Riverfront Park wilderness guide
City Park · WA

Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park in Spokane, WA, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities with its scenic views along the Spokane River and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

City Park1004+ Trails

Designation

City Park

Total Wilderness Area

100

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Riverfront Park

Riverfront Park in Spokane, WA, offers a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities with its scenic views along the Spokane River and a wealth of recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Riverfront Park is a 100-acre park located in downtown Spokane, Washington. It is bordered by the Spokane River and features an array of attractions and recreational areas. The park was the site of Expo '74, a World's Fair that focused on environmental conservation, and it remains a testament to sustainable development. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions including the historic Looff Carrousel, SkyRide gondola over Spokane Falls, and the Numerica Skate Ribbon. The park also includes walking and biking paths, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of local bird species, while those interested in history can explore the Great Northern Clocktower and U.S. Pavilion. With its blend of culture, history, and nature, Riverfront Park is a major draw for both locals and tourists, offering a year-round destination for leisure and events.

Field Guide · City Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Riverfront Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Gondola ride over Spokane Falls✦ Looff Carrousel built in 1909✦ U.S. Pavilion, center of Expo ‘74✦ Great Northern Clocktower with historic significance
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Riverfront Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Riverfront Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Riverfront Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Riverfront Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Riverfront Park
Park Recreation

Festival and Events

Available in Riverfront Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Riverfront Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

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

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public 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).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Riverfront Park

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

Spokane Valley, Washington
⌖ 7.31 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Spokane Valley, Washington

Spokane Valley offers outdoor lovers easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling amid scenic river corridors and foothills. Close to Mount Spokane, it’s a go-to base for year-round outdoor adventure in Eastern Washington.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Airway Heights, Washington
⌖ 8.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Airway Heights, Washington

Airway Heights is a quiet town near Spokane that serves as a gateway to hiking, biking, and winter sports in Mount Spokane State Park. Enjoy peaceful trails, bird watching, and easy access to protected natural areas year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Greenacres, Washington
⌖ 11.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greenacres, Washington

Greenacres, Washington, offers a quiet gateway for outdoor fun with nearby lakes and trails ideal for hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. A relaxed spot perfect for exploring Eastern Washington’s natural beauty.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Cheney, Washington
⌖ 14.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cheney, Washington

Cheney, Washington offers outdoor lovers a calm, low-key destination with great hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing nearby. Its scenic trails, lakes, and protected areas make it a relaxing basecamp for nature enthusiasts.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Liberty Lake, Washington
⌖ 14.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Liberty Lake, Washington

Liberty Lake, Washington, is a lively lakeside town where paddling, hiking, and biking blend with natural beauty. Its regional park, nearby conservation areas, and accessible trails make it a year-round destination for outdoor lovers.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Reardan, Washington
⌖ 21.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Reardan, Washington

Reardan, WA is a quiet small town offering easy access to paddling, fishing, and birdwatching in eastern Washington’s natural lakes and wildlife refuges. Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor escapes.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Riverfront Park

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

Two Hours on Gentle Giants: Western Trail Rides out of Spokane
ADVEXPEDITION
Spokane, Washington
HorseADV Bookable

Two Hours on Gentle Giants: Western Trail Rides out of Spokane

Private, two-hour trail rides on draft horses with an optional decorated western table and barrel fire—this guide lays out what to expect, what to bring, and the operator rules to know before you book.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Downtown Drops and Wildwater: Class‑III Rafting on the Lower Spokane
ADVEXPEDITION
Spokane, Washington
RaftingADV Bookable

Downtown Drops and Wildwater: Class‑III Rafting on the Lower Spokane

A 2–3 hour guided run from minutes outside downtown Spokane through Riverside State Park, navigating two Class III rapids with swimming stops and wildlife viewing—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip