Hiking the trails of Washington Park in Anacortes gives such a richer experience than driving or even biking the paved loop route. At the speed of feet, the park reveals such depth, such variety, and such beauty around every turn. I started out mid-afternoon with wild mid-December weather, filled with storms and sunshine, towering banks of clouds and brilliantly blue skies. My goal was to hike the entire park staying on the water side of the paved loop road. Hiking a few yards west of the road as I journeyed counterclockwise from the boat launch area, the trail was narrower than the width of my body, which meant the wet salal leaves washed my jeans with every step I took. I found pocket beaches I had never seen before, and views of Cypress Island framed by firs. For a very short stretch I had to walk the edge of the loop road where the trail peters out at a rock face. But then I found Green Meadow, alive with kids and dogs and sunshine. The trail above the rocky shoreline leads to West Beach, where a man had bird seed in his hand, and nuthatches and chickadees eating out of his hand! Walking further south and west, I could now avoid the roadway area entirely by staying on the confusing array of trails that head south to the meadows. I found trail 501 and followed that through grasses, madrone, and juniper, their berries littering the ground like marbles. Here the soil is shallow, and hot and dry in the summer, making for a challenging habitat for life but expansive views out over the Salish Sea. The sun sank behind a large bank of clouds just above the horizon, and I was only halfway. I dropped down to trail 502 to be as close to Burrows Channel as I could, which led me east to the private Cabana on Skyline property. Then I clambered back up to trail 501 as the forest darkened and the temperature dropped rapidly. This trail eventually led me through alder and fir forests back to the park entrance, just in time for a sunset reflecting off those cloud banks and a ferry cruising the waters beneath. Note to self: next time, give myself more time to linger around the southwest corner of the park, where the land and sea meet in spectacular fashion. I sense a return hike is in my plans for the near future. jack Directions: From Anacortes take 12th Street west, which becomes Oakes Avenue, and which becomes Sunset Avenue near the ferry terminal. Sunset Avenue takes you directly into the park. Accessible by Skagit Transit 410 bus from Sunset Avenue and Skyline Drive, a quarter mile from the park.
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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
March 2024
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