Hats off to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust! They’ve done it again! The Possession Sound Preserve is now officially open to the public! It’s a wonderful new addition to the Land Trust’s list of protected properties. The Land Trust partnered with Island County to obtain over $2 million to secure these 45 acres of shoreline property just south of Clinton. It’s another beautiful place for people and an important preserve for wildlife and the ecology of our island shoreline. If we've learned anything over the past year, it's how precious these places are, close to home, for peace of mind and serene spirit. I pulled in, turned off the engine and began a tranquil stroll through a mature forest of Doug fir. A split rail fence and gravel path led me toward the water. A pileated woodpecker drilled into an alder as I neared the bluff. A covey of quail scurried across the trail. Fragrant ocean spray bloomed above a thicket of ripe thimbleberries and blackberry blossoms. I walked the half mile of trail winding down to the beach with peak-a-boo views across Possession Sound toward the mainland. Looking south in the distance I saw Mount Rainier. To the north, Mount Baker. At the end of the trail was a level green meadow as big as a football field, a great place for a picnic or a game of Frisbee, or both! On this morning, neither. Driftwood logs provided benches and steps to the beach. At low tide I could walk a half mile to the south before nearing a row of houses. Overhanging alders and maples, the trickle of a small stream and huge ferns graced the shore. Steep feeder bluffs provided homes for pigeon guillemots as well as sediments needed for forage fish along the water’s edge. This cobblestone shore with slippery seaweed isn’t easy to walk. It required a slow pace. I began to explore, breathe deep, look around and let it soak in. It’s not often we get this kind of quiet along the water. The rumble of a train on the far shore brought me back to the hum of ordinary activity. Returning to the grassy green, kayakers cruised close to shore and shouted, “Is it open yet?” Paddle boarders trailed along behind. The Clinton and Mukilteo ferries changed sides. This beach, not far from the busy Clinton ferry dock, is an oasis compared to the popular island beaches so often cluttered with vacation homes and crowds of people. An eagle soared above, gulls below. In the fall salmon will hug the shore. In spring grey whales return. In the meantime, boats glide by, tugs towing barges, fishing boats, yachts and kayaks. And now, people like me can come on foot, with binoculars and a camera to try to capture a few sweet moments of beauty and peace. As I turned away from the shore and began the steady climb back up the switchbacks to the forest above, I stopped for a few berries which gave me a chance to catch my breath. Thimbleberries are my favorite with their sharp burst of tangy flavor. Blackberries are beginning to ripen and feed the birds and anyone else walking this way. Rabbits scampered under their protective branches as I approached. The tall trees provided shade for a summer stroll. I turned at the gate to give thanks before settling into the driver’s seat and turning the key. For details click here. Maribeth Directions: From 525 in Clinton take Humphrey Road (just up from the ferry) south 2 miles. The parking area is on the left.
Transit: There is no transit access to this trailhead.
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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
April 2024
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