St. George’s Put-in on Little Spokane River opens May 28
Stand up paddleboarding will no longer be permitted in this area
OLYMPIA – May 25, 2021 – Washington State Parks will reopen the St. George’s Put-in on the Little Spokane River this Friday, May 28.
The put-in is located in Riverside State Park and is a popular place for people to launch kayaks, canoes and, in more recent years, stand up paddleboards. From the put-in, paddlers follow the approximately 7 nautical mile stretch of river that flows east to west into Lake Spokane. This section of river is part of the Little Spokane River Natural Area, which was established by the State Parks commission in 1987 to conserve a unique natural environment.
Starting this year, State Parks will no longer allow stand up paddleboards (SUPs) in the Little Spokane River Natural Area. This is in keeping with the regulation that prohibits certain activities within the area such as swimming, use of inner tubes or similar flotation.
When the law was established, SUPs did not exist. SUP users have been more likely to fall in the river than those who use canoes, rowboats, kayaks and rafts. In addition to ending up in the water, many SUP users have become entangled in overhanging branches at narrow spots on the Little Spokane River. With the rise in SUP use, Parks staff have seen an increase in habitat and resource damage to the Little Spokane River.
Recreation is not the primary focus of natural areas, so Parks staff are taking this step to help protect the resource.
Where SUPs are allowed
Alternate locations in the park where paddleboards are permitted on the Spokane River and Lake Spokane are:
- Please Flats (on the Spokane River)
- Nine Mile Recreation Area (Lake Spokane)
- Carlson Road Put-in (top of the dam)
- Lake Spokane Day-Use Area (Lake Spokane)
Coming later this summer…kayak rentals at St. George’s
Riverside State Parks has entered into an agreement with City of Spokane Park and Recreation, which will offer kayak rentals for the first time starting this summer at St. George’s Put-in. For more information, contact Ryan Griffith, Outdoor Program Supervisor, (509) 363-5414.
News media contact(s):
Lara Gricar, State Parks Community Outreach and Business Manager, (509) 570-2763
Toni Droscher, State Parks Communications Office, (360) 902-8604, media@parks.wa.gov.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
News release number: 21-027