took the kids out for a little hike today. We left from the main lot and headed up the Trillium trail to the first Junction, where we turned right and then followed it back down to the Powerline Trail and to the car.  It's just a little under 2 miles. The trail is is clear and in great shape, we only saw two other people while we were out today. The huckleberries are done at this point, but it was an enjoyable little hike anyway.

For more details on the Redmond Watershed Preserve, refer to my previous blog post: Exploring one of the Seattle Area’s Best-Kept Secrets: The Redmond Watershed Preserve

We hiked out the Trillium Trail to the pond and back. The trail was in great condition. We spotted snails, banana slugs, deer, lots of mushrooms, a Western Tanager, and a family of bears!

We were using the restrooms and sitting at the picnic area in the parking lot when a mama bear and two cubs paid us a visit. Mama was on high alert and giving us the evil eye when her less-brave cub cried from a tree. A horse and her rider came up while the bears were there and, though the horse and bears startled each other, the bears did not run off. They climbed into a tree next to the hose trailer and huffed and puffed and snorted and snuffed. We left at that point to avoid adding to the bears' stress.

This summer, my four-year-old son and I are hiking to raise money for Washington Trails Association. Please consider donating to one of our Hike-A-Thons at the below links. Thank you and Happy Hiking!