Spokane, Washington is a lively riverfront destination with unbeatable views, award-winning cuisine and the best outdoor recreation nature can offer. The city is a hub for paddlers of all kinds with over 75 lakes and a dozen rivers to explore.
Top Rivers & Lakes to Paddle in Spokane
Grab your paddle and discover the awe-inspiring kayaking that’s waiting for you in Spokane, Washington.
Hidden Spokane River
Spokane, WA
The Spokane River is a 111-mile-long tributary of the Columbia River that passes through the Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane, Washington. It offers quite a few different opportunities for leisurely urban kayaking, the newest being the Hidden Spokane River. It is between Upriver Dam and McKinstry and is known for its scenic beauty and easy kayaking.
Riverside State Park
Nine Mile Falls, WA
Not all parts of Spokane River are calm. Here in Riverside State Park, you can put your paddling skills to the test with challenging rapids for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Riverside State Park includes parts of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers. Both rivers have calm stretches, but Little Spokane is also a great river for spotting deer, moose, birds and other wildlife.
Horseshoe Lake
Deer Park, WA
Just four miles north of Spokane County lies Horseshoe Lake with its scenic kayaking and hidden waterfall. It’s a nice easy paddle with amazing views, calm blue water and more wildlife than other lakes in the area. There are turtles, frogs and deer as well as lots of fish. The waterfall is left from the launch. South of the falls on the east side of the lake is a geological marvel called Devils Well, which is worth a quick hop out of your kayak to admire.
Bear Lake
Spokane, WA
Just north of Spokane, Bear Lake is a 35-arce lake with fishing piers, swimming beaches and hiking trails. A bit smaller than other Spokane County lakes, Bear Lake offers a peaceful and quiet kayaking experience, especially as sunrise. The entire lake can be paddled in about an hour and it’s full of lily pads and fish, but juvenile fishing rules are in place.
Deer Lake
Chewelah, WA
This large, beautiful, freshwater lake has crystal clear waters surrounded by a thick evergreen forest and beautiful mountain peaks. It is one of the largest natural lakes in the region with a depth of 75′ feet and an acreage of 1,150. It also sits at 2,485 feet above sea level. The lake’s calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide an excellent setting for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. It’s also known for its fishing.
Spokane Kayak Storage Racks
Don’t miss exploring the many lakes and rivers that surround Spokane, Washington. Make sure your kayak is at the ready and protected from damage caused by improper storage with Log Kayak Rack. Our cedar kayak and canoe storage racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store kayaks, keeping them high and dry, and neatly organize shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Spokane, Washington kayak storage needs.