While the trail was snow free, the peaks to the west, on the Oxbow Lake loop hike, were snow-covered: spectacular! As usual these days, I got a late start, since I prefer to let the air warm up before I start hiking. The Oxbow Lake loop became a favorite hike of mine back in the days when I was undergoing right leg surgeries and was in search of short hikes with great views that I could do on crutches. While there were cars at the upper and lower trailheads for this hike, the hikers I encountered all masked up quickly, whenever they ran into me, as I pulled up my mask and stepped off the trail--which is very wide: perfect for for social distancing. All dogs were leashed! The trail was in great shape: no downed trees. As long as you stay on the main trail, you are on a wide path covered in gravel--but the gravel has 'melted' into the path. Without all the gravel on the trail, it would be hard to hike this route due to the very slippery clay up here. If you step off the trail to get better views of Oxbow Lake, you will quickly learn just how slick is the clay! Another great day up the Middle Fork! A link to my many photos is in the full report section.
Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
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