“It’s your birthday. Where do you want to go?” “Have you ever been to the trails between Lone Lake and Goss Lake Roads, across from Putney Woods?” “No, I’ve never been there. Have you?” “Not yet. Let’s go.” In the words of Winnie the Pooh, it will be an explore. So we packed the dog into the car. She always wants to go and doesn’t seem to care where. It was a short drive. Then while Lee got the dog and her accoutrements ready, I took a photo of the map on the kiosk. Then we crossed Lone Lake Road, stepped between the concrete barriers and dipped into the trees on the other side. The sun slanted low that late afternoon and the thick woods softened the glow still more. Tall hedges of salal and evergreen huckleberry closed in on the narrow trail. Lee said, “This would be a good place to bring my mountain bike!” The idea of meeting a biker on this narrow trail filled me with dread. The only time I’d run into problems on any of the trails on Whidbey was when I encountered four people on mountain bikes zooming down the trails in Putney Woods. Fortunately, I heard them coming. “Whoo hoooo!” they called loud and clear. I had just enough time to step off the trail between tall shrubs before they went whizzing by. Each in turn caught of glimpse of me standing in the bushes as they passed and said, “OH!” I could only imagine what might happen when they came upon the equestrians I had passed earlier, or the man with his small daughter. I cautioned Lee about mountain biking where there is so little visibility. Then we came upon the moguls. Apparently others felt as Lee did, that this would be a good place for mountain biking! Lee told me some people put bells on their bikes to warn people ahead. “Like bear bells,” she said. Really? We followed the Mistletoe Loop around to the far side and then turned onto the trail out toward Goss Lake Road. The forest opened up with knee high sword ferns instead of head high salal as we approached the end. We stepped out onto the road across from a street sign that read Traverse. Concrete blocks also marked this entrance. We turned and re-entered the woodland. This was an interesting explore. Back at the Mistletoe Loop we turned south and continued hiking back toward Lone Lake Road. Soft pine trees brushed the brilliant blue sky as an eagle circled lazily overhead. Tree tops sang with dozens of tweeters, chickadee dee dee. We met a couple who stopped to admire Lee’s dog before they passed on. In about an hour we had finished and met just one other hiker setting out as our walk came to an end. There are so many trails at Putney Woods and they connect to trails at Metcalf Woods and Saratoga Woods. You could probably walk all day from one to the other and back if you wanted. Most of them are well marked and well maintained with only a few muddy spots thanks to a crew of volunteers. So many people use these trails, on foot, on horseback and on bikes. If we keep that in mind, we might all be able to enjoy them without mishap and celebrate many more birthdays to come. “Whoo hoooooo!” Maribeth Take a photo of the map at the kiosk before you set out on the trails. Directions: From Hwy 525 at Bayview turn north toward Langley on Bayview Road 1.8 miles. Then turn left onto Andreason Road. At the next stop sign turn right on Lone Lake Road. In about a mile you'll see the parking lot on the right. The trailhead to this section is across Lone Lake Road.
By Bus and Bike: The closest bus stop is at the Bayview Park and Ride at Hwy 525. Two bikes fit on a bus bike rack on a first come first served basis. Bayview Road is fairly level, has wide shoulders and slower speeds. Andreason and Lone Lake Roads have less traffic. Please wear bright clothes and use lights when riding with traffic. Mobility: This trail is mostly level with few roots and rocks but very narrow. Watch out for mountain bikers, and equestrians.
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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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