Lovely climb through forested and then prairie trail to incredible views of the San Juans, Northern Cascades and beyond. Paired this with a beach hike at Young’s Park to Clark Point to make a day of it on Guemes Island.

Hiked this with my family (9, 13, 18 year olds), and we all really enjoyed the hike.  At a little more than 2 miles, the hike was short but had a nice reward at the top with views of the sound and islands along with Nt Baker in the distance.  The hike isn’t too steep at any point, though does have a steady upward climb for pretty much the entire trail.  We made it to the top in about 45 minutes, enjoyed the beautiful view and then back down in about 30 minutes.  Very quick out and back for a great view.  

If you happen to be on Guemes, I would highly recommend taking a few hours to hike this one.  Also, zero bugs and very nice temperature even on a sunny day!

Adventure to Guemes Mountain today! *The ferry to Guemes Island is passenger only right now.*

We walked the 2.1 miles to the trailhead along the South Shore Rd. There isn’t much of a shoulder or sidewalks but the cars that passed us were very nice and waved to us. Once at the trail, you’ll take your time meandering before the last half mile which is much steeper. There are flowers here and there in the forest. Mostly forget me knots, star flower and fringe cup. Once you get up to the balsa, you’ll find camas,  chocolate lilies, white fawn lilies and sorrel. The camas and white fawn lilies are past peak and don’t have long left. The views were spectacular. We could see the Olympics, the islands, Mt Baker and the different Canadian peaks. We also saw lots of dragonflies, little blue butterflies and a frog. We spent awhile at the top and then headed back down and walked back to the ferry. Overall it was 7 miles. We stopped at the general store for a snack and walked down to the beach while we waited. The timeline for the ferry keeps getting pushed back, but you could also bike to the trailhead. There is a bike rack at the road. 

Note: there is stinging nettle along the trail at times. Also, cows parsnip and poison hemlock along the road. 

This is a great little hike, views at the top of Baker, the San Juans, distant Canadian mtns, the Olys, and benches to sit and enjoy it all. With only 2.5 miles RT and 500+ elevation gain it's a big bang for the buck. However, driving all the way to Anacortes for that short of a hike may not be worth it to you, so add on a quiet road walk from the ferry to the TH and get 2 more miles each way making it a 7 mile hike. Park at 6th and K ferry parking lot and walk down a couple of blocks to the little ferry for the ride over. The road takes off to the right when you get off the boat. Following the shoreline, walk to the 3 way intersection and take the far left road to the TH. There is a spot for about 3 cars and a bike rack, which would be another option to get there. No restroom at the TH, indoor restrooms at the mainland ferry, portapotty in the far parking lot on the island end. The ferry will not take cash, you need a credit card to pay. Wildlife, one deer, eagles seen and heard, owl heard and an assortment of ducks on the water and little birds in the brush.  

Fabulous day to go up Guemes Mountain!  From the ferry landing, we walked along the road 2 miles to the TH.  We saw a deer crossing the road, eagle atop a tree, and  heard an owl hooting.  Only saw 2 hikers coming down the mountain as we went up, then had the mountain and trail to ourselves.  Blue skies, no wind, and great views of the San Juan Islands, Skagit Delta and Mount Baker. 
GPS had almost 7 miles RT.

Porta Potty at the ferry landing in Guemes, no facilities at the trail.