Nice little stroll to pick blackberries and blueberries, pies are in our future! We watched a juvenile hawk go fishing for a meal from the viewing platform at Larsen Lake. Too bad when you zoom in on the phone it ruins the image, I caught him just as he splashed into the water. A fair number of families were out and about but never too crowded.

It was an active day at Larsen Lake for waterfowl, I think the birds appreciated the cool down as much as us! we saw 18 Canadian Geese, a pair of ducks, and a heron which my kiddo named Vashon after the Vashon Glacier that carved the lake. Conversely, it was a pretty quiet day for people. The blueberries are finally ripe but you can only pick them during the farmers market (wed-sun 10-5).

Our family is hiking the month of August to raise funds for WTA's Hike-A-Thon so that the trails can continue to be enjoyed by future generations. Please consider contributing, every $ helps! https://give.wta.org/Jenchilada2022

#hikeathon #teamtacosformiles

Walked the Lake Hills Greenbelt and Phantom Lake loop trails, spurs, etc from Larson Lake Sunday morning in the sprinkles.  Parking is free at both Larson and Phantom lakes though somewhat limited.  Restrooms are open and clean at both of those lots.  All trails were in good shape though some of the boardwalks were predictably slippery.  

Lots of wildlife out this morning with spring getting close - ducks, sparrow, dozens of red winged black birds, coots, robins, chickadee, flicker and one very big juvenile bald eagle.  Don’t miss the new bat houses City of Bellevue has helped install along some of the trails - they are “bat-tastic!”  The lake hills farm stand was not open, though I understand they sell some absolutely beautiful sunflowers there in season.  A nice little walk with lots to see if you are in the area.  

Link to further info regarding the bat houses - https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/community-development/neighborhoods/neighborhood-improvement/neighborhood-enhancement-program/neighborhood-areas/lake-hills-nep

This is a pretty nice trail.  I parked at the Community Garden on 16th street.  There is a vegetable stand there and a lovely garden with bathroom at the Ranger's Station.  There is a wide variety of things to see on this trail.  There are creeks, marsh, forest and field.  The blueberry farm attracts all kinds of birds. 

The next time I go on the hike I will time it to shop at the vegetable stand and bring home all kinds of tasty veggies.

The entrance to the Lake to Lake trail located next to the Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, with many berry bushes surrounding the trail on all sides. The trail is a mostly bark and dirt path, which can be muddy at spots after raining. Mostly clean and easy trail to walk across consistently, good for dogs and children for short hikes. During the spring, there are a lot of green trees, dandelions, and berry bushes that are beginning to blossom. On the trail, there are a little bugs depending on the time of day as well as occasional birds, rabbits, and ducks that were seen during the hike. The trail is called the "Lake to Lake Trail" because it is a hike path that connects Larsen Lake with the neighboring Lake Sammamish, which is an optional route for hikers to take. Walking and biking are both fine for the trail overall. 

Around the lake, a path is made of dry gravel, which is also good for hiking. The trail leads around the lake itself in a loop and eventually reaches the end near spots on the path that open up to the lake, allowing for close-up views on the lake edge. There is also a wooden boardwalk around the end of the trail that leads towards the lake, which has signs that permit limitless fishing there. Aside from lily pads and ducks, the lake is mostly empty waters. Generally, the area close to the lakeside is marshy land and lots of mud, which is not good for walking around.