
Monroe Street Bridge
Spokane's iconic Monroe Street Bridge, a historic architectural marvel offering stunning river views and a symbol of the city.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic

Monroe Street Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Spokane's iconic Monroe Street Bridge, a historic architectural marvel offering stunning river views and a symbol of the city.
"Beautiful bridge with gorgeous views of the lower falls. Absolutely gorgeous."

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and a peaceful experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Parks
Combine your bridge visit with a walk through Riverfront Park and Huntington Park for waterfall views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Architecture
Spokane River
A historic and visually striking bridge, integral to Spokane's identity and featured in its city seal.

Sunrise and Sunset Views
Spokane River
Breathtaking panoramic views of the Spokane River and surrounding cityscape, especially magical at dawn and dusk.

Connection to Parks and Waterfalls
Riverfront Park
Offers access to beautiful park areas and the mesmerizing lower falls of the Spokane River.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating the Bridge and Surrounding Areas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and a peaceful experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Parks
Combine your bridge visit with a walk through Riverfront Park and Huntington Park for waterfall views.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The bridge's architecture and river views make it a prime spot for photography.
🏙️ City Landmark
It's a key part of Spokane's identity, even appearing on the city's seal!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and a peaceful experience.
🚶♀️ Explore Nearby Parks
Combine your bridge visit with a walk through Riverfront Park and Huntington Park for waterfall views.
📸 Perfect for Photos
The bridge's architecture and river views make it a prime spot for photography.
🏙️ City Landmark
It's a key part of Spokane's identity, even appearing on the city's seal!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Monroe Street Bridge for its beautiful architecture and stunning views of the Spokane River and its falls, especially during sunrise and sunset. While some note occasional cleanliness concerns, the overall experience is highly regarded as a picturesque and iconic Spokane landmark.
"September 2022 went to Huntington Park and Riverfront Park in Spokane Washington #waterfall #spokane #washington #huntington #riverfront #travel #sunset"
Dani MCDonald
"Beautiful bridge with gorgeous views of the lower falls. Enjoyed a nice morning walk with a friend and watched the sunrise. It was absolutely gorgeous. It was a little chilly the morning we went but still worth the walk across, and the views."
Janet Stiles
"My wife and I are on vacation, and this was listed as one of the things to do in Spokane. The Monroe Bridge is a peace of art. It’s beautiful! Love the park area and waterfalls!"
S B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Monroe Street Bridge is located in downtown Spokane, making it easily accessible. If you're staying downtown, it's a pleasant walk. Public transportation options are also available, and parking can be found in nearby garages or street parking, though it may be limited.
Yes, there are parking garages and street parking options in the downtown area near the bridge. However, availability can vary, especially during peak times. Consider using a parking app to find available spots.
Absolutely! If you're in downtown Spokane, walking to the Monroe Street Bridge is a great way to experience the city. It's a central landmark and easily reachable on foot.
Spokane's public transit system serves the downtown area. Check with Spokane Transit Authority for routes that stop near the bridge or Riverfront Park.
The bridge itself is generally accessible for wheelchairs, offering a smooth surface for passage. The surrounding parks also aim for accessibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting and walking across the Monroe Street Bridge is free of charge. It's a public landmark and accessible to everyone.
The bridge is a public thoroughfare and is accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and views, visiting during daylight hours or sunset is recommended.
There are no fees to access or walk across the Monroe Street Bridge itself. Any costs would be related to parking or visiting attractions within the nearby parks.
Yes, the bridge is open 24/7. However, be mindful of lighting conditions and personal safety if visiting late at night.
Riverfront Park generally has no entrance fee, allowing free access to its grounds and attractions, including the areas around the Monroe Street Bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from Riverfront Park, Huntington Park, and even from the bridge itself looking out at the Spokane River and city skyline. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly stunning light.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and park rules. It's best to check with the City of Spokane Parks and Recreation department for current drone policies before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographs of the bridge and river.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of others and private property.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Spokane River, the city skyline, and the bridge's own impressive architecture. Looking down, you'll see the lower falls.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy scenic walks, admire the Spokane River and its waterfalls in Riverfront Park, and explore the downtown area. The bridge itself is a point of interest.
While efforts are made to keep the area clear, some reviews mention occasional issues with campers. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
The views are gorgeous, offering panoramic sights of the Spokane River, the lower falls, and the surrounding cityscape. It's a popular spot for enjoying the natural beauty within the city.
Yes, you can walk across the entire length of the Monroe Street Bridge, enjoying the views and the engineering marvel.
While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, the bridge's historical significance is noted, and its architecture is a key feature.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a day of it by combining your visit with exploring other attractions within Riverfront Park. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be spread out. The bridge's historical significance can also be a gentle introduction to local history for curious kids.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles from the riverbanks or from within Riverfront Park. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the scale of the bridge and its surroundings, while telephoto lenses can isolate architectural details. Be prepared for varying light conditions and potential crowds during peak times.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Explorers
Combine your walk with a visit to the nearby parks to enjoy the waterfalls and green spaces. It's an ideal activity for a leisurely morning or a refreshing evening stroll, offering a great way to get a feel for Spokane's urban and natural landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Monroe Street Bridge
This historic structure spans the Spokane River, offering not just a vital transportation link but also a prominent viewpoint. Its longevity and enduring presence make it a beloved landmark for both residents and visitors. The bridge's design is a classic example of early 20th-century bridge construction, showcasing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
While the original wooden bridge from 1889 burned down, and a subsequent steel bridge had a shorter lifespan, the 1911 iteration has stood the test of time. This resilience is a key part of its story and its appeal as a historical site.
Experiencing the Spokane Riverfront
Visitors often describe enjoying peaceful morning walks across the bridge, taking in the sunrise and the serene atmosphere. The combination of the impressive bridge architecture and the natural splendor of the river creates a memorable experience. It's a place where urban infrastructure meets natural beauty, offering a unique perspective on Spokane.
Beyond the immediate views from the bridge, the surrounding parks offer walking paths and recreational opportunities. This makes the Monroe Street Bridge not just a destination in itself, but a starting point for exploring the wider riverfront area and its attractions.
Monroe Street Bridge in Local Culture
This visual representation highlights how the bridge has become a point of pride and identity for Spokane. It's a landmark that locals and visitors alike associate with the city's character and history. The bridge's presence in local imagery reinforces its status as a beloved and enduring feature of the Spokane landscape.
Furthermore, the bridge has been used as a backdrop for community events and artistic installations, further cementing its place in the local consciousness. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its architectural merit and its role in the city's narrative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit