It had been a couple weeks since I’d been able to get out and attempt a hike due to issues with my right hip just as my left Achillies was feeling better. In those two weeks I had visits to massage therapy, physical therapy where I got some new stretches/exercises, and low back x-rays (which came back normal). My discomfort level was finally at a point that I was ready to give an easy short hike a try.
We chose Willamette Mission State Park because it offered loop options of various distances and is only 13 driving miles from home. We parked near the restrooms at the Filbert Grove Day Use Area and planned on hiking a mix of the equestrian loops and paved biking trails.
From the parking lot we picked up the paved bike path and followed it back along the entrance road.
Dark-eyed junco
Common toadflax (invasive)
We stuck to the pave path following it into the woods.
We turned left when we came to a “T” junction and soon emerged from the woods.
Northern flicker
Robin
We veered left on the dirt equestrian path that led us down into a high-water channel near the Windsor Island Slough.
The high-water channel. This area floods in winter and remains so through most if not all of spring.
After crossing the channel, the trail briefly passes along the Windsor Island Slough where we spotted a belted kingfisher, a great blue heron, and several ducks.
Mallards
We continued on the equestrian trail staying straight when we passed the South Hill Trail on our left and then staying left when the trail split at the start of the South Loop.
Sparrow
The start of the South Loop. Last year I had taken the right here and returned via the South Hill Trail (post) so this section of the South Loop would be new to both Heather and I.
The trail quickly arrived at a large field where the South Loop turned left.
There was no discernable trail for this section of the loop.
We looped around the field for 0.9-miles before arriving at the South Hill Trail junction. There were lots of birds and a few squirrels in the trees along the field.
One of many robins.
Steller’s jays were also abundant.
Squirrel
At the South Hill Trail junction I reassessed how my hip and heel were feeling to see if we needed to cut the hike short and head back or if we could continue around the field on the South Loop. Everything was feeling good so we continued on the South Loop and detoured on a short wide path down to Goose Lake.
Wood duck
At the far end of the field the loop arrives at a hazelnut orchard and turns left next to a gravel road.
Whie Crowned sparrow
Primrose
We turned right onto a dirt road following pointers for the loop and soon found ourselves back in the woods.
Hazelnuts on the ground.
The loop soon entered more open lowlands where more birds were spotted (but few were photographed).
Golden-crowned sparrow
We completed the loop and returned to Windsor Island Slough where the number of herons had multiplied.
Great blue heron #1
Great blue herons #2 & 3
The GBHs were joined by a great egret who was perched at the mouth of the slough.
We recrossed the high-water channel and stayed straight on the equestrian trail and followed it along the Willamette River then crossed the paved bike path.
American kestral
Bald eagle
We had not gone unnoticed.
Another northern flicker.
There were dozens of cedar waxwings in the trees along the river.
The equestrian trail crossing the paved path.
We forked left when the equestrian trails split and followed this section of trail to the equestrian trailhead near the Filbert Grove Day Use Area.
Ground squirrel near the day use area.
Fall has arrived at the Filbert Grove Day Use Area.
This was a 6.5-mile hike with minimal elevation gain.
We saw a lot of wildlife and heard even more which made an enjoyable hike. My heel held up really well and my right hip did too. My low back did start to tighten up just a bit in the last third of a mile or so, but after getting home and doing some stretching that felt better too. There’s still definitely something not right and I have more appointments later this month, but it was encouraging to be able to get out again and enjoy nature. Happy Trails!
Flickr: Willamette Mission State Park
