Camano Island State Park — Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

This is such a beautiful state park and a closer alternative to Deception Pass. Mountain views, beach access and a nice costal woodland can be had for a mere 3+ mile walk! We parked at the North Beach parking lot and took the Loop trail down to the South Beach and back up thru the woods to return. Catch the trail just a short way up the road from the parking lot and follow it along the bluff and down the short Marsh trail to the South Beach parking. This is a bigger parking lot with a boat launch and a large picnic area. We talked to someone who saw orcas here last week, but alas, we didn't see any. We did see a large seal or sea lion and a couple of eagles. To avoid wandering around thru the campground, walk up the road and find the Loop trail on your right. There are some nice peekaboo views of the Cascades here before heading into the woods. There is still some fall color from the bigleaf maples, but the leaves are dropping fast. Madrone trees are berried up nice too! With a 30$ Discover Pass you get a lot of bang for the buck, all year hiking, but IMHO best in the off season when it's quieter.