Splashes of water, a tangle of leashes and several furry friends greeted me at the trailhead. What a chaotic canine commotion! They were just finishing their hike on the Trustland Trails. I was just starting mine. In time they managed to separate into different cars and off they went with their two legged companions. I turned and started up the ADA Trail. This half mile loop is made for those who use walkers or wheelchairs, and they allow us on 2 feet to use it, too. I thought about what ADA stands for, the Americans with Disabilities Act. Or what it COULD stand for, All Deserve Access, Any Day Adventures, Allow Determined Action, Always Dancing Around. It occupied my thoughts as the trail occupied my legs and lungs and eyes and heart. This is a lovely way to approach this trail network. It’s wide, easy, almost level and enchanting as the trail weaves between the tall evergreens. It instantly put a smile on my face. A friend told me her father was so grateful when she brought him here in his wheelchair. A woman I met using a walker said she came here often. We swapped stories of more strenuous hikes on other trails. This is a trail for any ability level. For me it was a pleasant entrance into a whole trail system. The ADA loop trail leads to many more pathways in a woodland web. When I was here last year the new trails looked a bit raw. Now they've settled in. New signs posted at most trail intersections pointed the way to the parking lot, or had a map of the whole trail system with a tiny “You Are Here” at the appropriate spot. I’d taken a photo of a trail map at the entrance and planned my course, but it was good to have additional reassurance along the way. The rain of the night before made the tiny Evergreen Huckleberry leaves glisten in the afternoon sun as it filtered through the canopy. Tree frogs called back and forth. Lush ferns framed the trail on both sides. A few puddles had formed here and there, but nothing I couldn’t hop over or dance around. Chickadees, juncos, kinglets and wrens called from the brush. A woodpecker drilled on a snag. Flickers swung between pillars. A spotted towhee kept an eye on me and reported my whereabouts to all who would listen. The treetops danced and swayed in the breeze sounding like swords clashing. This would not be a good place for a walk on a windy day, but this afternoon was perfect for early autumn. Blue sky peaked between clouds. The sun glowed warm and encouraging. And as I found my way back to the parking lot, I noticed vine maples glowing in their brilliant red and gold. I could feel the seasons turn in the crisp fall air. These trails form a wide web for dog walkers, joggers, horseback riders, and wanderers. Nearby neighbors access the area from the south. The bus provides access to the north just a short walk away. There’s a covered picnic shelter, if one needs a place to meet with friends. Here are miles of trails with easy access for all, whether you come on 2 legs, or 4. Or on wheels by bike or bus, walker, wheelchair or stroller. Whether you walk briskly or wheel softly, the lush forest rejuvenates us all. Approach Delightfully Aware. Maribeth For a trail map, click here. Directions: From Highway 525 just south of Bayview, turn on to Craw Road. In 300 feet you’ll see the park entrance.
By Bus and Bike: Island Transit’s Route 1 or Route 60 southbound buses can stop at Craw Road, just 300 feet from the trailhead parking lot. There is no northbound bus from here. Take the southbound bus to make a northbound connection at Maxwelton Road, Ken’s Korner or in Clinton. See the bus schedule here. Two bikes fit on a bus bike rack. Please wear bright clothes and use front and rear lights if biking alongside the highway. Traffic is heavy and fast. Mobility: The half mile ADA loop has a packed gravel surface made for wheelchairs. Other trails vary in width and may be hilly with a packed dirt surface. Some trails are suitable for horses. When approaching horses, please speak softly to put the horse at ease. Always keep dogs on a leash.
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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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