March comes in like a lion, but remember, last Friday? It was a sunny, spring-like day. Not quite spring, but close. A sneak peek. I caught the 411W bus to Deception Pass and stepped off at the store. I strolled by the gas station, passed through the parking lot, and slipped out the back into Quarry Pond campground. Like stepping through the wardrobe, I felt like I’d entered a different world. With just 90 minutes before I needed to catch the bus back, I walked steadily to the left until I came to the trailhead and entered the forest. Tall trees shaded the sun as I followed the signs to the Discovery Trail. I noted that this was also the route of the Pacific Northwest Trail between the coast of Washington and Glacier National Park in Montana. But today, I had a less ambitious goal, to climb to the summit of Goose Rock. There are different routes one can take to Goose Rock. The Perimeter Trail follows the north edge of Cornet Bay and then spirals up the north side. But I took the Discovery Trail and then turned on to the Summit trail for a more direct approach. I’d been in hibernation all winter and needed some exercise. The steep ascent got my heart thumping. I stuffed my hat into my pack, tied my coat around my waist and kept climbing. In a half mile I realized the trail had leveled off a bit. I was almost there. Suddenly the canopy opened up and there was blue sky overhead! A split rail fence appeared trailing off to the east. A couple sat not far away, so I turned west and had the rocky summit to myself. Sitting to catch my breath, I sipped some water and stuck my face into the sun. To the east the icy summits of the Cascades rose above the clouds. To the south the highway snaked toward town. To the west I watched a boat approach little Deception Island. And to the northwest another small boat was passing Sares Head in Sharp Park. In the distance the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains beckoned and teased. Such a beautiful day, I had to remind myself it was still February! A cool breeze reminded me it’s not quite spring. After a while, more hikers arrived. I smiled and took my leave to give them the same solitary summit experience I’d enjoyed. What goes up, must come down. I reversed my route and was soon descending the steep slopes I’d so recently climbed thinking, “Why do I always forget my walking stick?” I passed a few hikers, one with a nice dog. We stopped for a moment to chat and then journeyed on. My walk down went much faster than my climb up. Soon I was back on the gentle Discovery Trail walking at an easy pace. I noticed subtle things along the way, shelf fungus on a rotting stump, a snag full of woodpecker holes, the constant songs of kinglets and chickadees around me. I looked for skunk cabbage but didn’t see any… yet. I still had plenty of time to get an ice cream at the store before going to the bus stop at Cornet Bay Road. Maribeth For a park map click here: Directions: Highway 20 goes over Deception Pass Bridge between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. Just south of the bridge park your vehicle at the park office, or get off the bus at the store, and find the well-marked trails just off the back of the parking lot. You may also park at the south side of the bridge with a Discover Pass.
By Bus or Bike: A good way to avoid the summer traffic jams is to take the bus. Island Transit offers fare free bus service 7 days a week. The 411W Northbound bus stops at the store just south of Deception Pass bridge. You can catch this bus at Harbor Station in Oak Harbor. Or catch the southbound 411W at March’s Point park and ride near Anacortes. The southbound bus stops at the Cornet Bay intersection, so cross at the light and walk to the store to start your hike from the back of the parking lot. See the bus schedule here: Two bikes can fit on a bus bike rack on a first come first served basis. Cyclists use this route riding on the shoulder, but please walk your bike if you’re crossing over Deception Pass Bridge. Wear bright clothes and use your lights as this is a heavily traveled road. Mobility: The Quarry Pond campground has a picnic table at the pond and paved roads through the campground. The Discovery Trail is gentle, but the Summit Trail is steep with roots and rocks. A hiking stick is helpful.
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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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