We’re so fortunate in Dundee to have a community that values open space and parks. It’s taken a great deal of leadership and vision to ensure that developed land is balanced with natural beauty that surrounds us. One of those gems is the Harvey Creek Trail. I wrote a post about the trail back in March, and this past weekend we went to visit again.

Not only had the leaves fallen, but the trail has also transformed during the last few months.

The once steep trail was re-graded in places to allow for less steep switchbacks down the hill. Below you can see the original trail on the left with the new switchback trail on the right.

The addition of the switchbacks seems to have almost doubled the length of the trail. I especially love the care taken to weave the new trail between existing trees.

The understory is well maintained thanks to volunteer help from George Fox Students and the Dundee Parks Advisory Committee. The smell of fresh morning dew and lush green ferns was magical…a complete escape from everyday grind of pavement and cars.

Once you reach the bottom of the trail you cross the trail’s namesake, Harvey Creek, via this footbridge. Given our recent rains the creek was quite full and bubbled along…

When we stopped at the footbridge to rest our legs and enjoy the sound of Harvey Creek, The Renaissance Man made me a quick piece of artwork. I give you this original piece named “Rays of Helicopter Seeds!” Ha!

It was such a quite and peaceful walk in the morning. As the sun continued to rise we were warmed up by sunshine poking through the treetops.

And then it was time to head back up the hill…

More work on the trail will continue again this spring when the weather clears, but if you’re in Dundee this fall and want to get out and see the trail in progress, now is the time! Nothing beats a quite morning walk in the trees.