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Riverside State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WA

Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park is a vast natural reserve in eastern Washington, offering diverse landscapes and a wide array of outdoor activities along the Spokane River.

State Park11,1624+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

11,162

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park is a vast natural reserve in eastern Washington, offering diverse landscapes and a wide array of outdoor activities along the Spokane River.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Riverside State Park, located near Spokane, Washington, is one of the largest state parks in the region, covering approximately 11,162 acres. The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include thick wooded areas, rocky formations, and the flowing waters of the Spokane River. This combination makes it a haven for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park's Bowl and Pitcher area is especially popular, known for its unique basalt rock formations and scenic suspension bridge. Riverside State Park also carries historical significance with the Spokane House Interpretive Center, which highlights the region's fur trading history. An extensive network of trails provides ample opportunities for exploration, and the Little Spokane River Natural Area offers a more tranquil setting for fishing and wildlife viewing. Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities while soaking in the natural beauty and learning about the area's rich history.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Riverside State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Camp at Riverside State Park in Spokane★ 7.8⌖ 1 miCamping
7854-7898 N Aubrey L White Pkwy

Camp at Riverside State Park in Spokane

Experience camping at Riverside State Park near Spokane, WA, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Enjoy over 55 miles of trails with a camping area equipped with amenities. Best visited in spring and fall.

CampingView Details→
Explore the Spokane River via Flow Adventures in Spokane★ 7.8⌖ 3 miWhitewater Rafting
2768-2804 W Euclid Ave

Explore the Spokane River via Flow Adventures in Spokane

Explore the Spokane River with Flow Adventures in Spokane, Washington. Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting and serene kayaking on this scenic stretch. This river access is especially popular during spring and fall, with exciting rapids and great wildlife sightings.

Whitewater RaftingView Details→
Paddling the Little Spokane River in Spokane★ 7.8⌖ 4 miPaddling
Fairwood

Paddling the Little Spokane River in Spokane

Explore the gentle currents of the Little Spokane River, perfect for paddling enthusiasts near Spokane, WA. Start from Riverside State Park and enjoy serene waterscapes and wildlife. This easy route offers picturesque views, making it a favorite for birdwatching and relaxing on the water.

PaddlingView Details→
Run the Centennial Trail in Spokane★ 7.5⌖ 5 miTrail Running
899-825 N Howard St

Run the Centennial Trail in Spokane

Explore the 37.5-mile Centennial Trail along the Spokane River in Washington. Ideal for running, biking, and hiking. Enjoy scenic views, cultural sites, and tranquility. Best in spring and fall.

Trail RunningView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Bowl and Pitcher area with its iconic basalt rock formations✦ Diverse ecosystems, including riparian habitats with abundant wildlife✦ Spokane House Interpretive Center providing historical insights✦ Little Spokane River Natural Area for serene fishing and birdwatching
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Riverside State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Riverside State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Riverside State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Bowl and Pitcher Campground

Located near the scenic suspension bridge, this campground offers powered sites and convenient river access.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Nine Mile Recreation Area Campground

Situated along the Spokane River, perfect for water sports enthusiasts and offering full hookups.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Riverside State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Airway Heights
⌖ 7.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Airway Heights, Washington

A quiet gateway town near Spokane, offering access to varied outdoor adventures from forest trails to winter sports in nearby mountain areas.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Spokane Valley
⌖ 11.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spokane Valley, Washington

A vibrant suburban gateway offering easy access to varied outdoor activities including hiking, paddling, biking, and winter sports in the nearby mountains and lakes.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Greenacres
⌖ 15.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenacres, Washington

A quiet, suburban community on the outskirts of Spokane offering quick access to nature, with nearby lakes, trails, and parks for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Cheney
⌖ 16.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cheney, Washington

A college town with easy access to diverse outdoor activities from forest trails to nearby lakes, ideal for both casual explorers and adventure enthusiasts.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Liberty Lake
⌖ 18.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Liberty Lake, Washington

A vibrant lakeside community offering easy access to water activities, scenic trails, and nearby mountain adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Reardan
⌖ 18.91 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Reardan, Washington

A peaceful rural town offering access to lakes, forests, and open spaces ideal for paddling, birdwatching, and gentle hikes.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Riverside State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.