information or to register, visit www.spokefest.org.	Riverside (509) 465-5064

Find other events at Washington State Parks

Boating Features

The park has two watercraft launches and 120 feet of dock. The Little Spokane River is restricted to kayaks, canoes and rafts. Innertubes are not allowed. The Spokane River is hazardous in places, and should not be run without local knowledge.

A daily watercraft launching permit for $7 and a trailer dumping permit for $5 is available at the park.

Annual launch permits may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.

Canoes & kayaks can be rented at the Nine Mile Recreation Area for $25 a day May 15 - Sept 15.

Winter Recreation

• Cross-country Skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Snow Play

Picnic and Day-use Facilities

Riverside State Park offers two kitchen shelters without electricity, plus 10 sheltered and 122 unsheltered picnic tables available first come, first served.

A kitchen shelter with electricity is reservable by visiting online or calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. This shelter is built of logs and provides a wood stove, sink and eight picnic tables, accommodating a maximum of 50 people.

Nine Mile Recreation Area offers three non-reservable kitchen shelters with electricity. Two accommodate up to 40 guests, one accommodates up to 20 guests. The day-use area and boat launch are open April 15 through Oct. 15.

Wildlife

Mammals	Birds	Fish & Sea Life
• Badgers • Bears • Bobcats • Chipmunks • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Foxes • Marmots • Marten • Minks • Moose • Muskrats • Otters • Rabbits • Raccoons • Skunks • Squirrels • Weasels	• Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Grouse • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Jays • Ospreys • Owls • Pheasants • Quail • Turkeys • Woodpeckers • Wrens	• Bass • Bluegill • Bullhead • Catfish • Trout

Environmental Features

Physical Features		Plant Life	Special
		• Douglas Fir • Ponderosa Pine • Poplar • Poison Ivy	The park contains a protected Native American pictograph area.

Park photo gallery