This is a marvelous, easy hike/walk with great marine views. We found Rosario Head to be the highlight, especially on this odd, sunny, warm early February day, as we napped on the grass with no jackets in the sun! The feeling was Northern California in the spring, not NW Washington in winter. The loop trail around Lottie Point is the one to skip if you are pressed for time. No open views, although it would normally be a treat if not already spoiled by Rosario Head.

Work was cancelled so it made for a great day to take hike #3 even though it was mighty cold with 4 to 6 inches of snow on the ground at Deception Pass State Park. I had most of the park to myself. I only saw one other person as I was coming out. I hiked the Lighthouse Point Trail which is well maintained and has spectacular views of Bowman Bay, Deception Pass Bridge and the Inlet Passage between Fidalgo and Whidbey Island. At first I was mighty cold but warmed up after a half hour or so of hiking. The trail was easy to find in the snow. Hiking out on to one of the peninsulas gave me unobstructive views of the bridge and passage. I saw several Bald Eagles diving for fish in the inlet passage as well as hearing a pack of coyotes in the park which was rare. I did not get to see them but the one person I met on the trail said he got a glimpse of them. The weather made for a nice change of scenery and a hike pretty much all to myself as roads were bad from ice and snow so everyone else was stuck at home watching television. I hope you like my subliminal message found in one of my pictures. Checkout the videos of this hike and over 140 other hikes I have done in Washington State on my youtube channel "lmm3181" or just click on these direct links that are safe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LOdMJidqcU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9aM7FyguK4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxCvJ1jGCkA Enjoy your hiking and get out and see this great state! Take Care, Mike

A few images from this hike: http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbandisturbance/sets/72157627534680943/ We did not the entire hike but a loop from the parking lot at Lighthouse point to the actual point and back which is only about 1.5 miles and absolutely easy (I did not even know there was a longer option). There are a few potentially dangerous cliffs but that's about it, be careful and you're good. Elevation is minimal (apart from one steep(ish) climb of maybe only 100 yards. It's more of a nice walk rather than a hike.

The trail from Bowman Bay to Rosario Head is in great shape. The path is dry, easy to follow, and full of great views of Bowman Bay, Sharpe Cove, and Rosario Strait (although today there was quite a bit of fog early on which limited the views). In several places along the trail, especially around Rosario Head, there are steep drop-offs, so watch your footing. If you happen to be out at low tide, be sure to spend some time exploring the tide pools at Rosario Beach.

This is great time to enjoy the coastal wildflowers and the rugged coastline at Rosario Head. Some of the flowers in bloom include large Wild Roses, Thimble Berry blooms, red and orange Paintbrush, yellow and white Daisies, Cascade Stonecrop, Salal, Blue Buttons, Vetch, and Beach Pea Vine. The views are great as well. We also discovered that you can hike the entire circumferance of the Lighthouse Point island.