I chose Tradition Lake Loop for my traditional Mother's Day hike. I don't know why it's not more popular- 3.5 miles with options to do more or less, mostly flat and shady through beautiful forests and a glimpse of Tradition and Round lakes. Highly recommend! (Even in 92 degrees like today)

We arrived around 1:00, but I was nervous by the high amount of cars on the road approaching the actual parking lot. There must be more popular trails there, as there were a few parking spaces left at the Tradition Trailhead. Pit toilets at the trailhead were fine, and I saw no trash along the trails. 

The side trail leading closer to Tradition Lake's shoreline did not provide a clear view of the Lake due to overgrowth, but it was beautiful nonetheless and Round Lake was full of water. 

There were tons of bugs, but most of the trails are under the canopy's shade. We took lots of breaks due to the heat and left the trail around 3:00. 

Summary:

• Family friendly hike. Went with kids + another family (with their kids)
• overcast conditions. Rain conveniently stopped during the hike duration

So many plants are thriving and a few flowers too! Trillium, evergreen violets, Oregon grape, horsetail, bleeding hearts, salmon berry, oro-berry, and a few more are blooming. 

The first Salmon Berries are blooming (photo 1). Native American plums are blooming everywhere below 1000' (photo 2). Sitka Willows under the power lines between the Swamp and Big Tree trails will bloom soon, in plant-relative time, could be a week (picture 3). And lots of color and other visual delights along the way!

We (casual and not exactly young hikers) decided to go to the Tradition Lake Loop area since we didn't have an early start or much time to plan, and there are lots of trails nearby to pick from.

We started at High Point Trail. (At SE 79th turn left for High Point Trail or right for Tradition Lake Loop.) Plenty of street parking a bit past noon. High Point Trail accesses Lingering Trail and Tiger Mountain Trail, but we turned around at the TMT junction and enjoyed this fairly steep but short hike by itself. The trail was very well maintained. (Thank you trail workers!  xoxo, My Ankles and Me.) No obstacles, big rocks or roots. The trail stays in the woods, partly alongside a stream/runoff, and there were so few people midday it was a peaceful little hike, and great for some uphill effort before heading over to Tradition Lake. 

We walked back along SE 79th to Tradition Lake Loop (driving seemed...wrong, haha.) The parking lot had plenty of parking when we passed. There were several families and groups along these nicely manicured even trails, but it wasn't at all crowded.  Maybe the overcast skies and chance of rain?  Great trail for kids or anyone who wants to get outside without a strenuous hike. I'll suggest it to my out-of-state guests.  We went on to Swamp Trail, then around the other side of the lake via the paved road then back to the car.  Happy hour was calling ;)

Via my tracker, roughly 6.4 miles, 911 ft gain (credit High Point Trail), and roughly 2:50 total time.