I loved this bit of exploration on Anderson Island! I did a 17-mile loop: ferry terminal to Lowell Johnson Park on Florence Lake, past Josephine Lake to Jacob’s Point Park, through Andy’s Wildlife Park to Andy’s Marine Park, then straight across the island back to the terminal.
A sign in Andy’s Wildlife Park said “boots advised” – I’d advise them on all these trails right now! But if you’ve got those, this island is well worth the visit. Winter marshes are beautiful, with the bright green ferns, deep red undergrowth, and pale mossy trees. Mushrooms are everywhere. I saw deer, seals, eagles, buffleheads, and tons of tiny birds chirping among the reeds. All the parks had helpful signage at intersections, and the plant/tree names posted in Andy’s Marine Park were fun to see.
Also, props to Anderson Island on its public potty maintenance. I took a quick look, and all but one I saw was clean and had toilet paper: Lowell Johnson Park, Jacob’s Point trailhead, Jacob’s Point near the Mr. Rainier/Nisqually Outlook (no TP), Andy’s Wildlife Park Trailhead, Andy’s Marine Park trailhead, and both ferry terminals.
Lowell Johnson Park: small public access to Florence Lake. Triangular dock with small slide fences the little ones in, with a larger slide deeper in the water. Signs say no lifeguard.
Jacob’s Point Park: paths are red from fallen needles, contrasting with the moss and trees. Lots of water viewpoints. West and south sides of the loop have avoidable puddles. Most of the offshoot to the Mt. Rainier/Nisqually Outlook has 2-3 inches of water covering the whole trail, though; there was a small blowdown there, about a foot thick, and some half-fallen branches. There were quite a few underwater patches on the east side of the loop as well. Bring those boots. 😊 Don’t bring your dogs, though! It’s a wildlife refuge; dogs aren’t allowed.
Andy’s Wildlife Park: my favorite forest views were here, on the Clausen trail that connects to the Marine Park. The beginning of the south stretch (east to west) and parts of the north stretch required walking through some deep puddles. Dogs are permitted here.
Andy’s Marine Park: much better built-in drainage, helped by a consistent downhill, a bit steep right before the beach. Also a wildlife refuge; no dogs. The beach itself was beautiful, with the floating footpath over the small cove to the sand spit. I sat for half an hour, watching the tide, without another person in sight. I hardly saw anyone all day – maybe 2-4 times in each of the three large parks.
I hope to come back later in the year with our four-year-old. The trails are relatively easy, with lots of viewpoints that we could set as snack spots, and the fact that we can only get there by boat makes it all the more of an adventure!
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