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. 

29Mar2021 ~08:30, i was the only one at the Guemes Mountain trailhead parking. The Trail is in good condition. Trailhead-Summit R/T ~2.6 miles. Lots of birds singing during my way up to the summit. Upon reaching the Vista, rewarded myself with a hot cuppa of coffee while enjoying the lovely views .. and the sweet solitude. 

Upon my way out from the summit, i encountered a woman who was coming up. i presumed she's a "Local" (i.e. she's living at Guemes Island). She's very friendly and we chatted for a while. i asked her about the Muriel Lane (that's shown in the Maps). And she told me that its a Private Lane that runs through a Private Property. i wondered whether i would get in to any "trouble" (with the Property Owner) if i take a walk on Muriel Lane (to my vehicle that's parked at the Trailhead, S Shore Road)? Not blaming this kind woman, but she helpfully told me that there shouldn't be "troubles" .. that i should simply apologise, say sorry (to the Property Owner or whoever) and say that i am just making my way back to my vehicle at the Trailhead. 

Well, i took the risk .. went on Muriel Lane -> So Harbor Lane -> Holiday Blvd -> TH (S Shore Rd). i didn't meet the Property Owner, or had any "troubles" on this route. On hindsight, i shouldn't have taken this route "illegal" route cos it's not right for me to disrespect the Property Rights of the Owner(s). And so, this is my sincere apologies to the Property Owner(s) for having infringed on your Property this morning.

While i was on S Shore Road, and ~0.5 miles from my vehicle, the same woman (whom i met at the summit) came cycling by me .. She seemed relieved and glad that i got out safely via Muriel Lane .. i thanked her and again now wish to thanks her and the Gumes Islanders for their friendliness and hospitality.

Happy Trails Everyone!

Another to file under "Harvey Manning winter walks". We went on a little getaway to Guemes Island and to our surprise there is a well established and cared for trail to the high point of the island. Room for 4 or so cars at the trailhead. The top is a "bald" in the style of the san juans with views to Mount Baker, Samish island, the Chuckanuts and many of the San Juans that rival the popular Mount Constitution on Orcas. Trail is gently graded and easy.  A true gem of public lands, worth a visit to the island.

This is a gem. Beautiful hike through Forest on very nice trail ( thank you to WTA, the San Juan Preservation Trust, and the Skagit Land Trust and the local Guemes !).  The view form the top is awe inspiring.  We had two bald eagles enjoying the view with us. Only 5 people who quickly left and we had the summit to ourselves.  Parking very limited but not a problem on a late Feb Saturday.  This hike is a great addition to a Quemes trip and worth the ferry fee itself. 

Road and trail were in great condition. The parking area is very small, only 4-5 vehicles. I’m not sure if there’s overflow somewhere or maybe you could park along the road where it’s wide enough.
I got lucky with clear weather and the views are absolutely spectacular and a generous reward for your efforts. Be sure to walk the loop at the top to see the views.