Riverside State Park faces lengthy recovery after Spokane Complex Fires

SPOKANE, Wash. — Riverside State Park sustained extensive damage from the Spokane Complex Fires, and park rangers have been assessing the scope of recovery work needed to restore the area.

Approximately 25-30% of the park has sustained severe damage, according to park officials. The destruction primarily affected park utilities, trees, trail heads and infrastructure throughout the facility.

“It’s about 26 to 30 miles worth of trails within the fire footprint and we’ve identified 350 hazard areas that we need to address,” said Park Ranger Rex Schultz.

The recovery process will unfold in three distinct phases, beginning with salvage logging operations designed to remove hazardous trees and generate revenue by selling the timber. Park officials explained that hazard trees, those damaged at the base, root structure, or otherwise compromised, pose a significant threat to public safety and must be cleared before any areas can reopen.

“Hazard trees are trees that we damaged at the base or damaged in the root structure, obviously damaged that are a threat to fall,” Schultz said.

The second phase will involve state park archaeologists conducting a cultural assessment of the affected land to ensure historical tribal features are protected during restoration work. This step reflects the park’s commitment to preserving the cultural significance of the area while addressing fire damage.

Trail repairs will comprise the final phase of recovery, with completion targeted before winter ends. Park Ranger Justin Krogstad emphasized the complexity of coordinating this work.

“Getting the work crews in here that have the capacity not only contract to cut these trees but also contract to do a lot of our trail repair…and all of that takes a lot of time,” Krogstad said.

The popular Bowl and Pitcher campground largely escaped the fires’ destruction, losing only one picnic shelter while the bridge and main campground structures remained intact. However, most other areas of the park sustained significant damage that will require extensive remediation.

Park officials identified funding as the primary challenge in moving recovery efforts forward. To date, the park has received a combined $100,000 in support from Innovia and the park’s foundation—resources that will help launch initial cleanup operations but fall short of the total amount needed for complete restoration.

Rangers plan to involve the community in the cleanup process beginning next year, offering residents an opportunity to participate in restoring the park. Park officials expressed gratitude for public patience as they work to return Riverside State Park to its former condition.

No timeline has been established for when trails and campgrounds will reopen to the public.