The Lopez Community Trails Network, a trails organization on Lopez Island, is again scheduling a series of hikes open to the public under the title “Go Take a Hike.” The hike schedule includes a variety of destinations on and off the Island, including both easy beach walks and more strenuous mountain hikes. These monthly hikes are on Saturdays and begin in March with the Lopez beach walk. Hikes are at a leisurely pace encouraging exploration and experiencing the wonders of nature.
Sign up is by phone or email with the hike leader. Twelve is our usual limit. There is no expense except the sharing of transportation costs when we go off island. Call Bob Walker (360 468-3397) with any questions or visit lopeztrails.org.
March 1 San Juan Channel beach hike and cleanup
This is a one-way two and half to three mile beach walk along the west side of Lopez Island with car pool to starting point. Meet at Fisherman’s Bay Preserve lot. Bring a small pack for food, drink and clothing adjustments, plus a trash bag for beach cleanup. We will leave at 9 a.m. No sign up required. Call Charlie Janeway (468-3706) or Bob Walker (468-3397) if you have questions.
Apr. 19 Iceberg Point seashore life ID fieldtrip and hike
With a minus tide we have the opportunity to observe the near shore undersea life exposed. This rugged rocky point of land, which I call Hatch Point, extends out about 300 feet from the 30 foot bluff with a small trail to access the beach. An invited seashore biologist or a guide book will help us identify what we see. This is very slippery terrain, so trekking poles or a walking stick may be useful. This hike is a loop trip of about two miles, most all on good upland trail. We will meet at Agate Beach Park at noon. Advance sign up with Bob Walker, phone 360-468-3397 or email robwillwalk@hotmail.com.
May 17 Turtleback/Turtlehead Loop hike on Orcas
This is a great opportunity to visit the new Turtlehead and connector trail completed in 2013 plus Turtleback all in one trip without putting in too many hours. We will start from the north trailhead, but leave a car at the south trailhead to bring people back and complete the loop. This will be a four to six mile hike depending on some options. The total hike will involve easy hiking terrain with great views and hopefully some wild flowers. Sign up with our leader Mike Moore for meeting time, ferry schedule, etc. at 360-468-3622 or e-mail him at eroom@rockisland.com. This should be an easy sign up for those on Orcas Island as well.
June 14 Rock Trail at Larrabee St. Park
This is a very unusual trail hike. It is on a new trail in the park, opening in spring of this year. The trail starts down from Chuckanut Mountain ridge top traversing four or five sections of stairs (58 steps total) among extensive sandstone cliffs and formations. John Whetten, a local geologist, retired U.S.G.S. and UW Professor will lead this field trip. Total hike distance is about three miles round trip to Lost Lake. Hike is considered moderate unless you don’t like stairs. Sign up with Bob Walker at 360-468-3397 or email him at robwillwalk @hotmail.com.
July 19 Watson Lakes/Anderson Butte
This hike is written up in guide books as an ideal family outing with a number of alpine lakes and view options and only 800 feet of elevation gain going in. The upper Watson Lake makes a great lunch and turn around spot. It has great views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan along the way. The distance is five to seven miles round trip depending on which lake and which view point we select. For more info and sign up contact leader Bob Walker at 360-468-3397 or email at robwillwalk@hotmail.com.
Aug. 16 Yellow Aster Butte
On the north side from Mt. Baker just east of the town of Glacier, this hike has alpine meadows, glacial tarns (ponds), wild blueberries and mountain views galore. This is an all day event that is considered moderately strenuous with an eight mile round trip trail hike gaining 2200 feet of elevation. For more info including car pool arrangements and sign up contact leader Chris Coiley at 360-468-4090 or email at cjcoiley@yahoo.com.
Sept. 20 Lake Ann or Lower Curtis Glacier
For an up close and personal view of Mt. Shuksan, much closer than the calendar scene from Picture Lake, this is the hike for you. It has hanging glaciers with active ice avalanches and wild flowers, all from a ridge overlooking Lake Ann. All this is achieved by hiking a well maintained four mile trail from the Austin Pass parking lot above the Mt. Baker Ski area. Open views all along the way. Elevation change is only 100 feet from start to finish, but there are ups and downs along the way. For additional info and sign up contact Bob Walker at 360-468-3397or e-mail at robwillwalk@hotmail.com.
Oct. 4 Lopez Island bird walk
Lead by experienced birder Bob Myhr, this will be a good first bird ID field trip, for those that want to check it out. Also, this is a good prep for the annual Audubon Christmas bird count. Contact Bob at 360-468-2258 about 30 days prior to outing for details of where and when to meet.
