We got to the ferry landing during their lunch break and had about an hour to kill (but we were 2nd in line!) so the kiddo and I explored the nearby beach.
She was enthusiastic about reaching the water but was less than pleased about the muck she encountered thanks to the low tide.
The hike is called Guemes Mountain Trail. It's 3 miles from the ferry landing, with barely enough space for 4 cars (but does have a bike rack). Since the hike was fairly short, you could easily lengthen it by parking in the free parking on Anacortes and walking onto the ferry and just hiking to the trailhead. If you take a car, even though it's a quick drive, gas up on the mainland, gas runs about a dollar more per gallon on the island.
The trail starts off in typical green green PNW forest and then just constantly climbs up and up.
Once again, I had worn the kidlet out enough that she passed out snoring as soon as we started up the trail. I really enjoyed the solitude on this trail and the freedom to take my own pace to get up without feeling like I was holding Eric back.
The forest soon changed as the evergreens became less prominent. The path was starting to get sunnier too, which was rough as the temperatures were hitting the 80s F! I had the forethought to use sunscreen and bring lots of water.
It's that time of year where some plants have creepy levels of caterpillars crawling out of webby pockets on branches.
After a little over a mile, the summit (I told you it was short ;D )
Mount Baker was easily seen, in fact the views were pretty spectacular. It wasn't quite 360 deg views but it certainly came close. I just wish there wasn't so much of a haze on Canada and the Olympics.
Flowers were blooming on the summit. It was gorgeous and hot.
The haze on Canada.
Looking west over the San Juan Islands.
Kiddo woke up at the summit and was pointing out the water that was everywhere around us.
Looking south/southwest to the Olympics.
And back down we go!
Trail map
We had to wait for the ferry once again and with the tide a bit higher, we rolled around on the grass and then went down to the beach. This side was considerably less mucky. The kiddo wanted to go swimming but brrr, the water was too cold!
We even saw a river otter!
All in all it was a great hike and a good leg stretcher, short and sweet. It also seems like a good one to do on a clear winter day. I doubt that trail gets snow and in general it's described as good all season hiking. I highly recommend it! Just make sure you check the ferry schedule, unless you don't care about waiting. I was delayed from my original plan, but it really didn't matter in the end.
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