Dusty Lake — Sunday, Apr. 23, 2023

Even thought it was a sunny Sunday, we had the entire trail to ourselves. Saw two marmots and tons of birds - swallows, geese, ducks, red-winged blackbirds(?) in the first 3/4 mile of trail. Also heard some frogs (toads?) croaking. Some steep sections for a 3-year old, but nothing we couldn't confidently handle (the spot with the most exposure has a solid metal railing alongside it). Bridges crossing the creeks were all in good shape. Hardly any trash on the trail, and we picked up a few pieces here and there.

Parking lot: the parking lot is pretty small and rutted. If it's full, you might consider parking just up the road at the Burke Lake West parking lot, which has a bathroom (pit toilet). I suspect there might even be a small social trail connecting the trail that stays on top of the bluff to the Dusty Trail.

This wasn't our planned trail, but I am glad we had it as a backup. Would love to come back and hike the full length of the coulee sometime.