First off - for those following our 52-Hike-Challenge journey - we did not miss last week! We just did a neighborhood walk :) Between the wind and my kids being sick we just stayed closer to home, but we still did over a mile so I count it!
This time I was the one who was sick, because it's been slowly making it's way through our family, so in an effort to not do another neighborhood walk and also get some fresh air, we opted to repeat a hike we have already done this year! We at least changed it up a bit so it felt a little new.
Last time we did this hike we walked around the gate to go down the road portion of the trail to get to the picnic shelter and bridge. We did that this time too, but while paying more attention realized where the ACTUAL trail was, and vowed to take that on the way back! It's in practically the exact same spot, we just missed it last time in the hustle and bustle of herding the cats kids.
So anyway we walked down the old paved "road" down to the bridge and saw where the "real" trail connects to the one we were on and made a mental note. The bridge is still in excellent shape and it's a great place to stop and watch the river. The railings are close-spaced and safe for both my kiddos. We continued on the trail and it's clear there was a lot of wind damage in the last week or two here, as there are a lot of blown down branches in the brush, but the trail itself has been cleared of them so there are no tripping hazards or branches to walk over.
My 5 year old is the little botanist and pointed out LOTS of Huckleberry bushes, Oregon Grape, Salal, and of course Sword Ferns. He also saw a Rhododendron.
My kids were sad to see that the little river access spot we used last time was blocked off by some neon orange netting. We didn't see a better spot to access the river without going off-trail so they didn't get the chance to throw river rocks like before (a favorite activity for both of them).
The Big Tree is still Big! The deck around it is clean and sturdy and in great shape.
On our way back we crossed the bridge and intentionally took the "real" trail instead of the road. This trail was very cute and led us to the little tiny "hobbit" style house which was very cute, but as my son pointed out, the door wasn't real it's just a decoration. 10/10 recommend this over walking the road, both ways.
We also made a stop at the end of the trail at the wooden playground. It was a little "old" for my 2-year old since the ladders were a little tough for her but she did enjoy the big-kid swings.
This trail is short and sweet and great little spot for some fresh air year-round. I'm sure it won't be the last time we come here.
I'm doing the 52 Hike Challenge with my kids this year and this is hike 11 for us! Garmin stats for this hike are linked below.
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