Lower Spokane

Lower Spokane

Gauge Information

River Description

Ah, the lower Spokane, my backyard playground. With over 300 runs down this section, I feel I know this like family: the good, the bad, and the ugly! Although it is in the city limits, there is a feel of wilderness here as the majority of the run goes through the state park.

Put-In:The put-in is at a newly developed parking area just downstream of the T.J.Menach bridge on river right. This is a gated lot that is opened by the Spokane parks department and was a cooperative effort by the city and the boating community.

Take-out:Take the river parkway past Downriver golf course, veer left at the Riverside State park entrance which is Aubrey White Parkway. Follow this past the campground and the rifle club to Plese Flats, a day picnic area with parking and restroom. This is also gated so be sure to follow the signs as to closing times.

From the put-in it is a leisurely float for 1.5 miles. The first small set of waves occurs just around the first left turn. Depending on flows, there are an occasional catch-on-the run playwaves. At the bottom of this rapid there is a unique little playhole us locals call the "poophole." So named due to its' proximity to the water treatment plant (no poop here!). This can be a fun little warm-up when the level is right (~11,000).

This is followed by more slow water past the treatment plant. There is a utility bridge overhead that has the sign "dangerous rapids ahead - take-out 300 yards." This marks the entry to the campground area of Riverside State park. The take out here is quite far from the first major rapid the "Bowl and Pitcher." There is an access trail on river right and can be used either to take out here or scout the B&P. You are much better off scouting the B&P on the shuttle by entering the campground and going to the suspension walk bridge which puts you right in the middle of the B&P. There are numerous viewpoints around the park to get a feel for this drop. Pay particular attention to river left below the bridge as there is a nasty "room of doom" here that can be lethal at certain flows.

From the overhead utility bridge, more slow moving water as you enter the B&P area. When the water picks up speed, you'll enter a 200 yard wavetrain that at around 6,000 - 9,500 cfs produces a great little surfwave we call the ledge wave. It is on river left about half way through this rapid. There is a small eddy just above a large basalt outcropping and can be used to enter the ledge. Beware that on entering this eddy that the basalt wall is slightly undercut and the currents difficult to judge. (firsthand knowledge)

After this you will flow around a slow right turn and be able to see the suspension bridge. There are numerous waves and occasional holes on entry, so plan ahead at higher flows to work middle to river right to avoid the previously mentioned hazard on river left. At flows above 7500, the bridge wave begins to appear and gets to be quite a large, super fast surf at higher flows. There is a recovery eddy below the bridge on river right. Below the viewpoint lookout above you, there is a nice playhole depending on flow.

The river then makes a sharp right turn and enters slower moving water for 1/4 mile. The next turn left you'll come to another wavetrain that is straight forward, yielding an occasional surf wave also caught on the run. Halfway through this rapid, there is another red warning sign. The current slows on its' approach to the next major rapid, the "Devil's Toenail." This can also be scouted on the shuttle by using the pullout 1 mile below the campground. The run is typically on the right, but can be run middle or left depending on skill, flows. Beware of the large hole that takes up the river left above 15000cfs!
There is a slight break then more waves and holes that again can be great fun depending on flows for the next 1/3 mile. At flows above 20,000 cfs, beware of what I like to call "Devil's Eyeball"! This nasty hole is barely discernable from above if you are leisurely floating the middle of the river. There is only a small deceptive pillow wave before it drops into this horrendo reversal. At normal flows, "Cyclops" is a large basalt island that sits 6-8 feet out of the water and provides a fun squirtin' spot in its' eddies. See the photo of "Cyclops". HOWEVER, at certain higher flows, this hole becomes one super large, relatively surfable wave/hole (see pics). Sadly, there is no eddy service for this feature, it may take 1/4 mile to find suitable exit and the hike/put-in requires some effort.
From here to the rifle club is slow water, then a set of small waves below the rifle club. From here to the takeout, sit back and enjoy the wildlife. Eagles, osprey, blue heron, beaver and deer can be seen if you're lucky. The takeout is on river right 2 miles below the 'Toenail.


Local "expert": Mick "Holehog" French McHolehog