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Washington | Spokane River / Spokane County

Spokane RiverPlese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) to Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge)

A five-mile flatwater Spokane River section in the pool above Nine Mile Dam, with the take-out on river left before the dam.

Access and safety sources last checked September 18, 2026.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 5 river miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timeAllow 3–5 hours with scouting and shuttle margin
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Spokane River flows beneath the SkyRide in Spokane, Washington.
River contextSpokane River same-river context; exact endpoint not claimed river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by ARCloud via Wikimedia Commons

Need to know

Why this call
This route is documented for planning, but does not receive a Paddle Today score.
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Route overview

Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
On-water distanceAbout 5 river milesPlese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) to Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge)
DifficultymoderateThe Water Trail describes Plese Flats–Nine Mile Dam as flatwater. Dam operations can change pool levels; take out on river left before the dam.
ShuttleCar shuttleStage the downstream public access first, then drive to the upstream launch. Confirm parking, carry paths and any gate or fee before unloading.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm Washington State Parks, City of Spokane, utility and local access rules before launching.
CampingDay tripNo overnight river camping is included. Use established campgrounds or lodging near Spokane and Riverside State Park; do not camp at an informal shoreline access.
SeasonApr-SepThe pool above Nine Mile Dam is affected by dam operations. Check the water and landing at Plese Flats and the Nine Mile access on the day of your trip; river gauges do not establish local pool level.

Plan ahead

Tomorrow and the weekend

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Plan

Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Route logistics

Access and shuttle

A five-mile flatwater Spokane River section in the pool above Nine Mile Dam, with the take-out on river left before the dam.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Plese Flats public river access (water-entry edge)
Open mapDirections to put-in

The Water Trail describes this as a flatwater summer trip after spring runoff. Dam operations can change levels; verify the water at Plese Flats and stop at the marked Nine Mile access.

Finish

Take-out

Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge)
Open mapDirections to take-out

The Water Trail launch list includes dam boundaries and access-specific restrictions; stop at the documented take-out.

Road shuttle

Driving shuttle routeShuttle in Apple MapsOpenStreetMap
Access notes and hazards

Access caveats

  • The Water Trail describes this as a flatwater summer trip after spring runoff. Dam operations can change levels; verify the water at Plese Flats and stop at the marked Nine Mile access.
  • The Water Trail launch list includes dam boundaries and access-specific restrictions; stop at the documented take-out.

Watch for

  • USGS gauge context and utility releases
  • Cold water, strainers, bridges and changing current
  • Dam boundaries, technical rapids and private shoreline

Plan this paddle

Choose your trip times

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Conditions

Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.

Gauge detail

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Gauge

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Weather

Hourly forecast

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Route gallery

Photos

Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.

The Spokane River flows beneath the SkyRide in Spokane, Washington.
Spokane River same-river context; exact endpoint not claimed river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by ARCloud via Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons license on linked file page

Sources

Data and sources

Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.

NotesWhat to know before you go

These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.

  • Route and distancePlese Flats to Nine Mile Dam; about 5 river miles

    Planning estimate for this start and take-out pair. Water Trail section distances are repeated where published; longer combinations may span sections and are not surveyed paddle distances.

    Source

  • Reach flow contextNo route-specific numeric flow range verified

    The Water Trail describes this as an impounded flatwater section affected by dam operations. Whitewater thresholds do not describe this pool; verify current level at the access.

    Source

  • Gauge contextUSGS 12422500

    USGS 12422500 records Spokane River discharge at Spokane River at Spokane, WA; it is broad context, not a route-specific local reading or threshold.

    Source

  • Access and safety review2026-09-18

    Water Trail, Conservation District, City rules, State Parks and launch pages checked. Sullivan Park has two north-bank small-craft access paths; the bridge-side shoreline entry is imagery-georeferenced at about 50 ft uncertainty. Verify notices again before travel.

    Source

  • Campingnearby_basecamp

    Day-use route; use established campgrounds or lodging near the corridor.

Verify it yourselfCheck the source links

Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.

Reports

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Keep exploring

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Priest RiverMcAbee Falls Bridge to Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) · about 48 straight-line mi awayHard · About 13.5 river milesPriest RiverDickensheet Campground to White Tail Butte Landing (Chipmunk Rapids) · about 57 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 10 river milesPriest RiverPriest Lake Outlet to Dickensheet Campground · about 59 straight-line mi awayHard · About 4 river milesSt. Joe RiverShadowy St. Joe Campground to St. Maries Aqua Park · about 60 straight-line mi awayModerate · About 12.8 river miles

Quick answers

Spokane River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Plese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) to Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge) route on the Spokane River?

This planning route has no live Paddle Today score. Review the linked water-level sources, current access notices and route-specific hazards before travel.

Where does the Plese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) to Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge) route on the Spokane River start and end?

This route starts at Plese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) and ends at Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge), about 5 river miles on the water.

Is the Plese Flats public river access (water-entry edge) to Nine Mile Dam public river access (water-entry edge) route on the Spokane River suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Review the difficulty notes, hazards and current access conditions against your group's skills. No live score assesses this trip.

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