Have you heard of the Spokane River Water Trail? This new interactive web site was developed by the Spokane River Forum and it's an amazing resource to find the access locations, attractions, amenities and river information along the entire 111 mile length of the Spokane River.

I've spent some time geeking out on the site. It's easy to use and it really helps push the concept of the Spokane River as one "water trail," rather than a sum of moving parts and sections or - sections where you can't get access, you don't know where to park, or where flows could be unsafe. It's all there for you. 

On the creaton of the site, Andy Dunau, the Spokane River Forum Executive Director, commented: “Not to mix metaphors, but we shot two really difficult rapids. On the content side, interns, staff and volunteers pulled together information located here, there and everywhere. On the programming side, we invested heavily to make it attractive, easy to navigate and easy to update.”

Check it out at spokanewatertrail.com.

From the Spokane River Forum, here’s the top ten list of things you’ll love and want to know about the site:

1) Your search is our command. From the main page, you can select up to 18 different amenities, e.g.-paddling, restrooms, swimming, playground, etc. The water trail map shows the locations (pins) with the amenities you want.

2) More details please. Click on a pin to get summary information and a link detailing various amenities as well as Google directions to get there.

3) Take me straight to paddling, rafting or fishing. There are specific web pages for each user group that provide people of all skill levels both general and detailed information by river section and location.

4) Recreational resources. Information about clubs, classes, outfitters, etc. is available, including a link to their web site and e-mail address. Find what you need, contact them, and enjoy the river safely.

5) Safety, safety, safety. The site provides links to current river flows, safety around dams, paddling, safety, whitewater safety, etc.

6) Stewardship. We’ve got volunteer projects for you to sign-up for and a blog to tell you about our latest activities.

7) Sponsors make good things possible. The Charter Sponsors that allowed us to create this site include the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, Visit Spokane and the Mountaineers Foundation. To keep the web page going, Avista and Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club stepped up to be the first Sustainer Sponsors.

8) Eat and rest your weary head. You may also need a place to stay, eat, etc. No one helps answer those questions better than Visit Spokane, which is always a click away on this site.

9) Daily reports. For fishing and whitewater, local blogs offer current news about what’s biting and conditions at whitewater play areas.

10) More to come. The Forum is partnering with other organizations to improve existing water trail locations and create new ones. Sign up for e-news and you can track our progress.

---

---