I hadn't been on this trail before and what a gem! The description I read had the mileage at about 3.25 miles and under 200' gain, which makes it "too short" for most of my hikes. However, having nothing better to do today, I grabbed my dog and went out for an adventure, planning to just wander around and enjoy the experience. I met two women who call this their "home trail" and they were able to explain to me how to extend the lollipop loop to nearly 5 miles and about 470' elevation gain, so that's what we did.
The whole trail is snow-covered, but it's been packed down nicely and as long as you stay on the packed trail, it's hikeable with micro/nano spikes. The trail is well-marked in almost all places. I got a little confused at the bottom of the first set of switchbacks where I should have gone toward the houses and instead followed a trail away from them. I turned around after checking Strava and realizing I was off trail. I think that had the road not been snow-covered, it would have been easier. I could see a few footprints painted on the pavement in a clear spot. Otherwise, the trail is well-marked with cute signs.
The wetlands is a beautiful spot. I didn't linger and still saw a blue heron, a few mallards, a merganser and some Canada geese. Lots of deer prints and some coyote scat, too.
Just a beautiful morning!
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