As we returned to the car, I asked Lee for three words to describe our hike. She was thoughtful for a minute. “Melodic, verdant and a workout!” I would say, “Up, Up and Up!” Piper took the lead and tugged at the tough spots. We huffed and puffed as we climbed to new heights. The trail turned this way and that under towering maples, alders, cedars and fir. Steep slopes covered in sword ferns waved as we passed. We climbed stairs, crossed bridges, strode past fallen logs and standing snags. Climbing steadily, we eventually reached the top gasping for air and needing water. Fortunately, there’s a water fountain and a doggie dish beside it. It seemed odd, up here in the middle of the woods, but welcome all the same. We drank our fill. Wandering around on the top of the ridge, we found a bench, just out of sight of some nearby houses. There were natural ornaments hanging from trees, chunks of driftwood threaded by a rope, and one piece of foam, a reminder that our beaches are not as pristine as we’d like. We sat to catch our breath and listened to bird songs. Was that a Swainson’s thrush? We got help from Merlin, the phone app that can tell by the sound. We heard golden crowed kinglets, a song sparrow, American robins, a song sparrow, a Pacific slope flycatcher, a song sparrow, black headed grosbeak, a song sparrow, a house finch, American crow, and... a song sparrow. The cool marine fog had burned off (as we’d burned off our calories from lunch) so on our way down, we began to catch glimpses of Possession Sound through the trees. This trail in winter, offers better views, before the deciduous trees leaf out. But the trail is muddier, too. It’s good to return to see how the trail changes in different seasons. Going in the opposite direction also offers different views. We found a little bird house tucked in under the salmonberry bushes like a little fairy house. We came upon a tree with scratch marks over five feet high. That wasn’t done by a house cat. There must be a bear on the island, again. Maybe more than one. A bear was seen at Strawberry Point recently, east of Oak Harbor, and that’s fifty miles away. (I wonder if that bear and our only elk, Bruiser, are acquainted.) We were almost to the bottom when Lee got stung by a nettle. I found some burdock and offered it to rub on the sting. There was some discussion about plant identification, but I’ve always used that plant, whatever you want to call it, to relieve nettle stings. Even on the other side of the world in Bhutan, I’d found both nettles and burdock growing close together. It works well there, too. Piper had done her duty as guide dog and personal trainer, so she got to go for a swim at the beach. Nearby a couple launched a kayak and paddled off. People packed up their picnics. A man pulled his fishing boat up at the boat ramp. No, he hadn’t caught anything but was still happy to go out. Wild roses bloomed. Bees buzzed. We heard red winged blackbirds calling from the cattails. And ... a song sparrow. We drove a few miles and then stopped at Bailey’s Corner Store for a cold drink and a bag of chips. Bailey’s Corner is a community gathering place with food, outdoor trivia on Thursday nights and live music. What a treat after a good hike. Maribeth For Bailey’s Corner Store events, click here. The Dorothy Cleveland Trail, at Possession Beach Waterfront Park, is owned by the Port of South Whidbey. For more information, click here. For a map & more photos click here. National Trails Day is Sat. June 3. Take the pledge to leave the trail better than you found it. Share your trail experience and enter to win valuable outdoor gear here. Directions: From Highway 525 at Ken's Korner shopping center near Clinton, take Cultus Bay Road almost 5 miles south. Cultus Bay Road turns right, but keep going straight on Possession Road for another 1.5 miles. Turn right at Possession Beach Waterfront Park. The trail is just south of the caretaker's house. It will cross Franklin Road (which leads to Possession Point State Park.)
By Bus or Bike: There is no bus service in this area. The road is winding and hilly. Cultus Bay Road has moderate traffic. Please wear something bright if you choose to ride a bike along the road. Mobility: This trail is 1.5 miles round trip. It's steep and winding, but the beach and picnic tables at the park are very accessible from the boat launch.
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Maribeth Crandell has been a hiking guide in the Pacific NW for over 20 years. She's lived on Whidbey and Fidalgo Island for decades. As a frequent bus rider she easily makes connections between trails and transit. Archives by date
May 2024
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