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If you’ve ever driven the auto tour route at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, you’ve likely passed the East and West Blackhorse loops on your way to more familiar destinations like the Kepple Overlook or the 30-Acre Trail. These short lollipop loops, tucked quietly along the lakeshore, have long been overlooked—brief in length, disconnected from each other, and missing the visual payoff found elsewhere on the refuge. Rather than letting them fade further into obscurity, a new idea emerged: create a connection that would draw more visitors in and provide richer opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The first proposal surfaced in spring 2023—link the two loops with a short trail. The main obstacle stood at the southern edge of Blackhorse Lake: an aging, overgrown water control structure swallowed by reed canary grass and wetland vegetation. Its replacement in late 2024 cleared the way to move forward. By early 2025, the new route had been mapped, but competing priorities pushed the project temporarily aside.
Momentum returned in winter 2026, when I reached out to the Washington Trails Association (WTA) to explore a partnership. Their work across the Spokane region—from Dishman Hills to Riverside State Park—had shown a level of craftsmanship and professionalism that made them an ideal collaborator. After a few virtual conversations and a lively on-site visit, WTA enthusiastically agreed to take on the project, supported by generous funding from the Friends of Turnbull NWR.
Groundbreaking began in mid‑May. Over the next four weeks, crews of a dozen or more volunteers carved out the new 0.24‑mile connector, working steadily east to west. Progress was slow at times—much of the route hid a surprising volume of rock that had to be unearthed, moved, and dispersed. Refuge staff provided tools and several large piles of borrow dirt to fill the voids left behind. Bit by bit, the trail took shape, echoing the hand‑built style of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose own craftsmanship endures in the nearby dam past the East Blackhorse trailhead. The final push involved cutting through a thick stand of reed canary grass that had reclaimed the newly installed water structure.
The result of this hard-earned effort is a unified 1.13‑mile Blackhorse Trail that offers visitors a new way to experience Turnbull. The trail skirts the quiet shoreline of Blackhorse Lake, winds beneath a canopy of ponderosa pines, and provides close-up glimpses of wetland wildlife—dabbling ducks, chattering red‑winged blackbirds, and even the occasional moose moving through the reeds.
There is still more work ahead. The connector awaits a full layer of wood chips to create a smoother, more resilient walking surface and to deter vegetation from creeping back. New European‑style wayfinding arrows are on order and will guide visitors to each loop, parking area, and pavilion. The original loops themselves are due for sprucing up—trimming brush, refreshing chips, and weeding. All of these tasks would make for excellent volunteer projects later this summer or fall.
As you explore the refuge this year, take a moment to walk the new trail. Follow its gentle curves, breathe in the scent of pine, and listen for the splash or wingbeat of a passing bird. And as you do, reflect on the care and craftsmanship that brought this small but meaningful addition to life—a reminder of how thoughtful trail building can deepen our connection to the natural world and expand the possibilities for experiencing Turnbull’s wild beauty.
