09Apr2021 FRI ~09:30, i arrived at the Jackle's Lagoon (Mount Finlayson) Trailhead parking which was partially full. And it was still partially full when i left. i did the hike CCW: TH > Vista_01 > (4) > (5) > (6) > (8) > (F) > (E) > (11) > (12) > TH

The Trail Condition was good, and well maintained and well-signed except for the section between (E) and (F) which was un-maintained, and there's a short stretch which traverse close beside the edge of the bluff.

Encountered a woman at Vista_01. And she very helpfully highlighted to me the directions for the views of the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, Vancouver, etc .. which can be easily seen during clear weather. i thanked her for the tips. A short while later, when the overcast partially lifted, i did get to enjoy of some of these views .. beautiful ..  

During my ~2+ hr on the Jackle's Lagoon (Mount Finlayson) Trail, i encountered and chatted with a total of ~5 (other) people. It's only on the Lagoon beach area, and far distance away from me, that i noticed some people walking on the beach/shore. And so i had ~2 hrs of sweet solitude 😀 

Happy Trails Everyone!

Beautiful views the whole way.  We had a sunny clear day- arrived at the trailhead early afternoon.  The small parking lot was full, but we got lucky and someone was pulling out just as we arrived.  Right as we were starting out, we saw a fox across the road!  Over the course of the afternoon, we saw a couple more foxes in the meadow area as well.  Also saw deer.  I love loop hikes, and this was a great one.  The view of the straight, the mountains, and the lighthouse below were great.  Then on the way back, we descended into forest and down to the lagoon, before making our way back along the nature trail to the parking lot.  A little bit of everything to keep everybody happy! The trail was in great shape, very little mud.  While in the San Juans we were so happily amazed at how well-kept and clean everything was.  The trails, beaches, and parking lots were pristine.  I wish I could say the same for the trails and beaches on the "mainland".  Thank you, San Juan Isanders!  

Combined sections of these trails on San Juan Island and what a treat.  The views were spectacular and the terrain so diverse.  The section on American Camp is a National Historic Park.  It’s wide open fields like a prairie but with sweeping view of the Straight of Juan de Fuca that lead down to a beach filled with logs. I then parked on the main road about a 1\2 mile past the Jakle Lagoon parking area - and hiked the high ridge leading to Cattle Point Lighthouse.  This section is not to be missed - with unobstructed views of the Salish Sea and the mountains beyond.  Then I turned back, crossed the road and hiked up to the top of the Mt Finlayson trail with a small section of nice shaded pine.  I started down to the Third Lagoon trail but as I was contemplating the very steep decline knowing I had to return on the incline, a fox ran across my path about 20 yards ahead (not a fan).  That made me turn around and just take in the views at the top instead.  It’s beautiful up there. ;). There are more side trails to explore off of all these trails, too.  If you get a clear day like I did, you will not be disappointed.  

Great hike for wildlife and kids. Saw deer, rabbits, foxes, and 3 eye level bald eagles. Incredible views across the strait and a lovely mix of forest and prairie. My 2 year old was able to walk most of it independently.