My New Favorite Walking Trail

Just before heading out of Washougal, going in the direction of the gorge on highway 14, there is a scenic walking trail that is very easy to miss, or even to just pass by thinking it's nothing special. I've driven by it numerous times and always tell Armando that 'one day we need to check that place out'. There were a few days recently that felt almost Spring-like. We decided on one of those days that it was just the perfect day for our little family to go out for a new adventure. We grabbed the binoculars, some snacks and drove down the road to that spot off of 14 to see what we've been missing.

The trail starts just off of the highway where the parking lot, restrooms and trail head information is at and takes you all the way to the Columbia River...a few easy miles. There were a few seasonal detour trails that were closed for the winter also. It's perfect for bird watchers or anyone who wants a quiet, easy and relaxing nature walk. What I liked the most, and didn't even realize it until we got back to the trail head, was that no dogs or bicyclists are allowed on the trail! Every one of my other favorite hiking/walking trails in the area are full of dogs and bicycles making it a somewhat dangerous obstacle course for Esperanza & I every time. It was nice to not worry about getting ran down by a bike or mawled by a dog during our nature walk this day. It was very peaceful and relaxing. The sky was clear with just a few clouds, giving an amazing view of Mt. Hood & the gorge, there were ducks swimming in the ponds and streams & we were overwhelmed by the the sounds and sights of the huge flocks of geese that flew overhead at one point. Though there were signs of animal life scattered here and there, the Earth beneath us was still, in a deep silent Winter sleep.

" Look at that!"

We were hopping, skipping & jumping along the trail...then she got ahead of me and I snapped a photo of her mid-air
Such a daddy's girl Daddy showing Esperanza how to use the binoculars

I'm not so sure she really figured out how to use the binoculars, but once she got maybe a little peek threw the magic lenses, she just wouldn't put them down.

Though we're past the bridge here, Esperanza would want to hold my hand every time we walked over a bridge because she said she was going to fall in between the little ity bity gaps of the wood planks. Too funny.
Family Photo

I'm not usually one to take scenic/nature photos because I don't have the skills or the equipment to get it right, but I couldn't resist at least trying yesterday. Here are a few good shots I captured of our nature walk and of this beautiful little piece of land in the Pacific Northwest.

I can't wait to take Espeanza back here soon, especially in the Spring when all of this will be brought back to life. I love living here in the Northwest!!!