This past weekend while my parents were in town we went canoeing and kayaking on the Little Spokane River. John has been telling me for weeks how amazing the Little Spokane Natural Area is and that we needed to take the canoe out.
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Floating the Little Spokane River, part of Riverside State Park
My parents were in town from Tacoma and brought their kayaks with them. I was really excited to head out on the river for a day of absolute relaxation and time with family and sunshine. I do wish I would have remembered to pack a baseball hat.
The sun was bright and my nose definitely looked a bit pink by the time we were done.
We put in at the St. George's trailhead in Riverside State Park. We parked a car at the bottom of the river so we could shuttle back and forth. It is about a 15-minute drive from one trailhead to the next so definitely not walking distance.
There is a shuttle service from a non-park owned company that runs on the weekend. You can take Coast Guard approved boats/rafts on the river.
Innertubes and pool floats are not allowed in the area.
The put-in was really nice and easy. There is a gentle slope into the river so you can easily get into your boat. I have to say the first step into the river was cold and I did not want to get any more of my body in than I needed to. Right now the river is flowing nicely without too much of a crazy current or waves.
We had to paddle in some areas and in others we just floated along looking at the scenery. We saw a ton of Osprey and could hear them all over the place. We also saw deer, muskrat, Mergansers, Mallards, Grebes, and a few other ducks.
We had a couple of fantastic water fights while paddling along. What canoe/kayak trip is complete without a water fight. The water was shockingly cold but felt great. My poor Mom got the brunt of the water fights from our canoe and my Dad in the kayak. She was soaked by the time we were done.
It took us about 3 hours to finish the entire river. When John did it a few weeks ago with his Sister they were able to do the entire stretch in just about 2 hours. They paddled the entire time and did not float as much as we did. We really enjoyed floating along and looking at the scenery.
The river was gorgeous. I was amazed at how quiet it was on the river. You are not that far from town or houses and there were areas it was completely silent except for the water noise. I can't wait to go back out on the water and see what animals we see. John said some park visitors had a Moose walk along the side of the river while they were on it. I think that sounds a bit scary and I would probably be nervous the entire time but trying to take a picture too.
You can access the Little Spokane Natural area at both the St. George's Put In and near Painted Rocks Trailhead.
Where to stay in Spokane
If you are visiting Spokane and looking for a place to stay near Kendall Yards and Downtown Spokane here are a couple of our recommendations.
Spokane Club - 3.5-star hotel in the heart of Downtown Spokane. Consider a stay at Spokane Club and take advantage of a terrace, a coffee shop/café, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Adventurous travelers may like the racquetball/squash, volleyball, and Pilates at this hotel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna or the steam room. The onsite restaurant, 1910, features al fresco dining and happy hour. Aerobics classes and yoga classes are offered at the health club; other things to do include basketball. In addition to a bar and a 24-hour business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.
Centennial Hotel Spokane - A terrace, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a fireplace in the lobby are just a few of the amenities provided at Centennial Hotel Spokane. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Espresso Café, the onsite coffee shop. Free Wi-Fi in public areas, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices), is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym.
Montvale Hotel - 3.5-star hotel in the heart of Downtown Spokane. Consider a stay at Montvale Hotel and take advantage of a coffee shop/café, a fireplace in the lobby, and 3 bars. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants, which feature local and international cuisine and brunch. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a 24-hour gym and a business center.
The Davenport Tower, Autograph Collection - 3.5-star hotel in the heart of Downtown Spokane. A coffee shop/café, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar are just a few of the amenities provided at The Davenport Tower, Autograph Collection. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Safari Room, the onsite restaurant. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas, with speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices), and guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour health club and a 24-hour business center.
Courtyard by Marriott Spokane Downtown - Take advantage of a coffee shop/café, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a fireplace in the lobby at Courtyard by Marriott Spokane Downtown at the Convention Ctr. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. The onsite bistro, The Bistro, features American cuisine. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a 24-hour gym.
Click on the map below for additional lodging and vacation rental options in Spokane
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Michele
We love to Kayak, too! Just haven't done it as often as we would have liked this summer. Looks like everyone had a great time! THANKS for sharing.
Laura Hinckley
That looks like so much fun. I have always wanted to try it. My family used to go and I drove the car and waited for them. I got to finish many good books with my time. I love that you and your family enjoy the open outdoors. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.