This is a super little trail especially when you only have time for a quick outing on a hot day.  Just four or five other groups on the wide gravel trail today.  In some places the trail is a bit overgrown so you will still need to keep masks handy, looking at you dog walkers.  Always something new to look at when you hike and today it was frogs, hundreds of tiny frogs hopping across the trail near the first two culverts on the road side of the lake trail.  I had to walk very slowly to make sure there were no casualties.

Although the trail has plenty of shade it was still pretty warm which makes taking the spur trail down to the river a nice option if you have time to stop to dip your toes.  A quiet older couple were installed on the bank there reading, so I left them to their solitude.  Less than an hour round trip then it was back off home for chores.

Restrooms open and stocked.

Oxbow Loop is a beautiful, easy, and quaint trail. We arrived by 8am and a couple other people started to arrive then as well. However, we did not encounter anyone on the trail until the very last stretch. We saw a few different types of snails, woodpeckers and other birds, and mushrooms. There are a number of cute tree stump-like benches throughout the trail. 

The mosquitos were awful for the majority of the hike. We had bug spray but it barely helped. It was really too bad because it was such a pretty and relaxing hike that had great views, but we rushed through because of the bugs. 

This was a great hike for families with little ones, I highly recommend it! The distance and elevation make it an easy hike and there are views at various points all around the loop making it easy to stop, enjoy the views, rest and have a snack! The trail was pretty quiet for a weekend afternoon, we saw maybe two other hikers on the trail. The directions from this site take you to the first parking lot for this hike. If you go a little further to the next parking lot, it adds .2 miles to the hike, but the view from that stretch is gorgeous!

First visit to this trail.  This short almost flat trail travels around a lake with many nice views.  You can also take a very short spur trail to the river.  Would be great for those who need a short mellow hike.  

My criteria for a day hike this week was a) good for young kids, b) not crowded and c) not remote.  The Oxbow Loop Trail delivered in spades.  At just about 2 miles, it was a good quick hike for my young companions, but had enough native growth, water and mountain scenery to keep them engaged.  In the hour we were hiking, we only encountered two groups, and everyone was wearing masks and respectful of distance.

The trail itself is in great condition and easy to follow.  No mud, no washouts; nothing like that.  I did encounter enough mosquitoes and went home with enough bites that I'd apply bug spray next time.  Parking is a bit confusing the first time; there's two parking lots, and Google directed me to the second one, which connects to the main loop via a ~.2 mile trail.  The second lot is larger and feels like overflow parking, but it also has a bathroom.

All and all, a really nice dayhike for young kids, and on a weekday morning, we mostly had it to ourselves.