As we're having a mid-80s respite for a few days between a couple of weeks of 90s & triple digits, I decided to celebrate National Trails Day with an afternoon walk in Cowiche Canyon.  It's nice and green along the creek, but the hillsides are mostly brown.  Not the best time of year for the canyon, but always a nice walk if the temperatures are tolerable.

I wanted to get my kids out of the car for a short hike on our road trip.  I have been to the canyon before and I knew that you can go as far as you'd like and have fun.  I followed WTA directions to the trailhead which put you on the far west end of the canyon. I had been hoping to end up at the Uplands Trailhead but I didn't know the name of it (until now) and I didn't know the difference. So that being said, we ended up on the west end of the canyon.  it is a big parking lot with signage so you know that you're in the right spot, however after parking you need to walk up what looks like somebodys driveway and past their house to hit the actual trailhead. From there you're in the canyon where it's all exposed.  It was nearing 100 degrees and my kids didn't last long in the heat, so we turned around after about 30 min of walking.  The Uplands Canyon trailhead is much more pleasant even though the parking lot is a lot smaller. You're up on the plateau with a nice breeze and in the spring you get wildflowers up there before you descend into the canyon. We didnt see another soul at the west trailhead though.

#hikeathon

We hiked this trail from the East parking lot. The trail was well marked, in great condition, and wasn’t busy. We only passed three groups of people the entire time. I was also pleasantly surprised that there weren’t any bugs while we were out there. We followed the trial along the water for 1.5 miles to the second larger bridge and turned around. There are great views of the canyon and creek running alongside the trail. 

Nice pleasant hike. The trail is covered in areas of deep loose gravel, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes, even though it's a relatively level hike. We left early in the morning to avoid the heat. No crowds, beautiful scenery. 

We did the first hike from the East parking area to the west parking and back.  Just under 6 miles.  It was beautiful, peaceful, and an easy hike.  Going over many bridges ...I think 11?  We only saw a few people even though parking lot was full.  (Small lot).  Really enjoyed this hike.

The next day we went back and did the Winery Vineyard trail.  This was HARD.  The trail was very Rocky and dry dirt made it slippery.  It was WONDERFUL... I loved this hike even though it was hard for me. 

Be careful going down...  I ended up on my butt ...luckily I was about 5 feet from bottom but slipped hard on the dry Sandy dirt.  

I would do this hike again and again.