Island Adventure #1 - Guemes Mountain Hike

I am in a tropical mood and I am ready for an Island Adventure. Unfortunately, I do not have the time nor the funds to fly off to Hawaii but I do have a few bucks to spare for some gas and ferry fare to a nearby, yet remote island. A short ferry ride from Anacortes is the small island of Guemes and 2 miles from the ferry dock is a small mountain (about 2 miles RT and 550 ft elev. gain) with some great views. It is possible to walk off the ferry and along the road to this mountain as there is very little traffic over there and we may be able to do some beach walking as well. So pack a lunch and supplies for a day of exploring. Dogs allowed on leash.

Island Adventure - Guemes Mountain Hike (Mar 10, 2013) Photos

I estimate to be walking about 6- 8 miles or so and spend 3 - 4 hours before heading back. There is no rush - we will be on island time.

We can meet at Ash Way Park and Ride at 8:00 am and carpool or caravan up, aiming for the 9:45 am ferry. Let us know if you want to carpool, can provide the carpool or will meet at ferry.(Ferry fare is $5.50 RT and parking at the Anacortes ferry is supposed to be free.)
Guemes Island Ferry
Guemes Mountain & Valley Property - Skagit Land Trust
Guemes Mountain — Washington Trails Association

If the weather is not great on Saturday morning we can still head up to Anacortes and do the Guemes Channel Trail on the Anacortes Side so we are not stuck on an island in inclement weather and can leave independent of ferry service.

WTA constructed this new trail to the top of Guemes Mountain on Guemes Island. The one-mile trail leads to an incredible viewpoint overlooking nearby islands and ocean straits, the Skagit River delta, and the volcanoes and jagged spires of the North Cascades.

Do note that this is a day hiking site only, and camping, fires, motorized vehicles, bikes and horses are not allowed.