Complete Guide to the Best Hikes for Kids on Camano Island (Part 1)

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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

• 

• 

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.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

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