The Spokane River is spectacular in winter, particularly in years like this one, when we’ve had a lot of lingering snow and ice to decorate the shoreline. Between Hangman Creek and through Riverside State Park, hiking - and on many days, cross-country skiing - is a great way to see the river from a fresh perspective.
But our friends at the Northwest Whitewater Rafting Association take it a bit further each New Year’s Day with their annual “Fools Float on the First” run through the Bowl and Pitcher Rapids.
NWRA President and long-time supporter Paul Delaney sent us a few snapshots of this year’s event, which frankly, looked like a lot of fun and a great way to begin the new year.
Paul mentioned that turnout was a bit low this year, given that float-time temperatures were a little low as well - about 20 degrees.
But with dozens actually diving into the icy waters upstream at Lake Coeur d’Alene, we’re thinking Paul’s group will have to come up with a better excuse to miss next year’s event.
P.S.: Haven’t seen the NWRA website? Interested in additional information on whitewater parks around the country? Check out the group’s webpage on the proposed Spokane whitewater park here or at the link below.
Northwest Whitewater Rafting Association - Whitewater Park (Weblink)
Coeur d’Alene Polar Bear Plunge (YouTube® video)
