Mount Grant is a newly established gem. There are three easy routes to the summit of one of the highest points on San Juan Island.
There are three trails to the top: Greywacke trail, Lawsonite trail and Richard Lee Lane, which is a paved road. Greywacke is not as steep as Lawsonite, but it is longer with more views. Lawsonite is shorter, but steeper. See the photos for a map and a list of the trails. The Newt Pond Trail does not go to the top. Summit trail is the meandering path that winds from viewpoint to viewpoint at the peak.
All the trails leave the parking area on the road named Richard Lee Lane. After about one quarter mile, Geraldine Lane turns off to the left. Take this left turn and after about 30 yards, the signed Greywacke Trail leaves the road on the right. A short distance up Greywacke, Lawsonite trail intersects with Greywacke. We did not hike Lawsonite. As Greywacke reaches the ridgeline, there is an unsigned intersection and Greywacke turns right up the ridgeline. If you reach a sign for the Subduction Trail for mountain bikes, then retrace your steps about 30 yards to the intersection and turn towards the top of the mountain. The Greywacke trail was about 1.3 miles from the parking lot to the summit. The road to the top is about 1.5 miles in length. The elevation gain was about 450 feet.
The views at the top are nearly 360 degrees when added together from multiple view points. We could see a Canadian ferry in the distance to the north. A few wildflowers were blooming in August. The bugs were not bad.
The sign for the Mount Grant Preserve on West Valley Road is simply a small street sign labeled Richard Lee Lane and Mount Grant. There is room for about 12 cars at the parking lot, with 5 cars at 8 a.m. on a weekday. There is a map on the gate on the road (take a picture with your phone). There is no porta-potty at the trailhead.
There are picnic tables and a porta-potty at the top. The road to the top is open for car travel on Wednesdays and Sundays.
If you are visiting San Juan Island, do not miss the chance to hike one or more of the easy trails in this delightful preserve.
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