This is always a good choice if you want to get out for a bit of a walk without going too far.
I haven't been in the preserve since last fall so was interested to see what damage had been inflicted from the bomb cyclone. I entered the preserve from the main south lot and hiked the Trillium trail with an out and back on the Old pond trail, returning via Siler's mill and the Pipeline trails. That's a nice loop that puts your around 5 miles. Being later in the day I felt I was chasing the sun the whole way around, and at times I could almost feel the first stirring of spring. All the sword ferns were looking down right perky. Alas the sun was already gone by the time I reached the bench at the old pond so, after admiring the ice sheet, I did not linger there. The biggest trail damage was close to the small pond on Siler's Mill trail. Multiple trees down (all cleared away now, thanks Redmond park and rec), and I have to say some of those root balls were impressive. Marching on I finally found a few sunbeams to admire as I approached the Pipeline regional trail and back to the car. The area under the power lines right before the parking lot is impressive with frost maintaining a firm grip there. Otherwise the trails were in great shape, mostly frozen a few frost heaves but not slippy.
As you drive in and out just watch out for the short icy section where the access road passes the entrance pond.
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