Riverside State Park - Trail 25
Eastern WashingtonBest Mar–Nov
Twenty-five miles of singletrack winding through Spokane's biggest park along the Spokane River.
About This Trail
Trail 25 is the backbone of Riverside State Park, a 25-mile loop threading through the largest urban park in Spokane and one of the largest in the state. The route traces the west side of the Spokane River through ponderosa pine forest, basalt outcrops, and open meadows that come alive with balsamroot and lupine each spring. It connects nearly every corner of the park, from the iconic Bowl and Pitcher area south to Deep Creek Canyon and north toward Seven Mile.
The trail works well as an all-day endurance outing or broken into shorter segments from any of the dozen trailheads scattered around the park. Most hikers start at Bowl and Pitcher, but locals who know the system favor Carlson or Deep Creek for quieter access with easy parking. The singletrack is shared with mountain bikers and equestrians, so expect company on weekends, especially near Bowl and Pitcher.
Late October through mid-November brings a standout larch grove along the route that draws trail runners and photographers. Spring wildflower season runs April through June. Winter use is possible year-round, though expect muddy patches and occasional snow. The park sits at low elevation, so conditions stay mild compared to most Washington trail systems.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I came from Spokane, crossed the river at Nine Mile, and parked at the Carlson trailhead.”
Last report: Jan 24, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazards
- shared use with mountain bikes and horses
- multiple unmarked trail junctions
Getting There
Bowl and Pitcher is the main trailhead with flush toilets, running water, and accessible facilities. Carlson trailhead on the north end has plenty of spaces and is quieter on weekends. Deep Creek and McLellan Overlook provide additional access. Discover Pass required at all trailheads.
The full 25-mile loop follows the west bank of the Spokane River. Most people pick a section rather than doing the whole thing in one push. The trail is well-signed at major junctions but intersects many numbered side trails that can be disorienting on first visits. Carry a park map or download the trail network on your phone before heading out.
No timing pressure for most sections. For the full loop, start early to finish in daylight. Summer heat can be significant in July and August since much of the trail runs through exposed pine forest.
Recent Reports
There is a possibility we'll be hosting some trailwork days on the section of Trail 25 close to the McLellan Overlook trailhead this spring, and somehow I had never before been to this trailhead so I wanted to check it out! It also looks as though the Deep Creek TH that I normally use provides good access to this area of the park, but I wanted to see something new-to-me so started at McLelland Overlook instead.
I came from Spokane, crossed the river at Nine Mile, and parked at the Carlson trailhead. There were plenty of spaces available, even on a holiday long-weekend and the parking area (with info board and toilets) was in good condition.
We ran both Trail 25 and 100 both were clear with no obstacles. Snow is clear and only a few spots had a little mud where bikers had went through.
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