It’s nearly July and I haven’t taken time off longer than a weekend trip. Gotta fix that pronto, all work and no play makes Homer something something. With the upcoming 4th holiday week I’m packing up and leaving for a few weeks. First step: practice run at nearby Richard Bong State Recreation Area. I hiked the blue trail a few weeks ago but still more to explore. Will add a few more trails today but main objective is to jam my car full of camping gear and see what I forgot.
Less talk? Got it. Words bad, pictures good. Away we go!
Vista Nature Trail
A short 1 mile loop, the Vista Nature Trail is a very easy hike for people of all skill levels. Heavy rains today turned many areas into mud, but on drier days the path is mostly grass with little/no elevation change.
Because of the rain mosquitoes were swarming and the forest was overgrown. Not many photos to share, it’s all a blur of neon green foliage. Most notable feature on this trail is a small pond with reflection as still as a mirror. Also mosquitoes.
Visitor Center Nature Trail
Another short trail for all skill levels, the 2nd nature trail starts from the Molinaro Visitor Center and winds through mostly grassland/prairie on a crushed limestone path. This is an excellent spot for birding, butterflies, and wildflowers.
The trail makes a close pass near Wolf Lake – an ideal spot for watching ducks and other birds that frequent the area.
On an otherwise gray and rainy day, I did catch a glimpse of the sunset reflecting against the cloud bottoms. Time to head back to camp.
Green Trail
This 1.8 mile loop trail is more than 50% shared by the Blue Trail and what I would consider relatively easy terrrain. Once again, not many photos to share as the forested sections are awash in a sea of green leaves – beautiful in their own way, but not so good photography-wise. Unique trail sections approach closer to the north shore of Wolf Lake for some nice views.
I was able to sneak down into one of the hunting blinds on the shore for a water-level view unobstructed by surrounding brush.
Hiking Data
Vista Nature Trail: Very easy, very overgrown, lots of mosquitoes. Probably much better in fall when leaves change colors.
Visitor Center Nature Trail: Great short walk for birding, terrain is super easy with a well-defined limestone path.
Green Trail: Not much different than Blue Trail but a nice walk through the forest and grasslands.
