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South Gorge Trail Loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

South Gorge Trail Loop

Easy

4.6

(9280)

17,288

hikers

South Gorge Trail Loop

Q: Where can I park to access the South Gorge Trail Loop?

The South Gorge Trail Loop is located within downtown Spokane, making parking readily available in various city lots and garages. You can also look for street parking near Riverfront Park, which is a central access point for the trail.

Q: Is the South Gorge Trail Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times, as it's a popular urban path and part of Riverfront Park regulations.

Q: What is the best time of year to experience this trail?

As a paved urban multi-use trail, the South Gorge Trail Loop is accessible and enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summer is great for enjoying the river views. Winter can be beautiful, though you should check for ice on paved surfaces.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the South Gorge Trail Loop or Riverfront Park?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the South Gorge Trail Loop or to enter Riverfront Park. It's freely accessible to the public.

Q: What kind of terrain can I expect on the South Gorge Trail Loop?

The South Gorge Trail Loop is primarily a paved path, making it an urban multi-use trail. It runs alongside the Spokane River through downtown Spokane, offering a smooth surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling.

Q: What notable sights will I see along the route?

The loop offers several points of interest. You'll pass by The Lincoln Statue , enjoy views from the Lower Spokane Falls Viewing Platform , and see the impressive Upper Spokane Falls . Don't miss the View of Spokane River from People's Park for a scenic perspective.

Q: Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?

Yes, the route extensively uses sections of the Spokane River Centennial Trail and also incorporates parts of the Lilac Bloomsday Run route, the Sandifur Bridge, Story Walk, and the Highbridge Park River Path.

Q: Is this trail suitable for beginners or families with young children?

Absolutely! Given its paved surface and easy difficulty rating, the South Gorge Trail Loop is an excellent choice for beginners, families, and those looking for a leisurely stroll through downtown Spokane.

Q: What makes the Spokane Gorge unique compared to other gorge trails?

Unlike more rugged, natural gorge trails, the South Gorge Trail in Spokane offers a unique urban experience. It's a paved path that provides stunning views of the Spokane River and its falls right within the city's downtown core, blending natural beauty with urban accessibility.

Q: Are there any facilities like restrooms or water fountains along the trail?

As the trail is located within Riverfront Park and downtown Spokane, you'll find various facilities nearby, including restrooms and water fountains, especially within the park area and surrounding businesses.

01:54

7.12km

80m

Hiking

Hike the 4.4-mile South Gorge Trail Loop in Spokane's Riverfront Park, an easy route with 262 feet of gain, offering views of Spokane Falls.

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

343 m

The Lincoln Statue

Highlight • Monument

Over 40,000 people came to Spokane on Armistice in 1930 to see this statue of Abraham Lincoln when Herbert Hoover sent the telegram to unveil it. This bronze statue is 12 feet high and has a base of 10 feet.

Tip by

987 m

Lower Spokane Falls Viewing Platform

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This viewing platform in Huntington Park gives visitors a view of Lower Spokane Falls and the Monroe Street Bridge. The lower falls area is also the site of a diversion dam known as the Monroe Street Dam. This diversion dam is part of the longest-running hydroelectric generation facility in the state of Washington.

Tip by

1.70 km

Upper Spokane Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

The Upper Spokane Falls, along the Spokane River, are located in downtown Spokane. These cascades are the second-largest urban falls in the United States. Along the trail on the riverfront, you can find informational signs about the importance of the river and the cultural influence of the falls on the local population.

Tip by

4.93 km

View of Spokane River from People's Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

People's Park, also known as High Bridge Park peninsula, has a storied past. It was once a free campsite designated by the city for visitors of the World's Fair Expo in 1974. It also has a history of being a nude beach and for nude sunbathers.

Tip by

7.12 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.31 km

403 m

271 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.27 km

1.96 km

629 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 7 May

23°C

9°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park to access the South Gorge Trail Loop?

The South Gorge Trail Loop is located within downtown Spokane, making parking readily available in various city lots and garages. You can also look for street parking near Riverfront Park, which is a central access point for the trail.

Is the South Gorge Trail Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Please ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times, as it's a popular urban path and part of Riverfront Park regulations.

What is the best time of year to experience this trail?

As a paved urban multi-use trail, the South Gorge Trail Loop is accessible and enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures, while summer is great for enjoying the river views. Winter can be beautiful, though you should check for ice on paved surfaces.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the South Gorge Trail Loop or Riverfront Park?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to hike the South Gorge Trail Loop or to enter Riverfront Park. It's freely accessible to the public.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the South Gorge Trail Loop?

The South Gorge Trail Loop is primarily a paved path, making it an urban multi-use trail. It runs alongside the Spokane River through downtown Spokane, offering a smooth surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling.

What notable sights will I see along the route?

The loop offers several points of interest. You'll pass by The Lincoln Statue, enjoy views from the Lower Spokane Falls Viewing Platform, and see the impressive Upper Spokane Falls. Don't miss the View of Spokane River from People's Park for a scenic perspective.

Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?

Yes, the route extensively uses sections of the Spokane River Centennial Trail and also incorporates parts of the Lilac Bloomsday Run route, the Sandifur Bridge, Story Walk, and the Highbridge Park River Path.

Is this trail suitable for beginners or families with young children?

Absolutely! Given its paved surface and easy difficulty rating, the South Gorge Trail Loop is an excellent choice for beginners, families, and those looking for a leisurely stroll through downtown Spokane.

What makes the Spokane Gorge unique compared to other gorge trails?

Unlike more rugged, natural gorge trails, the South Gorge Trail in Spokane offers a unique urban experience. It's a paved path that provides stunning views of the Spokane River and its falls right within the city's downtown core, blending natural beauty with urban accessibility.

Are there any facilities like restrooms or water fountains along the trail?

As the trail is located within Riverfront Park and downtown Spokane, you'll find various facilities nearby, including restrooms and water fountains, especially within the park area and surrounding businesses.

What is the overall length and typical duration for completing the loop?

The South Gorge Trail Loop is approximately 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles) long. Most hikers can comfortably complete the loop in about 1 hour and 54 minutes, depending on their pace and how often they stop to enjoy the sights.