Nothing captures Spokane, Washington, like the Spokane River. And no trip captures the spirit of Washington whitewater like whitewater rafting on the Spokane River through Riverside State Park’s class 3 Bowl and Pitcher. Known for its beautiful scenery, family-friendly whitewater, and the river’s close proximity to downtown Spokane. Check out our Spokane River Map – You’ll love this trip!
On this two-hour white water adventure, minutes from downtown Spokane, you’ll find beauty and whitewater rapids. It’s like rafting whitewater through a Picasso Museum! The surging river, sculpted volcanic rocks, and gorgeous landscape make river rafting in Spokane an unmatched, 3-hour getaway right outside your back door.
The Spokane River starts in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, flowing from the outlet of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The Spokane River carves its way through a steep ponderosa pine river valley, gliding between civilization and spectacular volcanic rock formations. This unique topography makes the lower Spokane River through Riverside State Park “one of the most interesting class III white water rapids in the state.
The river starts mild and scenic right behind the historic Peaceful Valley neighborhood. Beautiful houses dot the shore among the Cottonwoods and Willows. The city skyline comes into view behind you as you drift downriver across shallow river braids and through melodic river currents. The river quickly turns from an urban feel to complete immersion into nature.
As the river carries us downstream, the rapids pick up, starting with a few fun and splashy class 2 rapids before the bigger action up ahead. At the very heart of the river, right in the middle of Riverside State Park, the river makes a hard right turn toward the north, flowing beside a 1,000-foot basalt, the remnants of Spokane’s ancient and historic flows. In the river, the mighty Spokane tumbles and rolls into huge basalt boulders, some the size of buses, some the size of townhouses. The rock features create the two famous class 3 rapids of the Spokane River, Bowl and Pitcher rapid, and the Devil’s Toenail rapid.
The two biggest rapids of the day are thrilling, get you wet, make you laugh, and are dash and splash rapids, perfect for the whole family. You don’t need any experience to run these rapids; Pangaea’s world-famous guides will expertly guide your boat through the whitewater while you paddle (or just hang on and enjoy the river without paddling). After the last big class 3 rapid, the river slowly eases back to tranquility with a few more class 2 rapids before turning into a gentle gem, the perfect place to kick back and relax or swim and play games on the boat.
Ruby River Hotel
700 N Division St Spokane, WA 99202
Give us a call, and we’ll help you find the perfect trip.
Meet at the Ruby River Hotel in downtown Spokane, where you’ll check in, change into river attire, and meet your guide. After a quick shuttle ride to the Glover Field boat ramp, your guide will provide a safety briefing and get you set up for launch.
The trip begins with a calm float through the historic Peaceful Valley neighborhood. From here, the river winds past city views and into lush nature. You’ll encounter a mix of mellow braids and increasing whitewater, leading up to exciting Class II rapids. At the trip’s peak, you’ll navigate the legendary Class III Bowl & Pitcher and Devil’s Toenail rapids—both thrilling, splashy, and perfect for adventurous families. After the adrenaline fades, enjoy a calm float with the option to swim, play boat games, or just relax.
Your float ends at Plese Flats picnic area, where you’ll enjoy a snack and a cold beverage from the cooler while the guides wrap up the gear. Then we shuttle you back to your car at the Ruby River Hotel.
Clothes that can get wet and dry out quickly- avoid cotton as it gets wet, stays wet and makes you cold. Sun block, sun glasses, hat, dry clothes to change into after the trip, shoes or sandals. NO FLIP FLOPS or BARE FEET.
No experience is necessary! This trip is great for first-timers, and our expert guides will keep you safe and comfortable the whole time.
Because the river flows are governed by the discharge from the Coeur d’alene Lake dam, the whitewater season on the Spokane River can be short. Which means the best time of year to run the river is May, June, and parts of July.
Expect a fun mix of splashy Class II and thrilling Class III rapids, including Bowl & Pitcher and Devil’s Toenail.
Absolutely! Kids age 6+ are welcome, and the trip is designed to be fun and safe for families. There’s even squirt guns and river games to keep everyone entertained.
Reservations are highly recommended. To book your trip over the phone, please call 406-239-2392.
Private Group Options available. To learn more, call 406-239-2392.
📞 406-239-2392
