A couple of urban hikes 3/18

[Lekilei253]

I had a few free hours before work, so I met up with a walking buddy to checkout Kelly Point. The paved trail is in good condition and there are several side trails that take you down to the beach. I would have liked to stick to the beach, but my walking buddy was concerned about sand in the shoes, so we stuck mostly to the paved trail.
After a quick 1.5 mile loop, my walking buddy had to head back into town. I still had some time and energy, so I stopped at mith and Bybee lakes.

The parking area was full with a group having lunch and when I got out of the car tons of mosquitoes. Once I got away from the parking area the bugs thinned out. I headed out towards the Smith lake loop. I followed the path to the end and the last gazebo. There were a few bird watchers out looking at the wildlife. I saw a few geese and ducks, plus a large (3 ft?) bird through the trees, but couldn't identify it. Tried to get a picture of it.

I kept hearing rustling in the grass next to the path, when I noticed little tunnels in the grass. There were little rodents, not sure what exactly, running through the grass.

On the way back I attempted the little loop, but the center of the loop in currently underwater. The middle two gazebos were also not accessible without getting your feet wet.

The beavers have been busy too!

Two nice shorter loop options close to the city!!

[kmcdade]

Sounds good! How long is the Smith Lake loop?

[Lekilei253]

Sounds good! How long is the Smith Lake loop?

My mileage for Smith lake was about 2 miles. This is from the parking area to the trail, down to the dead end, then into each side of the loop until I hit water. The loop itself is probably about half a mile.