Island Center Forest
May 10, 2012
by
Susan Elderkin
—
last modified
May 14, 2012 09:02 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Island Center Forest
- Region: Puget Sound and Islands -- South Sound
- Agency: King County Parks
Reading the interpretive signs at Mukai Pond and watching the birds.
A bunch of staffers from WTA joined me in exploring Island Center Forest on Vashon Island. Despite its proximity to Seattle, only one of us had hiked there before and we wanted to see what the island, and this rather new King County park, has to offer.
We started from the main SW 188th Street trailhead where we picked up a trail map. There are many trails in the park, so this map is a handy way not to get lost. You can also download your own before you go: http://1.usa.gov/JZVXu4.
Our first stop was Mukai Pond. Even though it was late morning, the birds were plentiful. We watched what we think was an osprey flying about, witnessed the jerky swoops of swallows and enjoyed hearing a redwing blackbird in the distance. This is a great spot for birdwatchers.
Back on the trail, we headed to the Valley of the Firs because that sounded enticing. Ramrod straight fir trees interspersed with tall but struggling madronas defined this part of the park. It would be magical, perhaps even spooky, in the fog.
No fog today. It was clear, and I must say this area is not one I would choose for a sunny day. My colleagues and I discussed this. We hiked about a bit longer, but then chose to eat our lunch at Point Robinson where we could enjoy the fact that we were on an island on a gorgeous day. Then it was back to the office.
We started from the main SW 188th Street trailhead where we picked up a trail map. There are many trails in the park, so this map is a handy way not to get lost. You can also download your own before you go: http://1.usa.gov/JZVXu4.
Our first stop was Mukai Pond. Even though it was late morning, the birds were plentiful. We watched what we think was an osprey flying about, witnessed the jerky swoops of swallows and enjoyed hearing a redwing blackbird in the distance. This is a great spot for birdwatchers.
Back on the trail, we headed to the Valley of the Firs because that sounded enticing. Ramrod straight fir trees interspersed with tall but struggling madronas defined this part of the park. It would be magical, perhaps even spooky, in the fog.
No fog today. It was clear, and I must say this area is not one I would choose for a sunny day. My colleagues and I discussed this. We hiked about a bit longer, but then chose to eat our lunch at Point Robinson where we could enjoy the fact that we were on an island on a gorgeous day. Then it was back to the office.
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Mukai Pond reflections
|
Valley of the Firs
|
A surprising discovery: The House of Sticks
|
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