River/creek to take my dog? (Spokane: beach, swimming, pine)

[PacNWpibble]

Hi folks... I'm fairly new to Spokane and hoping someone might be willing to share some doggie outing spots with me!

I'm trying to find some off-the-beaten-path creeks or rivers I can take my dog to. I still don't know the ins and outs of Spokane, especially the hidden dog spots. And I just want to find a somewhat secluded spot where we won't likely run into other people with their dogs, and where she can just stick her feets in and lap up the water (she doesn't like swimming, but she LOVES running streams where she can watch the water and drink from it).

Any secret spots anyone can recommend?

I drove along N Little Spokane Drive today but couldn't find any spot to pull over and get to the river. Where can I go to do that?!

Thanks in advance!

[WendyK]

There is spot off the Centennial Trail near the Nine Mile dam - if you park at the lot off Charles Rd. and walk south along the trail, there's a nice place with a beach where you can let the dog play in the water. It's near where there's a footbridge that is part of the trail - I'm sure you'll see it.

[PacNWpibble]

Originally Posted by WendyK

There is spot off the Centennial Trail near the Nine Mile dam - if you park at the lot off Charles Rd. and walk south along the trail, there's a nice place with a beach where you can let the dog play in the water. It's near where there's a footbridge that is part of the trail - I'm sure you'll see it.

Thank you so much Wendy! I will go check it out. Is it fairly private, do you often run into other people with dogs?

[WendyK]

It's pretty private - you'll mostly see walkers and bikers on the trail - not too many with their dogs.

[OGTSO]

Since you mentioned Little Spokane Dr. I assume you are up North. Our dogs had a great time in the Little Spokane River at Pine River Park which is just north of Wandermere Golf Course. The park is located on Greenleaf Dr near Little Spokane Dr. There is a bridge that goes over the river to a little picnic area. It worked well for us because the only way into the area was over the little bridge so we could see if people or people with dogs were coming and leash up our dogs if needed. The water is shallow there with a few surpsrising deep sections that my curious dog found by accident. You just have to be smart and go at off hours when there is less chance of people being there.

[PacNWpibble]

Originally Posted by OGTSO

Since you mentioned Little Spokane Dr. I assume you are up North. Our dogs had a great time in the Little Spokane River at Pine River Park which is just north of Wandermere Golf Course. The park is located on Greenleaf Dr near Little Spokane Dr. There is a bridge that goes over the river to a little picnic area. It worked well for us because the only way into the area was over the little bridge so we could see if people or people with dogs were coming and leash up our dogs if needed. The water is shallow there with a few surpsrising deep sections that my curious dog found by accident. You just have to be smart and go at off hours when there is less chance of people being there.

Yes, I'm on the north side and actually found that park too. But when I went there were people picnicking and it was a little crowded. I'll have to try again sometime at different hours. Thank you.

[PacNWpibble]

Originally Posted by WendyK

It's pretty private - you'll mostly see walkers and bikers on the trail - not too many with their dogs.

I actually have been by there before but never found access to the river. Do you park in that lot on the right side of Charles road, across from the fire station? And get on the trail right there, does it lead to river access?

[WendyK]

Originally Posted by PacNWpibble

I actually have been by there before but never found access to the river. Do you park in that lot on the right side of Charles road, across from the fire station? And get on the trail right there, does it lead to river access?

If you turn on Charles and then take a left at the road next to the ranger station (Carlson Rd), it leads up to another parking lot. I get on the trail there and walk about 1/2 mile or so to where there's a bridge. There are footpaths down to the beachy, sandy area and you can get to the water. Hope that helps!!

You can also go off to the right from this section and head into the cool rock formations to explore that part of the park.

[PacNWpibble]

Originally Posted by WendyK

If you turn on Charles and then take a left at the road next to the ranger station (Carlson Rd), it leads up to another parking lot. I get on the trail there and walk about 1/2 mile or so to where there's a bridge. There are footpaths down to the beachy, sandy area and you can get to the water. Hope that helps!!

You can also go off to the right from this section and head into the cool rock formations to explore that part of the park.

Ok great, thank you so much for the extra help (I need it)!