Sharpe Park Loop with Sunset at Sares Head then Village Pizza

Weather looks great for a sunset hike to Sares Head at Sharpe Park. We'll do a series of loops and end up at Sares Head, where we'll hang out and enjoy the sunset while socializing. From there, we'll head back to the trailhead on the mellower trails.

*Note that this not the mellow stroll to the lookout. It's the more strenuous route with the loop down to the water and back. It's steep, rocky, and rooty, so please be willing and able to tackle this part safely. Despite the short-ish distance, I'd consider it strenuous.

This is one of the relatively unknown, but still great, parks in Anacortes. Views will include water, islands, Deception Pass Bridge, and maybe even the Olympic Mountains. We'll combine multiple trails that include going down to the rocky waterfront as well as some spectacular view spots up higher, including Sares Head.

Distance will be approximately four miles total. Cumulative elevation gain will be roughly 700' but will feel like more. There are lots of ups and downs, so you will get a nice interval workout. Trails are a mix of wide and level as well as steep, narrow, and rocky. For a county park, some of the trails are steep and rugged. Please be comfortable with this and wear appropriate shoes.

Note that there is no phone reception at and around the trailhead, so communication may not be easy.

Since this is a sunset hike, it will be dark in the woods, especially on the way out. Make sure you bring a headlamp, flashlight, or some other light source that works. Pace will be moderate, say 2MPH moving pace, and the group needs to stay together. We'll stop several times to hang out at the viewpoints to take in the views, so the end time is an estimate.

After the hike and sunset hangout, we'll caravan over to Village Pizza at 807 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. https://www.villagepizza.org/ They have a great selection of pizza (obviously,) pasta, salads, as well as beverages.

Note that we are not guides or medical professionals. You are responsible for yourself and any guests you bring. Please carry the ten essentials: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials
Distance: Approximately 4 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 700'
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous (due to steep sections)
Parking Pass Required: None
Headlamp or Flashlight Required: Yes
Dogs: Dog-friendly event for friendly dogs, but park requires leashes.
Calories Consumed: Up to you
WTA description: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sharpe-park-sares-head (Good for general info, but not the hike route we'll use.)
Map (on 2nd page:) https://www.skagitcounty.net/ParksAndRecreation/Documents/misc/Parks/Trail_Map_handout2.pdf?ver=2

Parking lot is a U-shaped, gravel lot on the west side of Rosario Road. The sign pictured on the Skagit County link's 1st page is there in front along the road, but is now faded.

Carpooling is a possibility from Mount Vernon, or if others want to meet in other locations, feel free to use the comments section to organize.