Oxbow Loop Trail — Sunday, Apr. 13, 2025

After a somewhat disappointing foray for wildflowers east of the mountains yesterday, I went up the Middle Fork to see what I could find. Decided to tick this trail off my list since I'd driven by it so many times, and it was a surprisingly interesting trail. It's well-constructed and well-maintained, and level and smooth but with definitely a bit of up-and-down. Honestly it feels like one of the Issaquah Alps trails but far less crowded. I saw maybe 8 parties the whole day (including a game little Shih Tzu and his lovely person, who I ran into three times). I've often wondered if this trail was a good recommendation for kids and pets, and now I know. The primary parking lot with the restrooms has a short access trail to the top of the trail loop, and it goes over a bluff with great river/mountain views.