The hike is out and back and 1.7 mi one way. The trail is ADA accessible for the first 0.7 mi. The entrance is between two handicap parking signs. Bear left until you see the trail entrance for buttermilk bend. Go across the main road and into the parking lot. There is a historic 'toll' sign in front of the bridge). Then walk through the footbridge that was recently modeled (free, no charge. Can also see cool taxidermied animals like a bear and a ring necked pheasant. Go visit vistor center for gold flakes, bird books, and other brochures.
Start off by parking in the visitor parking lot. The trees and shrubs are marked with wooden 2ft posts and stenciled/spray painted white numbers. They also have a tree/shrub self guide that you pick up for free outside of the visitor center. They label wildflowers along the trail with little name cards, so keep your eyes peeled. It's NOT fields and fields of poppies and lupine, but it IS an educational experience. What that means is there were wildflowers along every bend of the hike. We went because there were good reviews of wildflowers. I LOVE this little gem! We went to buttermilk bend trail and it did NOT disappoint.
