Down By The Riverside in Spokane

Relish the flora and fauna at Riverside State Park in Spokane. Hike the surrounding Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and in the right seasons enjoy the glorious wildflowers.

Did you say you like your state parks with a smattering of wildlife?  You've come to the right place. These still waters hide red band trout and whitefish. The shores are a playground for reptiles and amphibians. Bald eagles and osprey nest in spring, and soar year 'round. Among the 180 bird species that can be sighted, there are shorebirds and great blue herons.

What about mammals, you ask? What size are you looking for? Small include chipmunks and marmots. Large include mule, whitetail deer, black bear, and moose.  And of course, there are cougars - but you knew that because we're talking about Spokane and that's so close to WSU in Cheney, Wa.



And did I mention the geese? Lots of geese sunbathing the day I hiked through.

Sunbathing and honking



Here's the Bowl and Pitcher story . . . .

And here's the real thing. Breathtaking! You've heard of the ripples a pebble can make in the water. Well, these are enormous boulders that will amaze you. 



Here's what it looks like crossing that swinging bridge over the rapids next to the Bowl and Pitcher. The original bridge was build by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps. in the 1930's.  It was assembled off site, and brought to the park in 2 parts. At that point it took them 10 days to install the 216 feet of bridge.

No, this is not the original bridge. That was replaced in 1998 by a new bridge that was built using the same, original plans from the CCC.

The view from the bridge, swinging above the rapids that are churning past the Bowl and Pitcher

A weekend fisherman who is focused on a promising pocket amid the rapids. He exhibited real skill at his fly fishing.

The source of the Spokane River is Coeur d'Alene Lake. After tumbling over Spokane falls, the river zig zags it's way through this spectacular "Grand Park of the Spokane Canyon".

Hiking among the firs, you never know who may be watching you.

You'll love your visit to Riverside State Park in Spokane. There's so much to do in this beautiful setting. Hiking, jogging, biking, fishing, water sports, picnics, and lots more. The trails and all facilities are well maintained.

The Olmstead brothers visited this area in 1909 and were taken with the beauty. They urged the local population to preserve it as a park. In 1910 $1 million bond passed for the land acquisition.  In 1933 Riverside State Park was created for that generation, and generations to follow. 
Thank goodness!