Trillium Community Forest has 721 forested acres that can be explored from the seven miles of trails provided for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Large areas are protected as a refuge for wildlife. The Land Trust is actively working to improve the habitat quality of the forest. Protection was a joint effort by the Land Trust, community, and Island County.
Since the forest is accessible from three separate parking lots, there are many ways to explore the area.
Beginning on Pacific Dogwood Trailhead near Highway 525, the first quarter-mile of the trail is along paved road before arriving at a red gate, to the left of the trail Patrick's Way. From here, the trail becomes an old dirt road, where visitors can walk side by side along the wide road bed.
Along the way are ferns lining the path, while Douglas-Fir, hemlock, and pine trees soar above the forest floor. Wildlife abounds here, with the possibility of seeing deer, squirrels, and plenty of flitting birds. The trail heads gradually downhill, in a gentle zigzag through the forest, connecting to various other. Near the intersection with the Crossroad trail a bench lies for some rest under a big maple tree. It's destination leads to the Burkholder trail which ends into private property.
If you're beginning at Smugglers Cove Trailhead, zig zag upward through a dense forest. As you progress your way closer to Patrick's Way, the forest opens and more sunlight comes through.
Beginning at Bounty Loop trailhead, hikers are welcome to use the short and level ADA-accessible loop trail. All users can head down the paved Bounty loop for couple hundred feet, until it opens onto to a dirt path. Bounty connects to Crossroads trail.
Crossroads trail has lots of salal and winding trail lead to more varied trails. Go South to Raven and make a nice loop back using Peaceful Firs or head North to Dragonfly Glades.
There are lots of fun ways to vary your routes here! Be sure to check the map at each trailhead kiosk when you visit, as the trail network is somewhat intricate, and some may dead-end at private property. Maps are also available on the Whidbey Camano Land Trust webite or stop by Greenbank Farm and pick a map from their office.
Seasonal Note: Between October to December, the area is open to hunting and closed to hikers for their safety. Check the website before visiting to ensure the forest is open.