We had a great spring walk through Bellevue Botanical Gardens (BBG), Kelsey Creek Park and the Wilburton neighborhood today.  BBG was crowded with folks enjoying spring blooming flowers and perusing their annual native plant sale.  Parking looked limited at BBG and the adjacent sport field area. This is the perfect time to see early spring flowers in bloom. All the beds are meticulously groomed.   Vibrant colors were popping up in every bed. It was great to see so many wild lilies (fawn & avalanche ) growing amongst trillium, bleeding heart, snow drops and primroses.  I learned a couple new flowers so that’s always a great day.  A fun surprise of the day was a wood duck pair, floating around in the wild pond area.  After completing the Ravine Experience loop we wound down to Kelsey Creek Park which was equally crowded with young families exploring the play structured and farms animals.

After checking out the animals at the farm, we crossed Kelsey Creek to walk a small loop on the east side of the park.

Trail Conditions. The trails on the east side of the park were so soft and smooth, we could have hiked barefoot!

Crowds. Found a single open parking spot when we got there at 11:30am. Plenty of people around the farm, but only a couple on the trails. Expect big crowds Apr 26 for the annual sheep shearing event.

It was a bright, sunny afternoon around 1:30pm when we arrived to an almost empty parking lot.

We headed up to the sheep, grazing on that green hillside. White puffy clouds, blue sky, white fence. The barns as a backdrop. Daffodils in bloom. Goats grazing that front spot too.

Rabbits in their hutches, ducks, a pig and chickens all out in their pens. 2 cows. (Oxen?)

Passing the horses uphill of us, we started doing the loop back towards the forest. Skunk cabbage, Indian Fig and salmonberry in bloom. The creek winding and gurgling throughout. After heading uphill for a bit, we came to the first signpost. We were on the Lake Hills Connector. Turned around and finished the loop up to the farm.

2.5 miles in total.

Nice little walk around the Kelsey Creek farm trails after walking over from Wilburton Hill park Friday morning.  There is some free onsite parking with additional street parking available along 130th Pl SE on the west border of the property.  The full restrooms were open and in good condition plus a couple sanicans were available closer to the farm area.  The trails remain largely wide gravel around the property and through the farm areas and all in good condition with no issues.  The farm is clearly the draw and all the animals were out today enjoying the sunshine but don’t miss the additional trails through the wetland areas and bridges over the creek which are really neat too.  A nice little walk if you are in the area and great for kids too.  

Link to additional information about the farm offerings - https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/parks/community-centers/kelsey-creek-farm

I had family from Portland in town and wanted to show them one of my favorite trails next door. And yes, I was literally just here. But this time, the farm animals were out!

The goats are spunky and won't shy away from saying hi. Cora, the resident Berkshire pig, is an absolute unit. If she's not outside, check if her pen is open. She might be taking a nap. #LoveLocalTrails