This is a pretty popular all ages hike and one we have done before, but never during the winter months. For a change we parked at the Prairie Overlook trail head which is two parking lots about 50 yards apart. Well signed so take your choice which you use. We parked in the largest lot at the end of the road but the views are so amazing from the smaller road side over look that would have been a better choice as we ended up having a post-hike lunch in the car.
There is a good map on the kiosk board in the main lot easy to get your bearings there. Most people were heading straight toward the coast but we took the track out the northern end of the lot which is the Pratt sheep barn loop add on. Nice as you get to hike in the forest as well. It was just a few degrees above freezing when we set off mid-morning and we were soon challenged by the wind chill and had to stop to add more layers. Once we were at the bluff proper the wind actually tempered and always so fun to hike with the wide open views. The tread is firm. Once at the shore the tide was high so it was a slog back against the side ways wind on a narrow bit of beach. Not as pleasant as during the summer months for sure. We found the crowds at the state park entry point but plenty of room for all. Back on the prairie ridge trail we headed straight back passing the block house on the way. There are lots of interesting interpretive signs too. Back at the lot we hiked the few extra paces to the smaller lot to admire nearly all of Washington's volcanoes in one wide vista. Not a picnic day today but there are some nice viewing benches at that site too. All in a little over 5 miles.
On the way home we stopped at Deception Bridge as they are finished with maintenance there. The color of the tidal race was an amazing teal. A great add on.
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