Paddling Spokane

Whether it's sweltering hot, or feeling like a long, cool spring, paddling the local waters is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get to know the Spokane region better.

Stand-up paddlers and kayakers have ample opportunities to enjoy the Spokane River that runs right through our city. Here are some local highlights with the novice paddler in mind.

First off: Know what kind of paddler you are, because that determines where you can go on a river like the Spokane, which the indigenous people of the region used to call “fast water.” That may have been before seven dams slowed the flow, but still, the Spokane has undercurrents and rapids, so take the proper precautions and read up on what’s right for you.

Downtown

Right at the edge of Gonzaga University’s campus, you can put in the river at the McKinstry building at Trent & Hamilton. There’s parking nearby, too. Just a few blocks northeast of campus, next to Avista headquarters, is the brand new Upriver Park with convenient parking and a put-in. 

West

The area around Riverside State Park is great fun for experienced paddlers who know how to roll if the rapids get crazy (and they do, especially right around Bowl & Pitcher).

East

If you’re new to the water or just want paddle around lazily watching the sun go down, then the Valley portions of the river are a perfect option.

Between Upriver Dam and Boulder Beach (just six miles from the Gonzaga campus following Centennial Trail) are a couple of options to put in. You just have to be lucky enough to find parking on the side of the road in the right spot for launching. (Please note that Upriver Drive is also part of the trail at this section, so be respectful of the designated areas for bikers when you park.)

Further east, off the Liberty Lake exit from 1-90, is an easy put-in on the north side of the river off Harvard Road. A gravel path to the river makes it easy to unload the yak at the water and then park your car in the appropriate place. Early-mid summer, the speed of the current on the south side of the river is such that you’re going downstream quickly whether you want to or not. If you’re planning to return to the same spot for your ride, take a good look at that flow. As little as two-three weeks later, water levels drop enough that the flow is slow, and the waterline so low you may scrape bottom in places.

^{Left: The glassy Spokane River, just east of the Argonne Bridge. Right: Rope-swinging opportunities near Boulder Beach.}

Land o’ Lakes

There are ample lakes to enjoy as well. Newman Lake, near the Washington-Idaho border on Trent, has minimal boat traffic and a southern field of lily pads that serve as the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a snack.

Liberty Lake, also near the Washington-Idaho border, has two put-in options; both require a Washington State Discovery Pass for parking, or a nominal fee. At just four miles long, Liberty doesn’t normally attract a ton of boaters, making for an enjoyable time kayaking or supping. The southern end, at Liberty Lake County Park, is a natural water fowl habitat and you’re almost guaranteed to see herons and other amazing birds.

If you’re up for an adventure and want to kayak-camp, a popular Inland Northwest option is Priest Lake (Idaho) where you can reserve one of many camping spots on Kalispell Island. Priest, however, has plenty of boat traffic, so don’t risk it if you haven’t spent ample time in your yak to be confident.

^{At the south end of Liberty Lake}

Before You Go

• Find greater details about water conditions at specific locations on the Spokane River:

  https://www.spokaneriver.net/watertrail/paddling/
   

• Check out Visit Spokane for a map of more great options.
  https://www.visitspokane.com/spokane-lakes-rivers/