In April 2020, the Spokane Conservation District (SCD) visited Spokane River Access locations in order to photograph and visually assess the condition of access points during a heavy use period. Updates are presented from East to West, with any SCD work on particular locations called out.

Many of these accesses are either new or restored based on partnerships created by SCD and the Spokane River Forum (the Forum). SCD and the Forum are now working on regular assessments to determine when additional maintenance and improvements are needed. Annually, the Forum also sponsors and coordinates regular litter cleanup activities that SCD participates in.

In general, the Spokane River has seen a large uptick in river use. This can be attributed to a number of factors that include 1) increased presence and marketing strategies by the Spokane River Forum, 2) partnerships and fundraising with government and non-government organizations, and 3) participation and involvement by user groups. Foundational to development and restoration activities is the SCD’s ability to implement projects and access improvements utilizing WDFW mitigation and other funding sources, and working with the Forum to leverage these funds. As one measure of popularity, the Forum maintained Spokane River Water Trail website (www.spokanewatertrail.org) has received between 30 and 35 thousand page views annually since 2017.