Spokane River

Spokane River is a major tributary of the Columbia River, flowing approximately 111 miles from its origin at the northern end of Lake Coeur d'Alene in the Idaho Panhandle. It traverses the Inland Northwest, passing through the city of Spokane and its dramatic Spokane Falls, before emptying into the Columbia River at Lake Roosevelt. The river's watershed drains a significant portion of eastern Washington and northern Idaho, playing a crucial role in the region's hydrology, history, and economy.

Course and geography

The river begins as the outflow from Lake Coeur d'Alene near the city of Coeur d'Alene, flowing westward into Washington at Post Falls. It continues through the Spokane Valley, where it is impounded by several dams including the Post Falls Dam and Upriver Dam. The river then cuts through the heart of Spokane, cascading over the Spokane Falls near the city's core before entering a deep basalt canyon. It flows west-northwest, receiving tributaries like the Little Spokane River, and finally joins the Columbia River within the reservoir of Grand Coulee Dam, known as Lake Roosevelt.

Hydrology and water quality

The river's flow is heavily regulated by a series of hydroelectric dams operated by Avista Corporation and influenced by upstream management of Lake Coeur d'Alene by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Historically contaminated by mining activities in the Coeur d'Alene region, particularly from the Bunker Hill Mine and Smelting Complex, the river carries legacy pollutants like lead and zinc. Ongoing remediation efforts are led by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the Superfund program, with water quality monitoring conducted by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

History and human use

The river has been central to human activity for millennia, serving as a vital resource for the Spokane people and other Plateau tribes. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed near its confluence with the Columbia River in 1805. Settlement expanded rapidly with the establishment of Spokane House by the North West Company and later the Hudson's Bay Company. The discovery of gold in the Coeur d'Alene mining district and the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway spurred growth, with the river's power harnessed for flour mills and, later, hydroelectricity by pioneers like James J. Hill. The Expo '74 world's fair was held on its banks in Spokane.

Ecology and wildlife

The river corridor supports diverse habitats, from riparian zones to ponderosa pine forests. Historically, it was a prolific spawning ground for Chinook salmon and steelhead, though populations declined dramatically after the construction of Little Falls Dam and other barriers. Restoration projects led by the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Kalispel Tribe aim to improve fish passage. The watershed is home to species like bald eagle, osprey, white-tailed deer, and river otter. Invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, present ongoing management challenges for agencies like the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Recreation and parks

The river is a focal point for regional recreation, with an extensive trail system including the Spokane River Centennial Trail connecting Coeur d'Alene to the Columbia River. Key parks along its course include Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, the site of Expo '74, and Bowl and Pitcher in Riverside State Park. Popular activities include whitewater rafting through the Spokane Falls, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The Lake Spokane reservoir, formed by Long Lake Dam, is used for boating and swimming, managed in part by Spokane County.

Category:Rivers of Idaho Category:Rivers of Washington (state) Category:Tributaries of the Columbia River Category:Spokane, Washington