Lovely Spring Hike

This afternoon, Zach and I went for a short hike at Watershed Park. Watershed has a loop trail that is just over 1.5 miles. Although it has a couple of  steep sections, overall it is an easy, gentle hike that winds through a beautiful and lush forest. Much of the "trail" is a boardwalk, and it was recently covered with a non-slip material that makes it especially easy and safe to hike on in damp spring conditions. Speaking of spring, spring really is the time to visit Watershed Park! The skunk cabbages and salmonberries are in full bloom right now, there are green buds coming up and unfurling everywhere, the trees are glowing with moss, and the park looks completely magical.
A few years ago I visited the park with my niece and she kept remarking on the the bad smell of the skunk cabbages. When I told her I liked the smell, she started anticipating it, and each time we'd reach a particularly fragrant patch she'd exclaim "Tia, it's your favorite smell!" excitedly. Now, every spring when I visit Watershed I think of being there with her and it makes me smile. Zach took the picture above; from the trail it looked like a dance party of skunk cabbages.
Watershed can easily be hiked in under 45 minutes, which makes it a great choice for a quick and refreshing hike when you want to be outside but don't have a lot of time. Parts of the trail can get a little muddy at times, so be sure to wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.