We started at the Whistle lake TH at 10 am. There were 4 other cars in the lot. There isn't a bathroom at the TH but about ¼ mile down trail 20 there is an outhouse, which was surprisingly clean and was stocked with TP. The last leg of the road in is gravel. There are a few potholes but nothing deep and they can be avoided, should be doable in any car.
We did a custom 5 miles loop that took us up Little Round Top and Sugarcube, then along the bank of Whistle lake on the way out.
The trails were all in great condition. There is some mud on the lower trails, but once you start climbing that vanishes. The mud also isn't too bad, and can be avoided for the most part. Evidence of many trees having come down very recently, but all were already cut and cleared away. Very impressed with whoever is maintaining these trails.
Several of the trails we took were shared use with dirt bikes, and we did encounter one person riding one, they were gong quite fast and it was loud. Once we got onto the smaller trails that was no longer an issue.
Both summits were lovely. No views, but Little Round top has a small open mossy meadow area just at the summit, which was really peaceful. Someone had left a peace sign made of branches on top.
The trails after you get about 300 ft up start getting so cute and mossy. I cannot get enough of the moss lined trails that seem to be a trademark of the Anacortes Community forest trail system.
The highlight of the trail was Whistle lake. It was a lot bigger than I was expecting and so pretty. We saw a lot of birds including a cormorant and a turkey vulture. The island in the middle of the lake looks so cool. The trail we took on our way out just hugs the lake shore and has multiple viewpoints from the cliffs. Such a pretty little lake, we will certainly be returning.
Only encountered 3 people on the trails today. These forests are a great place to come for some peace and quiet, and too see lots of beautiful moss.
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