Bowl and Pitcher

The Bowl and Pitcher is the most popular scenic attraction for many visitors to Riverside State Park. It is a geologic phenomenon resulting in spectacular scenery. Large basaltic knobs sit like oversized lumps of sugar along the edges of the Spokane River.

To make the area even more special, a swinging bridge crosses the Spokane River at the Bowl and Pitcher. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930's, the suspension bridge is a prime attraction for visitors to the Bowl and Pitcher area of Riverside State Park. The foot-traffic-only bridge is fairly accessible for all, with a paved trail leading from the parking lot down to the bridge and the river. A small kitchen shelter with tables is on the west side of the bridge, as well as miles of trails leading north and south along the river.

Bowl and Pitcher is also the location for several recreational activities in the park. The campgrounds and are here, a few hundred yards upstream. Reservable kitchen shelters are here as well, along with numerous picnic tables scattered along the sides of the river and the uplands nearby.

Some administrative facilities for Riverside State Park are also here, including a small maintenance shop and some storage areas.

Why is it called "Bowl and Pitcher", you ask? Here is a photo of what we believe is the pitcher. Looks like a pitcher, doesn't it? This formation is on the west side of the river, below the bridge about 100 yards.

Help us find the bowl...