A River Runs Through It

Upper Spokane Falls

As a reprieve from the seemingly endless parade of Hittites, I offer a brief diversion.

One benefit of the current pandemic situation is that social commitments have been reduced in both number and duration.  With bigger holes in our schedules (well, specifically Nancy's social calendar), we find more time for hiking and urban walks.  One such walk that is a favorite of mine includes a stroll around Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane.  While I pass through Riverfront Park via the Centennial Trail frequently while cycling, I rarely take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery. 

Footbridge spanning the Upper Falls

The city of Spokane is bifurcated by the Spokane River.  Through the center of the city, the river plummets through a series of waterfalls.  There are two main waterfalls: Upper and Lower Falls.  The combination of these two falls represents the largest urban waterfall in the USA.  Two islands divide the flow of the Upper Falls.  The river is united by time the Lower Falls is encountered.  The downtown area bordering these urban waterfalls has been set aside as a public park of 100 acres in size.

Upper Falls

A number of bridges, both for foot and vehicular traffic, crisscrosses the river in the downtown area.  Many offer stunning views of the falls and access to the two, midstream islands.

Upper Falls with old power plant on the left

Spokane hosted the 1974 World's Fair Expo.  At the time, it was the smallest host city to be awarded a World's Fair.  While transformed since the Expo days of 1974, some of those legacy artifacts remain.  One such leftover structure is the US Pavilion.  Once housing an ice rink, IMAX, and amusements, the recently renovated pavilion offers a modern and serene gathering place.  

Former US Pavilion

Another legacy holdover from the Expo is the floating orchestra barge with riverside, tiered seating.  During the summer months and festivals, this is the site for many a concert.  Well, maybe not so many outdoor concerts will be seen in 2020.  With the clock tower as a backdrop, a lovely venue, nonetheless.

Floating orchestra barge

Besides the US Pavilion tent, another easily recognizable park landmark is the Great Northern Clock Tower.  Before redevelopment began for the 1974 Expo, the railroad station was situated on Havermale island where the clock tower stands today.  During redevelopment, the railway station was relocated in a land swap but, fortunately, the tower remained.  The tower is an elegant structure.    

Great Northern Clock Tower

Heading downstream via the walkways and observation platforms, the Monroe Street Bridge looms large overhead.  To me, the sight of the bridge presents an elegant, engineering marvel highlighting form as well as function.  The gondolas provide an aerial view for passengers as they make the round trip journey from embarkation point near Post Street Bridge to the gorge spanned by the Monroe Street Bridge.  A second bridge of similar design and construction spans the Latah Creek gorge about two miles to the west.    

Monroe Street Bridge and Gondolas

Viewed from the observation platforms at the Lower Falls, the elevation drop is dramatic.  Before the days of dams, the Lower Falls was a congregation place for salmon as they made their way back upstream to their breeding grounds.

Lower Falls

I hope this brief look at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane provided an enjoyable distraction from the long parade of Hittites.  The final two units of the planned twelve BMU Hittite army are up next time.