River's Edge Natural Area — Attraction in Loveland

It is a wonderful place to take friends and family. All trails are ADA accessible/friendly and level for smooth walking for any age. Check yo see if bicycles are allowed. I'm pretty sure horses are not allowed, as are all motorized vehicles, except for electric wheelchairs. Completely dog friendly, and provisions are supplied for poop cleanups. There are even two porta potties to use year-round. The brick and morter restrooms might be seasonal? Don't neglet cleanups as it can significantly harm the environment, not to mention, is unsightly. Illegal to not pick up where your dog left off and smelly. There are picnic table areas that I believe require reservations during warmer months. I frequently see people fishing, and I do not know if a license is required here. It is imperative your dogs are kept fully under control to avoid skirmishes and interactions with wild critters such as geece, ducks, coyotes, and federally protected ospreys nesting high on a pole watching for their next meal. This week, we have seen bald eagles and a coyote as noted in the attached pictures. Do not leave valuables or leave your vehicle unlocked at any trail head anywhere as a matter of common sense. Some pictures are a bit dated, but we go here about twice a month. There is no admission charge, just the request to clean up after yourself. Annie, approaching 14, easily tackles the trails for a four mile jaunt. Fear not, as there are no crocodiles, lions, tigers, or elephants. After visiting, take the time to visit Loveland's renowned Benson...

This natural area was wiped out in the flood of 2013 by the Thompson River which is the Northern border.

The area was near completion when it was destroyed by the flood. It has been rebuilt and is beautiful. Lots of bicycling or walking paths wander around the ponds. Lots of waterfowl.

There is usually little traffic. Some people like to fish. Several places to enjoy a picnic. Covered picnic tables.

Quite a few benches along the paths.

The Thompson River is used extensively for irrigation upstream. This may account for the occasional muddy appearance as the water is rerouted back into the river after it has gone through a farmer's field.

In the spring, the river always runs high and muddy with silt. Especially since the flood of 2013, the river overflows underneath the bridges of the highways. It does this because the river bottom is full of silt and sand from the flood. It will take decades for the river bottom to...

Great place for an unpaved run. You can make nearly infinite loops around and through the park. The Middle and High School Crosscountry teams use it regularly. This is the B.T. floodplain so the trails can get a little soggy after a heavy rain but they are wide and graveled and not terribly busy. Lots of dog walkers at certain times though. There has been a homeless encampment in the woody section at the NE corner on and off for the past couple years. Lots of folks fish here but I seem to recall something about polution from the (defunct) HP manufacturing facility at the top of the hill. Hopefully that was...