Went on a Tuesday and it was completely empty. All the wildflowers are dead now and there was a lovely scene of golden grass. We noticed only one side of the conservation area has a no dogs sign. WTA labels it as dog friendly.

We hit the peak wildflower bloom on a day with temperatures into the 70's -- a day on the trail can't get much better than this.

A few other cars were parked at the trailhead when we arrived about 10 am, but most belonged to local people finishing up their dog walks, so we had the trail to ourselves for most of the day.

The hike starts on a gated logging road for a short distance, but soon turns off onto the real trail -- the former Weldon wagon road. Once on the trail we climbed steadily, but with many pauses to watch birds and admire and photograph native wildflowers.

The hike passes through some really fine Oregon white oak woodlands before breaking out into open, steep hillsides of blooming balsamroots and lomatiums at about 1.5 miles.

We were serenaded all day by singing Nashville warblers in the oak trees, each male marking his territory with song.

At the turn around point at Sanborn Road, we talked to John, the property owner, who told us that the picnic table on his property is there for hikers to use.

Gorgeous day, flowers in bloom, birds singing, Mt Hood was out. A perfect hike. However, so many ticks. I did the pants into socks and apply bug spray, and only found a couple on myself, but the dogs were covered. They were very small ticks, so difficult to find.
Maybe leave the dogs at home, and take precautions for the humans.

Go today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day. But go soon. The Balsamroot is peak, the trail is a snap to find, mid-week is uncrowded. Birds are somewhat easy to spot because the trees have not fully leafed out yet. A hiker who came down before us reported seeing a cougar (a thrill of a certain kind) but no problem. Enjoy!

I hiked a mile or so up the trail; 40 minutes on my 82 year old legs; it's a steady, moderate climb.  The trail was in excellent shape.  Quiet, a few birds about; Grass Widows coming up; very pleasant.  I had the trail pretty much to myself; saw eight people in the two hours I was there.  I enjoyed imagining the farmers, with their wagons of produce, using the trail in the early 1900's headed for the valley below . . . and the iconic Oregon White Oaks.