Riverside State Park's Bowl and Pitcher area is Spokane's most dramatic mountain biking landscape. Massive basalt rock formations — carved by catastrophic Ice Age floods — rise from the Spokane River, surrounded by over 55 miles of technical singletrack. It's raw, beautiful, and challenging — everything you want in a Pacific Northwest mountain bike ride. Here's a guide to riding the Bowl and Pitcher.
The Bowl and Pitcher Formations
The namesake Bowl and Pitcher are massive basalt boulders that sit in the Spokane River, shaped by Ice Age megafloods that scoured the region. The trails here honor that dramatic geology — you'll ride over, around, and between truck-sized rocks on surfaces ranging from smooth pine-needle singletrack to loose baby-head stones. It's a landscape unlike any other riding area in Spokane.
The Trail System
Riverside State Park features over 55 miles of interconnected trails, but the Bowl and Pitcher area is the technical riding centerpiece. The Bowl and Pitcher Loop is a classic ride combining scenic river views with chunky rock gardens and steep punchy climbs. For the park's best technical challenge, the Rim Rock Trail delivers exposed ledges and steep drops that test even experienced riders. Trails connect to the broader Riverside network, letting you build longer rides.
What to Expect
The riding here is genuinely technical. Expect rock gardens, root-laced sections, steep climbs, and fast descents. A full-suspension trail bike is ideal, though skilled hardtail riders will manage. The terrain demands focus — one moment you're cruising smooth singletrack, the next you're picking a line through a boulder field. It's the kind of riding that builds skills fast.
Access and Passes
Park at the Bowl and Pitcher trailhead off Rosalia Road. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking — $30 per year or $10 per day. The park is busiest on summer weekends, so arrive early. Trails close after dark, and the area is shared with hikers, so ride with awareness on multi-use sections.
Tips for a Great Ride
Start with the main Bowl and Pitcher Loop to get a feel for the terrain. For your first visit, ride with someone who knows the trails — the network can be confusing. Bring a trail map app, extra water, and a repair kit — the technical terrain can be hard on equipment. And take time to enjoy the scenery — the rock formations and river views are worth stopping for.
The Bowl and Pitcher isn't the easiest riding in Spokane, but it might be the most rewarding. If you love technical challenges and dramatic scenery, this is your trail system.
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