Oxbow Loop Trail

This morning we did two hikes in the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River area. The first one was the Oxbow Loop Trail, we parked at the first trailhead, and then realized we needed to hike towards the second trailhead for a lovely viewpoint over the river, before returning and hiking the loop trail. Overall we hiked 1.7 miles with minimal elevation change. This is a beautiful hike in the forest! Views from the viewpoint above the Middlefork of the Snoqualmie River on the trail between the two trailheads, first looking towards The Pulpit, second one looking towards Russian Butte

This is a lovely forest with lots of luscious moss, ferns and trees

Along the loop trail, there is a side trail leading to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, first photo looking upstream, second photo looking downstream towards Russian Butte

Bridge crossing by Oxbow Lake and several views around Oxbow Lake

There were many great views of Russian Butte through the moss covered trees, here are a couple

Along the trail we also saw hair ice and frosty ferns, leaves and fungi

Foothills National Recreation Trail

We drove out to Orting to hike a small section of the Foothills National Recreation Trail, after stopping at the McMillin Trailhead to view to view the bridge over the Puyallup River

From Orting we walked up the Foothills National Recreation Trail along the Carbon River a short ways and back for a total of 4 miles round trip. We had some views of Mt Rainier along the trail.

A bridge on the trail crosses Voight Creek

On the way back, we took a side trail that followed closer along the Carbon River back into town. We had a great view of Mt Rainier and the Carbon River here

zoom of Mt Rainier

Heli and Gold Creek Ponds

This morning I drove up to the Gold Creek SnoPark to hike around both Heli Pond and Gold Creek Pond, 4.2 miles round trip. The snow was well packed down the entire route, so snowshoes were not used. The morning started cloudy, so I headed up the closed forest road to Heli Pond first.

Views around Heli's Pond

views around Gold Creek Pond

Gold Creek