Larrabee State Park - Rock Trail, Fragrance Lake — Friday, Dec. 20, 2024

I had some extra time while in Bow-Edison today so I ventured north to Chuckanut Drive and Larrabee State Park. I drove up Cleator road to hike Rock Trail and one of the associated trails nearby. I was unable to drive to the Cyrus trailhead because there was a tree lying across the road and its removal would require a chainsaw. I parked my car about 1.5 miles from the trailhead and walked up the road.

The woods along Rock Trail were very nice as always. Once past the cool sandstone formations the wind really picked up. I decided to turn back and go to a side trail leading to Fragrance Lake. I hadn't taken this approach to the lake before so opted for this alternative route from my prior plans for the day. It was a mile to the lake leading off from Cleator road. It was very peaceful at the lake. While walking around the lake I heard a very large crack and I knew a tree was about to fall. The crack was followed by a loud crash of a tree falling. I didn't see where the tree was but it sounded like it fell east of the lake and on the other side of Cleator but I really don't know. I was sure it wasn't near me or the lake.

Once I got back to my car someone had sawed/cleared the downed tree on the road and access to the Cyrus trailhead was possible. Thank you to whomever did that!

After leaving the park and driving south on Chuckanut Drive I turned on Cove road where there is a boat launch. It's a small pretty spot that offers a cove view of the Sound. The tide was high so I was unable to walk along the shore. Even when you can walk on the shore you can't go far. The beach is short; private property on one side and a short coastline on the other side. 

I expected the weather to be much worse today but luckily the rain I encountered was minimal. The strong winds past Rock Trail did cause me to alter my plans but I still had an enjoyable day in the woods and along the water.