On a blustery winter day near the end of December, the hike was one I did in the same time period in the previous year.   From the Pacific Way trailhead in Kenna Cartwright Park I followed a series of trails: Upper Doc Findlay > Owl’s Perch > Ruffed Grouse > Upper Doug Daws > North Vista > and then back on a well-stomped route.   The conditions were a bit difficult with a good dump of snow to hike on, then the conditions included winds with sleet-like snow.   I used microspikes on my boots and dressed well, but was a hilly route (290 m elevation gain), a slow-going trek.

There were some hikers and dog–walkers on some of the trails, but not in the North Vista area.    I could see only one track in the snow, and not for a few days.    I ran into a coyote on the slopes as he climbed away up the hill.

Much of the route is on single tracks on sidehills, but there are some open spots for views on North Vista, but not on this day.

This is a nice route in dry conditions, but a bit more challenging in winter.

The Owl’s Perch Loop is  just one route that can be hiked in winter in Kenna Cartwright Park.      There will be other routes to hike over the coming months, all part of hiking every day, in all conditions.