Riverside State Park - Bowl & Pitcher — Tuesday, Sep. 20, 2016

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene

Trail 25, Centennial Trail and Trail 211 loop from Bowl and Pitcher. I hiked this 7 mile loop with my favorite hiking buddy on a cool September day. I would not recommend it on a hot day, as several miles are exposed and dry. From Bowl and Pitcher, I crossed the bridge and headed north (right) on trail 25, heading toward the river wherever there was a junction. After about a mile and half, where the trail comes near the paved Centennial trail, I turned back on that for about a half mile to trail 211, which heads west (right) near the vault bathroom. Trail 211 heads across an old burn and up a hill to another section of Trail 25. Turning left or south on this piece of trail 25, I hiked along the lowest shelf below the basalt cliff. After a while, the trail climbs a couple of times to an old railroad grade, complete with the foundation of an old signal tower. After a bit at this elevation, the trail drops down and parallels the road near the Bowl and Pitcher Overlook. I crossed the road near the junction with the road to the horse corral. Following the signs for Trail 25, and in one place guessing as I left a parking area, (head for the little brown building and follow the road beside it after giving the dog water from the attached faucet), I found my way back to the river. I walked along the river, enjoying the fall colors reflected in the calm water until I reached the bridge back to my car.