Upriver Park

Riverside Escape

Nestled along the flowing Spokane River, Upriver Park is a breath of fresh air in Spokane, Washington. This relatively new addition to the city's green spaces came to life through a collaboration between Avista Corporation and the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation department.

At roughly 3 acres, this riverside haven sits on what was once a section of Upriver Drive. The road was reclaimed to create something much more valuable - a peaceful riverfront retreat where nature and recreation blend seamlessly.

Trail Paradise

One of the best things about Upriver Park is how it connects with the popular Centennial Trail. As part of the park's creation, the trail was thoughtfully realigned and expanded to 12 feet wide, giving plenty of room for everyone to enjoy it, whether you're on foot or wheels.

The flat, paved pathway makes for easy walking, jogging, or dog walking (your four-legged friends will thank you). If you're looking for a starting point for a longer adventure on the Centennial Trail system, this spot is perfect.

Ecological health wasn't an afterthought here - the park planners removed non-native plants and brought in native species to restore the natural riverside ecosystem.

Comfort and Design

Upriver Park strikes a nice balance between wild natural spaces and practical amenities. You can find metal benches and picnic tables scattered throughout, creating perfect spots to gather with friends, enjoy a quiet moment, or simply watch the river flow by.

The design incorporates some architectural nods to the nearby Avista headquarters, including elegant brick arches that add character to the landscape. There's also a practical side to the park's creation - it eliminated a formerly tricky section where trail users had to share space with cars, making outdoor recreation safer for everyone.

River Connection

Want to get closer to the water? Several short dirt paths lead down to the river's edge, where you can often spot local waterfowl going about their day. Ducks and geese are regular residents here.

If you're into water sports, Upriver Park is an excellent paddle board launch point. Many water enthusiasts start here for a relaxing one-hour float downstream to the Division Street pullout - an ideal way to experience the river.

What to Know Before You Go

The park offers about 10 free parking spaces near the walking path, but some parking is along the roadside with a short walk into the park. The grounds are beautifully maintained, creating a peaceful riverside setting that's especially gorgeous when the sun is shining in spring and summer.

With plenty of tree-shaded, open areas, you'll come across no shortage of spots to spread out a blanket for a picnic or simply relax with a book. Just a friendly reminder - trash receptacles are limited, so you might want to prepare to pack out what you bring in to help keep this riverside site beautiful for everyone.