We parked in the large parking area at the second TH which is 0.2 miles from the first TH where there is room for only 2 or 3 cars. Here there was one restroom open which had a large garbage can for trash but no TP and a sign which read the outhouse was not cleaned daily which was obvious when using it!  Both TH's have a kiosk with a map and information. Parking at the 2nd TH allows you to take the connector trail to views of the river and mountains in the area and in 0.2 miles it connects with the loop trail at the first TH. We took the loop clockwise and walked the short spur trail to the river. Large Sitka Spruce, a few Western Hemlock, red cedar, alder and Big leaved maples are seen along the trail. A few fungi, several log benches and tables, 2 Canada geese, bufflehead and 2 river otters were seen. The river otters were in the far distance, fun to watch but difficult to photograph because of the many small branches between them and us. We met 2 elderly hikers like us and a lone young male hiker who were wearing masks. A lady with a dog and 3 young children who were walking counter-clockwise were not masked and as they passed us she kept saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry while the children covered their noses and mouths with their hands! The day was sunny with blue skies and a temperature in the mid 40's so it was a pleasant outing. 

We drove by yesterday and the parking lot was packed with cars lining the road. Today, we were the only car there.

The trail is in great shape and the river is down enough there’s lots of space to spread out at the river.

We saw only three people the whole time we were there.

We returned to the Middle Fork at Oxbow Lake to take readings as part of the Adventure Scientists' Wild and Scenic Rivers project. (We do this once a month and will for the next several years.) The trail is in great shape and the river is down after the atmospheric river blew through last weekend.

Yesterday, the whole valley was packed with people and this trailhead was overflowing withe cars. Today, with an overcast sky threatening rain, there was nobody at the trailhead when we arrived. We saw only three people on our way to and from the river.

We'll be back next month for the next set of readings.

Arrived at 11am on a sunny clear Friday to a full lower lot and a mostly full upper parking lot. With that, my 5-yo and I hardly saw anyone else for the first mile and there is a lot of trail side width to space yourselves out and let people pass. Almost everyone else was masked, thank you! The word has gotten out and this gorgeous little hike is now almost always overcrowded on weekends with no parking, so best kept for weekdays-only, for maximum safe distancing. It is just so pretty who can blame anyone else for wanting to experience it! Park in the upper (larger) lot if you can find a spot there in order to do the full lollipop loop from start to finish. The extra little bit is so worth the views! 

Took advantage of the rain-free day. Completed this hike with my 10 y/o. Fairly easy. Went down to the river. It was very high because of all the rain. Trail is well maintained and not very muddy.