Elk Creek Trail

A few weeks ago our local paper had an article about an area of land that was now being opened up to the public for hiking and biking along Elk Creek.  In all it is 3,502 acres just outside the town of Shady Cove that originally was to have a dam built by the Army Corp of Engineers for flood-control and fisheries enhancement. That project ended and now efforts are under way to rebuild the stream channel and streamside riparian zone. With parking facilities, picnic tables and restrooms added at the two trailheads, the Army Corp of Engineers opened the trail and we just had to try it out.

Hiking bridge at beginning of trail

Along with my sister Karen, we started the hike at the Yellow Rock Trailhead and found that by 10:00 am there were already many cars in the parking area. The trail is actually an old paved road that parallels Elk Creek most of the time although it is out of view.  We did access the creek via a side trail once and were tempted to go in to cool off.

The Elk Creek Trail - currently a paved road

Elk Creek

At the start of our hike we came across a California Kingsnake who did not want to stop and pose for a picture. It quickly made it's way across the trail and off into the grass, but we did manage a picture or two.

California Kingsnake making a quick trail crossing

Throughout our hike there were meadows alongside the trail. The newpaper article stated that Roosevelt Elk, Black Bear and even Bobcats are seen in this area, but our wildlife viewing today was limited to the Kingsnake, lizards and hundreds of butterflies.  Glenn kept trying to take pictures of the various butterflies, but they would not cooperate.  After much patience and effort, he did get one to hold still for a quick photo op.

One of many meadows along the Elk Creek trail

The one butterfly that held still

The meadows, as well as alongside the trail, featured many varieties of wildflowers.  Some we have seen along other hikes this spring, but there were many new ones to view on this hike.  A few of those new ones include Field Morning Glory, Mountain Valerian, Yellow Salsify, Varileaf  Phacelia and Wormleaf Stonecrop.  Not necessary household common names. One thing we have learned this Spring is that there are so many different varieties of wildflowers and many look very similar.

Yellow Salsify

Field Morning Glory

Wormleaf Stonecrop

We did not hike the entire trail to the other trailhead but enjoyed hiking along for over an hour before turning around and heading back. The only drawback to today's hike was that the trail was very hot due to the trail being pavement - the reflective heat really wore us out!  However, if you are in the area of Shady Cove, we would highly recommend you get out and take a hike through this new park area.

Afterwards we headed down the road a few miles to McGregor Park and got to see the Blue Heron nesting area.  We saw 3 large nests which were occupied by 3 young herons and 1 adult.

Of course hiking and eating go hand-in-hand, so we made stops at Phil's Frosty (chocolate & vanilla malts) and Jeffros BBQ (tri-tip and bbq pulled pork sandwiches) in Shady Cove on the way home.

Trekking Together
Glenn & Carol

P.S. Mystery Wildflower -- do you know the name of this wildflower?  We don't.  If you do, let us know at tablerocktrekker@gmail