Early start for a Fourth of July Hike.  On the road by 8:30 and traffic was very light.  Went to the south end since we approached from the southwest on 522.  Only one other car in the lot when we arrived.  At the top of the climb there was some work being done on the pipeline.  There is a large pit and some valving work being done.  The trail is detoured around it.  They did not spare any effort on making the trail more than merely passable. Once we were past that we got to a large open area.  The birding in the shrubs and trees was great.  Almost the first thing we saw a Lazuli Bunting out in the open, calling for a friend.  I borrowed this shot from the internet.  We then headed into the woods for some hiking.  The south end of the park is lacking the nice maps and trail markers that we began to see once we got deeper into the park.  Few people on the trail this early, only 6 cars in the south lot when we got back.  Link to the Snohomish County Map is below.

https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/63318/Lord-Hill-Trail-Map?bidId=

A good hike with kids, the trail is still a bit muddy but easily avoided

Won't say much about a hike that doesn't need much to be said about. I actually mountain biked today. Covered about 8.5 miles with nearly 1500 feet of total gain. Started at the south trailhead and made it all the way out to the comms towers on East Devils Butte and to the view hill, and around Temple Pond. 

Being spring time, some of the trails are becoming pretty brushy, most notably Meet Cutter and the South Temple Pond Loop and Temple Pond Connector. Stinging nettle and various sticker bushes are included. I was in shorts and short sleeves today and was overall fine. But light sleeve and pants made be preferred by others.

The Springboard Trail down from East Devils Butte and the Wishbone/Golden Eye/Blind eye/Third Eye trails off of the pipeline are all nice mountain bike flow trails to ride down.

What an awesome day to be alive! Warm sun, blue skies, and green leaves! Green, green everywhere - I love it!

I think that is what I miss most in the winter months - the leaves. And the sound of them. Nothing better than kicking back and listening to the rustle of the wind as it tickles the treetops; turning the leaves up to shimmer in the sun. Everything is bursting in various shades of vivid green - an impossible, bright, neon green. Winter is over - and Nature is celebrating!

Did the whole Midway, with a long pause at the Viewpoint. Couldn't resist a little trail-work on the way - I got most of them, but watch for dead branches that droop over the trail this time of year. And nettles! Feel free to do some nettle whacking. In a couple weeks I'll give it a good brushing after the ferns are done doing their thing. Right now everything is perfect. Enjoy.

Trail was good, a little muddy.