by Sarah L. Lamb, Calven Ball and Matt Moore The Heart of Spokane printed
in The Whitworthian, Oct.7, 2003
The
Spokane River is at the heart of Spokane’s
economy, recreation and history. In 1810, a
small trading post was set up at the convergence
of the Spokane River and the Little Spokane
River. Later in the 1800s, settlers came and
made their homes along the lower part of the
Spokane River. The river once provided the
main source of transportation for natives and
settlers and a fresh drink to humans and animals
alike. The development of smokestacks and railroads,
as well as the increase in population in Spokane
has changed the river’s surroundings
over the years.
The
Spokane River now holds entertainment value
for a variety of seekers. While some raft,
fish and view wildlife, others enjoy the
river’s simple beauty by following
the Centennial Trail. The Spokane River roars
beneath the swinging bridge at Bowl and Pitcher
near the Centennial Trail, 37 miles long and
follows the river from the Idaho border to
Nine Mile Falls. “It’s really a
beautiful place and an easy path that anyone
can do a section of,” Outdoor Recreation
Coordinator Megan Lobb said.Raft or Kayak
Those
interested in experiencing the Spokane River
in the middle of the action can rent kayaks
or canoes at a local Spokane shop (see below)
and put in at several places including the
state line, Solovan Road, People’s
Park, Bowl and Pitcher and Plees Flats. The
river is mostly calm and steady, but at places
it contains class III rapids.
For
those who are less inclined to the rugged
outdoors, Riverfront Park offers other activities.
The gondola, which will be closed until the
Monroe Street Bridge reopens in 2004, takes
sightseers over the Spokane Falls and travels
2,240 feet round-trip. In April, several
rides reopen in the Pavilion, which is located
within the park. The Looff Carousel, built
in 1909 and bearing hand-carved horses, is
open all year and costs $2 per person. The
carousel is on the other side of the river
from the Pavilion, with the IMAX theater.
The Radio Flyer slide makes a significant
first impression in Riverfront Park. The
distinctive Radio Flyer red wagon is a 12-foot
high sculpture that had a slide in its handle.
The Ice Palace, also located within the Pavilion,
is open October through March. Admission
is $4 for adults and $2.50 for a skate rental.
The rink offers ice-skating lessons during
the winter. The IMAX theatre, located in
the Pavilion, is now playing “PULSE:
A Stomp Odyssey,” “Top Speed,” “Lewis
and Clark: Great Journey West” and “Coral
Reef Adventure.” The screen is 53 feet
high and 69 feet wide. Admission is $7 to $9,
depending on the show.
The Bowl and Pitcher is the most scenic attraction
along the Spokane River. Visitors can camp,
picnic and hike along the trails. This attraction
is named for the large formations in the vicinity
that look like a bowl and a pitcher. To learn
more, visit: www.riversidestatepark.org/bowl_and_pitcher.htm.
Enjoying what the river has to offer in terms
of wildlife includes fishing, horseback riding,
watching birds or searching for other animals.

Spokane River Flows click here
Spokane River Map please click here
River Regulations at Riverside State Park please click here
Spokane, Washington Activities & Things to Do please click here