Sat AM Hike - MN River Valley Trails in Bloomington + Nature Fest: Olas de Vida!

Let’s meetup for a long loop hike on the scenic Minnesota River Valley National Wildlife Refuge trails! Following the hike, join us (optional) for food trucks/music/art near the trailhead at Nature Fest: Olas de Vida! At this free event, you can enjoy cultural dances, try something new at the food trucks, discover wildlife, and more! Nature Fest: Olas de Vida | City of Bloomington MN

The Minnesota River Valley is a rich mosaic of plant and animal communities, full of floodplain marshes, wet meadows, fens and lakes. These wetlands are maintained by the river and by the spring-fed streams that drain from the base of the bluffs. The hillsides and bluffs support oak forest and oak savanna remnants, as well as outstanding scenic overlooks.

THE HIKE: We will hike about 8 miles over about 3 hours at a medium pace (19-20 min mile). We will pause a few times to take in the natural surroundings. The terrain varies with rocks, roots, loose gravel, mud, dirt, and standing water. This route includes about 2 miles of concrete sidewalk. There are some hills.

Bugs aren’t usually excessive on this trail, but clothing or DEET spray should be considered for potential ticks and mosquitoes.

Most of our route is shaded, but sunscreen/protection should be considered for a couple areas in the open.

Bathrooms: There are modern bathrooms at the trailhead and modern bathrooms near the half way point of the hike(Old Cedar Bridge).

Parking is FREE at the Refuge Visitor Center parking lot.

Sorry, no +1s or children allowed on this hike.

Well behaved dogs kept on a 6 ft leash are welcome.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.

HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.

Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup

We’ll meet in front of the visitor center. I look forward to seeing you there!