5 Great Local Hikes

(Sarah's note- Jack is nearing his final days as a 9th grader at South Whidbey High School and gearing up for a summer of some work and plenty of hiking time. Here are 5 hikes that Jack recommends in and around Whidbey Island. For more hikes in WA check out the Washington Trails Association website.)

5 great hikes near Whidbey Island!

 

Mt. Pilchuck

1.  Mt. Pilchuck
Mt. Pilchuck is one of the most highly recommended hikes in Washington State, and is relatively easy to access. From Granite Falls, take the Mountain Loop Highway east. After crossing the “blue bridge” turn right onto Forest Road 42, drive for 7 miles to the trailhead at elevation 3,100 feet. (Bathroom facilities available at trailhead.) While the hike up to Pilchuck is only 2.7 miles, this is not a hike for beginners. There is snow on the trail for most of the year, as late as June and as early as November. The summit of Mt. Pilchuck offers spectacular views of every mountain surrounding the Mt. Loop. Highway. The hike up Pilchuck gains 2,200 feet in 2.7 miles and has a summit height of 5,324 feet; at the summit there is a restored fire lookout, which was previously used by the US Forest Service. For additional information, go to: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-pilchuck

Sauk Mountain Switchbacks

2. Sauk Mountain. Sauk Mountain is a spectacular, yet short hike. With an elevation gain of 1,150 feet and a 4-mile round trip, this hike is short and sweet. You can drive nearly to the summit of the 5,500-foot peak, and then enjoy hiking switchbacks through wildflowers. When you reach the peak, you look one way to see the beautiful North Cascades, look the other way, and see the wide stunning Skagit Valley stretching out before you. For additional information, go to: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/sauk-mountain

 

Coal Creek Waterfalls

3. Coal Creek Falls. Coal Creek Falls is a short 1.24-mile day hike to some beautiful waterfalls. This hike is accessible year round and during the winter you will see ice sculptures formed by the splashing of the falls. For additional information, go to: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/coal-creek-falls

Ebey's Bluff

4. Ebey’s Bluff The hike from Ebey’s Bluff begins at Ebey’s Landing in Coupeville, Washington. You walk down the beach to the north, underneath the bluff. At the beginning of the hike, beach walking is required, but when you reach the lagoon, there are trails on the lagoon side that get you off the stony beach. After the lagoon, a steep trail guides you up the bluff, follow the trail along the bluff back to Ebey’s Prairie. There a several fabulous picnic spots along the way. Follow the trail along the prairie to a wooden staircase, that leads you back down to the beach, and you arrive at your starting destination. For additional information, go to: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ebeys-landing   

 

Big Four Ice Caves

5. Big Four Ice Caves The Big Four Ice Caves offer a spectacular view after a very easy hike. Roundtrip the hike is only 1.1 miles with an elevation gain of 200 feet of elevation gain. When you reach the viewpoint you can see the peak of Big Four Mountain towering over 6,000 feet above you. You get a unique opportunity of seeing the ice fields and the ice caves. Walking in the ice caves is not advisable as injury is possible. For additional information, go to: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/big-four-ice-caves

Happy Hikin'

Jack