Spokane River access

Spokane River users are working with officials to increase access to the waterway.

Section:Gallery

Fri., Nov. 27, 2009

Spokane fly fisherman Stann Grater launches his drift boat at an unofficial site just downstream of Interstate 90 at Stateline. River access on the 111-mile Spokane River corridor is limited and Grater and other fly-fishermen advocate more access points. The proposed realignment of the Centennial Trail at Gateway Park will still allow access to the informal boat launch.

J. Bart Rayniak
A locked gate prohibits drift boaters and heavy rafts with trailers from accessing the city-owned launch at Water Street on the Spokane River. Fly-fishing groups, the Spokane River Forum, kayakers, canoers, rafters and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are asking the Spokane Parks and Recreation Department to revisit carefully controlled trailer access both there and at T.J. Meenach Bridge.

J. Bart Rayniak
Tim Austin launches his kayak below the Sullivan Hole on the Spokane River. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club would like to see an access developed just across the Spokane River, with parking and picnic tables.

J. Bart Rayniak
Tim Austin surfs his kayak at the Sullivan Playhole on the Spokane River. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club would like to see an access point developed upstream from the wave with parking and picnic tables.

J. Bart Rayniak The Spokesman-Review
A river boarder powered only with swim fins plays in a hole near the Sullivan crossing at low water. The wave is boatable at water levels from 600 cfs to 26,000 cfs.

J. Bart Rayniak The Spokesman-Review
A dirt road leading to the Spokane River below the Interstate 90 bridge at Stateline is the only access above Harvard Road. The realignment of the Centennial Trail at the proposed Gateway Park will still allow access to the informal boat launch.

J. Bart Rayniak The Spokesman-Review