Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

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.

Nine Mile Recreation Area: The day-use area and boat launch will be open April 1 through Oct. 15. Camping is available May 15 through Oct. 15.

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.

Riverside State Park is open year round.

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 is open April 1 through Oct. 15.

The ORV area is open all week, 8 a.m. - dusk through winter.

Winter Schedule for all Washington State Parks

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.

The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!

Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.

Campsite Information:

Riverside State Park 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) in the Bowl and Pitcher area. Maximum site length is 45 feet (may have limited availability). To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Riverside campsite maps are available online.

The park also has 10 equestrian campsites with corrals in the Equestrian area. To make a reservation, visit online or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Equestrian area campsite maps are available.

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

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, Brooks Memorial, Columbia Hills, Conconully, 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.

Simple locator map of Riverside State Park

Simple locator map of Riverside State Park

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

To Riverside campground: From I-90 take exit 280 (Maple Street) go north across the Spokane River, turn left at the second stop light onto Maxwell. Follow Maxwell, which becomes Pettit Dr., then Downriver Dr. and then becomes N. Aubrey L. White Pkwy 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.) go north across the Spokane River. Take a left on Northwest Blvd. Stay on this road until Francis Ave. (Hwy 291) take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Rd. Take a left on Seven Mile Rd. and follow the signs to the ORV area (approximately two miles).

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) take a left. When the road bends north, it becomes Nine Mile Rd. travel for six miles. After going through the town of Nine Mile Falls, take a left at the dam (Charles Rd). The park headquarters is on the left across the dam.

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 Ave (Hwy 291), 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.

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 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

Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.

The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:

Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 11 – Veteran's Day weekend

Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

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
Dec. 13 - 16 6 - 8 p.m.	Winter Wonderland at Bowl and Pitcher: Walk in a winter wonderland at the Riverside State Park four-day holiday festival. Santa Claus, carolers and hay rides entertain visitors against a backdrop of lights along the suspension bridge and throughout the Bowl and Pitcher area. Hot chocolate, coffee, cider and baked goods are provided by the Riverside State Park Foundation. Admission is $5. The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access to the event. For more information, visit www.riversidestatepark.org.	Riverside (509) 465-5064
Jan. 1 1 p.m.	First Day Hikes, Riverside: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The hike at Riverside State Park is along the Bowl and Pitcher River Trail, beginning at the Bowl and Pitcher swinging bridge parking lot. The hike is open to participants of all ages. Dogs are allowed and must be on-leash at all times. Participants are suggested to take along warm clothes, gloves, a camera, hiking boots and snowshoes (depending on conditions). For more information, call (509) 465-5064. To contact the ranger on duty the day of the hike, please call (509) 850-5109. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes.	Riverside, Bowl and Pitcher swinging bridge parking lot (509) 465-5064
June 8	Centennial 2013 Signature Event - Riverside: Commemorate the State Parks Centennial 2013 with family fun at Riverside State Park in Spokane. Festivities celebrate 100 years of memories and begin the creation of memories for the next 100 years. A second signature event for Western Washington is Aug. 3 at Deception Pass State Park. More information will be available closer to the event. The Discover Pass is not required for vehicle access. 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.	Riverside (509) 465-5064

Full list of 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.