Riverside State Park - Deep Creek Canyon

This trail system will require LOTS of practice! I love the Ponderosa pine and cool rocks of Eastern Washington. And as I claim Spokane as "home-sweet-home", I try to take advantage of finding new trails to hike in the area whenever I visit. Today, in the 65 degree temps and sunny skies, I dragged my mom into Riverside State Park to a trail I'd read lots about, but its reviews were vague or muddled at best. I was unable to find a clear map of the trail system, but we decided to give it a try anyway. We were glad we did!

To reach the Deep Creek Canyon trailhead, follow Francis west until it turns north into Nine Mile Road. Take a left on Seven Mile Road, cross the Spokane River and follow the road a short way to a righthand turn BEFORE you cross the small bridge over dry Deep Creek. There is a Park sign signaling this turn... follow it to the circular parking area and gate. It is posted as the Deep Creek Canyon Overlook Trail. A short walk on the gated roadbed leads to Trail 25 which descends left into Deep Creek Canyon, travels along the dry creekbed a short distance, then heads up and out of the canyon to the left. We stopped some trail runners and asked for their advice as we were new to the area. They recommended following Trail 25 to the parking lot and retracing our steps.

We took their advice. Trail 25 was clearly marked at each intersection. The area is stuffed with mosses, flowers, pinetrees, mock-orange and rocks, lichen, birds and deer and green, green grassy hillsides under filtered sunlight. We watched some playful white tail deer halfway into our trek to the top. The overlook up top provided nice views looking east, and we enjoyed our lunch there. We did not make the trip a loop, but retraced most of our steps. One intersection marked Trail 411 is definitely worth investigating! It wraps around a large chunky rock on a rocky trail and into a very cool lava bed. It made for some fun pictures.

I think we wandered for about 5.5 miles. You could certainly walk longer, or lesser, depending on your time. I want to return and explore some of the other trails in the area (and perhaps find a trailguide with marked pathways in this park).