Miller Peninsula-Thompson Spit

The state is developing a destination state park on the Miller Peninsula property, and WTA volunteer crews have created a pretty trail to help you check out this area. This wooded walk enters a lush ravine lined with remnant old-growth and gives way to an isolated beach with views of Protection Island.

Washington State Parks has completed a trailhead with a parking lot, restrooms, and horse unloading facility about a mile down the Diamond Point Road from Highway 101. The map is posted at the trailhead. Other maps are posted at kiosks along the trail. Most junctions are well-signed.

There are many miles of trails here — whether you do a meandering route around the area or the more direct 3-ish miles to the water and back. Additionally, it's possible to create all sorts of loops as well.

Start from the well-marked trailhead and walk  a short distance to a T junction marked "Trailhead Loop" in both directions. Turn right, up a slight switchback, which will eventually take you to E Diamond Point Trail which connects to Fireweed Road at a kiosk. (If you go left at the T junction it will take you to W Diamond Point Trail which leads to the Cable Trail across tribal property, eventually connecting with the west end of Fireweed Road. There is a picnic table at the junction of Fireweed, Yarrow Cutoff and Manzanita Trail.)

Continuing from the east end of Fireweed Road you will then pass a few minor trails on your right, but shortly you will encounter a Y-shaped fork in the trail. Take the right fork. Enjoy this lush ravine as you wander half a mile to a beautiful and secluded beach. Here you can have a long lunch while taking in the sound of the surf and the views of Protection Island and even Mount Baker on a clear day.

Walking down the beach to the right leads you in circle around a pond before reconnecting with the land. This is all the spit you get! Be respectful of the private property requests.

This is a great hike for dogs, but there is a lot of horse use on the last part of the trail, so be sure to keep dogs on leash for the safety of the riders.