You’re invited to partner with Rangers in our annual spring clean up of Riverside State Park. Celebrate Earth day by helping clean up, repair and revitalize your neighborhood state park. If you would like to participate please contact the ranger station at 465-5064 and let us know what area of the park you or your group would like to assist in. Projects will begin on Saturday April 14th at 9am; don’t forget to bring your gloves and plenty of drinking water!

My Favorite Part of the Park
By Ken Carmichael

When I volunteered to write this article I really did not know what part of the park I would pick as my favorite. First I should explain that I am a horseman, live next to the park and have ridden in the park for the past 22 years. As a result I have seen just about the entire park by horseback and enjoy all of it. However, what part is my favorite?

The area I am choosing is the multi use trail along the west side of the river from the Wilbur Trailhead to the Bowl and Pitcher. I have chosen this portion because of the beautiful trail and the fact that I enjoy the river so much. Since I ride to the trail I incorporate this trail into a much longer ride. This is a level trail that is suitable for any level of rider and is about 3 miles long. The ends of the trail can be accessed from the Wilbur Trailhead, just off Seven Mile Rd. on the north end and from the Bowl and Pitcher at the south end by crossing the swinging bridge and turning north. There are many trails that come down from the interior of the park, cross the Centennial Trail and intersect with this trail. Along the northern end of the trail the Centennial Trail is running parallel with the trail. Besides enjoying the trail one can also enjoy the view of the river. In the early spring, when the river is running high, you must be careful on the northern end of the trail as it can be covered with water in spots or very wet. There is the variety of having a single track trail at the north end of the trail to having a duel track at the southern end. In addition, the closer one comes to the Bowl and Pitcher the more likely you will meet other people. This is always enjoyable when there are small children that want to pet the horses. Since this is a multi use trail we must always be aware of other people on the trail and follow good trail etiquette and courtesy.

REI Projects Near Completion

The Riverside State Park Foundation is nearing completion of a number of projects funded by a $10,000 grant from REI. Included in these projects are large 3'x5' water trail maps of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers that will be displayed on kiosks in the park. A new kiosk, similar to the one shown in the photo below, is being constructed at the Bowl and Pitcher for this purpose. Riverside State Park Foundation board members Tom Kessler, Clare Sosso and Eric Erickson produced the water trail maps. Five thousand smaller maps have been printed for distribution, and copies of these maps will be mailed out with the May newsletter.