Beacon Rock State Park - Bridge Trail — Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022

Seeking some elevation work and a bit of sun for a planned run, I decided to do a loop from Equestrian TH around the Bridge Trail, counter clockwise. The potholes on the gravel road approaching the TH have been filled! Serious brushing was in progress on the main Equestrian Trail, using a tractor. After crossing Hardy Creek at the bridge, I went left, passing the toilet building and shortly thereafter, begun encountering snow and only one large downed tree.  The snow was patchy, then for the last mile to the Bridge Trail intersection, it was hard packed and slow going.  Poles would be most helpful. There were some old footprints, which helped to keep me on the trail.  I saw the Bridge Trail bridge, below and on the left, about 1/4 mile before the actual trail intersection.  At mile 3.3 I arrived at the Bridge Trail and took a hard left.  There's a sign at this intersection. Getting to the bridge was challenging navigation, as the trail was all but invisible in the mostly hard packed snow.  A heavier person than I might do some post holing. Snow on the bridge was about 3 feet deep but easily crossed. The Bridge trail itself is in very good condition and appears to drain well and only suffers from typical winter debris. Meticulous rock work by WTA in the last few years appears to have made a difference. Distance, 7.0 miles, elevation gain about 1300 feet. Don't forget your Discover Pass!