Today the hiking grandmas decided to throw a bit of elevation into their weekly walk and make it a hike. We parked at the Archery Range (where there is a loo, clean and stocked) and walked down to the Darvill TH along the road. We did a nice loop, Darvill to West Loop, Bonnie and Clyde, Sidewinder to hit the Service Road and up to the North Viewpoint. There was actually a nice view today down into the north Sound and over to the Canadian Mtns in the distance and the tips of Cascade peaks to the NE. Baker was visible, but the trees have grown up enough to block part of the view. The trails to here are in good condition and well signed. We walked up to eat lunch at the parking lot lookout where there are picnic tables and a loo (stinky and not in good shape but had TP so that's something). Here the trees are also growing and obscuring the view.  We followed the Ridge trail down to the road and hiked Upper Surfer back down to the Down South and out. These trail sections are fairly steep and some of the intersections are not marked, we did need our map here. This is a nice park for a winter conditioner, we got 5 miles and about 1000 gain. Few people, but we did meet the Tuesday Trekkers.  You can get a map online to print or download. 

There are reportedly 10 miles of trails within Little Mountain Park. Looking at the trail map, I planned for us a loop trip.

We started from the South Trailhead parking area by the Silver Arrow Bowmen Archery Range. Signs at the parking area reported that it is under 24-hour surveillance, which was reassuring. There is also a pit toilet in a well-made plywood shack (close the door). It was very clean, even had hand sanitizer and a little trash can.

The trail that begins at the south trailhead is called the South Corridor, a multi-use trail. After about a half mile, we turned left onto the Taylor Trail, a hiker-only trail. The trail became a little steeper and soon we connected with Up Quick trail that took us to the Ridge Trail. We followed the Ridge Trail to the summit where there is a parking area and restrooms (yes, you can drive to the top). We checked out both the south and the north viewpoints for outstanding views of the Skagit Valley. The best views are from the north viewpoint.

From the summit, we headed down via Ginny's Trail that connected us to Bonnie & Clyde's Trail. We considered Fred's Trail as a shortcut, but it's very steep. After a little less than a half mile on Bonnie & Clyde's Trail, we made a right turn onto the West Loop Trail and followed that until we connected with the Darvill Loop Trail. We followed the Darvill Loop Trail to its end at Hickox Road where there is a small parking area with room enough for maybe four cars (no restroom).

To get back to the South Trailhead parking area, we walked east along Hickox Road for maybe a quarter of a mile. The road is rural and not busy. It has a reasonable shoulder to walk along. Big trucks occasionally come by going to and from the quarry near the South Trailhead.

The trails we followed go through forest with no views until the summit, but still very pleasant to walk through. The trails are in good shape, with the Darvill Trail especially well built with steel treads across wetland areas and steps on steeper sections. Our total mileage was about five miles.

We hiked  Little Mountain Loop for the first time ever. It was a half way meet up spot coming from Bellingham and Seattle. What a gem park. Folks were practicing archery when we pulled in. So a great multi use park for hiking, walking, biking and archery. All the trails were hard packed saturated soil  There only a few small fir frond debris on the trail and one drowned tree (east to step over). At the top you have a great territorial view of Skagit Bay  with Whidbey Island  and the San Juan’s  in the distance.  If you’re on a long drive this is a quick hop off the freeway to get out and stretch your legs. Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

#hike the state.
Beautiful lush hike through forest. Trail well maintained. Heard birds singing and saw spring flowers poking through the horsetails and skunk cabbage.

Trail was in great condition. Saw a couple mountain bikers and one hiker. Heard an olive sided fly catcher and saw a hummingbird and a few mushrooms. Beautiful view at the bridge at the top. Only a bit of rain, mostly dry.
#hikethestate