Morning On Swofford Pond

Day 174: I doubt you could find a more tranquil setting anywhere in western Washington than Swofford Pond. This 216.5 acre reservoir is located southeast of Mossyrock, just above much larger Riffe Lake, into which it drains. Not only will you find decent trout fishing here, a lovely nature trail runs along the south margin for a mile and a half, but does not afford access to the water. There are no homes directly on the shore, and many single-car pullouts give anglers plenty of space to cast a line. Combustion engines are not permitted on the lake, a factor which also makes it a nice place to kayak. There are also many opportunities for the bird-watcher, both in the woods and on the water. I've made at least two Life List sightings along the shore, the most notable a flock of Townsend's Warblers on their spring migration.