by Hilary White

A group of 5 of us determined to hike again, after a long pandemic, reunited at Finley. Having driven in separate cars, we drove through the west entrance and began hiking at Woodpecker Loop where a loud robin hailed our arrival. It seemed the robin was aware we would do no harm as Finley Wildlife Refuge is protected. Nothing can beat the greenery this time of year with the fresh air that follows rains. Wildflowers abounded: Cats Ears, Fringe Cup, Disappointing Buttercup, Cows Parsley, Oregon Iris, Camas, Delphinium. A seasonal pond along Woodpecker Loop was filled to capacity. We were treated to a display of frogs and polliwogs.

We did not encounter other hikers, although we saw other vehicles at the trailhead. Some areas in the deep woods are still quite muddy. Skirting around the mud means walking on poison oak. Hikers are discouraged from walking on muddy trails, damaging them with too much foot traffic. Open areas were dry. This was an impromptu hike. Had this been an official Sierra Club outing, the leader would have scouted the trails. Most of the trails were in good condition with adequate drainage. Foot bridges were clear of moss or debris, some with chicken wire to give traction. A connector trail joins Mill Hill to Woodpecker Loop. The group settled for a snack break overlooking Grays Creek where a bench is provided. Bird chatter was alive and well at this location. Everyone enjoyed the chance to get out and there wasn’t a single complaint (except the author with inadequate footwear for the mud.) As we left Finley’s east entrance/exit road, we enjoyed views of The 3 Sisters mountains as a variety of birds flitted around in the open.