Bowl & Pitcher is a beautiful hike across a swinging bridge over the Spokane river, and then along the river and through the pine trees. There is minimal signage and many 'user' trails splitting in different directions, so finding the intentional trail was a bit scattershot. However, all the paths are pleasant. The basaltic rock formations are fantastic, especially the rapids around Devil's Toenail. There are multiple spots where it is easy and safe to take a user trail down to the water's edge and dip your feet into the slower current near the edge. This is an in-and-out trail but you can make a loop by using various user trails or utilizing part of the Centennial Trail (asphalt, no shade). This is a beautiful state park, you'll need your Discovery Pass and they absolutely do check to make sure you have one (we saw multiple vehicles that had been ticketed).

This was a beautiful and easy walk, with everything green and blooming. Arrowleaf balsomroot was everywhere, along with other, mostly yellow flowers. Thick moss covered many of the rocks, including some gorgeous towers in the woods that, from a distance, looked like they were manmade. The river is flowing strong, with swirling eddies churning the waters. Most of the trail is wide and smooth, with only a couple puddles. Some side spur trails led to views of the Pitcher and other rocks. These had some rocks and tricky parts. 

The snow was the easy part, it’s the ice that was the challenge. We’ve had springlike conditions in Spokane of late and hiking across Riverside’s Swinging Bridge seems appealing but once across you get into an area that is in the shade most of the day due to the low angle of the sun this time of year. As a result, there are extensive ice fields to navigate and just about everyone falls. If you go, wear traction devices for the ice sections, or choose one of Riverside’s many other trails. It’s probably going to take weeks for that ice to completely melt out but remember, Spring is right around the corner.

The sun was shining Thursday morning so I decided to give Bowl & Pitcher a shot despite the icy conditions on other local trails. The trail leading down to the bridge was mostly melted,  but upon reaching the other side of the river an attempt up the stairs revealed my hiking boots weren't going to be sufficient for the remainder of the trail. I did take the spur down to the strip of beach just fine, and crossed back over the bridge to take the trail to the top of the lookout for views of the river and bridge. Microspikes recommended if you're intending to explore the far side of the bridge, at least until it snows again or more of the ice melts. 

Regardless, I enjoyed the beautiful views and the time spent out in the sun was much appreciated!

Trails are pretty muddy, but passable. Kids and dog had a great time.