Logan Nature Kids

Welcome to the Logan Nature Kids. 

We are a group of friends who get together a few times a month and drag our children out for some fun times in nature.

Our activities range from simple hikes to BIG adventures. Join us we are always looking for new friends and new experiences.

Spring Hollow Loop

Trailhead elevation:  5,300

Trail open to: Hike, Bike, Snowshoe

Elevation gain: 800

Trailhead outhouse: Yes, At Spring Hollow Campground

Distance: 3 miles round trip

Time: 1-2 hours

Driving directions: From 4th No. and Main in Logan head east towards Logan Canyon. Drive 4.3 miles to Spring Hollow Campground. Park in the visitor parking area. 

Entrance: From the parking area follow the road south through the campground towards 3rd Dam. Continue towards the dam for 1 block, you will see the Spring Hollow Trailhead sign on the left hand side, shortly before the Dam.

Exit: The loop will bring you right back to the campground, but on the No. side. Follow the road through the picnic area back to your car.
The business: The trail follows the Logan River towards the dam then climbs slowly as it winds up the mountain. Great views of the river and Logan Canyon. After about 2.2 miles up you the forest canopy opens into a rock slide. Instead of continuing up the trail, take the lower trail across the slide. After 100 yards the trail drops steeply down towards the spring, Follow the water back down to the campground. Some trail sites have refered to this hike as the Bridger Look Off, it is not The Look Off ends where this hike begins.

** If hiking in the winter bring Yaktraks and a Trekking pole for the descent. While the descent is short (less than 1/4 mile) it is steep, rocky and slippery

10 must do Summer activities in Logan Canyon

10 must do Summer activities in Logan Canyon

There are dozens of activities in Cache Valley for families who want to get out in nature. We have devised this short list, all of which could be done in one weekend. The majority of these activities can be done right alongside the Riverside Trail. Most of these activities can be done year round with a few minor change

Feed the ducks

Those of you who live in the valley know this is a family tradition that has gone on for ages. You can't claim to be a local if you haven't taken your children to this. While this is an honored tradition, it can be bad for these poor creatures. 

The majority of feeders are passing out bread, while small amounts of bread won't hurt these birds large amounts of carbs. can lead to diseases in both the ducks/geese and the water supply.

Think about all that poop all over the grass, due to carb. overload. If your going to feed the waterfowl bring nutritious foods like grapes, corn (not good for fish) peas, oats, duck pellets and green veggies.

Hike or bike the Riverside Trail

The trail approximately 3/4 of a mile up Logan canyon. Park at the Stokes Nature Center parking. The trail passes Stokes Nature Center about 1/3 of a mile up the trail. This is one of the must do activities on the list so you might as well check it out on the way. The trail winds along the river corridor for 4.3 miles one way to Spring Hollow Campground. Depending on the age of your kids you may not hike the whole stretch, but make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.

Visit the Children's Forest

The Children's Forest was made possible by The Cache Nation Forest and Stokes Nature Center. While you are on the Riverside trail you will enter the Children's Forest. The forest is equipped with a learning station and mud pie kitchen.

Stokes Nature Center

The center is 1 1/2 miles up Logan Canyon , but requires a 1/3 mile hike from the parking area. Stokes is famous for it's partnership in the nationally recognized Children's Forest. The nature center is open Monday - Saturday. it is free, but donations are accepted.

Fossil Hunting

500 million years ago Logan Canyon was at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. The limestone "China Wall" contains fossils of Coral, Trilobites and Brachiopods. There are several slide areas along the Riverside Trail where gray stone has slide down from the limestone cliffs. Spend a little time on your hike searching through these slides and you might get lucky.

Fishing at Second Dam

Second dam has an upper and lower parking area, picnic tables and restrooms. There is a boardwalk along the side of the "lake" which allows for some great fishing. Cross the foot Bridge at the upper parking area by the restrooms to take a stroll on the Riverside Trail. 

Camping

There are several campground right along the Logan River and the Riverside Trail. Camping at Spring Hollow, Bridger or Guinivah campgrounds will provide you access to the Riverside Trail, The River Nature Trail, the Children's Forest and all three of the main fishing area's in the canyon. Camping is $19 a night. Free primitive camping can be found just below Third Dam. To find this area drive past Bridger campground the road will widen to 2 lanes. Take a right after the two lanes meet follow the dirt road down to the camp area. 

Hike the River Nature Trail

The River Nature Trail is an Informative trail that runs for 1.3 miles between the Spring Hollow Campground and the Guinivah Campground. There are signs interpretive signs and benches along the trail, so you can learn about local flora, fauna and early inhabitants of the are. Pull up a bench and see how many birds you can find.

Hike to the Wind Cave

This is a moderate hike, which can be done with children (they may need a little help depending on their age) During the summer this hike should be done in the morning or evening, due to lack of shade. Parking can be found by the Guinivah Campground. This is a 2 mile one way hike. Stay on the trail and don't take shortcuts, we don't want to contribute to trail erosion and loss of plant life. More info can be found on our site by clicking on the link.

Tubing the Logan River

Depending on the river conditions for the year this can be a fun float, but if you wait to long in the year it can become quit rocky.  There are 2 good areas. The first lies above 3rd dam and is quit short, but always float able. You can put in anywhere above the "Fishing Bridge" and float to the dam. The longer stretch begins below 3rd dam at a primitive campground. From here you can float all the way to second dam. In Early spring the river is higher and faster which is good for kayaks, but not young children.

Riverside Nature Trail

Trailhead Elevation: 5,056

Trail Open To: Hikers, dogs, bikes, snowshoe, x-country ski

Elevation Gain: 200'

Trailhead Outhouse: Yes, Restrooms located at beginning and end of trail Spring Hollow Campground & Guinavah Campground

Distance: 2.8 miles round trip

Time: 2 hours

Activities: Birding, fishing

Driving Directions: From Logan turn East on 4th north and drive 6.6 miles to the Spring Hollow Campground on the right side of the road. Park directly across the bridge in the visitor parking.

Entrance: Walk towards restrooms. You will see a wooden bridge on your left hand side. Cross the bridge to begin the trail.

Exit: Return the way you came or leave a car at Guinavah

The Business: This is an interpretive nature trail equipped with benches and informative signs about flora, fauna and early inhabitants of the area. The trail follows the river most of the time as it winds in between 2 campgrounds, Spring Hollow and Guinavah. Both campgrounds are awesome places to stay and play. Campground fees are $19 a day.

Willow Park

Address: 500 W 700 S
Acres: 18
Bathrooms: Yes
Amenities:  Trees, zoo, fishing, picnic tables, benches, batting cages, pond, disc golf, volleyball, baseball, basketball, nature center.
Playground: multiple

Comments: This park has everything including reindeer. One of the most popular parks in the valley, it is adjacent to the skateboard park and aquatic center.  Bring some grapes or other non carb. food for the ducks and don't forget your fishing pole.

Merlin Olsen Central Park

Address: 100 S 200 E
Acres: 9.20
Bathrooms: Yes
Amenities: River access, volleyball, basketball, tunnels, trees, Ice rink in winter, picnic tables, benches
Playground: Yes

Comments: This is an awesome all around park. It has close to everything a child needs for fun. Catching water skeeters in the river and climbing trees is an age old tradition.

Harris Park & Nature Preserve

Natural Resource Area

Directions: From main street in Logan, turn east onto Center Street. Center street will turn into Mountain Road which leads right into Dry Canyon.
Acres: 70
Bathroom: No
Amenities: Picnic tables, benches, dirt trails
Playground: No

Comments: This is a fantastic place for kids to play year round. Watch out dog for poop.