I was visiting family and wanted to sneak off for a quick hike - Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve fits the bill perfectly! When I arrived around 8:30 am. on Saturday there was only one other car in the lot, but it was filled when I left around 9:40 am.

There are many trails to choose from (and most of them are labeled well), and a map at the beginning and at a fork in the main trail once you get going a bit. I ended up choosing the trails/making a loop out of the ones where I thought I was less likely to encounter ticks; I didn't finish a chunk of the Aster Trail because the grass was a little too high for my liking.

Overall, it's a lovely area and not too far out of town. If you're looking to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and hear the birds sing, this is the place!

Beautiful early morning hike up to the new trails in the northeast region of the preserve.

Trails in great condition; a few folks with dogs, all well behaved. Arrowhead balsam root prolific & beautiful. Heeded warning for poisonous hemlock. Noted poison ivy, neither caused a problem. Gorgeous views of entire preserve area from Granite Trail (appreciate the bench); native grasses by river in abundance!! No wildlife encountered (hiking with a dog…) Amazed at proximity to urban area - good stretch of the legs!

Good bird watching in this big park.  I'd call this more of a nature trail than a hike.

I took the family dog on a morning hike at Waikiki Springs and although the trails were covered in snow, they were not very icy.  I think we received another 3-5 inches of snow last night so the trails should be filled with even deeper white fluffy powder.  Not quite deep enough for snowshoes, but maybe now micro-spikes would be a good idea.  The birding at Waikiki Springs is quite good.  Spotted an eagle, great blue heron, and heard some redwing black birds.  #LoveLocalTrails