National Parks - Did You Know?

What was the first national park? How many national parks are in the United States? Think you’re already a national parks scholar? Take our online quiz and find out! At the end of the quiz you’ll be able to share it with your friends so they can test their knowledge. Want to learn even more about our national parks and NPCA after you take the quiz? Then watch this inspiring short video or explore the National Park System on our web site.   Sincerely, Clark Bunting President and CEO

Down By The Riverside in Spokane

Relish the flora and fauna at Riverside State Park in Spokane. Hike the surrounding Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and in the right seasons enjoy the glorious wildflowers.

Did you say you like your state parks with a smattering of wildlife?  You've come to the right place. These still waters hide red band trout and whitefish. The shores are a playground for reptiles and amphibians. Bald eagles and osprey nest in spring, and soar year 'round. Among the 180 bird species that can be sighted, there are shorebirds and great blue herons.

What about mammals, you ask? What size are you looking for? Small include chipmunks and marmots. Large include mule, whitetail deer, black bear, and moose.  And of course, there are cougars - but you knew that because we're talking about Spokane and that's so close to WSU in Cheney, Wa.



And did I mention the geese? Lots of geese sunbathing the day I hiked through.

Sunbathing and honking



Here's the Bowl and Pitcher story . . . .

And here's the real thing. Breathtaking! You've heard of the ripples a pebble can make in the water. Well, these are enormous boulders that will amaze you. 



Here's what it looks like crossing that swinging bridge over the rapids next to the Bowl and Pitcher. The original bridge was build by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps. in the 1930's.  It was assembled off site, and brought to the park in 2 parts. At that point it took them 10 days to install the 216 feet of bridge.

No, this is not the original bridge. That was replaced in 1998 by a new bridge that was built using the same, original plans from the CCC.

The view from the bridge, swinging above the rapids that are churning past the Bowl and Pitcher

A weekend fisherman who is focused on a promising pocket amid the rapids. He exhibited real skill at his fly fishing.

The source of the Spokane River is Coeur d'Alene Lake. After tumbling over Spokane falls, the river zig zags it's way through this spectacular "Grand Park of the Spokane Canyon".

Hiking among the firs, you never know who may be watching you.

You'll love your visit to Riverside State Park in Spokane. There's so much to do in this beautiful setting. Hiking, jogging, biking, fishing, water sports, picnics, and lots more. The trails and all facilities are well maintained.

The Olmstead brothers visited this area in 1909 and were taken with the beauty. They urged the local population to preserve it as a park. In 1910 $1 million bond passed for the land acquisition.  In 1933 Riverside State Park was created for that generation, and generations to follow. 
Thank goodness!
 

Rasar State Park

Come with me to see highlights of a wonderful, wintry visit to Rasar State Park a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed. Isn't this an intriguing trail headed down to the Skagit River. You just can't wait to get walking and see what's around that next bend.

Rasar is Rasar State Park is a 169-acre camping park with 4,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the beautiful Skagit River. Wildlife observation opportunities, especially for eagle watching, are excellent, particularly in early fall and early winter. We saw, and heard, lots of birdlife.

This is a low elevation Cascade mountains choice, an option for people who avoid snow driving.

Washington State Parks link is here -
Rasar State Park Information from Wa State Parks

One of the trails is mostly a route along the river, with easy access to the sometimes sandy, sometimes rocky, river bank. Yes, there were a few shoreline fishing parties that were catching.  And yes we were thrilled to see soaring eagles and hawks, and other birdlife that we can only presume were also catching.

Just look at this well maintained trail. They all are. There were many footprints, although on our end-of-November-day we saw few people and just a handful of campers. Amongst the footprints we also saw wildlife prints.

We enjoyed our trail mix feast at the nice little picnic area.

Steam rising on the shady side of the Skagit River. Breath in deeply the cold, fresh air.

And did I mention the breath taking Cascade mountain views?
 

Travel through wisps of fog on forest trails.
 

Another picture from a trail that crosses an expansive meadow. The surrounding mountains scene embrace you on all sides as you hike.  Edges of the park skirt private property lots. Can you imagine those lucky residents who choose to wake up to this scene daily?  Well, if you're not planning to buy property, consider camping for a vacation and wake up to this gorgeous country for awhile. There are camp sites for tent or RV, and there are also very nice cabins.

Frozen dew next to the trail - a winter gift
 

One of the signs to help you identify the birdlife that you'll see.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Skagit River.
 

Rasar State Park is truly a bright spot along the Skagit River.