The first time I explored this area several years ago, I was surprised to see bridge construction material piled up in what was then a swamp in the middle of nowhere. It was difficult to get a view of the river.  Now we have this nice loop trail around Oxbow Lake, chainsaw-carved benches to sit down and rest, and an easy river access point.  I enjoyed the walk across the new bridge now that all boards have been put in place. 

Went looking for a short hike, today, and picked the trail around Oxbow Lake which is nestled alongside the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River.  Part of the attraction is that I always enjoy the trails down near that river because the forests are so lush and moss wraps everything in soft green.  

There were no problems with the road and despite only a couple of cars at the trailhead, we did not pass a single party along the trail.  Almost made you forget about social distancing.  The only concern at the trailhead was that the bathrooms were a disgraceful mess. 

Started under overcast skies and ended in a steady rain, but that wasn't a big deal.  Sometimes I think the moss and ferns look happier in the rain.  The trail was easy and smooth for the most part with gentle grading up and down from the road to the lake level.  There were some mosquitoes around, but not too bad if you kept moving.  A few salmon berries were still ripe, and some red huckleberries.  It looks like there will be some thimble berries and blackberries in the future.  We saw a family of Hooded Mergansers in the lake near the bridge.  

One word of caution...there are some nettles growing near the trail that are starting to bend into the path.  Just keep your eye out.  There was one smallish log across the trail which we pushed mostly to the side.

This was a very easy and doable hike for someone with a slightly injured ankle, and this was perfect for that reason alone, not to mention the gorgeous views of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River immediately upon staring our hike. Lots of lush greenery, foxgloves, and berries along the way, but unfortunately, there were some biting bugs as well, so bring some bug spray! We only encountered one other group, but there was room to distance ourselves and our pup. Overall, a nice, easy hike to start off the week!

Easy two mile loop trail through a lush forest with giant Sitka Spruce trees and views of the surrounding peaks. There are many spots to take in the curves of the oxbow lake. We saw two elk and others said they saw a beaver and a bear. The trail is gravel and flat, though there is a bridge with stairs.

What a difference 3 years has made to this trail. In 2017 it was a tangle of trails and nettles. Now it's beautifully groomed with a gravel walk way the entirety of its length. Great for kids.

Strawberries, salmonberries, and slugs in abundance within arms' reach of the trail with numerous cut benches amid the leafy green. A few leftover red huckleberries were to be found but flowering thimbleberries are still a few weeks off.