Like many of us, my 2020 was filled with travel plans, and most of them were cancelled. After a while, it became very challenging to feel excited about living in the Bay, despite the gorgeous views and plethora of recreation opportunities. I missed the open road, the thrill of the unfamiliar, and the excitement of seeing what would be around the next corner. On the road back from Bayfield in early December, I passed a sign I’ve seen a hundred times before and always sped by, but this day I pulled a u-turn in the road and drove back, to the Salmo Lake Walk Trail. This humble trailhead and small parking lot are right across the street from the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery (the location of the next trails I plan to stop at). The Salmo Lake Walk Trail is a short, well maintained trail through a marsh and winds around to end at a small beach on the Lake. I especially enjoyed the sturdy metal bridges and the vantage points they provided. The ice formations along the creek and shoreline were diverse and beautiful. It was quiet, and very still. The strangely mild early December sun warmed me through my big puffy coat, and sitting on the faded logs by the shore, watching birds swim and dive in Pike’s Bay, I reconnected with this beautiful area. This, for me, is the beauty of the open road, the joy of travel--that it’s possible to stop randomly on the side of the road and connect with a beautiful place. And it’s been hard to feel that this spontaneity is possible when traveling isn’t the safest activity to do at the moment. For 2021, I’m resolving to look off the beaten path in the Bay area for more of the small and subtle hikes that I’ve overlooked and driven by in the past. I know they’re out there, and I look forward to seeing new but familiar places within a 25 mile radius. Recommendations for other low-key or overlooked trails in the area? Please let me know in the comments!
The setting sun over the marsh.
December golden hour.
A sweet view of Pikes Bay Marina.
by Social Media Coordinator, Tara Padovan
