Category Archives: Outdoors

The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve ~Tulsa, OK

boardwalk

The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is one we have heard of for a long time and been meaning to go to for a LONG time.

It is only about 30 mins. from us but I always chose a longer hike instead.

The longest trail in the preserve is a mile long so it is a little short for our usual family hikes but very nice for someone just starting out or with little ones.

rugged

We were laughing at “very,very rugged”, I have not seen that description often.

It was definitely not stroller friendly but I would not be discouraged the by the sign at all it was not that bad.

rocky

The boys gave this place two thumbs way up!

They really liked the climbing involved and the fact it was not super long.

We push them a lot…

We went around once going on the cliff trail and the woodland trail.

Then we went around again using the main trail.

The trails intersected a lot so you are doing some of the same hike again but we did not mind.

In total it was around 2 miles of hiking.

Definitely a place you want to check out if you have young kids or want a short hike in a scenic place.

It was a very beautiful hike!

They have very specific hours so be sure to check out their site before you go!

Beavers Bend State Park, SE Oklahoma

On our way to Beavers Bend State Park we stopped at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and Heavener Runestone State Park.

The picture above was taken at Heavener.

It was POURING so we did not stay there very long.

We just walked down to see the runestone and then slipped and slid our way back up.

By the time we arrived at Beavers Bend State Park the rain had stopped!

Even though they had their big festival going on we had our choice of campsites because of the rain.

We chose a campsite right on the river between Grapevine and Hickory campsites.

I am not sure which one it was since it was in the middle of them both.

You could not park down at these sites but the parking was close by.

No one else was camping anywhere near us!

The boys loved the really nice playground they had at the park.

Of course!

We travel hours away from home to a brand new park and all they care about is the playground…

The deer were EVERYWHERE!

They seemed like they were used to people being around also.

They would just ignore you as you took as many pictures as you wanted.

The view from the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail.

It connects to their big trail the David L. Boren (26miles) but we did not go very far on it.

We had our dog and my husband was worried about the rocky terrain hurting her paws.

Next we took the Pine Ridge Nature Trail to the Heritage Center.

They have a museum there and an old log cabin so be sure to check it out if you go.

As we got closer to the Center there were signs with information about the animals and trees we were seeing.

It was a very kid friendly trail.

The fall colors were really pretty.

I love rain soaked leaves!

Over all it was a really nice park.

Since the Ouachita National Forest is on the way we tend to just go there instead.

I was told by many people that I needed to make the trip to Beavers Bend and I am happy I did.

That being said, we will probably continue going to Ouachita.

I love the Mountain terrain and it is a little bit closer.

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge ~Vian, OK

We went to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge for the first time back in February of 2009 for the eagle watch tours.

My boys were so tiny!

I believe the tours run in January and February.

Then and Now!!!

We stopped by the refuge on the way to Beavers Bend State Park for my birthday this month.

They have several nature trails.

We were only able to go on one before it started POURING!

He was concerned she would hurt her feet on the rough metal bridge…

So of course I took pictures of him carry our very heavy dog over a very wobbly bridge!

They have an auto tour that we like to drive on.

We saw, ducks, geese, hawks, and an owl.

It is a really pretty refuge!

If you live nearby be sure to check it out!

Especially during the upcoming months when the Eagles will be there.

Next time I want to be sure and bring binoculars for the boys to use!

I think they would have more fun on the auto tour that way.