Monday, April 15, 2013

Hiking Dog Friendly Guemes Island

Guemes Mountain, WA
Just getting around to posting a trip report of our dog friendly hike to Guemes Mountain, WA.  It is amazing after living in the Pacific Northwest for so many years, that there are still places that await discovery and exploration. 
We parked our cars at the free parking lot at the Guemes Island Ferry terminal in Anacortes, WA and walked on the ferry - $2.50 round trip fare for humans - $0 for the dogs.

We hiked about 2 miles along the sparsely traveled roads to the Guemes Mountain trailhead.  There is no sign on the road marking the trailhead - just a wide shoulder where a few vehicles can park and a bike rack - but the graveled trail is clearly visible.  A few yards after staring up the trail there is a sign with information about the Guemes Mountain trail.
The trail was completed in 2011 after a joint effort by the Skagit Land Trust, San Juan PreservationTrust, Guemes Island residents and the Washington Trails Association.  What a great legacy for future generations to enjoy!  Even though the spring weather was less than perfect, the view from the summit was fabulous and as a bonus we saw numerous bald eagles.
To see more of my adventures hiking with me dogs, visit my other blog Adventures of Border Collies in the Burbs.