Had a lovely Saturday afternoon hike, including hiking up to the top of Echo peak and a side jaunt to Lake Desire, which is mostly surrounded by private homes but has a small stretch accessible by trail. When we got to the parking lot a bit past noon there were three other cars, which left a couple spots leftover for us to pick from. It looked like we could have parked up the road if we'd have needed to. We did run into a small handful of folk as we walked but it was generally a very peaceful and relaxing hike with lots of mossy trees. We jaunted somewhat into McGarvey park as well to add a little more distance. All told this was a great, convenient hike - mostly flat but a few hills (.18 miles up to the peak mostly uphill - not too challenging but I would bring poles to save my knees on the downhill next time). Some views from the peak.  A few minor cautions: 1) be aware we did have some noise from what I assume is a nearby shooting range and 2) though there are signs at most major trail intersections, and a map at the trailhead - there are several unsigned intersections including with trails that, despite being well-worn and established, are simply not on the map. We never felt in danger of getting lost but we were surprised several times by these unmarked and unsigned trails.

Nice 2 mile forest ramble with a great view of Mt. Rainier and a partial view of the Olympics from Echo Peak.

SAT 10dec2022 at ~07:00 reading the weather forecast - chance of light rain continuing in to the next few hours .. hoping for a fun "walk in the rain", i went to the McGarvey Park Open Space. ~08:15, i arrived and was the only one at the Pullout Parking. i went (P) > (1) > (2) > (3) > (4) > (i) > (A) > (V) > (3) > (5) > (6) > (7) > P; ~4 miles ~2 hrs. Only caught a few drops of light rain intermittently during the ~2 hrs 😢 The Trails, including the Roads at (6) and (7) were in good condition. There 1x small (~18" diameter) down-tree at (i) "obstracting" the Trail - passable - i crossed over it safely.

Encountered a man and woman with their 2 dogs at (A). And a woman at (V). They were nice and friendly. Saw a few small birds, no other wildlife.

Green lusicous woods, was peaceful and quiet .. sweet solitude for me 😊

Cheers!

Weather was better than expected, went for a nice walk with the pup

With the weather forecast for a "sunny" morning today (29dec2021 WED) { though cold ~20s+F }, i drove to a planned R/T Maple Valley Heights Park (Location_M) - McGarvey Park Open Space; via the ~0.6 mile Pipeline Trail. However, Maple Valley Height Park was CLOSED.

i then searched the Maps (Gaia, and Google_Map) for an alternate "Trailhead" and i found one at Location_P. After i arrived a Location_P, i only did a short distance of the East Trail before turning back to my Tiguan, because i had forgotten to bring along my Gloves … my fingers were freezing .. i got back to my Tiguan, picked up my Gloves .. and decided to do (CCW): Location_P > West Trail CCW > W Lake Desire Dr SE > 174th Ave SE > Location_P.

When i was entering 174th Ave SE - i noticed a "Private Road" (beside the 174th Ave SE road sign). My guess is that i (and the general Public) shouldn't drive on 174th Ave SE and park at Location_P. Instead, to park at Location_W to begin the hike from McGarvey West Trail Trailhead.

Perhaps, that's why there's no other vehicle parked at Location_P but there were 4 vehicles at Location_W (they may be the group of 6 people that came in (~0.3 miles from Location_W). During my 1:15 hour ~1.5 miles in McGavyer Park, i also encountered 3 x solo hiker.

Everyone was cheery, courteous and friendly.😄

Both the McGarvey West Trail and (what little i saw of) the East Trail were lovely .. beautiful snow-covered trees, moss, bush and on the Trail(s). The Trails were in good condtion; a few wet spots, and the compacted snow covered Trails weren't icy or slippery (anyway, i had my Trekking Poles). Still, i had a very enjoyable and fun time at McGarvey Park today 😀