Eric and I chose to do both of these hikes because the Deception Pass wasn't going to take us very long and we really want to challenge ourselves in some way with each of the hikes that we do. So I picked a nearby hike, Sugarloaf, to do. This one was UP UP UP UP the entire time but boy was it worth it at the end!
Click below for the pictures and more description!
We headed north on I-5 and were met by gray skies and a low cloud ceiling. But we, intrepid hikers, had vowed to hike, rain or shine, and thus we pressed on (with rain gear in the car just in case).
We started out the hike at Sugarloaf and it was very lovely. Off the beaten path, a few cars at the trailhead parking lot, but by no means packed. From my understanding of the whole area, there was a network of crisscrossing trails all over the mountain so we probably wouldn't run into many people anyway.
A large cedar at our first intersection. It served as the "OH YAY WE'RE ALMOST BACK TO THE CAR" landmark by the end. ;D
There was a short flat portion and then the trail just started going up and didn't stop. However, it was very neat to see the change in tree type as you climbed in elevation, even on such a 'small' mountain.
The trees stretched above us and provided a good barrier from the wind and rain.
We found some cool fungi on the hike.
Me on one of my frequent breaks on the trail. My legs were -burning-. While I appreciate the implication that it means that I'm definitely giving my body a workout, ugh, it was tough!
At one point we were walking right up against a granite wall that stretched far above our heads. Plants had even found footholds on the rock face to grow. Very cool!
And then we reached the summit, and the view. It was amazing despite the cloudy weather. The guidebook promised us views of the cascades, San Juan islands and Whidbey Island but were were limited to Mount Erie, which was smack dab in front of us.
Eric decided to climb a tree because he is a monkey and the hike was hardly challenging for him.
"Thumbs up"
Mount Erie. There is a road you can take to the summit of that peak but it has a bunch of cell towers and things. Which instead you get to see from Sugarloaf.
Looking out toward the islands.
Getting ready to head back down the mountain.
Posing in the wind and the rain.
We had lunch in Anacortes, which is the local town. It appears as though it's touristy in the summer and the source of some whale watching ventures. We will definitely have to come back. We had lunch in a local diner and I was of course distracted by the horse and carriage roaming the rainy streets!
The jaw bone of a 100ft blue whale! Awesome!
From Anacortes we headed to Deception Pass Headlands for our next hike. We passed Pass Lake (har har) and saw a boat launch with bright green water. It was crazy!
We of course had to stop and investigate.
Deception Pass Headlands was beautiful. Bowman Bay was fairly tranquil and there was hardly anyone else in lot so we had the park nearly to ourselves. It also looked like an excellent spot to come and camp in the summer. It is apparently very popular when the weather warms up!
There are two hikes you can do at the Headlands. We chose the northernmost hike out to Rosario Head.
Looking back at the beach and parking lot.
Kayakers! (whose picture I still need to email to them... oops!)
There was a small tidal pool walk that you could do and me, being the biologist, had to explore as much of it as I could, even in the failing light.
Rosario Bay and beach.
Eric on the headlands.
Kelp!
The view was still awesome despite the cloudyness.
The headland.
A nice girl took our photo.
Rawr!
We did see a rabbit as we were walking back but we were losing light so fast I was worried we would have our car locked in the parking lot. The winter months make hiking a bit of a time limit as most places shut down at dusk, which can be around 4-4:30. No bueno!
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