Oxbow Loop Trail — Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021

We parked in the large parking area at the second TH which is 0.2 miles from the first TH where there is room for only 2 or 3 cars. Here there was one restroom open which had a large garbage can for trash but no TP and a sign which read the outhouse was not cleaned daily which was obvious when using it!  Both TH's have a kiosk with a map and information. Parking at the 2nd TH allows you to take the connector trail to views of the river and mountains in the area and in 0.2 miles it connects with the loop trail at the first TH. We took the loop clockwise and walked the short spur trail to the river. Large Sitka Spruce, a few Western Hemlock, red cedar, alder and Big leaved maples are seen along the trail. A few fungi, several log benches and tables, 2 Canada geese, bufflehead and 2 river otters were seen. The river otters were in the far distance, fun to watch but difficult to photograph because of the many small branches between them and us. We met 2 elderly hikers like us and a lone young male hiker who were wearing masks. A lady with a dog and 3 young children who were walking counter-clockwise were not masked and as they passed us she kept saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry while the children covered their noses and mouths with their hands! The day was sunny with blue skies and a temperature in the mid 40's so it was a pleasant outing.