Warmer spring weather brings with it opportunities to get outdoors and explore the Lake Wilderness Arboretum’s forest and walking trails.

“The forest consists primarily of 65-year-old Douglas fir,” said garden manager Susan Goodall. “It’s estimated that the area was probably logged in the late thirties or early forties.”

Other conifers in the forest include Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar and Pacific Yews. Deciduous trees include big-leaf maples and alders.

“We are fortunate to still have a lot of open space and trail systems in King County despite heavy and rapid growth during the last decade,” said Teresa Allen, a King County employee and frequent visitor to the Arboretum.

“I would encourage anyone to go exploring in the area. There is always a surprise to be found there, or an amazing photo opportunity.”

Almost a mile and a half of marked trails provide easy walking for people and pets through the forest, where ocean spray, lady ferns, Oregon grape, salal and red huckleberry grows in the underbrush. Visitors may also spot eagles, coyote, cougar, even black bears.

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org for more information.