Guemes Mountain — Saturday, Jun. 18, 2011

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

Events of the morning put me on the 11:15am ferry; which was the last ferry before they broke for lunch. I was only able to get on board as a walk on. I then hiked the 1.7 miles from the ferry to the trail head. Take an immediate right off the ferry. Its a 1/4 mile closer than the driving directions. The trail head is well marked and there is parking for three trucks or four Prius. The barn across the street was used for WTA activities, but it is private and I would hesitate parking there, had I brought my Jeep. This being the first official day that the trail is open, the trail is in great shape! A nice gravel path starts things off, but quickly turns into dirt. There was a small bit of mud, but nothing uncommon after so much rain this year. The trail winds gradually uphill through this quickly maturing forest. Keep an eye open for some of the many critters which have taken refuge on this secluded island; including the occasional Sasquatch sighting. The last 500 feet of trail is very narrow and winds through some beautiful flora. This portion of the trail appears to be much older than the lower portion of the trail. I would guess this part of the trail was made by the locals over the years before this mountain became Trust Land. Also, being an original trail, this portion does have a few roots growing across it. So, stop looking for Bigfoot and watch your step for a few feet. When the trail turns into large areas of exposed rock, you're on the top. Now, lift your head and look west. Wow! Even on this cloudy June day, I could see most of the San Juan's and even a Canadian Mt top or two. Be sure to look down for the Ferries (the floating boat type) swimming in and out of the terminal near Washington Park; on the western point of Anacortes. The smaller ferry you took over to Guemes Island is also visible as it zips back and forth across Guemes Channel. I walked back to the ferry terminal, but had plenty of time to visit the store near the ferry and get some ice cream and a t-shirt before the ferry arrived.