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PostSat Feb 15, 2020 10:57 pm 
Oak Tree Park 02-14-20 Low elevation urban dayhike. Total trail miles: ± 1.0 mi. Max. elevation gain: ± 80 feet MetroParks Tacoma description and map for Oak Tree Park HERE A little over five years has passed since my previous report on Oak Tree Park, in which more details can be found. I was curious to see what sort of progress had been made there, so we went over to take a look. The first thing I noticed were the "Two Hour Limit" parking signs in the parking lot. We figured these were put up to discourage those living in their cars from "camping out" in the parking lot.
Oak Tree Park 021420 01
Oak Tree Park 021420 01
The water house which was formerly a source of unflouridated water for those wishing to protect their precious bodily fluids has apparently been relocated to another facility.
Oak Tree Park 021420 02
Oak Tree Park 021420 02
A large informational kiosk at the trailhead shows a map and a description of the trail system:
Oak Tree Park 021420 30
Oak Tree Park 021420 30
The first thing we noticed on the "Oak Tree Trail" was some form of Cyclamen growing all over. It must be fabulous when in bloom:
Oak Tree Park 021420 03
Oak Tree Park 021420 03
The "Oak Tree Trail" winds through predominantly oak forest. Birdhouses have been hung up everywhere:
Oak Tree Park 021420 04
Oak Tree Park 021420 04
Oak Tree Park 021420 10
Oak Tree Park 021420 10
Oak Tree Park 021420 09
Oak Tree Park 021420 09
Oak Tree Park 021420 06
Oak Tree Park 021420 06
Oak Tree Park 021420 24
Oak Tree Park 021420 24
Some major work is in progress, all presumably part of some master plan:
Oak Tree Park 021420 27
Oak Tree Park 021420 27
We followed the "Oak Tree Trail" to its end, then doubled back and followed a secondary trail over to the "Camas Trail" to its southern terminus, and then followed one of many social trails north and west, where just outside the Park boundary we found the remains of a homeless encampment:
Oak Tree Park 021420 01 KK
Oak Tree Park 021420 01 KK
Oak Tree Park 021420 13
Oak Tree Park 021420 13
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Oak Tree Park 021420 16
A short distance away we got onto the City of Tacoma's asphalt-paved "Water Flume Trail", which was under construction when I last visited. The local punks have made concerted efforts to assure that South Tacoma retains its lowlife identity:
Oak Tree Park 021420 19
Oak Tree Park 021420 19
Oak Tree Park 021420 20
Oak Tree Park 021420 20
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Oak Tree Park 021420 18
Along the "Water Flume Trail" are several small interpretive markers, describing the more important and dominant species of native flora. We found the one describing Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) as being "not edible to humans" hilarious, as we've been greatly enjoying the unique flavor of the two dozen jars of Oregon Grape jelly that we cooked up last August:
Oak Tree Park 021420 22
Oak Tree Park 021420 22
Oak Tree Park 021420 21
Oak Tree Park 021420 21
A "smartphone app" told us that we covered about 1.2 miles. We left with plenty of time to get out to Pt. Defiance Park and talk to a few critters and watch the sunlight glowing through the trees.

"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach. I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
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