Started at the swinging bridge in Riverside State Park. Followed trail #25 along the river all the way to the Wilbur Road trailhead near 7-Mile Road then retraced my route back. Saw two deer, 1 chipmonk, and several Canadian geese. Several runners were out along with people walking their dogs. Most of the trip was very peaceful except when walking across the river from the Spokane Gun Club. Total trip: 8.5 miles.

Trail #25 is the premier long-distance loop trail close to Spokane. A short, 15-minute drive from downtown to the Riverside State Park Equestrian Area puts you at the "starting point" for 22 miles of adventure. You'll follow the Spokane River for part of the trail, explore the Deep Creek canyon area and venture into little-known parts of the park. Getting there: from downtown Spokane, take Riverside avenue West to to Government Way. Take a right and head North on Government Way to Aubrey White Park Drive. Turn right and follow this road about a quarter mile to the dirt road leading to the Equestrian Area (there is a white metal swing gate). Drive down the dirt road to its end.

A nice sunny day to climb basalt rocks and look down at the swollen Spokane River. Trail has a few muddy parts but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year. Tromped through the woods and made a loop back to the bridge. Lots of people out mountain biking and walking the trails. ^_^

The Spokane river is raging right now, lending an especially dynamic element to any trip to the ol' Bowl & Pitcher until the high water subsides. I took a little pre-work day stroll though the park today with my trash picking apparatus and a couple grocery bags and managed to fill them both. Lots of those "courteous jerks" dog owners who bag the poop, then toss it off in the bushes. Thanks ya'll, when it comes time to decide if dogs are welcome somewhere or not, unfortunately for responsible dog owners... your kind is the more powerful ambassador. Aside from that trail conditions are good, no snow nor ice left to speak of, Spring is here!