While there aren't any birds at this nesting spot at present, this trail is a wonderful excuse to come back many times to see if any do move in! And you'll likely spot other birds flying, swimming, floating or feeding in the waters and reeds of the marshes. I like this trail in spring, when the wild roses are in bloom and the temperature is moderate. (There is very little shade.)
The Benson Railroad Trail (also known as the Benson Bridge Nature Trail) is a 2.2-mile loop hike on an old railroad grade around a good-sized lake in the Cutler Marshes. It’s the only loop trail I know of in Cache Valley that has beautiful views of reed-filled and open water the entire way. It’s a good place to watch for waterfowl, try your luck fishing, go canoeing, or zip around in motorboats or Jet Skis. (Later: actually, motorboats and jet skis might not be permitted on Cutler Reservoir in order to avoid disturbing the birds and other wildlife; I don't know.)
The trail is open all year and is generally uncrowded. There may be annoying flying bugs at some times in season. (I've so far only encountered some in the evening this last May.) Beware of wasps at the cache location in late summer. The trail head has limited parking and no facilities. Restrooms, picnic tables and additional parking can be found just across the street (Black Rock Road) at one of the larger boat launch areas maintained by Pacificorp in the Cutler Reservoir system. See http://thetrekplanner.com/benson-railroad-trail-cutler-reservoir-benson-utah/
The bridge has been repaired and is now open!
Congratulations to 12iz, who dashed out in the evening for the FTF. Hope you didn't meet any bugs!
This cache is part of the series, MountainHobbit's Mathoms, Year 11. Don't know what a mathom is? Check out Chapter 1 in the Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien to find out the reason for this hobbity celebration!