The trail has some mud in the usual spots but is clear with no new hazards. The surface is hard, which seems unusual considering all the rain. Very little traffic today considering it was sunny and warm.
Salem Creek Greenway Status
Greenway clear but has some slick mud in the usual places. The sidewalk ford and the concrete ford are flooded with fast moving water but are passable if you have some weight and don't mind getting wet. I took off my shoes and socks and waded. When walking across the concrete ford take small steps and keep your bike on the upstream side to keep it from washing away.
Author's Note
Nice, warm, sunny, December day so I went for a ride on the Salem Creek/Lake trail. I rode about 2 miles, heard a cluck, and the chain broke. I stopped, took out the tool kit, started to work, and the chain tool push pin broke off. I gave up repairs and started walking back to the car. The trail was crowded so I was constantly being passed by happy riders. One rider stopped to help. He had a chain tool, but it was the wrong size. Once I got home, it took five minutes to repair the chain.
Salem Lake Trail Status
Trail is clear of leaves. Most of the ruts have filled it due to trail traffic, not because of any city maintenance. With no leaves on trees, you can see traffic on the other side of curves making it a little safer to ride. No leaves mean better views of the lake and, it some places, even views of the city skyline.
Salem Creek Greenway Status
Greenway has a wide path through crushed leaves down the center. Since the leaves are off the trees, the greenway needs a leaf blowing. There is a slight overflow at the concrete ford.
