The Entire Family Will Love This Short And Simple Hike In Washington
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published September 28, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Looking for a hike that both you and your family will love? Check out Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail. This pint-sized stunner gives you all the waterfront vistas for half the calf-burn. Bowl and Pitcher strikes the perfect balance between approachability and pay-off so everyone can marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the mighty Spokane River. That’s why, of all of Washington’s marvelous trails, I think it’s the best beginner-friendly hike near Spokane, Washington.
Bowl and Pitcher's well-maintained trail will take you across a raging swathe of the Spokane River before leading you right back to the trailhead. This loop-style hike is a great way to keep things engaging for kids who might be discouraged by a there-and-back-again trek.
Pause on the majestic wooden bridge that begins your adventure and enjoy the stunning water views. Spokane River is a major tributary to the nearby Columbia, and it has served as a vital resource to people living in Spokane Valley since well before the arrival of European settlers.
You'll find that the river has different temperaments depending on the season. At the end of summer, it's much calmer. To see it in all its glacial-melt glory, visit Bow and Pitcher Loop in spring!
While you can reach the rocky riverfront to hang out and explore, some surrounding rocks are a little large to picnic on. Massive boulders line the river, creating spectacular eddies and currents that will amaze you and delight younger visitors.
When we say a trip to Bow and Pitcher Loop can include the whole family, we really do mean everyone. Pups are allowed on the trail so long as their owners clean up after them. Make sure they stay on the lead, however! Besides mistaking seasonal mushrooms for a trail-side snack, your furry friend may encounter wildlife. Many hikers have snapped pictures of deer and even moose cooling off at the river!
While many of the larger trees are evergreens, the understory still colors up beautifully in the fall. So long as you have a raincoat and a stiff upper lip in the event of rain, this would be a lovely destination in the autumn season.
