Hayfields Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Wildflowers

There's a subtle and overlooked beauty in Hayfields Trail. The trail doesn't really lead to any particularly breath-taking places. In fact, it's really quite a peculiar trail.

As you follow the path, Hayfields Trail will start to quickly narrow. You'll go down into a gully and take a few turns here and there and because the trail starts to thin down to nothing, you might start wondering if you're on a legitimate trail at all. If you keep following it, you'll run into a sign for Cowan Meadows Trail. This is the best indicator that you're still on track.

Past that sign, you'll go up the hill into a large clearing. Once again the trail will almost be non-existent. Your best indicator here are the electric lines that run right through the field. You'll cross under them and then follow parallel for a little while until you branch out to the left.

Although the trail can be frustrating to keep track of and the power-lines seem very out of place, this section is where the most beauty lies. There are some huge and outright gorgeous Madrones to feast your eyes on. There are many flowers and ferns that seem out of place as well, but really add a lot of character to the hike.

The trail ends abruptly with a sign that says "End Trail" and another electric line pole right in front of it. There's a small shaded clearing to the right but it's riddled with poison oak, so it's best to avoid that area.

Please keep in mind that this trail is so under-used that it can become challenging to stay on the trail. It can become lost in the fields of tall weeds and grasses. And due to this, you really have to tread carefully. There are snakes out in the grasses so it isn't wise to stomp around quickly. The trail maintenance on this one is unfortunately poorly kept. Also, especially after rainy seasons in spring, there will be many ticks. With all the tall grass, this is a tick metropolis.