By Lindsay Box
The Spokane River is clearly the gem of our region. For fly fishers, river rafters, paddle boarders, and more - the Spokane River is a treasured resource in the Inland Northwest. However, there are many other beautiful rivers nearby. Read below for more information on the best Inland Northwest rivers and how you can use them to cool down this summer.
Spokane River
The Spokane River is 111 miles long and it offers something for everybody: walking along the Centennial Trail, fly-fishing for native fish, paddling through Bowl & Pitcher, or swimming in multiple locations!
While it is easy to find the river, finding access points can be tricky at times. Our friends at Spokane River Forum have a great map and guide to find locations and recreation facilities.
The Spokane River has so many activities available, so there is something for everyone! Whether it’s your first time on the river or you are an experienced paddler, please remember to be safe.
Wear a life jacket.
Don’t bring glass containers and clean up after yourself.
Check the water flow and water level.
Check up on local conditions.
Know your skill level.
Check out fish advisories before you eat.
That said, here are the amazing activities the Spokane River has to offer:
Float the Spokane River in a tube - Grab your own tube and float TLC’s favorite section between Peaceful Valley and the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
Whitewater rafting - There are many options to experience the unique view of the world from a thrilling whitewater ride through Devil’s Toenail or Flora Rapid.
Cruise along the River - The Centennial Trail is over 37 miles along the Spokane River, from the Idaho/Washington Stateline to Nine Mile Falls Dam. Try hiking, biking, or longboarding on the trail.
Fishing - Fly fish for redband trout on the upper and lower stretches of the river, although your best odds are floating or wading the miles of river below downtown Spokane.
Paddle boarding - For a scenic, mellow stand up paddleboarding tour, try the stretch from Plese Flats to the new Avista take-out above Nine Mile Dam.
Swimming - Go swimming in the Spokane River this summer! Grab your towel and sunscreen and use the river trail map to find the best swimming spots.
Little Spokane River
Enjoy a calm float on the Little Spokane River! This river is a major tributary of the Spokane River and approximately 35 miles long. Most access points are in Riverside State Park and use is restricted to kayaks, canoes, and rafts. Inner tubes are not allowed. Also, a large portion of the river is on private property, so floating or paddling on the Little Spokane River is only open to the public on the last 7 miles from St. George's School down to the confluence.
Hangman Creek
Hangman Creek is a large stream that empties into the Spokane River. The creek is likely too low to float in the summer months, but you can still enjoy a swimming hole at the confluence!
Snake River
The Snake River is 1,078 miles long and the largest tributary of the Columbia River. Enjoy camping, trout fishing, and boating along this amazing river.
Palouse River
The Palouse River is a renowned canoe and kayaking destination. Check out Palouse Falls State Park, if you’re nearby. Carved more than 13,000 years ago, Palouse Falls is among the last active waterfalls on the Ice Age floods path.
Priest River
The Priest River flows south out of Priest Lake to its confluence with the Pend Oreille River at the town of Priest River. The river includes a pair of Class III whitewater sections. In between, the river meanders along offering excellent canoeing or kayaking as well as fine swimming, fishing, and just lazing on the river bank.
St. Joe River
The St. Joe River is one of the region’s finest for the whitewater, fishing, swimming, camping, and hiking. It flows from the high mountains into Lake Coeur d’Alene, with 60 miles of the river above Avery part of the National Wild and Scenic River system; about 30 miles of these upper stretches offer premier whitewater rafting or kayaking during the spring run-off season. The river is renowned as well among fly fishermen, and with literally dozens of parks and trails throughout the basin there is excellent camping, picnicking, and hiking.