Carlson Road Loop

This loop, connecting several marked trails in Riverside State Park, is sure to wake up your legs. Climb to Pine Bluff for beautiful views of the park, as well as a glimpse of downtown Spokane in the distance. Then wind your way back down to the Spokane River, passing many scree fields and geologic formations, for a break by the water.

Some steep sections on the descent, full of rock gardens.

From the trailhead on Carlson Road, cross the street to the obvious footpath in the forest. Follow the doubletrack trail up the hillside. It eventually turns to singletrack and you'll move through some long switchbacks to gain the bluff.

Follow the meandering trail through the open forest, eventually discovering a series of overlooks. There are a few benches to rest and enjoy the view. To the northeast, you can see the rolling hillsides, and southeast, the tiny skyscrapers of downtown Spokane. Shortly after the viewpoints, the trail winds its way back down the hillside, passing several scree fields and one monolithic geologic formation.

Rejoin Trail 25 for a short bit (you'll see the mile markers), before turning right onto Trail 400 and joining the Centennial Trail. (You can also continue straight on Trail 25 to close the loop early and head back to the trailhead the way you initially came.) Enjoy the bench just across the trail for a beautiful snack spot near the river. Follow the Centennial Trail north for a short jaunt back to the trailhead.