We’re so lucky to live in Washington with many outdoor opportunities that don’t require a trip to the mountains. Don’t forget your Discover Pass for this one.
We started down at the beach by the boat launch. There are some nice restrooms if you need one. We walked along the chilly beach then went up for a walk in the woods. There are some big old trees that somehow survived the logging and forest fires over 100 years ago.

Today we meandered the Al Emerson Nature Trail which is a 1/2 mile loop through an old growth forest of grand fir, Doug fir, cedars and a few yew trees. The 18 numbered interpretive signs along the way describe with words and pictures the various plants and trees.  Mr. Emerson was the first Ranger of Camano Island SP and from 1963 and 1973 after he retired he nearly single-handedly shaped his footprints in building this trail. There are sections of trail where the understory is a jungle of large sword ferns which limit the view of the forest behind them. A few varieties of fungi were seen. One of the signs stated that Douglas fir bark can be 10-29' thick in old trees and thus these trees are very fire resistant. Some of the Doug fir in the forest at Camano Island SP are 600 years old. The charred bark is pushed outward as the tree continues to grow.

The North Beach to South Beach trail is a great easy loop hike if you hike the beach and then hike the cross island trail back to the trailhead. Plenty of shore crabs, rock skipping, and driftwood forts to keep kids occupied and trail variety including forested bluffs, beach, and wetland ecosystems to explore. It’s a nice shorter alternative to a trail like Ebey’s Landing.

We have been showing off some of the great places to walk in Washington to a guest from Boulder Colorado. They are enjoying a short vacation from the heat down there and really enjoyed the breezy low temperatures at the beach. We walked the beach beyond the boat ramp. Not many people out walking but lots of boat launching going on. The walk was followed by lunch at the Cama Beach Cafe.

A nice time to visit the beach! We parked at the day use picnic area just up from the North Beach, hiked over on the Bluff trail and down to the beach and boat launch area. Take the Marsh trail instead of the road, shady and nicer. Lots of people with boats out today and why not? We walked along the beach north for a bit, then past the launch area south to the Loop trail. The beginning is closed and has been for quite a long time, so you still have to walk the road until you hit the trail taking off on the right side. Follow this trail all the way around along the bluff and up along the parameter skirting above the campground. There is a nice bench for lunch near the top of the hill. Circle around and take Roys trail back to the parking lot, not the Powerline trail, it's nicer. Roys eventually comes out back on the Bluff trail for a lollypop loop. We did not get the Big Miles, but we had a nice day at the beach.  Loos at the North Beach parking, South Beach boat launch and in the campground.