Things to do nearSpokane River

The Spokane River has shaped this corner of Washington for thousands of years. Indigenous Plateau peoples, including the Spokane Tribe, relied on the river for salmon and as a gathering place long before European settlers arrived. The falls at the river's center became an early source of hydroelectric power, helping establish the city of Spokane as a regional hub in the late 19th century.

Today the river corridor offers a range of outdoor experiences. Riverfront Park sits at the urban core, where visitors can watch the cascading falls and walk paved paths along the water. Further downstream, the canyon walls rise steeply and the landscape grows wilder, with basalt cliffs and ponderosa pines framing the water.

Anglers prize the Spokane River for its trout fishing, and the calmer pools near the reservoirs attract both seasoned fly fishers and beginners. Birdwatchers find the riparian corridor equally rewarding, with great blue herons, mergansers, and bald eagles appearing throughout the seasons.

The Spokane River rewards visitors who take the time to explore beyond the downtown stretch. Its combination of urban accessibility and genuine wilderness character makes it one of eastern Washington's most compelling natural destinations.