Rail Trail and Dunlin Pond Loop

We stopped at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge south of Salem Oregon to do several short trails.

We started with the Rail Trail turning it into a loop hike around Dulin Pond. This was about 1.25 miles, we started through a forest, found a blind and then the trail was out in the open around Dulin Pond where we saw a large beaver dam along with some wildflowers.

some of the wildflowers we saw along the trail

we also saw bees

Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve

After visiting the Point No Point Lighthouse Park, we drove over to the Foulweather Bluff Nature Preserve near the top of Hood Canal on the Kitsap Peninsula. A 0.3 mile trail goes through the forest to the beach. We walked part way along the beach for a total of 1.25 miles. Views in the forest along the trail:

We reached a beautiufl beach, and first walked to the north towards Foulwether Bluff, we did not go all the way to the preserve border

We then turned around and walked part way aong the beach to the south, again, we did not go all the way to the preserve border

Views of a large pond in the preserve

some of the birds we saw

Manchester State Park

I went to Manchester State Park in Port Orchard Washington for a short walk. Near the beginning of the trail were some old buildings from when this was Middle Point in the early 1900's. The Torpedo Storehouse is now the group picnic area.

The Mine Casement

The unfinished Battery Mitchell is on the trail along the shoreline

View of Rich Passage with a ferry and a distant Mount Rainier

zoom of Mount Rainier

Part of the steps leading up the hill to complete the loop trail

Ferns and trees along the trail, it was very quiet here this morning, I didn't see any one else on the trail.

I then walked the sort way along the marine camp area. Overall, I walked about 1.25 miles. Seagull on a rock in the water

zoom of American wigeons

Valley of Fire State Park Hikes

 On our drive through Nevada, we stopped at Valley of Fire State Park (about 30 minute drive east off of I-15 north). This was an amazing place, wish we had more than a couple of hours and could have explored more.
First, we stopped at Arch Rock, to walk around a large rock formation with a small arch on top.

Panorama of the back of Arch Rock:

Some of the other rock formations in the area:

 Next, we drove to Atlatl rock and climbed up the steps to view the petroglyphs

some of the many petroglyphs

Then, we drove out to do the short 1.25 mile round trip hike to the Fire Wave, such beautiful colors!

 and many interesting rock formations

We then drove to Rainbow Vista to take some quick photos (we didn't have time to take the short 1 mile hike)

Before leaving, we drove to the very short 0.25 mile loop trail to Elephant Rock (which can be seen from the road).

It was worth walking around Elephant Rock and seeing it from all angles

There were other intestering rock formations to see along this short loop trail.

Panoramic View seen from the road near Elephant Rock 

some of the wildflowers we saw along the trails