Riverfront Park
Spokane, Washington · Accessibility score 2.7/5
Address: 507 N. Howard Street, Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 625-6600
About
Riverfront Park sits at the heart of downtown Spokane, stretching across 100 acres along the banks of the Spokane River. Built on the site of the 1974 World's Fair, the park has been beautifully reimagined into one of the Pacific Northwest's finest urban green spaces. It's a place where the power of Spokane Falls meets thoughtful design, creating an experience that welcomes everyone.
The park's star attraction is the Numerica SkyRide, a cable car gondola that carries visitors on a 15-minute journey over the dramatic man-made Spokane Falls and beneath the iconic Monroe Street Bridge. The boarding area is level, and a seat inside the gondola folds up to accommodate wheelchair users, making this thrilling aerial experience genuinely inclusive.
Beyond the SkyRide, visitors will find a rich mix of things to do. The park features a hand-carved carousel, a giant red Radio Flyer wagon slide, public art installations, an ice ribbon for skating in winter, and wide promenades perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Spokane River rushes through the center of it all, providing a constant, calming soundtrack.
Paved pathways wind through the park connecting its many attractions, open lawns, and gathering spaces. Seasonal events bring the park to life throughout the year, from summer concerts and festivals to holiday light displays. Several dining options and restrooms are available on-site, and the park connects directly to Spokane's downtown core, making it easy to pair a visit with shopping or a meal nearby.
Whether you're watching the falls from a gondola high above, enjoying a picnic on the grass, or simply rolling along the riverfront paths, Riverfront Park delivers a memorable outdoor experience in the heart of Washington's second-largest city.
Accessibility
Riverfront Park offers strong accessibility for visitors with mobility needs. The park's paved pathways and wide promenades provide smooth, level surfaces suitable for wheelchairs, power chairs, and mobility scooters. These paths connect the park's major attractions and extend along the riverfront.
The Numerica SkyRide gondola is wheelchair accessible. Boarding is level with the platform, and a seat inside the cabin folds up to create space for a wheelchair. The ride costs $12.95 and lasts approximately 15 minutes. This is a standout feature, as aerial attractions with genuine wheelchair accommodation are uncommon.
The park is located in downtown Spokane with nearby accessible parking options. Restrooms are available on-site. The flat terrain throughout most of the park makes independent movement straightforward for wheelchair users, though some areas closer to the river may have grade changes.
For visitors with sensory considerations, the park offers a mix of quieter green spaces and more active areas with crowds and noise, particularly during events. The sound of the falls is prominent near the center of the park.
Contact Riverfront Park directly at spokaneriverfrontpark.com for the most current details on specific facility accessibility, including the carousel, ice ribbon, and seasonal attractions. Washington State has a strong commitment to ADA-compliant recreation, and the park's recent renovation has incorporated modern accessibility standards throughout much of the grounds.
More accessible places in Washington
- Olympic National Park (Port Angeles)
- Mount Rainier National Park (Ashford)
- North Cascades National Park (Sedro-Woolley)
- Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park (Seattle)
- The Museum of Flight (Seattle)
- Bloedel Reserve (Bainbridge Island)