2014 another great year for Spokane River Water Trail development
In 2009 the Spokane Water Trail was an idea. With the leadership and assistance of stakeholders and partners throughout the region, the Spokane River Forum has made it a reality. The simple report card of everyone’s efforts reads as follows:
- Launched and maintain an interactive web site (www.spokanewatertrail.org) visited by thousands annually showing amenities at various access points, including informational pages for fishing, paddling, safety, stewardship, and other support resources;
- developed three new access sites;
- restored four access sites;
- opening camping/boat-in only access on Lake Spokane this summer;
- constructing three new access sites this fall.
From east to west, below are highlights of the amazing and successful work by stakeholders and partners to create new and restored Spokane River Water Trail access and riparian restoration. As you read, take note of the varied people and organizations committing volunteer hours, funding, maintenance, and other resources to bring the trail to life.
Often we’re asked, who’s responsible for the Spokane River? Read on and you’ll understand the answer is simple, “We all are.” And who’s responsible for enjoying the river safely? It’s the same answer, “We all are.” And who’s doing everything they can to support the Spokane Water Trail, making it known as a premier destination attraction for locals and visitors alike? “The Spokane River Forum.”
Trailer Park Wave: Scheduled for construction this fall, we’re guessing white water play aficionados will be coming from far and wide to visit this site. Below Post Falls Dam and a little upstream of Corbin Park, ID, trailer park wave is known for its natural white water wave play features. Avista purchased a 2.8-acre site to develop formal access at this access location which will include a staging area for kayakers and others, a six-stall parking lot, restroom and trail to the river. Avista funding and support is part of their license to operate their Spokane River Hydroelectric Projects.
State Line: Opened May, 2014. The site features terrific drift boat, paddling, park and play, and rafting access with lots of convenient parking for all vehicle types. In addition, stewardship efforts included planting over 550 native species to restore 800 feet of shoreline within a 1.9-acre area. Click here for details.
Funding for site restoration came from a Spokane Conservation District mitigation fund that was established with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Darden Foundation and TransCanada agreed to support restoration activities and a lease agreement with the landowner, the Washington Department of Transportation. Riverside State Park agreed to manage the area with the Forum agreeing to support maintenance. And REI and the Mountaineers Foundation are providing funding to support volunteer efforts here and at other water trail access locations.
Barker Road: Access at this location was preserved but badly damaged with re-construction of the Barker Road Bridge in 2010. Over a three year period, the access trail has been dramatically improved, including Spokane Conservation District leading extensive riparian restoration using native plants. Critical support has come from the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club (SCKC), Washington Department of Ecology, TransCanada and Riverside State Park. Most recently, funding from the City of Spokane Valley assures maintenance of this site and promotion of water trail activities in the city.
Sullivan Park: The Forum successfully worked with stakeholders and the City of Spokane Valley to include a rebuilt water trail access point as part of the Sullivan Bridge rebuilding project. Bridge construction is expected to begin this summer, with water trail access being complete in summer/fall 2016. When complete this will be a first rate put-in and take-out point for paddlers. In addition, the Spokane Conservation District will be restoring about three hundred feet of riparian area directly downstream of the access, including a gravel path to the river that will provide new opportunities for anglers to cast a fly by the river’s edge. Over the past year, the Valley made significant improvements to Sullivan Park to get ready for bridge construction. This includes a new picnic shelter, grass area, and drinking fountain.
Mirabeau: Begun in 2011, this was our first restoration project. The Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club (SCKC) and others provided amazing volunteers to restore trail access to the river with seven loads of gravel and boulders, removal of 900 lbs of weeds and debris from the hillside, installation of 135 feet of fence line to protect the hillside, and hydro-seeding the hillside. In 2013, SCKC came back to address erosion issues being caused by stormwater from the parking lot. The operation was a success and the site looks great. As with other projects, Riverside State Park provided in-kind support for this access project. REI stepped up with a grant to make these efforts possible.
Islands Trailhead: The Spokane Conservation District worked with the Forum and stakeholders to design a slide system that would enable rafters, drift boats and paddlers to put-in and take-out at this Centennial Trailhead trail head, which is in the Coyote Rock area just downstream of Plante’s Ferry. There is an equally strong riparian restoration project to restore this area. Unfortunately, a grant request to the state’s Recreation Conservation Office came in first runner-up. We’re working to identify a new funding source for this important project that will largely complete water trail needs through the Valley.
Upriver Dam: The City of Spokane Water Department worked with the Forum to install this access in 2010. It’s the gateway to a paddle that takes you to downtown.
McKinstry at Gonzaga: Three cheers for McKinstry, who installed a new access point in 2013 for paddlers as part of developing McKinstry Station. It’s located on the north side of the river in the heart of the University District. This location is the new home of the Spokane River Classic, which will be August 23rd. Don’t miss this family friendly event for river friends to rub paddles. Click here for details.
Division Street Bridge: Got to love it when a plan comes together. Spokane Parks and Recreation has stepped up to design and install access underneath the bridge. Funding comes from the Spokane Public Facilities District (PFD) as part of the voter approved Convention Center Expansion project. Permitting has started with water trail access projected for construction this fall.
Water Street/Glover Field: The dream is still alive. The possibility exists for the city to include improved access as part of their Integrated Clean Water Management Plan.
Aubrey White Parkway:We’re working with Riverside State Park and the City of Spokane to restore and improve this primitive access. Bordering the downstream side of the City’s Riverside Park Water Reclamation Facility, 2014 improvements are making it easier for drift boats, rafts and paddlers to put- in or take-out just above the Bowl and Pitcher rapids. The Forum will be partnering with Riverside State Park, who is receiving assistance from the City of Spokane as part of an easement agreement, to further restore and improve this site.
Nine Mile Dam: As part of Avista’s Spokane River Recreation Plan, Avista will develop a take-out for carry-in-only boats on the south shore of Nine Mile Reservoir immediately upstream from Nine Mile Dam. The project is scheduled for construction this fall, and is a cooperative effort between Avista and Riverside State Park. The new access site will include a four car parking area and trail to the river. This will really open up the gentle five mile paddle from Plese Flats to Nine Mile Dam.
Long Lake Boat-in Camping: This summer Avista will complete ten boat-in only camp sites on Lake Spokane. Amenities will include semi-primitive campsites with boat docks, trails, tent spots, tables, fire rings, and toilets. You will also be able to hike in to these sites from trailheads located on Avista property and managed by Riverside State Park. Avista funding and support is part of their license to operate their Spokane River Hydroelectric Projects.
Long Lake Dam: In 2013, Avista developed a carry-in boat access site just below Long Lake Dam. The project also included improvements to the Long Lake Picnic Area and associated facilities, and is part of Avista’s Spokane River Recreation Plan.