remembering other hikes

After writing my previous post, I realized that I haven't kept good tabs on the other hikes that we have already done in the area. Here are the ones that I can remember from last year:

• Mirror Lake: This is a gorgeous, gorgeous lake (see photo above). There were a lot of bugs leading up to the lake, but it was still worth it. The sad thing is, I don't think that we'll attempt to do this hike again, at least for a long time. The road conditions leading up to the trail were awful, it took us over an hour to drive just a few miles. Plus, we drove over a huge screw on the way home and got a flat tire. The only thing that redeemed the driving problems was the gorgeous lake. Length of hike: 2 miles total.

• Franklin Falls: This is a very short and easy hike, but it's really neat because you can walk up to the base of the falls (see our photo here). We're excited to go back and try the natural rock slides at nearby Denny Creek. Length of hike: 2 miles total.

• Bat Caves/Talus Rocks (Tiger Mountain State Forest): This is an especially fun hike because the trail is in a loop - you can see different areas on the way up and down. The caves are especially fun (see one of our pictures here). Length of hike: 3 miles total, although you can also see Lake Tradition and extend the hike to about 5 miles total.

• Twin Falls (North Bend): This is another great family hike, but be forewarned: this is a very popular trail in the summer. There are a couple of steep areas, but the hike is more than manageable. The falls are pretty (see our picture here). Length of hike: 3 miles total.

• Rattlesnake Ledge (and Rattlesnake Lake): I haven't hiked this trail with Sam and J, but from what I remember, this hike would be fine for families with small children. There is a fun view of the lake from the top of the ridge (see photo here). Length of hike: 4 miles total.

• Discovery Park: These trails are great because there is so much diversity in the vegetation and views. You can be in a forest, a beach (see our photo), and a large meadow all within the same trip. There is a sewage treatment plant in one area, which makes the trail rather stinky and unpleasant, but it's tolerable. Make sure that you follow the signs in the area, too. J and I picked the wrong trail and wandered around for awhile, trying to find the beach. There are lots of trails in this area, and we are excited to go back. Length of trails: 4 miles total.

• Cedar Butte: To be honest, we actually didn't finish this hike. We attempted this hike with three children under the age of three, and their different schedules and needs (i.e. hunger) caused us to turn back early. The hike was alright - although I didn't feel like it afforded for many spectacular views. The first part of the hike is level along a dirt road, which isn't too exciting. However, I do remember that this trail reminded me somewhat of hikes in Utah, which was a nostalgic and fun. Length of hike: 3 miles total.

• Lake Hills Greenbelt Trail: This is a fun, short trail that we took one evening. The trail connects Phantom Lake (see photo) and Larson Lake (see photo). You're not completely "in the wilderness" when you follow these trails (you cross some streets and see buildings), but it's a nice walk on level ground. Length of trail: 2 miles.

• Weowna Park Trail: There are some pretty views of a deep ravine in this park. I also remember a lot of tall, beautiful trees. Length of trail: 2.5 miles.

These are all of the hikes that I can remember right now. I think this list will be more helpful for me than anyone else; it will help me easily remember all of the hikes we have completed (and which ones we still want to do!). Now that Sam is a little older, I'm excited to try longer hikes this summer.