SPOKANE, Wash. — Summer is underway in the Inland Northwest and you’re probably desperate to find ways to keep cool.
Luckily Spokane and North Idaho have plenty of lakes and river to take a dip in. The Spokane River is a great place to cool off but it can be hard to know what areas are safe to float.
The organization Spokane Riverkeeper is an advocate for keeping the river beautiful for public use for future generations. According to its website, the organization was formed in 2009 by a small group of lawyers who were fed up with polluters abusing the river.
On the Spokane Riverkeeper website, they provide a beginner’s guide to floating the Spokane River. Here’s what we learned.
First, you should make sure you have a life jacket because it’s the law in Spokane County. You should also bring a first aid kit and a dry bag to hold electronics and car keys. It’s also not a bad idea to bring water and snacks.
Then, you’ll need to get a tube. They can be found at stores locally for about $15. They can also be rented from Flow Adventures and they also offer shuttles.
Spokane Riverkeeper says the river can be very cold in the summer downstream of Sullivan Road because of the cold aquifer water that feeds it.
Next, you’ll want to plan your float. Spokane Riverkeeper recommends checking the river flows and the weather before you go. To float from Water Street to the TJ Meenach Bridge on raft, kayak or tube, the organization says you should shuttle your car to the TK Meenach parking lot, where you will exit the river. The float is usually around 2 hours. You’ll need another car to drive to the Water Street launch in Peaceful Valley.
While on the river, try to avoid big rocks, large willows and wildlife.
For more information on where to swim, boat and camp along the Spokane River, visit the Spokane River Water Trail website.
