I parked at Bowman Bay and headed over to do lighthouse point first. I wanted the most views so I stayed left at every junction. This lead me to a couple short steep areas that required careful footing and the use of my hands, a pic is attached showing one of those sections. It was a fun adventure and within my comfort zone but you can easily bypass this by staying on the main & most obvious trail instead. Lottie point was next, this had great views of the bridge which is under repair so I didn't bother trying to go up there. I had other plans for sunset so I skipped Rosario Head. Saw only a handful of people & since it was a weekday, had a bonus treat of seeing military jets flying about. Eagles, herons, river otters and ducks were all spotted today.

We hiked from Rosario Beach area around Bowman Bay, Lottie Bay, and Lighthouse Point. Lots of buffleheads and a family of three otters in Lottie Bay. We also had a possible sighting of a stellars sea lion; it was big and tawny. (In the past we have seen an elephant seal in the main flow through the pass.) The problem with the area now is the ear-splitting jet noise from fly-overs associated with the Whidbey NAS. It is very sad that such a beautiful location has to be marred by these intrusions. (It seems some place like the Moses Lake would be a better location for such naval flight practice.) The other noise intrusion is the bridge work over Canoe Pass, though it is not nearly as bad as the jets.

~Spike&J

I was looking for someplace that might have a dry spell and a hike that would not take me far from the parking lot in case there was a downpour. When I arrived at the parking lot I was the only one there and the rain had stopped. The rain shadow. I hiked Rosario Head and then went over to Bowman Bay and Reservation Head and saw people were showing up to hike even though it had begun to drizzle now. Everything was wet and vibrant despite the overcast skies. 

It was a beautiful day and a beautiful hike.  I wanted to write my first trip report to highlight a challenge that I've since heard about from others, and we experienced ourselves on this hike.  After the signage which directs you to Highway 20, or Lottie Point, or LIghthouse Point, we saw no more signs.  We took the Lighthouse Point route.  We intended to stay on the loop trail, but there are several well-traveled trails that branch off and it is difficult to identify the main route.  We ended up following one which became rather dangerous with children and a dog.  We thought we were still on the main trail when it went down a very steep route that ended on a slim beach with no outlet. Our older kids had taken it down and recommended that we turn back.  After turning back we found what we believe to be the main loop trail and made our way back.  It was a delightful hike with stunning views of the Sound and the Olympics, just be aware of the existence of "optional" trails.

Beautiful day! Saw the sea elephant who is temporarily beached.