Stroll manicured trails weaving through blotchy-barked madronas and stately firs along coastal bluffs, with stunning views of lofty peaks that hover over sparkling waters. Camano Island State Park offers dramatic glimpses of a less developed Puget Sound-one where shorelines aren't marred by wall-to-wall houses and one that Captain George Vancouver would perhaps still recognize.

Begin on the Marsh Trail, which runs parallel to the large parking area and takes you to the main trailhead, located a short distance back on the access road. Along the way be sure to look for eagles perched on tall firs. At the main trailhead, study the posted map of the park's trail system. Your objective is to follow the Loop Trail, but feel free to divert onto interesting side trails at any time. The park is small, just under 140 acres, so don't worry about venturing too far off course.

Head up an attractive ravine shaded by mature maples and cloaked with waxy salal and boughs of ferns. Immediately come to a junction. Turn left. With the aid of steps, steeply but briefly climb out of the ravine. Come to another junction. You'll be returning on the left, so head right. Bear right at yet another junction and continue climbing, coming to the group camp area after about 0.2 mile. Go right, through the cabin camp area, and then pick up trail once more. Pass the amphitheater, weave through the campground, cross the main park road, and then parallel it south for a short distance, eventually heading back into the woods.

Now get ready to enjoy spectacular Puget Sound scenery. The trail turns left, hugging the rim of a 150-foot bluff rising above Elger Bay. Stop at numerous viewpoints to marvel straight down at Saratoga Passage's gleaming waters. Scope out familiar summits on the eastern horizon: Pilchuck, Baring, which others?

Continue along the bluff, soaking up scenery and sea breezes. The trail eventually turns landward, coming to another junction. Head right in thick forest along the park periphery. Reach a 300-foot high point before beginning a slow descent, dipping in and out of small ravines along the way. Pass some giant old-growth Doug-firs before coming to another junction. The trail left returns to the campground. Head right instead, dropping steeply.

Cross the park road, pass Roy's Trail on your left (an alternative return) and the Cama Beach Connector Trail on your right, and then follow the Loop Trail left along more high bluffs, back to the trailhead. Pause frequently to take in captivating views across the Sound of jagged Olympic Mountain peaks rising above Whidbey Island's chalky bluffs and emerald forests.