I came from Spokane, crossed the river at Nine Mile, and parked at the Carlson trailhead. There were plenty of spaces available, even on a holiday long-weekend and the parking area (with info board and toilets) was in good condition. My plan was to do a short conditioning hike up to the Pine Bluff lookout and back - a new  loop for me.

I started on trail 403, across Carlson from the parking area. The trail is wide at that point and runs gently uphill until connecting to trail 25. It was a hot and sunny day, and there were wildflowers and butterflies all along the trail.

After turning on to trail 25, it gets much steeper and the trail becomes narrower and more rocky. Bring poles if you have them! There are a few switchbacks but much of the elevation gain is in straight lines. After reaching the top of Pine Bluff the trail levels out and you'll come upon the viewpoints above the cliffs. There are 2-3 benches where you can sit and take in the view. Today was a little buggy (mosquitos & flies) and the space in front of and above the cliffs was full of small, colorful birds (swallows I think) darting about, having a bug feast.

From there I continued on 25, descending and looping back below the cliffs where it became trail 401. There are large scree fields along this segment but no marmots to be seen today. I took the branch from 401 down a short switchback to trail 25 again, then back through the canyons to trail 403 and the parking area.  3.8 miles in total.

The trail numbering system is a bit confusing - trail 25 is everywhere and there are lots of branches to take. The trail junctions are well-marked though, so if you have a route in mind it's easy to not get lost. It might be fun just to wander the area without a plan next time. This is one of the more remote parts of the park but I encountered only 2-3 couples on my hike, and again, it's a holiday weekend. If you would like a shorter hike to the overlook, you could park at the Pine Bluff Road TH and take trail 25 to the top.

We ran both Trail 25 and 100 both were clear with no obstacles. Snow is clear and only a few spots had a little mud where bikers had went through. Small flowers are starting to peek up! Beautiful.

#MemberAppreciation

I had a little time in between meetings so decided to squeeze in a trail run to the larch grove at Riverside State Park. Everything has been late to change colors this year, but the recent cold snap finally brought out the brightest fall colors! It's very pretty with the dusting of snow on everything, although a few of the trees appear to be impacted by the weight of the snow since they still have their needles. This little larch grove is becoming quite tall, now, too! It is prime time to see them. The trails are a bit slippery in some areas, although also bare in spots so I didn't bother with traction devices for this one. Use caution on the downhills and immediately around Bowl & Pitcher where there has been some melting & re-freezing.

I'll start off by saying that I originally had planned on doing the Trail 25 & 410 loop, but I ended up just wandering around creating my own loop instead, but I know I for sure was on 25 and the Deep Creek Canyon Trail at some point!

I lived in Spokane for four years and I never explored this area; I'm so mad at myself for not taking advantage of this beautiful park while I lived closer! I think I'll be finding excuses to wander around here anytime I'm visiting family or friends while in town :)

I arrived at the Riverside State Park Ranger Station around 10:45 am and there was one spot left for me to park (most of the parking is reserved for park employees). There is more parking down Carlson Road, and I should have just parked there, but I had already committed and walked on the road until I got to the Centennial Trail.

From there...I just stated wandering around, and it was lovely! I wanted to check out the Deep Creek Overlook, but the first trail that leads up to it from Centennial Trail (after you cross the bridge) is closed for restoration. I walked a little further down and went up N State Park Drive, as that will also take you to the overlook. Lovely views of the river and the canyon, and a great place to have a snack! 

I continued on N State Park Drive until I ran into Trail 25 and decided to loop back to Centennial Trail that way. This was probably my favorite part of the trail, as you get to walk through the canyon, and an awesome basalt field! 

With the weird loop I made I ended up just under 4.5 miles. I can't wait to come back and see more of this beautiful park!

Very rocky at the beginning/end. Some very narrow areas on the trails. Bugs not bad. Warm morning and was warming up by middle morning.