Riverside State Park

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No trip to Spokane is complete without a stop at Riverside State Park. Approximately nine miles from Spokane, Riverside provides recreational opportunities for almost every type of visitor. From mountain biking to horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking. Riverside has it all!

You can go as easy or hardcore as you like here. Fifty-five miles of trails will keep hikers and mountain bikers busy. The 40-mile, mixed-use Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail extends from the Idaho border to Nine Mile Recreation Area. Equestrians will find a horse-friendly campground, 25 miles of trails, obstacle course, and riding arena with a 60-foot round pen. Off-road vehicle drivers have 600 acres of special terrain. The Little Spokane River welcomes paddle-sports enthusiasts (inner tubes, bikes, and pets prohibited). Lake Spokane invites boaters, anglers, and water sports fans. And, for those who equate vacation with relaxation, day-use areas, picnic shelters, and three different campgrounds offer solid family and camp chair time.

In winter, Riverside is a prime recreation hub for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Riverside has deep historical significance as a gathering place for Native American tribes and as a thriving fur trade hub. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built many of the park's structures during the Great Depression, which still stand today. The pedestrian suspension bridge at Bowl and Pitcher replaced a CCC bridge built in 1940.

Riverside is close to restaurants, shops, and coffee stops in Spokane. Indeed, Riverside has everything a traveler could want, except more vacation time.

Park features

Riverside State Park occupies 9,194 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. With nearly 200,000 feet of shoreline, Riverside is home to Ponderosa pines, a lake, marshes, and a wide variety of wildlife.

Automated pay station: This park is equipped with four automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass.

  1. Activities
  2. Boating
  3. Camping
  4. Maps

ADA amenities/facilities

  • Campgrounds
  • Restrooms
  • Hiking trails

Use our interactive ADA recreation map to search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities 

Picnic & day-use facilities

Bowl and Pitcher offers two picnic shelters without electricity and 30 unsheltered picnic tables available first-come, first-served. The shelter closest to the main day-use parking lot has one picnic table and the shelter across the river has four picnic tables. The CCC Kitchen Shelter at the Bowl and Pitcher is reservable by calling (509) 327-2635. This log shelter accommodates a maximum of 60 people, includes electricity, a wood stove, sink, and six picnic tables.

Nine Mile Recreation Area offers three kitchen shelters with water and electricity. Shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Activities

Trails

  • 55 miles of hiking trails
  • One mile of ADA-accessible hiking trail
  • 55 miles of bike trails
  • 25 miles of horse trails

Water activities & features

  • 120 feet of dock
  • Boating (motorized and nonmotorized)
  • Fishing (freshwater)
  • Swimming
  • Watercraft launches (3)
  • Waterskiing
  • White-water kayaking

Winter recreation

  • Cross-country skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Snow play

Other activities & features

  • Bird watching
  • Dump stations (2)
  • Interpretive activities
  • Interpretive center
  • Mountain biking
  • Off-road vehicle park
  • Rock climbing
  • Wildlife viewing

Concessions

  • PNW Guided Trail Rides - If you are seeking a quiet and peaceful activity with some amazing scenery, consider a horseback trail ride.  One and two hour and half-day rides are offered at Riverside March through December. To learn more and reserve a time, visit their website or Facebook.

Interpretive opportunities

Spokane House Interpretive Center in Nine Mile Falls explores the history of the early fur trade in the area and local Native American culture. The center is open Saturdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 through September 30, and by appointment year-round. 

Self-guided interpretive trails are located at Spokane House, along Little Spokane River between Painted Rocks and Highway 291 trailheads, and at Deep Creek. 

A wayside exhibit at the site of Seven Mile Camp tells the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps and its role in building the park. Exhibits at Bowl and Pitcher explore the early history of the park as well as local tribal culture.

Additional information

  • The park provides a 600-acre off-road vehicle area for all-terrain vehicles. All-terrain vehicles are only permitted in the off-road vehicle area. View printable brochure here. 
  • Centennial Trail offers more than 40 miles for biking, hiking, and other recreation along Spokane River.
  • An equestrian area features 500-acres with loop trails and 40 miles of linear trails for horseback riding.
  • Indian Painted Rocks Trailhead, in the Little Spokane River Natural Area, contains a protected Native American pictograph area.
  • 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 and Wildlife website.
  • Printable park brochure (PDF).