Travel Guide | Motivation & Happiness | Keira Adams

1. Cranberry Lake
2. Camano Ridge Forest Preserve Loop
3. Cama Beach Marine View Loop
4. English Boom Trail
5. Elger Bay Interpretive Trail

Cranberry Lake Trail at Cama Beach

This is a beautiful hike that could not be captured accurately with pictures. It is a great hike for kids and adults alike. The trail has interpretive signs along the way, but they are short and can be missed if you aren’t paying attention. The lake has Beaver dams on the Eastside of the lake. It is a good place to watch birds, but no really good areas to sit. There are bathroom facilities at the park, but if you start your hike off of S.W. Camano Drive there are no facilities between parking and the lake. If you would like more details follow the link below.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/cranberry-lake–2

Camano Ridge Forest Preserve Loop

The Camano Ridge Forest Preserve loop was a beautiful hike. It was also the longest hike we have done on the island at 3.8 miles. If you start off at the Can Ku road entrance, the hike starts off going up a steep hill. The trail is riddled with tree roots throughout and I would suggest hiking boots or sneakers at a minimum. Once you reach the loop portion we went to the left and the trail is relatively flat wide and easy. We took the side trail called the Southern Wetlands which was beautiful, but not much of a wetland at this time of year (July). However, once you reach the Sockeye Run portion of the loop it is full of tree roots and tripping hazards. After the Sockeye Run portion of the trail, the loop trail gets wider and flatter again until you reach the portion leading you back to Can Ku road. We missed the last two side trails because my son was getting tired at that point. There are no restroom facilities at this park. There is another parking lot that may have something, but since we did not join the trail from that parking lot I am not sure.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/camino-ridge-forest-preserve

Marine Loop Trail at Cama Beach

Here we hiked a 2.5-mile version of the loop. We started at the Alder Parking lot and followed the loop, then proceeded over the roadway onto the Ivy-Lane Trail until we reached the Cranberry Lake Trail, where we turned back toward the Alder parking lot. It was a nice trail with lovely scenery, but throughout most of the loop, you could hear the road noise from SW Camano Drive. My son’s high points were two trees. One that draped over the trail, perfect for a six-year-old to lay on and relax. The second was a burnt-out tree he could stand inside. There was a lovely look-out at the far end of the loop, and as a bonus, the trailhead began at a restroom. Having said that, this would be my least favorite trail on the island due to the road noise and close proximity.

For more information follow this link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/marine-loop-trail

English Boom Trail

The English Boom Trail is a short .9 mile trail along a beach. The whole walk is out in the full sun, so although it is short I would recommend sunscreen. There is limited parking and no bathroom facilities. I noticed multiple patches of 10-20 bees swarming close to the ground. We walked through them without getting stung, however with small kids I would watch out. We did enjoy the walk and spotted a Blue Heron standing out in the water. Others have spotted Eagles and other wildlife.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/english-boom-trail

Being a native of the Pacific Northwest, I have always loved to hike. It soothes my soul to get outdoors and reconnect with nature. I wanted to pass this love on to my son, so we get outside whenever possible. It is some of our favorite times together. Part 1 will focus on the shorter hikes around 2 miles or less. A lot of love, sweat, and giggles have gone into the making of this guide. I hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy Trails!

1. Iverson Spit Preserve Loop and the Hobbit Trail
2. Holly & Bluff Loop
3. Elger Bay Nature Preserve Trail
4. Camano Ridge Forest Preserve Loop
5. Perimeter, Holton Wetland and Ravine Drop off Trail
6. Cranberry Lake Trail
7. Cama Beach Marine View Loop
8. Camano Island State Park Trail

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Iverson Spit Preserve Loop and Hobbit Trail

The Iverson Spit Preserve Loop and Hobbit Trail is my favorite hike for younger kids. It really has it all. It has the beach, wetlands, forest, and off the main trail is a Hobbit Trail. You can enter the Hobbit trail, which is also inhabited by Gnomes, and enjoy a magical adventure with your little ones. The story of the trail is that Hobbits has very good hearing, so you have to be really quiet on trail. They can hear us from quite a distance and scatter as we approach. It is very rare to spot a Hobbit or Fairy. However, Gnomes have the magical power to turn into stone when humans are near, so you may spot a few of them a long the way. The draw back to the park is that it does not have facilities, so if you go with a baby/toddler you will be changing diapers in the car. There is a port-a-potty for those kids adventurous enough you use them. BEWARE during winter and after heavy rains this trail can be muddy and partially underwater so be prepared. For more details follow the All Trails link below:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/iverson-spit-preserve

Holly & Bluff Loop at Barnum Point County Park

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This is our second favorite hike. From the parking lot, it is a bit confusing as to which trailhead to chose. We chose to start at the trailhead on the above left. It takes you through the woods and grasslands until it opens up to a beautiful view of Port Susan. You can head down to the water, or continue around to see more gorgeous vistas before reaching the side jaunt down to the rocky beach below. It then travels through forest and marshlands back out the exit above on the right. If you start at the entrance/exit on the right you are closer to the beach if that is your focus. Below I have included some of the sights. This park is the same in that it has no facilities other than a port-a-potty.

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https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/holly-and-bluff-loop

Perimeter, Holton Wetland and Ravine Drop off Trail at the Four Springs Preserve

Upon entering the preserve gravel road, drive through the first parking lot, take the second left further into the preserve to get to the parking for the trailhead. This is a good hike because it is customizable. The walk to the Holton Wetlands is short and interesting. It wanders through the wetlands. Beware there are a few mosquitos. The perimeter hike takes you back up and out of the ravine and wetlands, and through the forest. It is a beautiful location. Initially, you walk through grasslands to get to the trailhead. Keep your eyes peeled for deer. If you don’t see them you will definitely see trampled down spots in the tall grass where they laid for a rest. Follow the link below for specifics about this location. There are no reliable public restroom facilities at this location. I have seen port-a-potties but I think they may be seasonal

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/perimeter-holton-wetland-and-ravine-drop-off-trail

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Elger Bay Nature Preserve Interpretive Trail

Elger Bay Nature Preserve trail is another easy-level 1-mile trail. It includes a Beaver Marsh, Interpretive signs throughout, and an amphitheater. One particularly interesting part of the trail is a big Anthill. My son and I love to watch them from a distance. The Beaver Marsh includes a platform and some benches that are a perfect place to stop for a snack. Parking is problematic. Parking is available off Dry Lake Road, but it involves crossing a road with your little ones. No bathroom facilities at this site. It is close to the Elger Bay Grocery which does have snacks and restroom facilities. To get there follow Hwy 532. Hwy 532 turns into Elger Bay Road. Turn right on to Dry Lake Road and park on either shoulder. If you see Elger Bay Grocery you have gone too far.

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To Be Continued (Part II includes longer hikes at 2 miles and greater).