Trip Report:
Group Leader: Mark Hougardy | Organization: Eugene-based hiking group | Date: October 27, 2024 | Duration: 1 day | Walking Distance: 8 miles | Participants: 8 | Elevation Gain/Loss: 200 feet
The weather threatened a downpour at the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge, but the clouds parted and sunlight welcomed us to the trail. Halfway through the hike, near the Cheadle Barn area, the clouds returned as did some showers though they soon passed. We saw a good number of ducks and geese at the Cabell Marsh. Dark rain clouds were starting to return so we skipped the Woodpecker Loop and ended the day dry with beautiful weather. We saw: an eagle, lots of geese and ducks, one newt, one banana slug, a frog, fluttering bugs that appeared to be mayflies, and several in our group saw Roosevelt Elk! Several rainbows were seen too!
