Japanese Gulch ~ March 26, 2013

We went on a short hike at Japanese Gulch in Mukilteo this last week. Here is a link to a map of the trails at Japanese Gulch. I would take the time to look over it so you have a general idea of where you would like to go. The first time that we went on this trail, I brought a map along, but because the trails are not marked and there are a lot of branching trails it was hard to tell exactly which trail you were on.

We parked in the dog park parking lot and accessed the trail on the west side of the dog park. We hiked south and then came down into the gulch, crossed the creek and followed the trail along the railroad tracks north and came back up on the east side of the dog park parking lot.

There are some ups and down and elevation changes and lots of mud (I'd recommend waterproof hiking boots)! We went during the week and didn't see any bicycles, but the trails are used by both hikers and mountain bikers. I wouldn't recommend the trail for anyone that doesn't have good balance or is unsteady, as there are a few bridges and crossings that require some balancing. That said, this is another great, local hike! We probably went about 3-4 miles and enjoyed the nice sunny day.

Here are some picture highlights from the hike:

More favorite signs of spring, Salmonberry blossoms!

My son enjoying a nice seat on a tree

 It wouldn't be a hike without some fungus pictures!

A beautiful view of the water from the trail

Happy Spring trails to you!

Lake Cassidy ~ March 17, 2013

We checked out this short hike that Craig Romano posted as his Hike of the Week for March 15, 2013.
It's located in Marysville, Washington and makes a fun, quick hike that you don't have to drive very far to get to. Check out Craig's post in the link above for directions. He also gives directions to the ADA parking area that makes this lake accessible to disabled hikers.

The day that we went it started hailing in the middle of our walk. Luckily the hail didn't last long!

You can see some of the hail in this picture

This hike is part of the Centennial Trail and is a paved, level trail used by bicyclists and pedestrians.

After 1 1/4 miles Lake Cassidy appears through the trees.

Here's the first view of the lake from the trail

There is a picnic area, educational kiosk and a nice boardwalk when you reach the lake.

Here is a portion of the boardwalk that extends out onto the lake

An eagle that was in a tree near Lake Cassidy

A Red Winged Blackbird singing about spring coming

One of my favorite signs that spring is coming! Skunk Cabbage.

A fungus covered snag

Happy Spring hiking!