A sweeping view from Knothead Loop trail at Riverside State Park. A vivid blue sky with fluffy clouds tops an expansive view of a dense valley full of pines. A sparser landscape of a meandering, rocky creek bed with a few evergreens and dead trees are in the foreground.

Riverside Knothead Loop Trailhead Construction

Project summary

In April 2025, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will begin a grant-funded project to build a new trailhead and expand parking access to the popular Knothead Loop Trail in Northwest Spokane. Construction has begun and will tentatively be completed by July. View a map of the work area here.

Due to the popularity of the trailhead and the size of the existing parking area, State Parks has seen an increase in the number of cars parking along the side of the road. For the safety of our visitors and to improve their overall experience, State Parks will add 38 new parking spots with easy trail access and an additional vault toilet. 

Latest updates

As of April 18, site preparation is underway.

Construction of the entry/exit road will begin on April 21, requiring a section of the Knothead Loop Trail to close. No reroute will be in place during the closure. Please respect this closure for the safety of park users and construction crews.

Project Highlights

  • New trailhead
  • 38 additional parking spaces on a gravel surface
  • 2 ADA accessible parking spaces
  • A new vault toilet
  • New kiosk
  • Improved trail access to the Knothead Loop Trail (Tr 500) & Little Spokane River Trail (Tr 501)
  • Improved protection of the site using gates to be locked during overnight hours

Anticipated Trail Impacts: 

A 750-foot section of the 7.5 mile trail will be closed periodically during construction. Visitors can still access and use the open portions of the trail, but they may not be able to complete it as a loop. For your safety and the safety of our crews and landscape, please respect this closure and stay on the designated trail when visiting. Visitors may also experience periodic delays on Rutter Parkway.