What to do first!? I printed a map from the state parks site (parks.wa.gov) which came in handy. We parked down by the picnic area on the water and walked on trails there and on the beach. Then we drove up to Al Emerson Nature Trail which was a DELIGHT! We went around twice! Then we walked through the campground trails thanks to our map! It was cool and rainy, but still an invigorating day. We drove through Cama Beach state park and played at the Freedom playground in the downtown area of Camano.

It was hailing when we left this AM, but we said Oh 'hail' let's go. We stopped and got our Discover Pass and off we went. This was a very nice forest/beach walk and we got some nice sunbreaks and no rain. We did the big loop, and then did the nature walk (a short interpretive trail about lowland forests-good for kids). As mentioned in ealier reports it is handy to download the park map, so you have a general idea of where you want to go. Wear boots, the trails are muddy in spots. I never would have thought to come here to walk, but for the WTA trail reports. Thanks.

Camano Island State Park is located on Lowell Point Road on Camano Island. You should pay attention to the driving directions posted on the WTA site as this was our first time out to the island and we got lost trying to find the park. Thank goodness that we had a GPS system with us! Once we arrived at the park, we decided to hike the Loop Trail as suggested by the WTA guide for this hike. We parked by the beach and found a trailhead for the Loop Trail just across the parking lot. From here, it is a moderate uphill trek until the trail levels out with views of Puget Sound to the west. The rest of the Loop Trail is a 2.6 mile loop that goes around most of the park with some moderate ups and downs. It offers nice forested hiking and gorgeous views of Elger Bay to the south of the park. All of the trails are in great shape but there is a little mud and water on the trail near the south part of the trail. There are a variety of different trails that criss-cross through the park and the campsites so it is good to bring a trail map. I downloaded one at the Washington State Parks website: http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=CamanoIsland&subject=maps While hiking the first part of the Loop Trail we were fortunate enough to spot a bald eagle sitting in one of the trees near the water. It was the first time we had seen one in the wild and it was a truly breathtaking experience. There is lots more exploring to do here and I will be back later this year.

Headed out today late so I decided to try out some closer trails so I decided on Camano Island State Park. There was some great sunshine and I got lucky getting some good pictures of a Bald Eagle flying and perched in the tree. This was part of my hike 48 of 50 planned at age 50. I hiked the beach from one end to the other which took about 2 hours but was a nice pleasant walk with the soothing sound of the waves breaking the shore. I then hiked the Loop Trail West Rim Section. It was a pleasnt hike with good views of the water and Whidbey Island. If I can't get to the mountains a beach hike is my second favorite place to hangout. A nice state park to visit with very few other people on a great November day. If you come to Camano Island come check out this state park along with CAMA Beach State Park which is just down the road. You can do both in the sameday. Check out videos of this hike and others I have done on my youtube channel at lmm3181 and as always get out and see this beautiful state and enjoy your hiking! Here is a direct link to this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BQqyH7jmIs Mike

Weather radar displayed a break in the deluge, so I hurried to the Park to stretch my legs. The Loop trail is a nice hike with a canyon section and views of the Sound from the West and South sections.