Deception Pass State Park - Goose Rock — Sunday, May. 10, 2009

Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island

We like to take this short hike in April or May. Today, as usual, it was delightful. We started at the North Beach Parking Lot, and headed north along the trail which parallels the coast. This part has spectacular views of Deception Pass. Once on the north side, we dropped down to the water. The tide was low and G. enjoyed finding crabs and popping seaweed bladders, while S. found an agate. We walked east until the beach ran out, then scrambled up a steep slope back to the trail. This part of the trail is my favorite. First one traverses open meadows and steep rock gardens, very flowery in the spring. Some of my favorites are larkspur, sedum, camas, and indian paintbrush. The trail then dips to the beach one more time before climbing through woods. The woods are mostly Madrone, and the undergrowth includes western azalea, service berry, ocean spray, and Kinnickinuk. The service berry was in bloom and the azaleas are just starting. The trail tops out on more flower meadows and rock outcroppings at Goose rock, which gives great views from the Cascades to the Olympics. One then has a choice of short trails back to the parking lot.