Spokane River Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Explore the Spokane River in Washington for dramatic falls, riverside parks, cycling trails, wildlife, reservoirs and Inland Northwest history.

A River Across Eastern Washington

The Spokane River is one of eastern Washington’s defining waterways, flowing west from Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho through Post Falls and Spokane before reaching the Columbia River at Lake Roosevelt. Within Washington, its course links forested shorelines, basalt landscapes, urban parks, historic industrial sites and reservoirs shaped by hydroelectric development. The river is not a single compact park or tourism district, but a broad corridor best explored through several gateway communities, including Spokane Valley, Spokane, Nine Mile Falls and places around Lake Spokane.
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Falls, Parks and River Communities

Water is the river’s central presence, whether concentrated in the rapids and falls around Spokane, spread across the calm reaches behind Long Lake Dam, or moving through the wooded margins west of the city. Spokane Falls remains the best-known urban feature, framed by Riverfront Park, bridges and the historic downtown core. Riverside State Park follows the river through a contrasting landscape of ponderosa pine, exposed rock and recreational trails, while the Centennial Trail traces long sections of the Spokane Valley and Spokane corridor. Upstream, Post Falls reveals the river’s dramatic descent from Lake Coeur d’Alene; downstream, Lake Spokane provides opportunities for boating, fishing and lakeside recreation, subject to local conditions and regulations.

History and Outdoor Life

The river has long supported Indigenous communities, transport, fishing and settlement, while later mills, railways and dams transformed its banks. Today, visitors can combine river walks and cycling with kayaking, fishing, wildlife observation, heritage interpretation and visits to nearby cultural attractions. The Spokane River’s character changes continuously—from rushing falls and rapids to broad reservoirs—so a meaningful visit usually involves more than one section and careful attention to distances, water conditions and access points.

When is the best time to visit Spokane River?

Best: July–September · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January251
February439
March939
April1436
May1839
June2233
July (best)2713
August (best)2715
September (best)2220
October1541
November954
December254

Getting to and around Spokane River

How to get there

The Spokane River is a long regional corridor rather than a single access point. Spokane International Airport and the city of Spokane provide the main air, road and rail gateway for the Washington sections, while Interstate 90 follows the river through Spokane Valley and connects with communities towards the Idaho border. US Highway 2 and other regional roads serve areas north and west of Spokane, including approaches to Riverside State Park and Lake Spokane. Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene in Idaho are useful gateways to the river’s eastern headwaters, but they lie outside Washington. Check the exact location of a chosen park, trail or launch before travelling, as distances between sites can be substantial.

Transportation

A car is generally the most flexible way to explore the Spokane River corridor, particularly for reaching Riverside State Park, Lake Spokane, dispersed trailheads and access points outside Spokane. Spokane’s urban riverfront is served by local public transport, and the Centennial Trail offers a long-distance route for walking and cycling through parts of Spokane, Spokane Valley and the Idaho border area. Conditions and permitted uses vary on individual trails. Water access is similarly localised, with launches and boating facilities at particular reservoirs rather than along every bank. Plan around parking, seasonal conditions and the need to carry equipment between separate sections.

Best attractions in Spokane River

The most accessible introduction to the Spokane River is Spokane Falls, where moving water passes through the city beside Riverfront Park, bridges, public art and former industrial land. West of downtown, Riverside State Park follows the river through pine-covered hills and basalt terrain, with trails and recreation areas near sections such as Bowl and Pitcher. The Centennial Trail links riverside landscapes through Spokane and Spokane Valley before continuing towards the Idaho border, making it suitable for walking and cycling on selected sections. Upstream, the river descends dramatically at Post Falls in Idaho, outside Washington but closely connected to the river’s regional identity. Downstream from Spokane, the broad waters of Lake Spokane offer a reservoir setting for boating, fishing and lakeside recreation, while Nine Mile Recreation Area provides access to another distinct section of the river. Urban museums, historic districts and cultural institutions in Spokane add context to the waterway’s Indigenous, industrial and environmental history.

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Best landmarks in Spokane River

Spokane Falls is the river’s defining urban landmark, with powerful cascades and rapids visible from Riverfront Park, bridges and viewpoints around downtown Spokane. The falls also express the relationship between the city’s growth and the river’s long-used water power. Farther west, the Bowl and Pitcher area in Riverside State Park is recognised for its dark basalt formations, wooded banks and a footbridge crossing a narrower, more turbulent section of the river. Nine Mile Falls and Long Lake Dam are major human-made landmarks of the river’s hydroelectric history, with the latter creating the broad reservoir known as Lake Spokane. At the eastern end of the regional corridor, Post Falls in Idaho marks the river’s descent from Lake Coeur d’Alene, while the surrounding basalt country and extensive reservoir shorelines reveal the geological and engineered forces that have shaped the waterway.

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Explore Spokane River on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Spokane River

Dining opportunities are concentrated in Spokane, Spokane Valley and the gateway communities along the river rather than at the more remote parks and reservoirs. Spokane’s central districts provide the broadest choice, from cafés and independent restaurants to breweries and establishments drawing on Inland Northwest produce, wheat, apples, berries and locally raised meats. Around Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake, visitors will find neighbourhood restaurants and everyday dining convenient for trail and river excursions. Near Riverside State Park and Lake Spokane, supplies and prepared food may be limited, so a picnic or provisions from Spokane can be practical, provided visitors follow park rules and remove waste. Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, in Idaho, add further dining options near the river’s upper course but are outside the Washington destination. Regional wine, craft beer and coffee are prominent parts of the wider eastern Washington food culture.

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Best bars in Spokane River

Evening entertainment is centred on Spokane rather than the quieter stretches of the river. Downtown and adjacent districts offer established pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, restaurants with evening service and occasional live music, with the riverfront and historic commercial areas providing the strongest concentration of options. Spokane Valley has additional neighbourhood bars and dining venues, while smaller communities and lakeside areas tend to close earlier and offer a more local, low-key atmosphere. Riverside State Park, Lake Spokane and other outdoor sections have no continuous nightlife infrastructure, so visitors staying there should plan evening transport and supplies in advance. Cultural performances, seasonal events and sporting fixtures may add to Spokane’s evening calendar, but schedules vary. Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene provide further nightlife in Idaho, not within Washington’s section of the river.

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Best nightclubs in Spokane River

Evening entertainment is centred on Spokane rather than the quieter stretches of the river. Downtown and adjacent districts offer established pubs, breweries, cocktail bars, restaurants with evening service and occasional live music, with the riverfront and historic commercial areas providing the strongest concentration of options. Spokane Valley has additional neighbourhood bars and dining venues, while smaller communities and lakeside areas tend to close earlier and offer a more local, low-key atmosphere. Riverside State Park, Lake Spokane and other outdoor sections have no continuous nightlife infrastructure, so visitors staying there should plan evening transport and supplies in advance. Cultural performances, seasonal events and sporting fixtures may add to Spokane’s evening calendar, but schedules vary. Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene provide further nightlife in Idaho, not within Washington’s section of the river.

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Best shops in Spokane River

Shopping connected with the Spokane River is concentrated in Spokane, Spokane Valley and nearby gateway communities rather than along isolated shorelines. Downtown Spokane offers independent retailers, galleries, bookshops and craft-oriented businesses, while the city’s public markets and food shops can provide regional produce and locally made goods when operating. Spokane Valley and Liberty Lake have larger commercial areas useful for outdoor supplies, provisions and practical equipment before visiting trails or reservoirs. Visitors seeking Inland Northwest products may find Washington wine, craft beer, roasted coffee, regional foods, outdoor clothing, artwork and locally made craft items, although availability varies between businesses. Riverside State Park and Lake Spokane have limited retail facilities, so plan to buy food, fuel and specialist equipment in town. Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls offer additional shopping near the upper river in Idaho, but they are separate from Washington’s retail scene.

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Spokane River essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Cards and contactless payments are widely used in Spokane, Spokane Valley and other established communities, including at many larger shops, restaurants and visitor businesses. Cash remains useful for smaller purchases, rural services, some parking arrangements and situations where reception or equipment is limited. Cash machines are readily available in the urban gateway areas but should not be assumed at every park, trailhead or lakeside access point. Visitors crossing between Washington and Idaho should remember that both states use the US dollar, although sales taxes and local charges can differ.
Safety
River conditions vary sharply between calm reservoirs, exposed shorelines, falls and fast-moving rapids. Do not enter water near waterfalls, dams, spillways or strong currents, and use approved access points for boating or fishing. Summer heat, limited shade, loose rock, slippery banks and sudden weather changes can affect outdoor plans, while winter conditions may make trails icy or muddy. Carry water, use sun protection and tell someone where you are going when visiting quieter stretches. Observe posted warnings, stay on permitted paths, supervise children near the water and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies. Give the operator the nearest road, park entrance, trail or named river access point, and describe visible landmarks or your position on a mapped route. Mobile reception can be weaker in wooded, hilly or sparsely settled stretches, so download maps and avoid relying solely on a phone signal. For serious incidents on or near the water, follow instructions from emergency responders and do not attempt a rescue beyond your ability. Seek medical assistance in Spokane or the nearest established community when an emergency is not immediately life-threatening.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow regulations for parks, fishing, boating and fires, keep dogs under control where required, pack out litter and respect private property along the shoreline. Stay on authorised trails and use designated launches rather than creating informal access routes through sensitive vegetation. Do not climb barriers, approach dams or enter restricted areas, and never treat swift water around falls as a swimming area. Respect the river’s Indigenous history and the communities that live beside it, and avoid disturbing wildlife, nesting areas or cultural sites. Check local rules before fishing, camping, launching a craft or lighting a fire.
Local Tips
Spokane is the most convenient base for combining Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls, nearby museums and the central section of the river, while Spokane Valley suits visitors focusing on the Centennial Trail and eastern suburbs. Riverside State Park offers a different, more wooded river setting west of the city, and Lake Spokane works best as a separate excursion rather than a quick add-on. Early or late daylight can provide more comfortable conditions in summer, but always check access information before setting out. A mapped itinerary is worthwhile because the river’s parks, reservoirs and trail segments are spread across a broad area.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[haw-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYup[yuhp]
NoNah[nuh]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[pleez/no pro-blem]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad[par-dn me/my bad]
How are you?How ya doin'?[how yuh do-in]
Fine. And you?Good. How 'bout you?[good. how 'bout yuh]
Do you speak English?Ya speak English?[yah speak ing-lish]
I don't understandI'm lost[ahm lost]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu, please[men-yoo, please]
I don't eat meatI'm veggie[ahm vej-ee]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers]
I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please[chek, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Go away![go a-way]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops]
Call a doctor!Need a doc![need a doc]
I'm lostI'm lost[ahm lost]
I'm illI'm sick[ahm sik]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Gotta get...[got-ta get]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just brows-ing]
How much is it?How much?[how much]
That's too expensiveToo pricey[too prye-see]
Can you lower the price?Can you do better?[can yuh do bet-ter]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it]
It's one o'clockIt's one[its one]
Half past (10)Half ten[half ten]
MorningMorning[mor-ning]
AfternoonAfternoon[after-noon]
EveningEvening[ee-ven-ing]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fiv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-en]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wheres the]
What's the address?What's the addy?[whats the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Show me on the map[show me on the map]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[whens the next bus]
A ticket (to ....)Ticket to...[ticket to]

History of Spokane River

A River Shaped by Ice and Basalt

The Spokane River occupies a landscape influenced by ancient volcanic rock and the powerful floods associated with the late Ice Age. The Channeled Scablands of eastern Washington were carved and reshaped by enormous glacial outburst floods, leaving basalt channels, exposed rock and uneven terrain across the wider region. Although the river’s modern course is much smaller than those prehistoric floodwaters, its falls, rapids and gorge-like sections reflect the underlying geology. This physical setting helps explain the river’s changing character as it moves from the relatively high lake country around Idaho into the Columbia Basin.

Indigenous River Homelands

Long before American settlement, the Spokane River was part of the homelands and seasonal travel networks of the Spokane people, whose name is commonly associated with the river and the city. The wider watershed also connects with the traditional territories of the Coeur d’Alene and other Indigenous peoples. Fishing, gathering, travel and cultural relationships with the water shaped life along the river. Indigenous history remains part of the region’s identity, although colonial expansion, land cessions, resource extraction and the construction of dams profoundly altered access to river environments and traditional fisheries.

Fur Trade, Missions and Settlement

In the nineteenth century, the Spokane River corridor became increasingly connected to fur trading, missionary activity and expanding networks of American settlement. Fort Spokane, established in 1880 near the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia rivers, served as a military post during a period of intensified federal control over Indigenous communities. Towns and farms grew around transport routes, while the river’s falls offered water power for emerging industries. Spokane developed into the principal urban centre of the inland Northwest, drawing much of its early economic strength from railways, timber, mining connections and manufacturing.

Industry and Hydroelectric Power

The river’s falls and rapids encouraged mills and other industries, but they also created obstacles to navigation. Dams later altered the flow, fish passage and appearance of substantial sections of the river. Washington Water Power, now Avista, developed hydroelectric facilities including Nine Mile Falls Dam, while Long Lake Dam created the extensive reservoir now known as Lake Spokane. These projects supplied electricity and supported regional growth, yet their effects on ecosystems, fisheries and Indigenous relationships with the river remain important parts of the watershed’s modern history.

Parks, Restoration and Urban Renewal

During the twentieth century, parts of the Spokane River corridor were affected by industrial waste, altered shorelines and urban development. Public investment gradually expanded riverfront parks, trails and environmental management. Spokane’s Riverfront Park, created for Expo ’74, reoriented the city towards its central falls and waterway, while Riverside State Park and the Centennial Trail protected and connected other stretches of the corridor. Contemporary river management balances hydropower, recreation, municipal needs, habitat protection and efforts to improve water quality, making conservation and responsible access central to the river’s present identity.

Spokane River in Photos

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Free app-based travel guide to Spokane River offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities.

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Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate app-based travel guide to Spokane River, Washington. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most of your trip with comprehensive details on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities. Imagine starting your journey at Riverfront Park, exploring the Spokane Falls, or enjoying an evening at the historic Davenport Hotel—all seamlessly planned through Evendo.

Savor exquisite meals at renowned spots like Clinkerdagger or Wild Sage Bistro, and discover hidden gems with our curated local tips. From the breathtaking views at Bowl and Pitcher to the enriching exhibits at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, Evendo covers it all.

With features that include easy navigation, a 'Near Me' tool to find nearby attractions, and the ability to book hotels, tours, and tickets directly through the app, Evendo transforms your travel experience. Plus, the app's extensive coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide means your adventures don't have to end at Spokane River.

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