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 HEREA 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.
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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.
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A large informational kiosk at the trailhead shows a map and a description of the trail system:
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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:
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The "Oak Tree Trail" winds through predominantly oak forest. Birdhouses have been hung up everywhere:
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Some major work is in progress, all presumably part of some master plan:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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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"I shall wear white flannel trousers, and walk upon the beach.
I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each."
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