Great little hike with a cluster of friends, including a 6yo (experienced hiker) and an 8yo (YouTube connoisseur). Both kiddos absolutely loved the hike despite a slight drizzle; a nice variety of mushrooms— including edible pleurotus— and an excellent selection of cool sticks made for a perfect kid-friendly afternoon. 

No real mud on the trail at all, and no big puddles. Great views, loud frogs, and just enough activity for everyone to be excited about burgers afterward.

Beautiful little trail. We thought it’s a nice alternative to GoldCreek Pond for a picnic with kids and pets. Learnt a bit about Oxbow Lake formations, fascinating to see one. Happy Trails! 

First time here.

Lovely views from this hike, I would imagine even better in the summer.

Hiked with husband and 2 kids (4 & 2). There are so many trails on that road it was horrible to find parking. Road and facilities are in good condition. Both kids were able to walk entire thing with no one being carried which was the goal. A few nice views of the little lake and mountains. Very busy area, especially since it was one of the first sunny days. Felt more of a park setting than a hike, especially with all the people around. Trail was perfectly maintained. Have not been up in this area before so we didn't know what to expect. Much more crowded than Packwood area we frequent, but not bad. Will be looking at some other hikes in the area to do this summer with the kids. 

Beautiful sunny hike on Saturday. Both parking lots were full when we first drove by at about noon, so we continued up the road and hike Pratt River for a bit and then came back around 2:30pm and plenty of space in the lot. This loop is mostly deciduous trees so it was pretty hot and exposed so bring hats or sunscreen, but lots of gardener snakes all over sunning themselves! There was one downed tree on the trail, relatively easy to just step over.

We saw one pair of Canada geese and 4-5 breeding pairs of hooded mergansers, a common goldeneye, and a lone ring neck duck. This trail is very accessible for kids, with lots of things to look at and a gentle grade the whole way. The outhouse at the trailhead was clean and stocked. 

Pro tip: go left (clockwise) if you want to get to the river first, go right (counterclockwise) if you want to get to the lake and the ducks first.