Quick walk late Sunday morning between chores along the Phantom Lake and Lakehills Greenbelt trails.  Parking at Larsen Lake trailhead lot is free and plentiful, (more free parking at Phantom Lake as well.)  Restrooms were open and in good condition at both Larsen and Phantom lakes.  The big trail condition issue currently is flooding with both access to the dock at Phantom and basically the entire NE corner of Larson Lake flooding over the trail.  It’s kinda looking like this will be the new normal during some winter periods from now on.  It isn’t super deep so if you have a pair of tall rubber boots that would work.  Other than this flooding, the rest of the trail networks were in good condition.

Not much in the way of wildlife out but some ducks at the lakes, a few early robins looking for worms plus a single juvenile bald eagle way up in a poplar and a single adult flying high overhead.  But there are still some nice views with the bright colored tree bark shining in the few sunbreaks. A nice, easy little walk with lots to see if you are in the area.

Link to some further historical info of the area - https://eastsideheritagecenter.org/blog/tag/Larsen+Lake

My coworker and I went out with our working dogs for a day of enrichment, intending to hike the loop. We got to the parking lot at about 11:30 and there were a few other cars, but the lot was not full. We walked out to the pier to look at the lake and there was a person there fishing. Not sure if they were catching anything, however.

After we left there, we went up the paved path toward the street and it wasn't clear which way we should go. I had read the trail description before going, but couldn't remember and there was no signage, so we went right. Not long after the parking lot, we passed by a community garden with some beautiful blooming dahlias. Folks were out there working, which got our beagles' interest. A little way past the garden, we came to an intersection and there was a sign there directing to the different paths. We went right, heading toward Wewona park. All of the walking path is paved and we saw a handful of other walkers and a pair of bicyclists as we went along. 

We got to Lake Hills park and decided to turn around and retrace our steps. It wasn't quite as clear which way to go from there, and my coworker had an appointment to get to. 

All in all, it was a nice walk. If you're looking for something woodsy, this isn't really the trail for it. Perhaps the section over in Wewona park is, but we didn't make it that far. Still, good for some fresh air and exercise. 

Quick early Sunday morning walk in the fog around the Lakehills and Robinswood trails attempting to avoid “freeway closure-ageddon”.  Our route was south from the Larsen Lake parking lot off 148th through the green belt to Phantom lake then over to and around Robinswood with the return trip just reversed.  The short bit between Phantom and Robinswood is a road walk but full sidewalks are available for safety.  Total mileage ended up at about 5.5.  Parking at all three locations is free and relatively plentiful.  Restrooms at all three locations were open and in good condition.  All trails are currently in good condition and even the bits around Larsen lake that sometimes can be super muddy had no issues.

This route offers nice views of Larsen and Phantom lakes plus Robinswood pond.  Robinswood has a nice forest of thick 2nd growth fir on the south half of the park to wander through.  Quite a bit of wildlife out this morning - a bunch of various ducks on the lakes, hundreds of robins out looking for breakfast, and even saw a single river otter out in the middle of Phantom lake - always a treat.  

Link to more info about Larsen Lake - https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/larsen-lake

Link to more info about Phantom Lake - https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes/phantom-lake

Link to more info about Robinswood Park - https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/parks/parks-and-trails/parks/robinswood-community-park

The trail itself at the Phantom Lake Loop were in good condition and the area itself was a nice area to walk around in. The trail split off in multiple directions through out the loop if you wanted to explore some more. And even though It was raining when I went, it was still an enjoyable hike to go on when well prepared. The parking by the trailhead is free however there is not much room. On the wildlife side of the hike there were a few ducks in the lake itself but that was about it, however, there were no bugs throughout the hike so that was good. Overall, a nice and easy hike to go on.

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