Riverside State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Riverside State Park |
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Park area called the Bowl and Pitcher
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 Riverside State Park
Location in Washington (state)
Riverside State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Spokane, Washington, United States |
| Area | 11,162 acres (45.17 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,857 ft (566 m) |
| Established | 1933 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Riverside State Park |
Riverside State Park is a large Washington state park. It is located about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Spokane. The park is near the community of Nine Mile Falls. This park protects over 11,000 acres (4,500 hectares) of dry forest. It stretches along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers. It is the second largest state park in Washington. Many people visit it for fun outdoor activities.
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Exploring Riverside State Park's Landscape
Riverside State Park sits along the Spokane River and Little Spokane River. These rivers are downstream from the city of Spokane. The park starts near the TJ Meenach Bridge in Spokane. It goes for about 12 river miles (19 km) north to Nine Mile Falls. The Little Spokane River joins the Spokane River near Nine Mile Falls. From there, the park also follows the Little Spokane River westward. The park's main office is in Nine Mile Falls.
Rivers and Their Paths
Most of the park is on the left side of the Spokane River. However, some parts are on the right side, even touching Spokane city areas. This means much of the park's edge is close to the city. The land inside the park changes a lot. There are steep valleys along the rivers and flat areas higher up.
The Spokane River drops about 140 feet (43 meters) as it flows through the park. It moves in a winding path through a narrow, steep valley. There are many places with tall cliffs, some over 100 feet (30 meters) high. Because of these drops, the Spokane River has areas with exciting whitewater rapids.
The Little Spokane River valley is different. It is wider and has many wetlands. It also has oxbow lakes, which are curved lakes left behind by the river. The Little Spokane River drops only about 20 feet (6 meters) through the park. This makes its flow much calmer.
Deep Creek Canyon
Another interesting water feature is Deep Creek. This creek cuts a very thin canyon through the western part of the park. It then flows into the Spokane River. The canyon walls are very steep, dropping over 600 feet (183 meters) in some spots. Many areas have tall, exposed rock cliffs made of basalt.
A Look Back: Park History
Riverside State Park was created in 1933 and 1934. Land was given to start the park. The park was built by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). These workers lived in a camp within the park. They cleared old wood, replanted trees, and built many park structures.
You can still see their work today. They built the suspension bridge at the Bowl and Pitcher area. They also made kitchen shelters, restrooms, and park buildings. The CCC workers also built rock walls and roads like Aubrey White Parkway. They created many trails throughout the park. During World War II and the Korean War, the CCC camp became a military base. Even actor Clark Gable trained there during World War II.
What to See and Do at Riverside State Park
The park has many different areas to explore. These include the Bowl and Pitcher, the Nine Mile Recreation Area, and the Little Spokane River Natural Area. There's also a 600-acre (243-hectare) area for off-road vehicles. Horseback riding trails are also available. A part of the 37-mile (60 km) long Spokane River Centennial Trail runs through the park.
The Spokane House Interpretive Center is a great place to learn. It has exhibits about the Spokane Indians and early settlers. You can learn about fur trappers, traders, and the area's military history. It also tells the story of Spokane House, an old fur trading post. Many trails are perfect for hiking and biking.
Fun Activities and Camping
Riverside State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can go camping, fishing, or swimming. Picnicking, boating, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular. Nature lovers can enjoy bird watching and seeing wildlife. For adventure, there's ATV riding, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
The park has several campgrounds:
- Bowl and Pitcher Campground: This area has 16 standard campsites. It also offers 13 sites with some hookups and 2 sites with full hookups. There are two cabins, a dump station, and two restrooms with showers. Two group campsites can hold 40-60 tent campers.
- Equestrian Campground: This campground is for those with horses. It has 10 standard and 10 partial-hookup campsites. Each site includes a corral for horses. There are two restrooms, but they do not have showers.
- Lake Spokane Campground: Here you'll find 10 standard campsites and one larger companion campsite. This campground has a bathroom with showers.
Boat launches are available at the Nine Mile Recreation areas and the Lake Spokane campground.
