Things To Do – Outdoor Activities

Park Butte

This hike offers a commanding view of Mount Baker and the Easton and Deming Glaciers. The meadows and vistas here are simply amazing and have been captured by photographers for decades. Round trip is 8 miles, but wandering all day in the meadows is encouraged.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington,turning left on the Baker Lake Highway beyond milepost 82. Turn left in 12.5 miles at a prominent intersection and,following signs for Schreibers Meadow,turn right in 3 miles before driving the final 6 miles to the trailhead, elevation 3,200 feet.

Anderson Butte/ Watson Lakes

Hike includes two alpine lakes and unobstructed views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. A mile long climb to a rocky knob known as Anderson Butte should be your first trek, then on to the alpine lakes for fishing, relaxing or picking blueberries. Round trip is 7 miles.

Drive Highway 20 east from Burlington, turning left on the Baker Lake Highway beyond milepost 82. Drive about 14 miles before turning right and,after literally driving over the upper Baker dam,turn left and wind 8 more miles to the trailhead,elevation 4,000 feet.

FIVE “IN TOWN” HIKES

Pacific Northwest Trail to Samish Overlook – Chuckanut hike offers unsurpassed views of Samish Bay and many of the San Juan Islands. Round trip is 6.5 miles and includes bat caves, a giant rock wall amphitheatre and famous Oyster Dome. (Chuckanut Dr.)

Little Mountain – Mount Vernon’s largest park with views across Skagit Valley to the Olympic Mountains. Two viewpoints, one looking west and the other north. There are number of hiking trails, but you also can drive to the summit. (Mount Vernon)

Mount Erie – There are numerous hikes in the Anacortes Community Forest Lands and it is advised you bring a map to stay on the right path. This area is a theme park for outdoor enthusiasts, with tremendous views of the San Juan Islands, Skagit Valley and numerous mountains on a clear day. Drive or hike your way to the summit to enjoy the sights. (Anacortes)

For more information visit www.skagitonians.org, www.skagitfisheries.org, and www.slowfoodskagit.org web sites.

Hiking descriptions and photos provided by Jana Henningsen and Mike Woodmansee. Additional photos by Andy Porter and Mark Nelson.

Padilla Bay Trail – Flat 2.25 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail, built on a dike with views of Padilla Bay. (Bay View-Edison Rd.)

Fragrance Lake – This is one of the easiest hikes on Chuckanut, offering a loop trail around Fragrance Lake and a viewpoint looking northwest towards Bellingham Bay. Round trip is 4 miles. (Chuckanut Dr.)