This was my second hike of the day (the first being Deception pass). We started at the Prairie Overlook Trailhead by the cemetery (which I recommend for the scenery aspect alone). We hit the trail at about 1:30pm and immediately we start passing lovely meadows and wildlife that lead up to an abandoned house that has been preserved for historical purposes. After this you are hit with plains and meadows as far as the eye can see! This farmland portrait with mountains cluttering the background is a great moment to stop and enjoy the view before you take the path to the right towards the water.
Now, this part of the trail is jaw-dropping. You make a small ascension to the top of a hill which gives you a great top-down view of the Haro Strait and Perego's Lagoon. As you walk on the hill with a constant view of the water, there is also wildflowers aplenty. We got to see some cool plant life and also some butterflies/other insects that added some diversity to the trail. The loop trail actually takes you around the lagoon as you eventually descend from the hill and make your way to the sandy beachfront. The last part of the hike is all flat on the beachfront and it gives you a good opportunity to catch some rays and keep an eye out for sea life (unfortunately we did not get to see any). You then take a left before the seaside parking lot to hit the trail that takes you back to the cemetery.We were able to make it back by 4:45pm, putting our total hike time at 3 hours and 15 minutes (including small breaks and time for pictures).
Overall, amazing day-hike that is a must-do on a sunny day. Also, there is a brewery (Flyers Restaurant & Brewery) nearby in Oak Harbor that serves amazing food and pretty good brews! It is a good place to end the day.
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