North Shore - Bell's Trailhead to Cougar Overlook Double 8 Short Loop

Leg 1 -  Bell's Trailhead > Shady Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > North Scenic Loop > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Badlands > River Bend Trail > Javelina > unmarked trail NE > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Cougar Overlook    3.7 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (WSW) > River Bend (N) > Lower Ghost Camp > River Bend Campground > Lower Ghost Trail (N) > South Slick Rock > Upper Big Hill Trail > Rocky Creek Trail > Trailhead to Trailhead (N) > Bell's Trailhead    4.1 miles

Temp started at 32, ended at 62.  Sunny with a light SW breeze.

A chilly start on frosty and damp trails.  Deer were spotted as well as two Great Blue Herons, some male cardinals and a dozen Robins at Bell's Trailhead. More agarita bushes are in bloom and have attracted some insects (photo attached). Even though the trails were easy to traverse, my shoes picked up quite a bit of sticky mud which I cleared off numerous times.  A quiet, peaceful and relaxing hike!

NOTES -

Info kiosk and a bicycle repair sation available at Bell's Trailhead.  Water and shade available in the nearby campground.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at the River Bend Campground.