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River Valley Loop
March 20, 2022 @ 10:15 am – 3:00 pm MDT
Note: updated following scouting the hike on March 15th.
We will meet at the parking lot at the Forest Heights Park (parking lot for the tennis courts at 103 Avenue and 84 Street) at about 10:15 a.m., with the hike leaving promptly at 10:30. Participants should check the website prior to departure in case of a change (e.g., weather forecast, trail conditions).
We will start on the paved path and trails, continuing to the Capilano Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we’ll walk by the river to Dawson Park and have lunch in the pavilion. After lunch we’ll continue on the north side of the river, crossing at the new Tawatina Bridge. We will then loop back walking on the south side of the river, continuing on the trail back to Forest Heights Park.
Trail conditions & pictures from scouting (afternoon of March 15th):
- There is plenty of ice and, in some areas, lots of water and a bit of mud. It is definitely spring conditions. Spikes are needed and poles will be handy. With the warm weather, conditions could be very sloppy on Sunday.
- The trail on the south side of the Riverside golf course is officially closed and has been for about two years. However, it is well used. The trail conditions were good there.
- The route is just over 10 km. It will be ~1½ hours to the Dawson Park so we should be there at at just after noon for lunch. After lunch it is ~1 hour back to the starting point. The pavilion is now fully open with no masks required. The water fountain works.
- There is no washroom at the Forest Heights Park parking lot (starting point), the small building by the tennis courts does have a washroom but it may not be open on a Sunday morning, there is a pit toilet close (at 84 St./101 Ave. that we could use. There are public washrooms at Dawson Park.
If you are new to WTA hikes, then you should visit the Guided Hikes webpage for essential information. For further information specific to this hike, refer to The Waskahegan Trail Guide Book (pages 6-7) or contact the Hike Leader, Lorna M., at 780-719-4987.