We arrived at the Kukutali parking lot just before noon on a Friday. The parking lot is very small with 6 spots, but there were only two other cars there. There is a well maintained restroom at the trailhead. A discover pass is required for this area.
The gravel trail down to the first tombolo was very easy. Just past the parking lot you are greeted with beautiful beach views. We arrived at low tide, so no worries about being stranded on kiket island.
The area had plenty of signage and was very easy to navigate.
A great blue heron came relatively close (maybe 10 yards away) to us as we were hiking and showed off for the kids. They were impressed by how large it was close up.
As we hiked up the path we were surrounded by beautiful madronas. There were also a lot of fiddleheads, wild strawberries, and salmonberry blossoms around. The air smelled so sweet!
The kids found a garter snake along the main trail and spent some time examining it.
When we arrived at flagstaff point we saw hundreds of squirts coming out of the ground from clams. We also found very large balanus barnacles and looked in a few small tidepools. While eating lunch we saw a seal and a sea otter near the shore. The kids turned over a rock and found multitudes if small crabs. We were able to see the Deception Pass bridge from the beach as well. The water was so clear and pristine, it was lovely!
On the way back to the parking lot we took the south trail which was a bit muddy. This part of trail was more shaded and in the forest. There wasn't too much to see. Next time I think we'll try the north trail.
My kids loved this hike. Looking around for creatures in the tidepools and seeing the seal, otter, and snake were a big hit.
It was a bit of a long drive for a short hike, but beautiful nonetheless. The kids also really enjoyed the beach even though it was windy.
If you head out, make sure to check the tide charts linked on the Kukutali website!
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