Hike through a forest of madronas and Doug-firs to a long sandy beach with impressive views of Mount Rainier towering in the distance. Walk out on a narrow spit. Explore a lagoon flourishing with birds. Watch playful seals ply harbor waters or comb the shoreline of this delightful maritime park. Jefferson County's South Indian Island Park is one of the best-kept secrets on the Olympic Peninsula.

Once connected to the Quimper Peninsula by a low stretch of land, Indian Island was cut off in 1913 when Port Townsend merchants had a channel dredged. But it was the U.S. Navy that cut most of this landmass off from the public by establishing an ammunition storage depot here. Fortunately, a narrow strip along the south shore of the island has been established as parkland. And what a park!

From the grassy bluff picnic area, find the trailhead at the edge of a thicket. Through a tunnel of vegetation the trail heads south, down along Portage Canal. In late spring enjoy the fragrance and blossoms of primrose and honeysuckle. The trail brushes up against some marshy openings, ideal for seeking out eagles and herons. It then climbs back up a bluff, ending at the park's east access road after 0.5 mile.

Your hike, however, continues. Turn right, walking the road 0.25 mile and dropping off the bluff to reach an inviting beach. Over 1 mile of shoreline waits for your bootprints. You may have to do a little rock hopping or get your feet wet crossing the small creek draining a lagoon. Once across, continue east on a sandy spit complete with mini dunes and big views. Aside from Rainier grabbing most of your attention, watch for myriad species of birds flitting in the lagoon and bobbing in the bay.

Walk to where a narrow strip of beach connects Indian to Marrowstone Island. Here the public beach ends. Turn around and enjoy your shoreline stroll all over again.