“I was - enchanted—overwhelmed—with the beauty and grandeur of everything I saw. It lay just as nature had made it, with nothing to mar its virgin glory.”

That was from James Glover in 1873, upon first seeing the Spokane River. Things are a bit different now with seven dams and countless signs of industry along the 111-mile Spokane River, but the beauty and grandeur still remain.

Here’s the chance to see for yourself with one of my favorite events: The Spokane River Forum's Meet Me At The River kayak series. By signing up, you can raft and kayak all or part of the Spokane River. These are professionally guided eco-tour expeditions open to beginners and expert paddlers. Equipment is available for those who need it




















Me with the Spokane Riverkeeper, working hard.

Yesterday, Bart Mihailovich, his wife Sara, myself and my lovely partner Alayna Becker floated from Harvard Road to Plante's Ferry and it reaffirmed the importance of this event as we exploreed our regions greatest scenic, cultural and environmental assets, winding our way through rural and urban settings. We didn't want to get out and we wanted to learn more.

Luckily, the Forum's eco-tours introduce you to the Spokane River’s unique history, environment and wildlife. Natural resource and community experts volunteer time to help teach the wonders of the river. Some trips feature learning about native plants and wildlife; some consider actions to restore and protect water quality and habitat; and others feature behind the scenes tours of dams and other facilities that utilize the river as a resource.



The River Forum started this program in 2008 and over 300 people have floated or paddled one or more legs of the river. Trips for beginners and eco-tours to learn about the river has proven to be a successful combination as it helps promote a regional dialogue for sustaining a healthy river system.

There is something for everyone here. You can camp on the Spokane Indian Reservation, enjoy moon light tours, or have a nice summer paddle featuring wine and cheese as the end point. Count me in.

The event has already started but after the jump, check the schedule -  you can look at maps and more information HERE.

July 2011

Kayak Moonlight Paddle: Plese Flats to Nine Mile July 15
Kayak: Harvard Road to Plante’s Ferry July 16
Kayak: Wyncoops to Blue Creek & Overnight Camping July 29-30

August 2011

Kayak: Upriver Dam to CI Shennanigan’s August 4
Kayak: North Idaho College to Q’emlin Park, ID August 14
Kayak: Lake Spokane to Tum Tum August 20
Kayak: Tum Tum to DNR Campground August 21

September 2011

Kayak: Plante’s Ferry to Upriver Dam September 10
Kayak: Long Lake Dam to Little Falls Dam September 18

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