Day Hike - Lord Hill Regional Park

There were a few trails (highlighted in "red" on AllTrails) that are unavailable (such as Red Barn Trail) but those we hiked had very few blow-downs or step-overs. There is definitely plenty of mud, slick in places, and the route we took toward Beaver Lodge Pond required several stream crossings I helped people navigate across. If you go off the beaten trail it's a good idea to have a pole or two.

Portapotties were open and stocked. No parking pass needed.

It took about 40 minutes driving time from North Seattle/Shoreline border via Everett/I-5, 34 coming back via Monroe bypass.

We had a few snow flurries for a minute or two but otherwise wonderful brisk weather. Horse manure and mountain bike ruts are common on the all-purpose trails; I preferred those without ruts and grooves, and we even saw one trail that had been recently graveled near Dragonfly Pond - I can see what "big plans" for this park might make a huge difference in terms of usage and enjoyment. I want to come back in peak birding season -- we had a pileated, hairy woodpecker, a barred owl, and more, including a deer. But no great gray owl (that was over seven years ago).

Have navigation running as signage is widely varied, from large to small, dark to tiny medallions on trees - rumor has it that this will be improved but for now, make sure you have a map or some way to find your way back to the parking lot.