High School Trail, Gas Line Trail, Bus Trail, Tradition Lake Loop & Wetlands Trail — Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

I wanted to start at the Rainier Trailhead, but it was full when I got there (I suspect local high school students, perhaps.) However, after driving around the block, a spot opened up. I hit the trail around 12:30, and went High School Trail, Gas Line Trail, Bus Trail, Around the Lake Trail, back down the Gas Line Trail to the Wetlands Trail, eventually making my way down the Park Pointe trail, for a total of 6 miles.
The first part was wide and smooth, with golden sun lighting up the leaves and mossy trees. Later, the trail was narrower and full of cobble-type rocks. It was also darker and colder, but still lovely. (When I got back to the car at 3:30, the sun had already set beyond Squak Mountain!) I took advantage of the outhouse at the High Point trailhead, which says it's not maintained daily, but had plenty of toilet paper when I was there. Views of Tradition Lake are spotty, as signs say they are trying to keep it reserved for wildlife (which I respect!) Round Lake was basically a big mud puddle.
Overall, a lovely afternoon in the autumn woods.