Outdoor Recreation
About The Outdoor Recreation Program
The Outdoor Program of Spokane Parks and Recreation was started in 1989. It is one of the largest programs of its type in the country. The program serves Adults, Families, Singles, Youth, Teenagers, Companies and other Groups. The Spokane area has numerous lakes, streams and rivers for exceptional canoeing and kayaking. The nearby mountains are home to many ski resorts that host downhill and cross-country skiing along with many snowshoe trails. The Spokane hiking, biking and climbing areas are spectacular and the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation Outdoor Program offer activities in all of these categories.
To sign up for our promotions email Outdoor Program Supervisor Ryan Griffith.
Youth Adventure Summer Day Camps
In cooperation with the Personal Interest Program we offer and operate the Youth Adventure Summer Day Camp. The camp offers weekly adventures including: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, survivals skills, climbing and much more.
Kayak Touring
The Outdoor Program has six tandem kayaks and 2 singles with all the support gear to provide kayak tours around the Northwest. During the months of April-October, we offer over 200 kayak trips to groups and individuals. Trips include: Spokane River, Bonnie Lake, Rock Lake, Long Lake, Fishtrap Lake, Badger Lake, Lake Roosevelt, Horseshoe Lake, Loon Lake and more.
Also offered are: Kayak and Dinner Tours at Klink's on Williams Lake, Kayak and Dinner Bangkok Thai on the Upper Spokane River, as well as Kayak and Wine Tasting at Bottles!
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
Through private outfitters: Wiley E. Waters, Pangaea River Rafting, ROW Adventures, FLOW Adventures and Salmon River Experience, we provide one-day rafting trips on the Spokane, Clark Fork, Salmon, Moyie, and St Joe Rivers as well as a multi day trip on the Lower Salmon River.
Whitewater Kayaking lessons are operated through FLOW Adventures, from beginner to advanced enjoy a full list of classes througout the summer and fall.
Canoeing and Sit-On-Top Kayaking
Our canoe and kayak trips include tours to local waterways and hundreds of trips down the Little Spokane River. There are times during the summer when staff run three trips a day on the Little Spokane. In addition, we have themed trips that include dinner and canoe, Breakfast and canoe and an evening float.
Bicycle Tours
The Outdoor Program offers fully supported bicycle tours around great Washington wineries. Tours include: Yakima Valley Wine tour and Walla Walla Wine Tour. These multi-day bike tours provide: some meals, lodging, tour guides, support vehicle and a lot of fun!!
Group/Private Programs
The Outdoor Program offers private group adventures for your organization. Many schools, youth groups, scout troops and businesses take advantage of the great group pricing offered through the program. Guides, equipment and even transportation is provided. Trips are typically 4 hours in length. All trips can be customized to your group's desire. During the spring, summer and fall months the program is available for private group canoeing, kayaking and hiking trips to surrounding Spokane lakes, streams and trails. During the winter month private xc skiing lessons and tours are available, as well as snowshoeing tours at Mt. Spokane St. Park. Schedule your group by calling 509.363.5418 or emailing rgriffith@spokanecity.org.
Support the Outdoor Program
The Outdoor Program is looking for additional support to continue to provide affordable adventures. You or your organization can sponsor one of our activities by donating to the Outdoor Recreation Program. Your donation and sponsorship will be featured in our Outdoor Recreation Brochure as well as our Outdoor Program webpage.
Please contact Ryan Griffith 509-363-5418 or rgriffith@spokanecity.org for donation information.
Cooperative Work
Join us for an adventure in one of Spokane's greatest playgrounds!
In cooperation with Riverside State Park we are able to provide a variety of outdoor recreation activities within Riverside State Park. Activities include Hiking, Biking and Youth Camps as well as Canoe and Kayak tours down the Little Spokane River!.
The Spokane County Parks and Recreation Department provides the Outdoor Program access to the following areas: Liberty Lake County Park, Medical Lake County Park, The Dishman Hills Natural Area, Bear Lake, Fish Lake and more. This access allows for great local trips close to home including Canoeing and Kayaking, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing!
Under permit with the Colville National Forest Service the Outdoor Program is able to provide great trips to the Little Pend Oreille Lake Chains, Deer Creek Nordic Area, Geophysical Nordic Area and Sherman Pass.
Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation teaches all ages how to Nordic (cross-country) ski, develops and maintains the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park (in cooperation with Mt. Spokane State Park and other agencies), provides ski lessons for all ages, hosts ski competitions, and informs the community about cross-country ski developments.
