A little dry, but still saw some flowering wildflowers, 4 types of butterflies, a hawk, chickadee and some mammal scat. Good little hike for my husband to take while our kids walked around WSU campus with their friends

I stopped by to check out the new bridge over Rose Creek and enjoy some fall sunshine on the Palouse. The trail is extended to pass by the caretaker's residence for a larger loop and there are some new interpretive signs at the trailhead. 

Two new, very solid bridges have been built and the loop is extended to pass by the private residence (ok to walk here). The loop then climbs and goes south back down to the driveway and bridge over Rose Creek which serves this residence before taking you back to the parking area. No flowers yet save for a few buttercups but wildlife is waking up and beavers are busy. See the map in the link below. 

After a day of meetings in Pullman, I needed to stretch my legs before heading to the airport.  I had never heard of Rose Creek Nature Preserve, so decided to give it a try.  The gps coordinates dropped me perfectly at the small, 3-car parking lot.  I set my iHike app and, after changing into sneakers, set off on the trail to the left of the parking lot.  The trail was wet but not muddy.  The fall foliage was lovely and I spooked quite a few birds.  The trail terminated at the creek, since the bridge is out.  Thus, it was 0.4 miles round trip, instead of 1.0 miles round trip.  It was also quite level (minimal elevation gain).  The log book indicated a few folks using the trail over the past week.  Quite a few trees had protective wrapping around their trunks, presumably as part of restoration efforts.  It was fun to have the trail to myself and hike the Palouse in its native state.

more information on rose creek may be found here: https://pcei.org/rose-creek/. (The map at this link shows a second way to get across the creek via the  gravel access road to the right of the parking lot.  I did not have time to explore that area.)

This is a little hike outside of Pullman in one of the few remaining vestiges of native Palouse Prairie habitat which is one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth with only a fraction of 1% remaining in its natural state. A trail winds along and over Rose Creek and onto the edge of wheat fields. This is no heart pumping hike but a leisurely stroll though a unique bit of the Palouse. 

The area was designated a Natural National Landmark by The US Park Service in recognition of its uniqueness and ecological value. The wetland section is an excellent place to spot wildlife and many types of birds that inhabit the area. The preserve is at the foot of Smoot Hill outside of of Albion, location of the Hudson Biological Reserve, which is not open to the public and serves as a research area for WSU. 

As a short hike with minimal gain, it's ideal for introducing the wee ones to the natural world.