Park Mid-section - Burkett Park Storm Shortened Hike

Route -  Burkett park > WS to LL Connector > Rollercoaster Trail > Old park road (NNE) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park   2.3 miles

Temp was at 67, heavy overcast, light wind then picked up.  Storm coming in from the North.

Trails were dry to slightly damp and easy to traverse.  The trails were cleared of topsoil from the rains we had last week which left the trails clearly visible but extremely rocky and in a few spots, somewhat muddy and slick. 

I initially planned to hike to Cougar Overlook which would have been about 10 miles round trip but the overcast clouds fairly quickly changed into storm clouds with thunder and lightning while I was on Rollercoaster Trail so I had to shorten my route and return much earlier than expected.  On a positive note I saw my first for the year horned lizard as I returned to the trailhead.  On the drive home, the skies opened up and heavy, heavy rain fell for quite awhile which would have made the trails untenable if I had stayed, sought shelter and continued to hike. 

NOTES -

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.