Children of the Sun [2]

Overview

• Length: Just under 10 miles, round trip.
• Elevation change: Although the overall change was only 218 feet, the cumulative total of ups and downs was around 812 feet; so it was a little hilly. 
• Here is the route trace.

History

Not much history here.  Opening in 2009, the route follows the relatively new North Spokane Corridor, the currently incomplete freeway that will eventually reach Interstate 90 that passes through downtown Spokane.  The plan is to continue to extend the trail as well, ultimately joining the Centennial Trail and the Ben Burr Trail.

Commentary

Well, on the spur of the moment, I decided to get out this afternoon to check out the next leg of the Children of the Sun Trail.  My first ride this season was a short east-west stretch of the upper trail.  So this time I parked at the lot on Farwell Road (see location link at the bottom of this posting) and headed south toward Hillyard.  It was a very pleasant ride.

Market Street access point, with a display of Basalt columns found in this area.

You can see where the freeway comes to an abrupt end.

Portions of the trail parallel the Burlington Northern railroad.

End of the road heading south, and the old Fenceman building in Hillyard.

On the way back north, crossing under the freeway at Fairview Road.  Watch for cars!

Arriving back at the truck.

Fish Lake Trail

Overview

• Length: 9 miles out and 9 miles back.  Of course, you can turn around any time you like.
• Change in Elevation: Outbound, it gradually rises around 263 feet over the 9 mile stretch.
• My Route Trace
• Full description on TrailLink website

History

Purchased by the City of Spokane from the Union Pacific Railroad, the Fish Lake Trail heads south out of West Spokane, through the Latah Valley.  It is a beautiful, fully paved path through wooded areas, paralleling and crossing live railways now operated by Burlington Northern.  It is in an area known as the Funnel, due to the amount of rail traffic that passes through.  It is a gradual uphill ride on the way out, only about 1/2 percent grade, but having the benefit of going down on the way back.

Commentary

Interestingly, it does not yet reach Fish Lake.  It currently stops about 1 1/2 miles shy, at Queen Lucas Lake.  Funds are being raised to complete the route, joining the Columbia Plateau Trail, extending to Cheney and beyond.

But what a joy.  This brought out some of what I had hoped to experience while rail trailing - riding through areas that would not otherwise be accessible - and having a few encounters with trains along the way.

View from the parking lot at the trail head, with bathrooms and a water fountain.  Unfortunately, the bathrooms were locked - but there was a porta-potty.  I'll try to find out the seasons and times of bathroom availability.

Paved all the way, and with mile markers.

Live rails to the left and to the right.

A cool looking old building.

The one-and-only tunnel - all of about 100 feet long - just before the Marshall (Scribner Road) trail head.

Arriving at Queen Lucas Lake.

Wait! There's a train.

End-of-the-line, for now.  Now to enjoy the downhill run back to the start.

Opening Day for Trails

Hello.

My name is Jerry, and I live in the Pacific Northwest.  I recently decided that I would like to start experiencing more of the outdoors that is presented along the many existing Rail Trails in my area, and to share those experiences by blogging about them.

A Rail Trail is a multi-use path converted from an abandoned railway.  They tend to be long and flat, and as such, provide relatively easy access to extraordinary landscapes and scenery that are both beautiful and historical.

My hope is that over time, as I document my experiences, I can provide helpful information and encouragement to any and all who would like to try it out.

Today was Opening Day for Trails (as designated by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, an excellent source for all that is Rail Trailing).  I decided to make it my opening day as well, by posting my first blog.  So I did my part, and kept my pledge, by breaking out my bicycle, pumping up the tires, and heading for a nearby trail.

I live near the start of the Children of the Sun Trail, which admittedly is not a Rail Trail, but was the next best thing on short notice.  Below are a few pictures, with commentary.  And here's a trace of my route.

The entrance is on the northeast corner of N Division Street and Farwell Road.  A location link is at the bottom of this posting.

The trail entrance, heading north.

The Adopt-a-Trail marker.

As you can see, it is more of a Highway Trail than a Rail Trail, but I believe that at its completion, it will join the Spokane Centennial Trail downtown, which is a Rail Trail.

Another lovely view  ;-)

At least they make an effort to beautify the retaining wall along the way.