Liberty Lake Regional Park - Liberty Lake Loop Trail — Saturday, Sep. 8, 2012

What a beautiful hike. We walked to the waterfalls and back, which from the parking lot on the northside of the campground, is a 6.8 round trip hike. We are not experienced hikers at all - all were wearing appropriate clothing but would probably choose more sturdy shoes next time, as we were all in running-type shoes, which was fine going up, but harder going down, as the incline is pretty steep in places. Ages of hikers, 48 (me), three 20 year olds (my daughter, her boyfriend and their friend), and my two sons who are 15½ and almost 13. The boys are fit athletes and no part of the hike was really a big deal to them :) The rest of us... the only part that was difficult was a middle section of switchbacks which was sandwiched in quite a long section of switchbacks, most of which were moderate and very doable - just a section in the middle that was tough for us rookies :) Next time (hopefully this weekend), knowing what is coming, as I began the moderate switchbacks after leaving the cedar grove area, I would pace myself better. We were just excited to be there, loved being together and enjoying the beauty, but we should have not tried to keep the original pace entering into that section. Overall, the hike was worth every bit of work :) The waterfalls were running, very peaceful. We plan to go the entire loop in the future, going beyond the waterfalls and down the other side. We did the hike from trailhead to waterfalls and back, stopping on the switchbacks to rest several times, ate lunch at the falls, in exactly 3 hours. Add in the walk to/from car and driving from the south hill to the trail, about 4 hours total. Very well worth it!