Guemes Mountain — Tuesday, Apr. 13, 2021

This hike had been in the My Backpack feature of a long time, way too long! What a great hike on a beautiful day! The hiking grandmas decided to make a day of it, so instead of driving to the TH we parked the car in Anacortes and walked on the little ferry, then walked to the TH (2 miles each way). First how to get there, follow #20 spur thru Anacortes, (turns into Commercial). Turn left on 12th, turn right on I, follow that down to the dock, or if parking turn right on 6th, turn left on K and into the ferry parking lot. This is a fun little ferry and takes about 5 minutes to get to the island. Once there, turn right onto South Shore RD and follow this to the TH, which will be on your right and is marked. The road walk has some great water views and nice views of Whitehorse, 3 Fingers and other Mtn Loop peaks. The trail itself is a pleasure to hike, thanks to WTA volunteers who built this several years ago, and it has  held up well. The trail starts out in a fir forest, then goes thru cedar then opens up towards the top. There are a few benches to rest on the way up and a peek a boo views between the trees. Currants are blooming now along this stretch. Once the top is reached, Wow! Baker, the Salish Sea, Canadian Cascades, and the Olys all there! There are 2 benches we took the short loop trail and then parked on the top bench to eat our lunch. We were a little too early for the main flower show, but we did see one fawn lily in tight bud and some nice clumps of blooming blue eyed Mary. Reluctantly we headed back down, but ice cream was calling to us, the first of the season was had at the General Store by the ferry terminal. The fare was 2$ seniors, they only take credit cards, no cash and no Orca cards, There is a restroom on the Anacortes side, and a sanican in the parking lot on the island side (surrounded by skis). The General Store also loans out bikes to ride to the TH. Dogs must be leashed, no bikes, horses or ATWs on the trail. RT from TH 2.4 miles 600' gain.