Riverside State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WA

Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park is a vast natural reserve in eastern Washington, offering diverse landscapes and a wide array of outdoor activities along the Spokane River.

State Park11,1624+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

11,162

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park is a vast natural reserve in eastern Washington, offering diverse landscapes and a wide array of outdoor activities along the Spokane River.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Riverside State Park, located near Spokane, Washington, is one of the largest state parks in the region, covering approximately 11,162 acres. The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include thick wooded areas, rocky formations, and the flowing waters of the Spokane River. This combination makes it a haven for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The park's Bowl and Pitcher area is especially popular, known for its unique basalt rock formations and scenic suspension bridge. Riverside State Park also carries historical significance with the Spokane House Interpretive Center, which highlights the region's fur trading history. An extensive network of trails provides ample opportunities for exploration, and the Little Spokane River Natural Area offers a more tranquil setting for fishing and wildlife viewing. Visitors can engage in a wide range of activities while soaking in the natural beauty and learning about the area's rich history.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Riverside State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Bowl and Pitcher area with its iconic basalt rock formations✦ Diverse ecosystems, including riparian habitats with abundant wildlife✦ Spokane House Interpretive Center providing historical insights✦ Little Spokane River Natural Area for serene fishing and birdwatching
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Riverside State Park

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

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

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

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

A Discover Pass is required for vehicle 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).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Riverside State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Bowl and Pitcher Campground

Located near the scenic suspension bridge, this campground offers powered sites and convenient river access.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Nine Mile Recreation Area Campground

Situated along the Spokane River, perfect for water sports enthusiasts and offering full hookups.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Riverside State Park

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

Airway Heights, Washington
⌖ 7.52 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
Spokane Valley, Washington
⌖ 11.35 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
Greenacres, Washington
⌖ 15.97 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
⌖ 16.96 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
⌖ 18.02 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
⌖ 18.91 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 Riverside State Park

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

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
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