Bowl & Pitcher at Riverside State Park
Whitewater, basalt boulders and a swinging bridge, 15 minutes from downtown.
The Bowl and Pitcher is the part of Riverside State Park most visitors want to see. The Spokane River squeezes through a shallow gorge of dark basalt, with big boulders and loud, churning water, and a suspension bridge crosses right over it.
Walk across the bridge, turn right and follow the riverside trail for a loop of about two miles that brings you back to the bridge. It is short and mostly easy, with plenty of spots to stop and watch the water.
Riverside State Park itself is large, with about 9,200 acres and around 100 miles of trails. The Bowl and Pitcher area is the best introduction, and it has a campground and day-use area if you want to stay longer.
What to see and do
Around 200 feet long and built in the 1930s, it sways a little underfoot and gives you a clear look at the rapids below. Kids tend to love it.
The river runs between dark rock and large boulders. The Bowl and Pitcher get their names from rock formations in the river bed. Look for the shapes from the bridge and the trail.
Cross the bridge, turn right on the trail and follow the river back to your start. It is about two miles and works for most fitness levels.
The park has around 100 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. If you want more distance, head up from the river into the pines.
The Bowl and Pitcher campground sits right by the river, with a day-use area beside it. The park lists standard and full-hookup sites and two ADA-compliant cabins.
A short drive away, the interpretive center covers Spokane's fur-trade beginnings. It is a good add-on for history fans.
Local tips
- You need a Discover Pass to park: $45 for the year or $10 for a day, and you can buy one at the kiosk near the ranger station. Confirm current prices at discoverpass.wa.gov.
- Go early on summer weekends. The lot fills up, and the trail is calmer in the morning.
- Dogs are allowed on leash in most of the park. Keep them leashed on the bridge and near the water.
- The river is fast and cold. Admire the rapids from the bank and stay off the rocks.
- Wear real shoes. The loop is easy but rocky in places, and the river-side sections can be slick.
- Check burn-ban status before you plan a picnic or campfire. Fire restrictions change through the dry season.
- Bring water. There is little shade on parts of the trail in summer.
- If you want a longer outing, pair this with the Centennial Trail section that passes through Riverside State Park, but check closures first.
A little history
Riverside became a state park in 1933, and many of its early structures were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including the suspension bridge at the Bowl and Pitcher. The bridge is still the park's best-known landmark.
The park also holds the site of Spokane House, a fur trading post established in 1810, and an interpretive center nearby tells that story. If you have an extra hour, it adds some history to a nature stop.
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Questions visitors ask
Do I need a Discover Pass?
Yes, for parking. The annual pass is $45 and the day pass is $10. A kiosk near the ranger station sells passes, but check current details before you go.
How long is the walk?
The loop across the bridge and back along the river is about two miles. Most people take an hour or two with stops.
Is the bridge safe?
It is a historic suspension bridge that is open to hikers and meant to be walked. It sways a bit, which is part of the fun, but keep an eye on small children.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed on leash in most areas of the park.
Can I swim at the Bowl and Pitcher?
The rapids are fast and dangerous. Look for designated swimming areas elsewhere, such as the Nine Mile Recreation Area, and check posted signs.
Is it far from downtown?
It takes roughly 15 minutes by car, so it is an easy half-day trip.
More outdoors staples
Park · South Hill (Manito / Cannon Hill)Manito ParkFive gardens, a conservatory and a duck pond on Spokane's South Hill, all free
Trail · Riverfront Park / Spokane River corridorSpokane River Centennial TrailA paved river path from Nine Mile Falls through downtown to the Idaho line.
State park · Selkirk Mountains, northeast of SpokaneMount Spokane State ParkSummit views, huckleberries in summer and night skiing in winter.